Elatsoe

by Darcie Little Badger
Elatsoe cover
Good Books rating 4.58
Fantasy, Young Adult
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Paperback • £9.99
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  • ID: 7869
  • Added: 2025-12-17
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9781646140060
  • Publisher: Chronicle Books
  • Published: 2020-08-25
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Elatsoe, or Ellie, is a Lipan Apache teen living in an alternate America where ancestral magics and knowledge shape the world. She possesses the extraordinary ability to raise the spirits of dead animals, including her beloved ghost dog Kirby. When her cousin's ghost reveals he was murdered, Ellie embarks on a perilous journey to unmask the killer. With the help of her family, her best friend Jay, and the wisdom of her great, great, great, great, great, great grandmother, Ellie must navigate a town filled with nefarious secrets and a mysterious Doctor who seeks to stop her./n/nElatsoe is a breathtaking debut novel that combines mystery, horror, and fantasy elements. It features an asexual, Apache teen protagonist and is one of the most-talked-about debuts of the year. The story is enriched with haunting illustrations and a rich tapestry of ancestral knowledge, making it a unique and powerful addition to young adult literature.

Reviews
The Fiction Fox · 2023-04-19
inclusive 4.50

Elatsoe is a beautifully inclusive and supportive novel that mixes socially relevant themes with humor, phenomenal characters, and a great supporting cast.

The Fiction Fox highlights Elatsoe as a beautifully inclusive and supportive novel that addresses socially relevant themes with sensitivity and depth. The reviewer praises the book's humor and phenomenal characters, which add layers of richness to the story. The supporting cast is particularly noteworthy, contributing to a well-rounded and engaging narrative. The blend of mystery, magic, and social commentary makes Elatsoe a standout read. The reviewer appreciates the author's ability to tackle serious issues while maintaining a light and engaging tone, making the book both thought-provoking and enjoyable. The story's inclusive nature and strong character development are particularly commended.

Quick quotes

    Elatsoe is a beautifully inclusive, supportive, and important novel that mixes socially relevant themes with humor, phenomenal characters and a great support-

    The blend of mystery, magic, and social commentary makes Elatsoe a standout read.

    The story's inclusive nature and strong character development are particularly commended.

Bookish Brews · 2021-06-15
delightful 4.75

Elatsoe is a delightful story that beautifully integrates the Lipan Apache tribe's culture. It is sweet and light yet deeply engaging, making it a standout read.

Bookish Brews praises Elatsoe for its seamless integration of Lipan Apache culture, which adds depth and authenticity to the story. The reviewer is impressed by the author's ability to weave in cultural elements without making them feel like mere additions. The story is described as sweet and light, yet it manages to be immensely engaging and thought-provoking. The characters are well-developed, and the narrative flows effortlessly, making it a delightful read from start to finish. The reviewer particularly appreciates the balance between the story's lighter moments and its more serious themes, creating a well-rounded and satisfying reading experience.

Quick quotes

    Elatsoe is such a delightful story that weaves in Lipan Apache tribe so well I was so impressed the entire time.

    It was sweet and light but it was immensely engaging.

    The story is described as sweet and light, yet it manages to be immensely engaging and thought-provoking.

Feminist Book Club · 2021-03-02
heartwarming 4.50

This speculative fiction is a must-read for those who love dogs, compelling protagonists, magic, and mystery. The story is engaging and heartwarming, blending elements of adventure and the supernatural seamlessly.

The Feminist Book Club highlights that Elatsoe is a captivating read, even for those who typically avoid speculative fiction. The protagonist, Ellie, is a delightful and relatable character, and the inclusion of a ghost dog adds a unique and endearing touch. The blend of mystery and magic creates a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged. The story's themes of family, friendship, and justice are woven together beautifully, making it a heartwarming and thought-provoking read. The reviewer emphasizes that the book's inclusive and supportive nature makes it a standout in the genre.

Quick quotes

    Speculative fiction is not my usual genre but this is a must-read if you love dogs, a wonderful protagonist, magic, and mystery.

    The story is engaging and heartwarming, blending elements of adventure and the supernatural seamlessly.

    The book's inclusive and supportive nature makes it a standout in the genre.

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