 | Beast Author: Van Camp, Richard | |
| Price: $12.26 | ||
Summary:
Lawson Sauren’s life has always been entwined with the lives of the Cranes brothers. Cody Cranes became an unexpected friend when they shared a tent at summer camp—but now he’s disappeared. Determined to save his community from the Dead One’s ravenous maw, Lawson must step into his role as a Dogrib Yabati, or protector, and recruit his friends.
Reviews:
Booklist (06/01/25)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 06/01/2025 From a Tli?cho? Dene author comes an eerie thriller placing readers in the Northwest Territories, 1986. Lawson Sauron’s whole life has revolved around a treaty governing the peace between the Dogrib and Chipewyan tribes of Fort Simmer, Lawson honoring the Yabati motto of “Protect, accept, respect, and defend with honour.” When his best friend, Cody Cranes, goes missing, Lawson believes he may be the only one who can help find Cody. Late one evening, Lawson witnesses some sort of malevolent spirit possessing Cody’s brothers, and his fears are confirmed: a powerful, evil entity is being used to break the treaty. Elements of medicine, magic, and dark forces are interwoven throughout the work, as are tribal stories focused on community, identity, and responsibility. Lawson’s struggle is familiar to many teens, with his piling responsibilities and outsider status as he tries to find his friend. The cast of characters offers a unique glimpse into some of the more intimate practices of various Indigenous cultures, and fun pop culture nods firmly cement this supernatural work in its 1980s setting. A rewarding read. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.
