Trail of Lightning and Indigenous representation
Her first novel, Trail of Lightning, received significant critical acclaim. Kirkus Reviews described the book as a "sharp, wonderfully dreamy, action-driven novel," [19] while The Verge praised the book's representation of Native cultures, saying it "takes readers along for a fun ride." [20] It went on to win the 2019 Locus Award for Best First Novel, [21] and was a finalist for the 2018 Nebula Award for Best Novel, [22] 2019 Hugo Award for Best Novel, [23] and 2019 World Fantasy Award for Best Novel. [24]
However, it has been criticized by Navajo/Diné and other Native authors, scholars, and activists, who have argued that, due to a lack of cultural connection, it misrepresents Navajo teachings and spirituality, disrespects Navajo sensibilities, and harms Navajo culture. [1] [25] A group of Navajo writers and cultural workers condemned Trail of Lightning as an inaccurate cultural appropriation that uses an at-times mocking and derisive tone. [26] For example, the Saad Bee Hózhǫ́ writers' collective criticized the hero's use of bullets filled with corn pollen to slay the monster, which they viewed as a violent, disrespectful misuse of sacred ceremonial traditions. [5]
When asked in a Reddit AMA about including Navajo cultural aspects into her works, Roanhorse said her goal was "accuracy and respect" and gave examples of what she fictionalized and what she considered off-limits. [27] "I think a lot of Native characters that we see are stuck in the past. So it was important for me to...show Native American readers and non-Native American readers that we're alive and we're thriving in our cultures", she said in 2018. [9] In addition, Roanhorse sought Navajo views and input during the writing of Trail of Lightning, including PhD student Charlie Scott. "Scott and a number of Native writers I spoke with pointed out that the critique of Roanhorse comes primarily from Native academics, many of whom came through Ivy League institutions or MFA programs and share a particular view of what Native literature should be. For Native readers who like Roanhorse’s work, her willingness to deviate from tradition is exactly what makes her books so exciting and important." [5]
Prominent Native scholar Debbie Reese (Nambé Pueblo) was one of the pre-publication Native reviewers Roanhorse asked to review the book for accurate representation. [5] Reese praised Trail of Lightning, writing in her Barnes and Noble review that "Roanhorse lifts Indigenous readers, giving us a brilliant mirror that made my Indigenous heart soar." [5] But after hearing from the Saad Bee Hózhǫ́, a collective of Diné writers made up mostly of poets and academics, she changed her mind about the book, writing that she'd "come to understand that Roanhorse had crossed the Diné's 'lines of disclosure,' an offense that many white interlopers had committed in the past." [5] She retracted the review and criticized Roanhorse for sharing sacred cultural practices and narratives that were not meant to be taken outside the culture, as well as misusing and misrepresenting sacred stories. [5] Critics of Roanhorse argue that because the Indigenous community that Roanhorse has claimed does not claim her, or her mother that she claims was from the community, this makes her non-Indigenous. [1] Her defenders do not question her claims of Indigenous heritage and have expressed concern that questions about her identity are either racist, due to Roanhorse having a Black father, or a distraction from discussions of her work's content. [5] Others have discussed anti-Blackness within Indigenous communities and how this may impact critiques of Roanhorse. [28]
At some point in 2018, when the complaints of cultural appropriation surfaced, references to the Ohkay Owingeh were removed from her official website; [1] Roanhorse has stated that she believes her mother's family descended from Ohkay Owingeh people but is "trying to be more careful" about how she discusses it. [5]
Between Earth and Sky
In their Locus review of Black Sun, Alex Brown calls the book "a brilliant work of art", and lauds the characters, the worldbuilding, the magic system, and the way queerness is normalized and gender hierarchies absent in the world of the novel. [29] Kirkus Reviews praised the characterization and political intrigue, calling it "the next big thing". [30] Grimdark Magazine said Black Sun was "nearly impossible to put down", and praised the skilled combination of action and character-driven plot. [31]
Fevered Star received a positive review from Kirkus Reviews, which called it "an excellent second installment". [32] It received a starred review from Library Journal , which called the novel "amazingly complex". [33] Writing for Tor.com, Angela Maria Spring gave the second book a moderately positive review. She praised the complex plot and felt that Naranpa's character arc was the strongest of all of the characters, but felt that the pacing was slow and that the novel suffered from Serapio's separation from Xiala. [34]
Alex Brown's Locus review of Mirrored Heavens pointed out the high expectations the first two books created for the final installment of the trilogy, and reassured that they were "not disappointed" by the "high drama and shocking moments" delivered. [35] Brown writes, "Roanhorse has built a vast, intricate world unlike anything else out there. The trappings are familiar—young people resisting fate, gods enacting ancient feuds with human avatars, power-hungry madmen—but the execution is decidedly unique." [35] Kirkus Reviews asserts that "Roanhorse’s fans won’t be surprised to hear that she’s crafted a complex, suspenseful, and ultimately satisfying ending to her masterful trilogy." [36] Publishers Weekly called Roanhorse "in top form" and the conclusion to the series "satisfying". [37]
