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Gives Light #3
St. Clair
"I never want to hurt you. You get that, right?"
Skylar knows Rafael wants something very specific from him--and Skylar wants him to have it. Convincing Rafael is going to take some serious innovation. Skylar lost his voice twelve years ago to the Nettlebush Indian Reserve's first and last serial killer. That serial killer was Rafael's father.
Rafael's father, Skylar learns, isn't the problem. Something else happened when Skylar survived that blustery summer night. Something Skylar never thought twice about. Something Rafael can't look past.
The Supreme Court ruling on Kelo v. New London changes the face of US property laws, plunging the reservation into an insidious tug-of-war between the Bureau of Land Management and the Plains Shoshone who have called the soil home for centuries. History, Skylar realizes, is repeating itself. Their parents powerless, the law their enemy, Skylar and his friends are going to have to get creative if they want to keep what's left of their land.
Skylar knows Rafael wants something very specific from him--and Skylar wants him to have it. Convincing Rafael is going to take some serious innovation. Skylar lost his voice twelve years ago to the Nettlebush Indian Reserve's first and last serial killer. That serial killer was Rafael's father.
Rafael's father, Skylar learns, isn't the problem. Something else happened when Skylar survived that blustery summer night. Something Skylar never thought twice about. Something Rafael can't look past.
The Supreme Court ruling on Kelo v. New London changes the face of US property laws, plunging the reservation into an insidious tug-of-war between the Bureau of Land Management and the Plains Shoshone who have called the soil home for centuries. History, Skylar realizes, is repeating itself. Their parents powerless, the law their enemy, Skylar and his friends are going to have to get creative if they want to keep what's left of their land.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 19, 2012
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October 2, 2025
In the morning, when I rise / You are the first thing on my mind / And in the middle of the night / I feel your heartbeat next to mine (Emotions – Mariah Carey).
I realize that calling something “uniquely special” is completely redundant and is pretty much nonsense the more you analyze it, but I honestly can’t think of any other phrase that perfectly encapsulates my feelings towards the Gives Light series of books. And since I’m in a state of heightened emotions right now due to how beautiful this book was, I think it's safe to say that I'm in a corny enough mood to where I can say that something like "gee, these books really give light during the darkest days," without any hint of irony and still feel pretty good about myself! Sorry, that was wacker than Batman sound effects. I don't know, I guess I relate to these books on a much deeper level than most of the stuff I usually read because much like how they read in a lot of ways more like Skylar's journal than following more common story beats, I've been kind of using my reviews as an outlet for my own thoughts. It's kind of fun, like I'm writing in a journal of my own! The only difference here being that I'm posting my opinions on a very public forum. Hm, much to think about... but yeah, from complaining about "pretendians" in my extended family to whatever else is on my mind, I suppose that even though I'm not literally writing a novel here, I might have still inadvertently taken inspiration from Rose Christo's fluid prose and the stream-of-consciousness approach to her writing. Anyway, St. Clair is the third installment, but I think you’d be doing this book a disservice if you only judge it as an island, because in my opinion, this series reads more like a long running show and it’s something that kind of all blends together to where you can appreciate it as a collective where you look back at the whole thing fondly rather than critiquing each individual piece. It’s basically a slow burn in every sense of the phrase and asks for the patience of everyone who comes across it. You know how every one of those TikTok dances are all overly choreographed and hyper specific to each beat and every lyric to the song? Yeah well, I have questions. Like, I always wonder what happens when they stop recording on their phone and the song is still going… like, do they just stop dancing mid song and immediately start editing their TikToks with the dead cold precision of Patrick Bateman? Does their rhythm only extend to those few nine seconds and as soon as the soundbite ends are they so thrown by the sudden lack of pre-practiced moves and preparation that they immediately go off beat? Also, where was I going with this? Oh yeah, I was going to say that these books are the opposite of a choreographed song-and-dance routine, that they're more the literature equivalent of dancing through an entire song naturally. They’re the kind of books where you need to just feel the groove and let it ride for its entirety. Instead of consuming tiny little snippets for content, the Gives Light series is a full course meal!
And now that I’m mixing up metaphors, let me get back on topic by saying the key to enjoying these books is instead of stopping after every book to say something like “it starts to get boring after book three” or “nothing really happens in this one,” you sort of have read each one like you're catching up to an old friend. Hey, I wonder what’s good ole Skylar is up to! How’s the fam!? Which all of this is basically to say that… nothing really happens in this one. I mean, only if you were to interpret this book at only the utmost surface level you possibly could, because if the first two in the series were about identity, then this one is about community. Now that Sky's on some "I've been called Casper, Shorty, Lil' Bit, and some they call me Vanilla Child. But you know that don't mean my world to me, 'cause baby, names can't cramp my style" type shit, we finally get to see him as not just an accepted member of the community based on the encouragement from the other folks on the rez, but also can see it radiating outwardly from his newfound inner confidence. So yes, while St. Clair is more like an update on Skylar and Rafael’s relationship (still going strong and they’re planning to go to college together!) and the ongoing fight that the Natives are going through to stop the U.S. government from draining the lake on their Reservation, it’s hard to complain about this aspect because… well, that’s just literally what the story is! I don’t know, I guess the reason why I keep hammering in this point is because I’ve seen a couple opinions that basically state that these books dip a little too into history lesson territory for their liking, and while that’s a totally valid point (I guess), that things can get a little “guilt-trippy” when you get deep into the cultural aspects and the historical context, but I’m sorry, it’s not really a book’s problem if an honest recollection of history is uncomfortable to its readers. It’s important to understand that to tell a story featuring Native Americans is to tell a history lesson. The impact of genocide doesn’t just go away after a hundred years, and ongoing struggles against problems like stolen land and stolen people is something that just isn’t talked about by anyone outside of Native communities, so just the fact that there are these discussions even happening in a novel format is incredibly important. A history lesson can’t halt the narrative if it is the narrative! It would have been the easiest thing for Rose Christo to keep the Gives Light series as a purely adorable and sweet romance set against the backdrop of an idyllic Reservation, but the fact that she instead interwove real life problems that her tribe faces into the narrative is not only brave, but it’s arguably impossible not to. All of this trauma is a part of our present as well as our past, and in order to understand the story, you have to hear all of it. No matter how uncomfortable some of those truths might me.
“I didn't need the voice. I just needed the boy who wanted to give me the voice.”
Besides, while these books might seem like they have no real beginning or end in any kind of traditional narrative sense, it still works for me because the conversation surrounding Native Americans are so frequently in the past tense, as if we’re long gone, that it comforts me in thinking that by not having any kind of definitive ending, each one of these books are protesting the idea that there is an ending for our people. Hey, we’re still here and won’t be going anywhere anytime soon. Look, there are a lot of stories about community and coming together to fight against seemingly insurmountable odds that threaten the environment (we’ve all seen Hey Arnold: The Movie), but the prospect becomes quite a bit more profound when you read about the people, the Natives, in real life who continuously have to fight against the encroaching tide of colonialism just as a part of their daily lives. This book is about the real fight, and not the idea of protest that's only attractive to would-be activists who like to co-opt real life issues and turn the attention from real issues to focus their own inflated ego (Shailene Woodley). In fact, I appreciate that while these books are about community coming together, they still don’t portray Natives as some kind of monolith, and that there are always several different opinions on what's right and what's wrong. It’s hard not to notice that in most film depictions, Natives are mostly just used as set dressing, an aesthetic that fades into the background to make a historical setting feel more authentic. I recently watched that 2005 King Kong movie while in Cannon Beach and I had one thought… man, Jack Black used to be in real movies, but then I had one more… that harmful stereotypes and offensive depictions of Natives isn’t some prospect of the far distant past, but rather these offensive images of “savage Indians” is so ingrained with pop culture’s idea of what Native Americans are like that it doesn’t even register as racist imagery to a lot of people. I think that’s why books written about Natives by Natives like the Gives Light series are so important for not just me, but anybody else looking to learn as well. Which is all basically to say that Native portrayal in film isn’t much different than how we’re seen in real life, and that sensitive depictions are important to counteract racist viewpoints. It's funny because in my experience, if there are three Natives in a room, then you’ll find twenty opinions, twelve of which I’m supplying. And even then, I’d actually argue that Skylar’s tribe is still written as having a stronger sense of community than is what's often seen in real life or other novels about Natives, like how The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian supplies that the Reservation is only ever something for Indians to escape, while these books see it as fighting to protect the only land we have left. See? Many different opinions to consider!
Even in my own family, there are often arguments about what the tribe should be doing here or there at any given opportunity. I'm always hearing "they should be doing this with the blood quantum!" over here and then "the tribe should be sending out this amount of money!" in the other ear! Seems like a fun topic of discussion, huh? I was at a Pow Wow in July and it was cool and the fry bread was delectable (though, I got sunburned for the first time in my life, so that wasn't very fun), but there were things I didn’t like about the overall experience… like how before the dancing started, Mr. Announcer Guy told everybody to stand for the prayer (which is fine, that part was fine), but it went on forever! I was about done when the man just started just including random shit into his prayer circle to prolong the speech even longer (like, twenty minutes at that point), all talking some shit about “apologizing to the bugs for if the dancers accidentally stomping on them” or whatever, and it’s like… what is this, a damn filibuster!? Dude, we’re all standing in this sweltering heat and there’s no sun shade, let’s get the dancing on the way lest I get sunburned! Oh yeah, and I guess this part was worse, but there was also there this odd moment where they brought out the police chief to speak to the audience about how the cops are there to protect Native communities (they’re not) and blah blah blah (that’s when I left), and I’m sorry, but just like at Pride, the cops don’t belong at a Pow Wow. But all this is of course my opinion! A few of my twelve on the matter in fact, at the end of the day, I’m just one dude who likes to read beautiful books like St. Clair! So yeah, why don’t we wade over onto calmer shores, because now that we're over here in safer territory, I’d say that even without the relatability angle, there’s no doubt that I would still totally dig these books based solely on the classic appeal this series has. And it’s not even just the fact that I'm pretty sure these books take place in the early 2000’s, but they just feel classic in that real and honest kind of way. Fun fact, you know how I always talk about how I love music in a general sense as if I’m out here like Addison Rae? I mean, Ugh I love music too, so it must be weird to hear that I don’t actually have a Spotify! Woah, what? It's just that in my brain, the idea of having to pay a subscription service every month just to listen to a song is absolutely wild to me. Besides, I like to own my music and listen to it without the need to have stats or show other people what I’m currently listening to, I just want to listen to songs in a classic kind of way! Besides, it’s more convenient and reliable that way and not in the least bit performative. So yeah, that’s exactly why I enjoyed reading St. Clair so much, because even though it might not be the most traditionally put together Young-Adult novel out there, it's still nonetheless as reliably poignant and steadfast in its depiction of love, community, and tragedy alike.
I feel good, I feel nice / I've never felt so satisfied / I'm in love, I'm alive / Intoxicated, flyin' high.
I realize that calling something “uniquely special” is completely redundant and is pretty much nonsense the more you analyze it, but I honestly can’t think of any other phrase that perfectly encapsulates my feelings towards the Gives Light series of books. And since I’m in a state of heightened emotions right now due to how beautiful this book was, I think it's safe to say that I'm in a corny enough mood to where I can say that something like "gee, these books really give light during the darkest days," without any hint of irony and still feel pretty good about myself! Sorry, that was wacker than Batman sound effects. I don't know, I guess I relate to these books on a much deeper level than most of the stuff I usually read because much like how they read in a lot of ways more like Skylar's journal than following more common story beats, I've been kind of using my reviews as an outlet for my own thoughts. It's kind of fun, like I'm writing in a journal of my own! The only difference here being that I'm posting my opinions on a very public forum. Hm, much to think about... but yeah, from complaining about "pretendians" in my extended family to whatever else is on my mind, I suppose that even though I'm not literally writing a novel here, I might have still inadvertently taken inspiration from Rose Christo's fluid prose and the stream-of-consciousness approach to her writing. Anyway, St. Clair is the third installment, but I think you’d be doing this book a disservice if you only judge it as an island, because in my opinion, this series reads more like a long running show and it’s something that kind of all blends together to where you can appreciate it as a collective where you look back at the whole thing fondly rather than critiquing each individual piece. It’s basically a slow burn in every sense of the phrase and asks for the patience of everyone who comes across it. You know how every one of those TikTok dances are all overly choreographed and hyper specific to each beat and every lyric to the song? Yeah well, I have questions. Like, I always wonder what happens when they stop recording on their phone and the song is still going… like, do they just stop dancing mid song and immediately start editing their TikToks with the dead cold precision of Patrick Bateman? Does their rhythm only extend to those few nine seconds and as soon as the soundbite ends are they so thrown by the sudden lack of pre-practiced moves and preparation that they immediately go off beat? Also, where was I going with this? Oh yeah, I was going to say that these books are the opposite of a choreographed song-and-dance routine, that they're more the literature equivalent of dancing through an entire song naturally. They’re the kind of books where you need to just feel the groove and let it ride for its entirety. Instead of consuming tiny little snippets for content, the Gives Light series is a full course meal!
And now that I’m mixing up metaphors, let me get back on topic by saying the key to enjoying these books is instead of stopping after every book to say something like “it starts to get boring after book three” or “nothing really happens in this one,” you sort of have read each one like you're catching up to an old friend. Hey, I wonder what’s good ole Skylar is up to! How’s the fam!? Which all of this is basically to say that… nothing really happens in this one. I mean, only if you were to interpret this book at only the utmost surface level you possibly could, because if the first two in the series were about identity, then this one is about community. Now that Sky's on some "I've been called Casper, Shorty, Lil' Bit, and some they call me Vanilla Child. But you know that don't mean my world to me, 'cause baby, names can't cramp my style" type shit, we finally get to see him as not just an accepted member of the community based on the encouragement from the other folks on the rez, but also can see it radiating outwardly from his newfound inner confidence. So yes, while St. Clair is more like an update on Skylar and Rafael’s relationship (still going strong and they’re planning to go to college together!) and the ongoing fight that the Natives are going through to stop the U.S. government from draining the lake on their Reservation, it’s hard to complain about this aspect because… well, that’s just literally what the story is! I don’t know, I guess the reason why I keep hammering in this point is because I’ve seen a couple opinions that basically state that these books dip a little too into history lesson territory for their liking, and while that’s a totally valid point (I guess), that things can get a little “guilt-trippy” when you get deep into the cultural aspects and the historical context, but I’m sorry, it’s not really a book’s problem if an honest recollection of history is uncomfortable to its readers. It’s important to understand that to tell a story featuring Native Americans is to tell a history lesson. The impact of genocide doesn’t just go away after a hundred years, and ongoing struggles against problems like stolen land and stolen people is something that just isn’t talked about by anyone outside of Native communities, so just the fact that there are these discussions even happening in a novel format is incredibly important. A history lesson can’t halt the narrative if it is the narrative! It would have been the easiest thing for Rose Christo to keep the Gives Light series as a purely adorable and sweet romance set against the backdrop of an idyllic Reservation, but the fact that she instead interwove real life problems that her tribe faces into the narrative is not only brave, but it’s arguably impossible not to. All of this trauma is a part of our present as well as our past, and in order to understand the story, you have to hear all of it. No matter how uncomfortable some of those truths might me.
“I didn't need the voice. I just needed the boy who wanted to give me the voice.”
Besides, while these books might seem like they have no real beginning or end in any kind of traditional narrative sense, it still works for me because the conversation surrounding Native Americans are so frequently in the past tense, as if we’re long gone, that it comforts me in thinking that by not having any kind of definitive ending, each one of these books are protesting the idea that there is an ending for our people. Hey, we’re still here and won’t be going anywhere anytime soon. Look, there are a lot of stories about community and coming together to fight against seemingly insurmountable odds that threaten the environment (we’ve all seen Hey Arnold: The Movie), but the prospect becomes quite a bit more profound when you read about the people, the Natives, in real life who continuously have to fight against the encroaching tide of colonialism just as a part of their daily lives. This book is about the real fight, and not the idea of protest that's only attractive to would-be activists who like to co-opt real life issues and turn the attention from real issues to focus their own inflated ego (Shailene Woodley). In fact, I appreciate that while these books are about community coming together, they still don’t portray Natives as some kind of monolith, and that there are always several different opinions on what's right and what's wrong. It’s hard not to notice that in most film depictions, Natives are mostly just used as set dressing, an aesthetic that fades into the background to make a historical setting feel more authentic. I recently watched that 2005 King Kong movie while in Cannon Beach and I had one thought… man, Jack Black used to be in real movies, but then I had one more… that harmful stereotypes and offensive depictions of Natives isn’t some prospect of the far distant past, but rather these offensive images of “savage Indians” is so ingrained with pop culture’s idea of what Native Americans are like that it doesn’t even register as racist imagery to a lot of people. I think that’s why books written about Natives by Natives like the Gives Light series are so important for not just me, but anybody else looking to learn as well. Which is all basically to say that Native portrayal in film isn’t much different than how we’re seen in real life, and that sensitive depictions are important to counteract racist viewpoints. It's funny because in my experience, if there are three Natives in a room, then you’ll find twenty opinions, twelve of which I’m supplying. And even then, I’d actually argue that Skylar’s tribe is still written as having a stronger sense of community than is what's often seen in real life or other novels about Natives, like how The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian supplies that the Reservation is only ever something for Indians to escape, while these books see it as fighting to protect the only land we have left. See? Many different opinions to consider!
Even in my own family, there are often arguments about what the tribe should be doing here or there at any given opportunity. I'm always hearing "they should be doing this with the blood quantum!" over here and then "the tribe should be sending out this amount of money!" in the other ear! Seems like a fun topic of discussion, huh? I was at a Pow Wow in July and it was cool and the fry bread was delectable (though, I got sunburned for the first time in my life, so that wasn't very fun), but there were things I didn’t like about the overall experience… like how before the dancing started, Mr. Announcer Guy told everybody to stand for the prayer (which is fine, that part was fine), but it went on forever! I was about done when the man just started just including random shit into his prayer circle to prolong the speech even longer (like, twenty minutes at that point), all talking some shit about “apologizing to the bugs for if the dancers accidentally stomping on them” or whatever, and it’s like… what is this, a damn filibuster!? Dude, we’re all standing in this sweltering heat and there’s no sun shade, let’s get the dancing on the way lest I get sunburned! Oh yeah, and I guess this part was worse, but there was also there this odd moment where they brought out the police chief to speak to the audience about how the cops are there to protect Native communities (they’re not) and blah blah blah (that’s when I left), and I’m sorry, but just like at Pride, the cops don’t belong at a Pow Wow. But all this is of course my opinion! A few of my twelve on the matter in fact, at the end of the day, I’m just one dude who likes to read beautiful books like St. Clair! So yeah, why don’t we wade over onto calmer shores, because now that we're over here in safer territory, I’d say that even without the relatability angle, there’s no doubt that I would still totally dig these books based solely on the classic appeal this series has. And it’s not even just the fact that I'm pretty sure these books take place in the early 2000’s, but they just feel classic in that real and honest kind of way. Fun fact, you know how I always talk about how I love music in a general sense as if I’m out here like Addison Rae? I mean, Ugh I love music too, so it must be weird to hear that I don’t actually have a Spotify! Woah, what? It's just that in my brain, the idea of having to pay a subscription service every month just to listen to a song is absolutely wild to me. Besides, I like to own my music and listen to it without the need to have stats or show other people what I’m currently listening to, I just want to listen to songs in a classic kind of way! Besides, it’s more convenient and reliable that way and not in the least bit performative. So yeah, that’s exactly why I enjoyed reading St. Clair so much, because even though it might not be the most traditionally put together Young-Adult novel out there, it's still nonetheless as reliably poignant and steadfast in its depiction of love, community, and tragedy alike.
I feel good, I feel nice / I've never felt so satisfied / I'm in love, I'm alive / Intoxicated, flyin' high.
August 19, 2026
Jeez, this was sad 🥺
So sad, in fact, that I had to take a break in the middle because this story went places I absolutely did not see coming.
I struggled a little at first with the structure. There are a lot of time jumps, especially in the beginning, and it took me a while to grasp the narrative and figure out what the focal point of the story actually was. But eventually I realised that this isn’t really a story told in a traditional beginning-middle-end kind of way. It feels much more like getting glimpses into Skylar’s life, almost like reading his journal entries, with his romance, his friendships, his culture and history, his past and present all woven into his everyday experiences.
And man, there is a lot woven into it.
There’s Sky’s past (I did not see that one coming), his present (fuck, I really didn’t see that one coming), and the incredibly cruel injustices the Shoshone and other Native peoples have faced historically and continue to face today. At times I genuinely didn’t know whether I wanted to cry, rage, or just feel nothing at all. Probably all of the above.
Sky and his friends go through so much in this book that it almost felt like overkill at times, and yet what got me most was how all these incredibly heavy themes exist right alongside the ordinary, and still beautiful, moments of their everyday life full of love and community. I was bawling at the support he received from his friends and family, but especially from Rafael, who stuck with Sky through it all in a way that was genuinely awe-inspiring 🥹 Their love is such a steadfast pillar and a complete joy to read.
I loved the anecdotes, the history, the traditions and everything I got to learn along the way. I can honestly say that this series is educating me in such a beautiful, organic way, never separating that history from the people who have lived it and continue to live with its consequences.
Some TWs because I personally would have appreciated having them beforehand: sexual assault/rape of a minor (off page, but with some details); cancer of a main character (on page and fairly explicit); past genocide of Native peoples as well as present-day discrimination and some truly rage-inducing injustice.
I really hope Sky and his community will find some peace in the next book, they more than deserve it 🥹🧡
So sad, in fact, that I had to take a break in the middle because this story went places I absolutely did not see coming.
I struggled a little at first with the structure. There are a lot of time jumps, especially in the beginning, and it took me a while to grasp the narrative and figure out what the focal point of the story actually was. But eventually I realised that this isn’t really a story told in a traditional beginning-middle-end kind of way. It feels much more like getting glimpses into Skylar’s life, almost like reading his journal entries, with his romance, his friendships, his culture and history, his past and present all woven into his everyday experiences.
And man, there is a lot woven into it.
There’s Sky’s past (I did not see that one coming), his present (fuck, I really didn’t see that one coming), and the incredibly cruel injustices the Shoshone and other Native peoples have faced historically and continue to face today. At times I genuinely didn’t know whether I wanted to cry, rage, or just feel nothing at all. Probably all of the above.
Sky and his friends go through so much in this book that it almost felt like overkill at times, and yet what got me most was how all these incredibly heavy themes exist right alongside the ordinary, and still beautiful, moments of their everyday life full of love and community. I was bawling at the support he received from his friends and family, but especially from Rafael, who stuck with Sky through it all in a way that was genuinely awe-inspiring 🥹 Their love is such a steadfast pillar and a complete joy to read.
It may sound strange to you, but there's no word for "love" in the Shoshone language. The closest equivalent is shundahai, which more or less means "to be one and the same." In the old days, if a Shoshone man wanted to tell his wife he was in love with her, he would say "I am you," or "You are me."
I think I understand that now. 😭🥹
I loved the anecdotes, the history, the traditions and everything I got to learn along the way. I can honestly say that this series is educating me in such a beautiful, organic way, never separating that history from the people who have lived it and continue to live with its consequences.
Some TWs because I personally would have appreciated having them beforehand: sexual assault/rape of a minor (off page, but with some details); cancer of a main character (on page and fairly explicit); past genocide of Native peoples as well as present-day discrimination and some truly rage-inducing injustice.
I really hope Sky and his community will find some peace in the next book, they more than deserve it 🥹🧡
June 5, 2016
Disappointing. It's not bad, it's just that we see the same things happening all over again. The book doesn't tell anything new. We see the same things as in the first two books with few changes.
Too many fairs and gatherings. Where is this story going? The plot doesn't flow like before, it's like the characters are citing parts of Native History from Wikipedia. Everything's too formal.
There isn't a real development in Skylar and Rafael's relationship. Rafael's always drawing and Skylar is always swooning over Rafael. I would have liked to see more of them together, more time to enjoy each other and less accompaniment with the others.
This book was a never-ending drama. Why put Skylar through so much suffering? Isn't enough what's already happened to him? How much more miserable must he be?
How does the author know the fact that: "35% of all Indian women are going to be raped if they leave their reservation?"
Why such pessimism in expectations? I don't believe that's a fact if that hasn't yet happened. You can't live expecting the worse.
This book was nothing like the first 2. This was a criticism towards white race. There were racist notes. I'm not sure how I feel about it.
2.5 stars
July 10, 2025
(Re-read: July '25)
I love this book, I love this series, I love these people. That is all. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I love this book, I love this series, I love these people. That is all. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
January 3, 2015
I'm mildly pissed about where this series is going. Namely, downhill.
This review is going to be partly a, you know, actual review and partly a collection of observations on the series as a whole, because I feel like it.
For starters, I would like to draw attention to the fact that in this series, 97% of the non-Native American characters who don't live in a reservation are almost cartoonishly evil. The other 3% are the Hargroves, and they're black. Care to explain that, Christo? Because I'm feeling a bit racially discriminated here.
On Skylar's mutism.
This guy literally forgets he's mute on a biweekly basis. He opens his mouth just to remember that he can't talk, then curses fate and the stars for this shocking misfortune.
Mate, you haven't been able to talk for eleven years. One would think you would've gotten used to the idea by now.
More! And this, gosh, this baffles me and irritates me beyond belief. How can the father of a kid who's been mute since he was five not speak sign language? His fucking friends learned it just to communicate with him, for chrissake. It does not make sense, plain and simple, no matter how you try to explain it - and Christo doesn't even bother to do that.
The reservation's school system that Christo depicts here is totally unconvincing. Don't get me wrong - I'm open to the possibility, because an environment where kids of all ages get to learn together sounds like social and developmental heaven. But if you want me to believe it works, you need to show me how, not just say it does.
In this particular book, there are quite a few random asides in the middle of a paragraph where Skylar just goes "I love Rafael this much, because of this and that". And that's where I go: "I don't like this because you as a protagonist and a narrator should not need to say it explicitly even just once".
This sentence: Man, that [computer] screen was hard to look at for ten minutes straight, which made me think Skylar, on top of everything else*, also needs to get his eyes checked, because I go 8 hours straight on a daily basis, and I'm shortsighted and prone to migraines. If it were that hard, I'd be the first to feel it.
*Everything else, meaning the half a million new issues that pop up in Skylar's life in the space of a scant two hundred pages.
Two of these grated on my nerves a hell of a lot.
I'm not going to get specific because spoilers, but the first is half-assed and completely pointless and mostly disregarded, and the second is super-dramatic but lacks any sort of development, in that Skylar essentially has no feelings about it. At this point, I'm left to wonder why Christo even bothered, because at the end of the novel we're left exactly back where we started.
On Skylar and Rafael's relationship - yeah, there's something wrong with that too.
For one, these two don't know how to get off without written and illustrated instructions. One would be led to think they've never even jacked off on their own before. Think I'm joking? Think again.
Secondly, I waited two and a half books for the sex to happen. That's approximately five hundred and fifty pages, or hours. Can you just fucking not fade to black once you get there? Because let me tell you, I had to resort to Larry PWP to keep my irritation in check. Even an "insert tab A into slot B" kinda sex scene would have been more fulfilling than this nothingness. I read when I don't feel like making things up on my own - get it?
At one point, Skylar calls Annie's dad a "brain-damaged child-man". I don't care if it was supposed to be a joke or whatever. There is never a confirmation that this guy even has suffered brain damage at some point in his life. But this would have been absolutely disgusting no matter the circumstances.
Skylar is a sweet boy with a heart of gold, and it shows in his every action. What on earth could have possessed Christo to put these words in his mouth (well, metaphorically)?
Mary's character development is deplorable and her potential is completely wasted, Skylar's thought processes and feelings are once again victim of the weird skipping phenomenon we encountered in Looks Over except on a much larger scale, and the whole book is littered with discrepancies and nonsensical details.
I wish I could say it's adventurous and fun and full of teenagers trying to save their ancestors' land with outlandish secret plans and more fascinating stories about Native American culture and leave it at that, but I need to add that it is, at times, also kinda shit.
But the weirdest thing out of this whole situation is: I enjoyed it. Probably because by now I've grown to love these characters as if they were my own children.
ETA: I tried to read the fourth book in the series, Why The Star Stands Still, but it's so badly written it hurts. My theory is that Christo and her editor got into such a bloody and terrifying argument that the latter, instead of giving up her job, chose to stay and get revenge by doing all she could to make Christo's writing more awkward and amateurish than ever. (It worked.)
I'm glad I read these three books, because I got to know some really lovable characters and I learned a lot about Native American culture and what Native Americans still have to face to this day, but holy hell, I am so done with this series.
This review is going to be partly a, you know, actual review and partly a collection of observations on the series as a whole, because I feel like it.
For starters, I would like to draw attention to the fact that in this series, 97% of the non-Native American characters who don't live in a reservation are almost cartoonishly evil. The other 3% are the Hargroves, and they're black. Care to explain that, Christo? Because I'm feeling a bit racially discriminated here.
On Skylar's mutism.
This guy literally forgets he's mute on a biweekly basis. He opens his mouth just to remember that he can't talk, then curses fate and the stars for this shocking misfortune.
Mate, you haven't been able to talk for eleven years. One would think you would've gotten used to the idea by now.
More! And this, gosh, this baffles me and irritates me beyond belief. How can the father of a kid who's been mute since he was five not speak sign language? His fucking friends learned it just to communicate with him, for chrissake. It does not make sense, plain and simple, no matter how you try to explain it - and Christo doesn't even bother to do that.
The reservation's school system that Christo depicts here is totally unconvincing. Don't get me wrong - I'm open to the possibility, because an environment where kids of all ages get to learn together sounds like social and developmental heaven. But if you want me to believe it works, you need to show me how, not just say it does.
In this particular book, there are quite a few random asides in the middle of a paragraph where Skylar just goes "I love Rafael this much, because of this and that". And that's where I go: "I don't like this because you as a protagonist and a narrator should not need to say it explicitly even just once".
This sentence: Man, that [computer] screen was hard to look at for ten minutes straight, which made me think Skylar, on top of everything else*, also needs to get his eyes checked, because I go 8 hours straight on a daily basis, and I'm shortsighted and prone to migraines. If it were that hard, I'd be the first to feel it.
*Everything else, meaning the half a million new issues that pop up in Skylar's life in the space of a scant two hundred pages.
Two of these grated on my nerves a hell of a lot.
I'm not going to get specific because spoilers, but the first is half-assed and completely pointless and mostly disregarded, and the second is super-dramatic but lacks any sort of development, in that Skylar essentially has no feelings about it. At this point, I'm left to wonder why Christo even bothered, because at the end of the novel we're left exactly back where we started.
On Skylar and Rafael's relationship - yeah, there's something wrong with that too.
For one, these two don't know how to get off without written and illustrated instructions. One would be led to think they've never even jacked off on their own before. Think I'm joking? Think again.
Secondly, I waited two and a half books for the sex to happen. That's approximately five hundred and fifty pages, or hours. Can you just fucking not fade to black once you get there? Because let me tell you, I had to resort to Larry PWP to keep my irritation in check. Even an "insert tab A into slot B" kinda sex scene would have been more fulfilling than this nothingness. I read when I don't feel like making things up on my own - get it?
At one point, Skylar calls Annie's dad a "brain-damaged child-man". I don't care if it was supposed to be a joke or whatever. There is never a confirmation that this guy even has suffered brain damage at some point in his life. But this would have been absolutely disgusting no matter the circumstances.
Skylar is a sweet boy with a heart of gold, and it shows in his every action. What on earth could have possessed Christo to put these words in his mouth (well, metaphorically)?
Mary's character development is deplorable and her potential is completely wasted, Skylar's thought processes and feelings are once again victim of the weird skipping phenomenon we encountered in Looks Over except on a much larger scale, and the whole book is littered with discrepancies and nonsensical details.
I wish I could say it's adventurous and fun and full of teenagers trying to save their ancestors' land with outlandish secret plans and more fascinating stories about Native American culture and leave it at that, but I need to add that it is, at times, also kinda shit.
But the weirdest thing out of this whole situation is: I enjoyed it. Probably because by now I've grown to love these characters as if they were my own children.
ETA: I tried to read the fourth book in the series, Why The Star Stands Still, but it's so badly written it hurts. My theory is that Christo and her editor got into such a bloody and terrifying argument that the latter, instead of giving up her job, chose to stay and get revenge by doing all she could to make Christo's writing more awkward and amateurish than ever. (It worked.)
I'm glad I read these three books, because I got to know some really lovable characters and I learned a lot about Native American culture and what Native Americans still have to face to this day, but holy hell, I am so done with this series.
September 17, 2014
St. Clair is the third book in the Gives Light series and in my opinion it’s the most heart breaking book. People who know me will know I love this series. For me, it’s the greatest YA series I have ever read and Skylar and Rafael are my favourite YA couple and on my top ten list of favourite couples. But for those who have no idea about the series I would encourage them to give it a go, even if you don’t like YA.
This book was a really emotional journey for me. Not only did Skylar have to deal with some pretty major – and scary – health issues. But he also had a lot of growing up to do when it came to his dad. I was waiting and waiting for him to finally snap and for something really bad to happen to him. But Skylar is a strong character and he had Rafael. I should have known Rafael was enough to keep him sane, but I also would have understood things becoming too much for him.
Skylar’s dad had a big role in this. He made a huge sacrifice for the people of Nettlebush. When the place he called home and the people he called family were in danger, he did something that gained my respect. It was something he had to do, and although it broke Skylar’s heart he did it anyway. I was not expecting it, so it did surprise me. I would not have pegged Paul as being that strong. His character was one I thought a lot about in the other two books and he didn’t grow on me as quickly as Catherine did. But in this book he really did worm his way into my heart. And I am really glad I didn’t write him off.
Rafael’s dad was a part of this story. I think he was always going to come back and haunt them again, but the way he came back was shocking, heart-breaking, and realistic. I should have known that something would happen. The fact things had been looking so well should have been a sign that this author was not finished delivering blows yet. When she delivered this one, I was definitely left wondering if Skylar would survive, and if he did, would he be the same character I had grown to love? But Skylar’s cancer story line was written so beautifully. It brought out some of the real emotion that these books have. It also kept Rafael’s dad in the story without his character actually being present. That is something that doesn’t usually happen in books. Especially when it’s one of the bad guys.
Skylar and Rafael didn’t fall apart after the diagnosis which was nice. They are still a young couple in this book, and sometimes in real life it would tear a couple apart. But Skylar and Rafael are not your average, everyday couple. They are one of those couples that might take some time to grow on you, but once you let them in and start rooting for them, you will never be disappointed. They are one of the strongest couples I have ever read. I’m not talking about YA couples. I’m talking about in all the books I have read. These two are pretty much in my top three for strong couples. They lasted and they lasted well. They overcame their issues together and nothing was able to tear them apart. And this book definitely tested them as a couple, but they were able to come out on top as strong as ever.
Rafael really turned into a man in this book, and while it was lovely to see, it was also kind of sad for me. It was like letting go of the boy and accepting the man he had started to become. He went from a boy who had little knowledge about what he was going to do with himself to a man who knew what he was going to do. That was all because of Skylar and their relationship. He had a dream, one that involved helping Skylar, and it was sweet to see him excited about helping him with his voice.
I still loved the secondary characters, especially Catherine. Catherine definitely became a favourite character of mine. Not just in the series, but in general. She will always have a special little place in my heart. All of the characters came together when they were needed and it was heart-warming and beautiful to witness. Relationships grew and things changed. As far as secondary characters go, I don’t think I’ve ever grown as fond of a group of secondary characters as I did in this series. All of them have their place and they all brought something important to the story.
I am going to say it again, I highly recommend this series to everyone. It has stolen my heart, and given the chance could do the same to many others.
My review of St. Clair can also be found on Greedy Bug Book Reviews.
This book was a really emotional journey for me. Not only did Skylar have to deal with some pretty major – and scary – health issues. But he also had a lot of growing up to do when it came to his dad. I was waiting and waiting for him to finally snap and for something really bad to happen to him. But Skylar is a strong character and he had Rafael. I should have known Rafael was enough to keep him sane, but I also would have understood things becoming too much for him.
Skylar’s dad had a big role in this. He made a huge sacrifice for the people of Nettlebush. When the place he called home and the people he called family were in danger, he did something that gained my respect. It was something he had to do, and although it broke Skylar’s heart he did it anyway. I was not expecting it, so it did surprise me. I would not have pegged Paul as being that strong. His character was one I thought a lot about in the other two books and he didn’t grow on me as quickly as Catherine did. But in this book he really did worm his way into my heart. And I am really glad I didn’t write him off.
“I honored our traditions. I honored my wife and child. I did what our ancestors told us to do.” Dad looked at me through his winter-water eyes like they were the veil that hung between us. “I don’t regret that.”
Rafael’s dad was a part of this story. I think he was always going to come back and haunt them again, but the way he came back was shocking, heart-breaking, and realistic. I should have known that something would happen. The fact things had been looking so well should have been a sign that this author was not finished delivering blows yet. When she delivered this one, I was definitely left wondering if Skylar would survive, and if he did, would he be the same character I had grown to love? But Skylar’s cancer story line was written so beautifully. It brought out some of the real emotion that these books have. It also kept Rafael’s dad in the story without his character actually being present. That is something that doesn’t usually happen in books. Especially when it’s one of the bad guys.
The scanner buzzed and banged; my ears went numb. It sounded like death. I’d never thought of death as something audible before.
Skylar and Rafael didn’t fall apart after the diagnosis which was nice. They are still a young couple in this book, and sometimes in real life it would tear a couple apart. But Skylar and Rafael are not your average, everyday couple. They are one of those couples that might take some time to grow on you, but once you let them in and start rooting for them, you will never be disappointed. They are one of the strongest couples I have ever read. I’m not talking about YA couples. I’m talking about in all the books I have read. These two are pretty much in my top three for strong couples. They lasted and they lasted well. They overcame their issues together and nothing was able to tear them apart. And this book definitely tested them as a couple, but they were able to come out on top as strong as ever.
“I guess I’ve always loved you,” he said.
Rafael really turned into a man in this book, and while it was lovely to see, it was also kind of sad for me. It was like letting go of the boy and accepting the man he had started to become. He went from a boy who had little knowledge about what he was going to do with himself to a man who knew what he was going to do. That was all because of Skylar and their relationship. He had a dream, one that involved helping Skylar, and it was sweet to see him excited about helping him with his voice.
I still loved the secondary characters, especially Catherine. Catherine definitely became a favourite character of mine. Not just in the series, but in general. She will always have a special little place in my heart. All of the characters came together when they were needed and it was heart-warming and beautiful to witness. Relationships grew and things changed. As far as secondary characters go, I don’t think I’ve ever grown as fond of a group of secondary characters as I did in this series. All of them have their place and they all brought something important to the story.
I am going to say it again, I highly recommend this series to everyone. It has stolen my heart, and given the chance could do the same to many others.
My review of St. Clair can also be found on Greedy Bug Book Reviews.
July 13, 2019
Another incredible installment to the Gives Light Series! This book had me almost in tear so many times that it’s absolutely ridiculous- why can’t the universe give poor Skylar a break??
July 11, 2025
Excellent series!
I love this series! Skylar and Rafael are perfect! Their friends and family add depth to the story and the Native American setting is interesting and educational! Five stars! Highly recommended!
I love this series! Skylar and Rafael are perfect! Their friends and family add depth to the story and the Native American setting is interesting and educational! Five stars! Highly recommended!
May 3, 2017
Well, what can I say about this one?? There were tears
, there were laughs as usual, and there was a huge revelation which I'm absolutely certain should have been mentioned in previous books, and hopefully readers of the series will know exactly what I'm referring to, so for that reason alone I'm deducting 1/2 a star. 4.5 stars and 
from me for this book, which should have been the end of the series apparently.Sky and Rafael are, I have to admit, one of my favourite pairings in the whole of the m/m Young Adult genre. Sky has had so many things go wrong for him, and Rafael is just so gentle and caring towards him, they're so endearing as a couple, it's a pleasure to read these books. I would still have to say that there is no sex in the series simply because if there is, the author keeps it off page but I suspect the answer there is no, there is still no sex, and that for me keeps the story so innocent in nature. A lot went on in this book, so once again, grab your own copy and read it....it's been a truly marvellous experience to read the books.
The downside to that is that the reader keeps finding out all the things that the American federal government and it's lackies the State authorities do to keep the Native Americans downtrodden as a nation such as kidnapping their children and giving them to childless white families, making sure that Native Americans can't prosecute white people, the rape of young women...oh, so many dreadful things in this day and age, and I know that what Rose Christo says in her books is true cos some of my American friends on here have confirmed it...and were disgusted by it themselves. Check out the facts for yourselves.
March 17, 2014
The first 2 books of this series (Gives Light and Looks Over) are some of the best reading I've done in a long time. The books are exquisite. I love the main character Skylar and his coming-of-age story. Rose Christo continues Skylary's journey in book 3, "St. Clair".
St. Clair pretty much picks up where book 2 left off and we've got the whole cast of characters back: Rafael, Granny, Dad, Annie, Aubrey, and even Balto, the coywolf. It feels familiar by this point...it feels like home with these characters. And by now, I can hear Skylar's voice (he's mute so not 'hear' but hear...???) so clearly in my head. I'm completely invested in these stories that all intertwine to make up these books...the days-in-the-life-of tales.
This book is another strong showing by Rose Christo. The writing remains lovely and subtle and tender. And Skylar still has his huge, caring heart. And there are funny musings and observations that continue on.
But he's growing up now. And as his relationship with Rafael progresses, we come to learn some things about Skylar's past...that even he never realized. Along with this, Skylar faces a series of other tragic moments and heartaches and fears. Honestly, this book gutted me. I hated see Sklyar hurt in any way. But Christo writes even these scenes with the softest of hands (maybe too soft at times?) that it never really slapped me in my face...but I almost wanted at least a little pinch to affirm that I wasn't the only one anguished over these circumstances.
The real struggle for me with this book is the overkill of cultural tales and folklore...which was fascinating and magical in the first 2 books...but came across as almost preachy in this 3rd one. Every time a story was about to be told, I used it as an excuse to step away from my Kindle, grab a drink, check my email, tweet...and this was a foreign reaction from me towards this series.
Also by about halfway into this 3rd segment, the clear voice of Sklyar started to morph into what I believed was the clear voice of...Rose Christo? I started to lose the character as the author put more of herself into the message. I'm not usually overly sensitive to shifts like this, but because I've come to know Skylar so well, and care about his so much, it felt really jarring and obvious to me.
But all in all, though it wasn't nearly as strong as books 1 & 2, I'm glad to have read it simply to have gotten more of Skylar's tale and to watch him grow into an amazing young man...
A bit of a biased rating, but...
January 16, 2015
Talk about mixed feelings, I'm really enjoying this series but at the same time its hard to read.
The love between Skylar and Rafael is one of the most beautiful I have read. Skylars story is full of excitement and love, not just for Rafael but for his entire Indian family. There is plenty of intrigue and drama to keep the reader enthralled. Plenty of romantic moments and a few chuckles too.
But OMG The Indian history is extremely upsetting
The love between Skylar and Rafael is one of the most beautiful I have read. Skylars story is full of excitement and love, not just for Rafael but for his entire Indian family. There is plenty of intrigue and drama to keep the reader enthralled. Plenty of romantic moments and a few chuckles too.
But OMG The Indian history is extremely upsetting
July 4, 2026
“To be one and the same.”🤍
There really needs to be an explanation for this phenomenon: when I have all the time in the world to read (and I definitely do while lying in my hospital bed😵), it suddenly feels so hard to pick up a book. But when I have to study all day? Reading for hours is no problem at all. Make it make sense.🥲
Anyway… this installment was SAD!!😭 Poor Skylar had to endure so much, and in the end, there wasn’t even a completely happy ending.
One thing I absolutely loved, though, is that this series continues to have zero unnecessary angst between the two MCs. They are simply adorable together.
My only critique is that I already found the main storyline heartbreaking enough. Even though I love learning about Native history and culture, I felt like those passages added even more sadness. I think I would’ve preferred if they had been balanced with more examples of the achievements, resilience, and successes of Indigenous people.
Nevertheless, I continue to love this setting and all of these amazing characters. They’re all so different, yet they fit together perfectly.🫂
“I guess I have always loved you,” he said.
There really needs to be an explanation for this phenomenon: when I have all the time in the world to read (and I definitely do while lying in my hospital bed😵), it suddenly feels so hard to pick up a book. But when I have to study all day? Reading for hours is no problem at all. Make it make sense.🥲
Anyway… this installment was SAD!!😭 Poor Skylar had to endure so much, and in the end, there wasn’t even a completely happy ending.
One thing I absolutely loved, though, is that this series continues to have zero unnecessary angst between the two MCs. They are simply adorable together.
My only critique is that I already found the main storyline heartbreaking enough. Even though I love learning about Native history and culture, I felt like those passages added even more sadness. I think I would’ve preferred if they had been balanced with more examples of the achievements, resilience, and successes of Indigenous people.
Nevertheless, I continue to love this setting and all of these amazing characters. They’re all so different, yet they fit together perfectly.🫂
“I guess I have always loved you,” he said.
October 22, 2012
Edit review: info about a possible 4th book at the bottom of the review (the 4th book will be a freebie!)
Now my review....
Unfortunately, I can't give 5 stars to this book, as I give to the first and the second of the Gives Light series. I will explain why in details.
If the first book is a introduction to the Native Americans, the second is all about Natives children and their lack of rights, the last book is about their land
Natives reservations can be take from natives, very easily and quickly giving not much time to natives to react.
In this story Sky and his boyfriend, with all his teen friends, will fight over and over again to keep their homes, their land, their families together.
It's a dark story
I must warn you to be prepared... Sky problems are many now... not just his own family (his father is still under FBI surveillance), but also his health issues will complicate his life. Do you think this will make him be a bitter person? Oh hell no... We are talking about Sky! He is the sun, he is the personification of happiness... he is, a perfect protagonist.
My problems with this book have nothing to do with the characters, but...
First the kindle file is full of --- not ... Probably it's a conversion problem, to the mobi file, and I hate when I get a book with technical problems than can easily be correct with a quick look by someone (editor, writer, I don't know... someone should look it no?)
Second a huge plot flaw.
How can a father of a mute boy don't know sign language?
I had the feeling this is a book that gave too much attention to the activism, leaving all the lovely characters in second place, as the background, not the other way around. I love the first and the second book because of the interesting characters (everyone, not just Sky) ans was happy learning more... but happy learning more don't mean I want it take all the story. I still want to see more, about the characters, and get some info... but in my modest opinion the spotlight MUST BE the story and the characters, not the message the story is giving me.
I know the problem of Native American losing their lands is a very important thing, and I wish it could be different... but I think if this is a story that should follow the other previous two books.
My last reason is a very personal opinion:The end was... frustrating. I wish a book would end with a more "poetic" or "complete" scene. I don't know how to explain what I wish... anything, but how this book end? Yeah I know it's not well explained but I think this book was so full of angst and sadness I was wishing a end that would make me smile, or be at least a little happy... It didn't. It wasn't a complete nonsense... in a certain way I like it, but still, I wasn't happy reading it, and was certainly frustrated such amazing series had such a incomplete end.
3 stars and I don't know if this trilogy will be followed by more books. It's certainly a trilogy for a reason... 3 books... so yeah, I didn't enjoy how it ended. I'm VERY glad I read it all, but I still think the second is the best book of the serie, and this one the worst.
Edit, info from the author's page
"I just wanted to say that I am very flattered at the attention the Gives Light books are receiving; I was never really sure that anyone would be interested in the stories, let alone hundreds of people. Thank you so much. I always intended to just write three books in that setting and then move on to a different project. But I really came to enjoy writing about those characters; so I'm going to close off the series with a fourth book. It will take place after a 12-15 year timeskip and I will be uploading it without cost, since it doesn't seem fair to me that anyone should pay for a fourth book in what was always supposed to be a trilogy. In a way, I hope that's an adequate Thank You. I really can't thank you enough"
Now my review....
Unfortunately, I can't give 5 stars to this book, as I give to the first and the second of the Gives Light series. I will explain why in details.
If the first book is a introduction to the Native Americans, the second is all about Natives children and their lack of rights, the last book is about their land
Natives reservations can be take from natives, very easily and quickly giving not much time to natives to react.
In this story Sky and his boyfriend, with all his teen friends, will fight over and over again to keep their homes, their land, their families together.
It's a dark story
I must warn you to be prepared... Sky problems are many now... not just his own family (his father is still under FBI surveillance), but also his health issues will complicate his life. Do you think this will make him be a bitter person? Oh hell no... We are talking about Sky! He is the sun, he is the personification of happiness... he is, a perfect protagonist.
My problems with this book have nothing to do with the characters, but...
First the kindle file is full of --- not ... Probably it's a conversion problem, to the mobi file, and I hate when I get a book with technical problems than can easily be correct with a quick look by someone (editor, writer, I don't know... someone should look it no?)
Second a huge plot flaw.
How can a father of a mute boy don't know sign language?
I had the feeling this is a book that gave too much attention to the activism, leaving all the lovely characters in second place, as the background, not the other way around. I love the first and the second book because of the interesting characters (everyone, not just Sky) ans was happy learning more... but happy learning more don't mean I want it take all the story. I still want to see more, about the characters, and get some info... but in my modest opinion the spotlight MUST BE the story and the characters, not the message the story is giving me.
I know the problem of Native American losing their lands is a very important thing, and I wish it could be different... but I think if this is a story that should follow the other previous two books.
My last reason is a very personal opinion:The end was... frustrating. I wish a book would end with a more "poetic" or "complete" scene. I don't know how to explain what I wish... anything, but how this book end? Yeah I know it's not well explained but I think this book was so full of angst and sadness I was wishing a end that would make me smile, or be at least a little happy... It didn't. It wasn't a complete nonsense... in a certain way I like it, but still, I wasn't happy reading it, and was certainly frustrated such amazing series had such a incomplete end.
3 stars and I don't know if this trilogy will be followed by more books. It's certainly a trilogy for a reason... 3 books... so yeah, I didn't enjoy how it ended. I'm VERY glad I read it all, but I still think the second is the best book of the serie, and this one the worst.
Edit, info from the author's page
"I just wanted to say that I am very flattered at the attention the Gives Light books are receiving; I was never really sure that anyone would be interested in the stories, let alone hundreds of people. Thank you so much. I always intended to just write three books in that setting and then move on to a different project. But I really came to enjoy writing about those characters; so I'm going to close off the series with a fourth book. It will take place after a 12-15 year timeskip and I will be uploading it without cost, since it doesn't seem fair to me that anyone should pay for a fourth book in what was always supposed to be a trilogy. In a way, I hope that's an adequate Thank You. I really can't thank you enough"
July 18, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
Such a beautiful series with absolutely adorable characters. ♥️
It may sound strange to you, but there's no word for "love" in the Shoshone language. The closest equivalent is shundahai, which more or less means "to be one and the same." In the old days, if a Shoshone man wanted to tell his wife he was in love with her, he would say "I am you," or "You are me." I think I understand that now.
Such a beautiful series with absolutely adorable characters. ♥️
It may sound strange to you, but there's no word for "love" in the Shoshone language. The closest equivalent is shundahai, which more or less means "to be one and the same." In the old days, if a Shoshone man wanted to tell his wife he was in love with her, he would say "I am you," or "You are me." I think I understand that now.
May 26, 2013
With every book that I read in this wonderful series, I feel extraordinarily happy that I took the leap and purchased Gives Light. Like its predecessors this 3rd book is superbly written, so of course I was completely engrossed in the trials that present themselves in Sky and his family's life this time around-I say family because that's how it is in this community, their ties are so strong I can't think of it otherwise.
Sky's summer is not off to a good start. He's dealing with how to take his relationship further with Rafael-a slow process as it exposes an event from his childhood which makes it difficult for Rafael to act on their attraction. It's Rafael who makes Sky realize just how that event affected him. Then the government once again plays havoc with their lives, twisting the law to suit their own ends; they stand to lose their livelihood and their home.
Sky and his friends now have to come up with a solution that will save them from complete eviction. But things get worse when Sky is afflicted with laryngeal cancer and has to undergo surgery to remove his vocals cords and radiation therapy. Yet through all this, the solidarity and optimism of these people is amazing. They never allow the atrocities and injustices to bring their spirits down.
I found myself constantly in awe of Rafael and Sky. The depth of Rafael's devotion to Sky just melts my heart, and Sky's feelings for Rafael are just as strong. There's no doubt that these two are perfect for each other and complement one another really well.
This novel is just as riveting and engaging as the rest, I only wonder if this is really the final book in the series. While it was a nice ending it felt like some things were left unfinished; seriously I would be more than happy to discover there's more to come. I don't want Sky and Rafael to go away yet.
Updated: (from Rose Christo's profile in Smashwords) I just wanted to say that I am very flattered at the attention the Gives Light books are receiving; I was never really sure that anyone would be interested in the stories, let alone hundreds of people. Thank you so much. I always intended to just write three books in that setting and then move on to a different project. But I really came to enjoy writing about those characters; so after my next project, I'm closing off the series with a fourth book. It will take place after a 12-15 year timeskip and I will be uploading it without cost, since it doesn't seem fair to me that anyone should pay for a fourth book in what was always supposed to be a trilogy.
Sky's summer is not off to a good start. He's dealing with how to take his relationship further with Rafael-a slow process as it exposes an event from his childhood which makes it difficult for Rafael to act on their attraction. It's Rafael who makes Sky realize just how that event affected him. Then the government once again plays havoc with their lives, twisting the law to suit their own ends; they stand to lose their livelihood and their home.
Sky and his friends now have to come up with a solution that will save them from complete eviction. But things get worse when Sky is afflicted with laryngeal cancer and has to undergo surgery to remove his vocals cords and radiation therapy. Yet through all this, the solidarity and optimism of these people is amazing. They never allow the atrocities and injustices to bring their spirits down.
I found myself constantly in awe of Rafael and Sky. The depth of Rafael's devotion to Sky just melts my heart, and Sky's feelings for Rafael are just as strong. There's no doubt that these two are perfect for each other and complement one another really well.
This novel is just as riveting and engaging as the rest, I only wonder if this is really the final book in the series. While it was a nice ending it felt like some things were left unfinished; seriously I would be more than happy to discover there's more to come. I don't want Sky and Rafael to go away yet.
Updated: (from Rose Christo's profile in Smashwords) I just wanted to say that I am very flattered at the attention the Gives Light books are receiving; I was never really sure that anyone would be interested in the stories, let alone hundreds of people. Thank you so much. I always intended to just write three books in that setting and then move on to a different project. But I really came to enjoy writing about those characters; so after my next project, I'm closing off the series with a fourth book. It will take place after a 12-15 year timeskip and I will be uploading it without cost, since it doesn't seem fair to me that anyone should pay for a fourth book in what was always supposed to be a trilogy.
January 2, 2013
Book 3 in the Gives Light series. This book has a more ominous and serious feel. Skylar is growing up. The threats to the Reservation, the Shoshone way of life and the relentless pursuit of Skylar's father by the FBI make for some dramatic scenes. And Skylar faces another threat from within which is a lot harder to fight. I could see the trials and tribulations changing Skylar and Rafael and slowly turning them into men. Through it all though their love never falters. Not for one second. There are still many beautifully romantic moments between them to keep me happy.
What is more noticeable in this book however is the author's own voice. I admire her writing and her opinions greatly but I have to admit there are several times when Skylar is talking and all of a sudden I realise that it's the author talking - no, shouting - her opinions directly to me. Because I'm so interested in this tale I can still appreciate and enjoy it but it might be a bit much for some readers. The book ends without a full sense of finality and closure so I'm happy to see that the author has written a fourth book (free on Smashwords) set several years in the future. I'm glad I wasn't one of those readers who discovered this series when it was only going to be a trilogy. I would have been slightly disappointed.
What is more noticeable in this book however is the author's own voice. I admire her writing and her opinions greatly but I have to admit there are several times when Skylar is talking and all of a sudden I realise that it's the author talking - no, shouting - her opinions directly to me. Because I'm so interested in this tale I can still appreciate and enjoy it but it might be a bit much for some readers. The book ends without a full sense of finality and closure so I'm happy to see that the author has written a fourth book (free on Smashwords) set several years in the future. I'm glad I wasn't one of those readers who discovered this series when it was only going to be a trilogy. I would have been slightly disappointed.
November 16, 2013
so simply amazing
and the best book of the series so far!
and the best book of the series so far!
May 20, 2014
awwwwwww *.* Sweet!!!!!!❤
Can these two get any cuter???? I LOVE Rafael and Sky so much. Their relationship and their interactions are so perfect, beautiful and powerful. I wanna hug both of them so bad!!! I can't wait to read adult Rafael and Sky in the next book :)
I also keep learning about Native American culture and how unfair the rest of the society and government are with them :( It's really sad. I wish people would realize how important is to try to live in harmony.
Can these two get any cuter???? I LOVE Rafael and Sky so much. Their relationship and their interactions are so perfect, beautiful and powerful. I wanna hug both of them so bad!!! I can't wait to read adult Rafael and Sky in the next book :)
I also keep learning about Native American culture and how unfair the rest of the society and government are with them :( It's really sad. I wish people would realize how important is to try to live in harmony.
December 29, 2013
this is the best book in the series so far. both Rafael and skylar are growing up now and there futures are working them-self's out.The reservation that they live in is under attack by the american government. They want the land for them self s and they will take it by any means they see fit. So all the Nettlebush tribe have to work together and ward off this attack. U cant help but feel angry at the government for taking the reservation away from the Shoshone, it is there home and its been there home for a lot longer then the white Americans have.Again with the series, the characters or so well written that u feel as tho u know them like you know you neighbors.
September 14, 2013
wow. just... wow. did not see the climax in this one coming! each book just amazes me more than the next. now off to read the last one :( five stars only because I can't rate it higher than five :) x x x x x
September 3, 2014
Review for books 1-4. Reviewed previously at BMBR.
My first question is...why have I not heard of Rose Christo before? How come this author isn't as well known as JK Rowling? Why is book one not a film. It would make the most amazing independent film. Just WHY??
Okay, so I'm reviewing the first four books of this series together, and then I'll review the fifth one separately. There are a couple of reasons for this. Firstly, I have only just found out about these books and literally read the series, so far, straight through. Secondly, they've been around for a while, but book five was released this month. And thirdly, the first four books are from Skylar's point of view and book five goes back to the beginning from Rafael's viewpoint.
So I'm going to try and leave the break down of each story to the blurbs and talk about what I loved about this series as a whole. And I did love it. I devoured it, have the worst book-hangover and could cry now I've finished with them.
Where to even start though. Okay, the Nettlebush Indian Reservation where the story takes place sounds so perfect, I want to live there and I HATE the heat. I have loved every second of learning about the culture, down to realising that Indian is not a racist term. I know I will be re-reading these and trying to understand more about this culture. I loved the ideals I was learning about and it seems, to me, so much better than the way in which we live here (in England). I love the gift culture. The communal meals. The schooling system....I really loved it all. Even the hunting, which I would hate to do, seems so much better than our way of breeding animals for food. Something about this culture just resonated with me. Would I be able to give up creature comforts I've grown up with? I really don't know, but it's definitely given me food for thought.
As well as the setting I loved the characters, particularly Skylar and Rafael the MC's. I want to say their voices were so clear...which is odd, seeing as Sky doesn't have a voice. The connection between these two was so electric, it really was as if they were part of each other, that they'd found the rest of themselves when they met. And this is with the fact that Raf's father is the cause of Sky's lack of vocal chords. That Raf's father was the one who killed Sky's mum. The connection between these two was just beautiful.
All the secondary characters were amazing too...and so real. With the set-up in this Indian reservation and the promotion of this culture through the story, it would have been so easy, so tempting to make the tribe members the good guys and westerners the bad guys, but this does not happen. I mean for a start Raf's dad is a serial killer. There is good and bad in all cultures shown. Everyone is human. It's not just about the characters and their actions, but the consequences of their actions both short and long reaching. It's about how the main characters strive to be better and how love helps them do this. I don't think there is a single character in this who didn't bring something to the story. I loved them all, my heart found a special place for Zeke though. I'd love to know more about him.
So the writing. Rose Christo writes some of the most beautiful sentences I have ever read. Wow, the imagery she uses is powerful, so perfect. The romance between Sky and Raf was gentle and amazing. It was love. Love from the inside out and it was refreshing to read about love without lust being an over-bearing component. So, so refreshing. The visuals Rose Christo painted with her words, of the land, of the history, of the character, of the beliefs, or the love....it was all perfect. I couldn't find a word out of place.
The books go from Skylar being sixteen to when he's an adult. Book four is set several years after the other three. Would I have liked one in the middle, one that showed the journey we know they took to get to the point they're at in book four. Of course I would, but not enough to moan about it or mark it down. The time jump was a shock for the first couple of pages...the story didn't lack for it though.
I've marked them all as five stars, because I read them all as one big book really. If I was nit-picking, one and two were my favourites, by a margin. I'm not marking them at less than perfect though because all the points above re the writing, characters and setting still count. The storyline may have an odd time jump in it, but I really can live with that.
I would recommend these books to everyone. From teens to adults. I know I'll read them again and again. I'm going to get the paperback versions - have you seen the beautiful covers? (St Clair is my favourite cover!!). I just hope you all love them as much as I do. What am I going to read now??
My first question is...why have I not heard of Rose Christo before? How come this author isn't as well known as JK Rowling? Why is book one not a film. It would make the most amazing independent film. Just WHY??
Okay, so I'm reviewing the first four books of this series together, and then I'll review the fifth one separately. There are a couple of reasons for this. Firstly, I have only just found out about these books and literally read the series, so far, straight through. Secondly, they've been around for a while, but book five was released this month. And thirdly, the first four books are from Skylar's point of view and book five goes back to the beginning from Rafael's viewpoint.
So I'm going to try and leave the break down of each story to the blurbs and talk about what I loved about this series as a whole. And I did love it. I devoured it, have the worst book-hangover and could cry now I've finished with them.
Where to even start though. Okay, the Nettlebush Indian Reservation where the story takes place sounds so perfect, I want to live there and I HATE the heat. I have loved every second of learning about the culture, down to realising that Indian is not a racist term. I know I will be re-reading these and trying to understand more about this culture. I loved the ideals I was learning about and it seems, to me, so much better than the way in which we live here (in England). I love the gift culture. The communal meals. The schooling system....I really loved it all. Even the hunting, which I would hate to do, seems so much better than our way of breeding animals for food. Something about this culture just resonated with me. Would I be able to give up creature comforts I've grown up with? I really don't know, but it's definitely given me food for thought.
As well as the setting I loved the characters, particularly Skylar and Rafael the MC's. I want to say their voices were so clear...which is odd, seeing as Sky doesn't have a voice. The connection between these two was so electric, it really was as if they were part of each other, that they'd found the rest of themselves when they met. And this is with the fact that Raf's father is the cause of Sky's lack of vocal chords. That Raf's father was the one who killed Sky's mum. The connection between these two was just beautiful.
All the secondary characters were amazing too...and so real. With the set-up in this Indian reservation and the promotion of this culture through the story, it would have been so easy, so tempting to make the tribe members the good guys and westerners the bad guys, but this does not happen. I mean for a start Raf's dad is a serial killer. There is good and bad in all cultures shown. Everyone is human. It's not just about the characters and their actions, but the consequences of their actions both short and long reaching. It's about how the main characters strive to be better and how love helps them do this. I don't think there is a single character in this who didn't bring something to the story. I loved them all, my heart found a special place for Zeke though. I'd love to know more about him.
So the writing. Rose Christo writes some of the most beautiful sentences I have ever read. Wow, the imagery she uses is powerful, so perfect. The romance between Sky and Raf was gentle and amazing. It was love. Love from the inside out and it was refreshing to read about love without lust being an over-bearing component. So, so refreshing. The visuals Rose Christo painted with her words, of the land, of the history, of the character, of the beliefs, or the love....it was all perfect. I couldn't find a word out of place.
The books go from Skylar being sixteen to when he's an adult. Book four is set several years after the other three. Would I have liked one in the middle, one that showed the journey we know they took to get to the point they're at in book four. Of course I would, but not enough to moan about it or mark it down. The time jump was a shock for the first couple of pages...the story didn't lack for it though.
I've marked them all as five stars, because I read them all as one big book really. If I was nit-picking, one and two were my favourites, by a margin. I'm not marking them at less than perfect though because all the points above re the writing, characters and setting still count. The storyline may have an odd time jump in it, but I really can live with that.
I would recommend these books to everyone. From teens to adults. I know I'll read them again and again. I'm going to get the paperback versions - have you seen the beautiful covers? (St Clair is my favourite cover!!). I just hope you all love them as much as I do. What am I going to read now??
February 19, 2022
Wonderful. I absolutely love this series. This was another emotional read, I cried so hard. Sky and Rafael are everything to me. I love Paul, Catherine, Annie, Aubrey, Zeke, Danny.... everybody. This series makes you stop and think. Please read these books.
October 17, 2020
While I didn't like this one as much as the previous two books in this series, I did enjoy it very much.
The thing with this series, however, is that there is almost every conceivable conflict in it. Sickness, crime, secrets, betrayal... you name it, it probably has happened. It's not a bad thing but towards the end of this book, I was a little... exhausted. Then again, I had so many emotions throughout this series from anger to love to heartbreak that it's no wonder it pulled so much from me.
Regardless of that, I still loved Skylar and Rafael. They're teenagers who are growing into men, their personalities are growing to the point where you can tell they are maturing, and while they still have their faults, they also bring out the best in each other. I adore the fact that no matter how much they are changing (and rightfully so) their love for each other hasn't lessened one bit. In fact, that love just keeps going deeper and deeper. They are so sweet together, beautiful to the point of blinding and I just loved that it is their greatest strength against all their problems. It's heart-wrenching at times but so amazing to read about. I loved the fact Rafael was so caring to Sky when they were just kids, it was probably the sweetest moment ever.
This one is actually very sad in the way that Skylar gets sick. I know I shed a few tears (although I have this whole series) but this one is definitely the darkest of the trilogy. It deals with so much more than just his cancer, however, going even deeper into the troubles with the government, and the possibility of losing their homes, as well as, the ever present fight to keep Sky's dad out of jail. Even more things than that happens. We also got to see more of the Shoshone culture, which is part of the appeal of this series.
However, while I really enjoyed this story, I was confused a lot like with how the Department of Transportation can own the rights to their houses if they own the land and such. It was such an insignificant detail but it felt like something that was thrown in just to create some conflict. I couldn't understand how the FBI were able to arrest Paul now but weren't able to before. None of that was explained very well, IMO. How could they evict him if he's still living on the property? My biggest issue, though, was the ending, I found that even more confusing and disconcerting. Mostly because I didn't understand what a water ghost was nor what that had to do with Danny. I just didn't understand so it left me with a lot more questions than I had before.
Overall, this one definitely had more drama than the others but I still found it just as entertaining as the previous two. This series is just so wonderful with it's cast of characters, the threats of the government, and the workings of the reservations that even with my problems, I still really enjoyed it. I loved Skylar and Rafael and it was great to see them be forced through some situations that no kids or a couple should ever have to go through that young. I'd still definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys a great emotional YA series.
The thing with this series, however, is that there is almost every conceivable conflict in it. Sickness, crime, secrets, betrayal... you name it, it probably has happened. It's not a bad thing but towards the end of this book, I was a little... exhausted. Then again, I had so many emotions throughout this series from anger to love to heartbreak that it's no wonder it pulled so much from me.
Regardless of that, I still loved Skylar and Rafael. They're teenagers who are growing into men, their personalities are growing to the point where you can tell they are maturing, and while they still have their faults, they also bring out the best in each other. I adore the fact that no matter how much they are changing (and rightfully so) their love for each other hasn't lessened one bit. In fact, that love just keeps going deeper and deeper. They are so sweet together, beautiful to the point of blinding and I just loved that it is their greatest strength against all their problems. It's heart-wrenching at times but so amazing to read about. I loved the fact Rafael was so caring to Sky when they were just kids, it was probably the sweetest moment ever.
This one is actually very sad in the way that Skylar gets sick. I know I shed a few tears (although I have this whole series) but this one is definitely the darkest of the trilogy. It deals with so much more than just his cancer, however, going even deeper into the troubles with the government, and the possibility of losing their homes, as well as, the ever present fight to keep Sky's dad out of jail. Even more things than that happens. We also got to see more of the Shoshone culture, which is part of the appeal of this series.
However, while I really enjoyed this story, I was confused a lot like with how the Department of Transportation can own the rights to their houses if they own the land and such. It was such an insignificant detail but it felt like something that was thrown in just to create some conflict. I couldn't understand how the FBI were able to arrest Paul now but weren't able to before. None of that was explained very well, IMO. How could they evict him if he's still living on the property? My biggest issue, though, was the ending, I found that even more confusing and disconcerting. Mostly because I didn't understand what a water ghost was nor what that had to do with Danny. I just didn't understand so it left me with a lot more questions than I had before.
Overall, this one definitely had more drama than the others but I still found it just as entertaining as the previous two. This series is just so wonderful with it's cast of characters, the threats of the government, and the workings of the reservations that even with my problems, I still really enjoyed it. I loved Skylar and Rafael and it was great to see them be forced through some situations that no kids or a couple should ever have to go through that young. I'd still definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys a great emotional YA series.
June 15, 2013
It all started so sweet and nice. Skylar was strengthening his relationship with Rafael, they were taking it to the next level, the transition being eased by jokes and embarrassing moments.
Then sudden shift. Skylar is not Paul's son. He feels cheated out of a Shoshone legacy. He throws a small fit but then comes to his senses and decides to honor the Shoshone way, legitimate son or not. Before the waters settle, another crisis. Out of nowhere, Skylar hints that he had been raped or abused when he was young. And I use the word 'hint' because, as is his style, he mumbles through everything and does not come out and say it properly. It took me quite a number of pages before I actually believed he had been abused. I kept thinking Rafael had gotten it wrong and was exaggerating in his concern and gentle handling of Skylar. Then yet another twist. Skylar is diagnosed with cancer. What? How? Where there no signs? Did no one notice? Ok... so then follows surgery, which Skylar hides from his so-called friends (but who find out anyway). A yucky period in which we get specific details on the application of a stomach pump. Yay... what fun! And in between these, lots of Shoshone customs and get together.
In the last quarter of the book, I pretty much shifted gears and got very annoyed with Skylar. He doesn't even take notes in class (how many times had he mentioned that?) but wants to be a lawyer.... don't you have to be pretty smart for that? Or do they make lawyers out of anyone who applies? Gee.. if that were the case in my country too... At one point he hears noises outside and goes to investigate. In the middle of the suspense, he starts wondering how the place would have looked some hundred years back. Yeah.. because when I'm on the look out for a possible killer, I too want to reminisce on the historic layout of the ground I'm walking on.
I found the plot jumped from one thing to the next. The characters are all walking and holding hands then wham, 'dad' is missing... oh no, he's in jail. No, wait... he got sentenced to 20 years in prison. Sure, that's fine and dandy... now let me tell me that I graduated high school and made a raft for Jessica and DeShawn, which is very important... but don't forget that I miss dad very much and hope that taking a spark plug with me while visiting him in jail will make all the difference. Really? And seriously, why the intensive harassing from the FBI? Was Paul the only killer they were looking for? I can accept that the agents were pissed off that Paul was using the reservation as Get out of jail free card but it just seemed over kill the number of things they tried to get to him.
Bottom line, not sure why, but the last hundred pages or so caused a 180 degree turn with me. And I couldn't wait to just finish the book. I think Rafael was the only character that didn't bug me. I'll read the last installment too, because I am curious what happens to Paul and whether Skylar becomes a lawyer. However, I doubt I'll get back the fondness I held for Skylar.
Then sudden shift. Skylar is not Paul's son. He feels cheated out of a Shoshone legacy. He throws a small fit but then comes to his senses and decides to honor the Shoshone way, legitimate son or not. Before the waters settle, another crisis. Out of nowhere, Skylar hints that he had been raped or abused when he was young. And I use the word 'hint' because, as is his style, he mumbles through everything and does not come out and say it properly. It took me quite a number of pages before I actually believed he had been abused. I kept thinking Rafael had gotten it wrong and was exaggerating in his concern and gentle handling of Skylar. Then yet another twist. Skylar is diagnosed with cancer. What? How? Where there no signs? Did no one notice? Ok... so then follows surgery, which Skylar hides from his so-called friends (but who find out anyway). A yucky period in which we get specific details on the application of a stomach pump. Yay... what fun! And in between these, lots of Shoshone customs and get together.
In the last quarter of the book, I pretty much shifted gears and got very annoyed with Skylar. He doesn't even take notes in class (how many times had he mentioned that?) but wants to be a lawyer.... don't you have to be pretty smart for that? Or do they make lawyers out of anyone who applies? Gee.. if that were the case in my country too... At one point he hears noises outside and goes to investigate. In the middle of the suspense, he starts wondering how the place would have looked some hundred years back. Yeah.. because when I'm on the look out for a possible killer, I too want to reminisce on the historic layout of the ground I'm walking on.
I found the plot jumped from one thing to the next. The characters are all walking and holding hands then wham, 'dad' is missing... oh no, he's in jail. No, wait... he got sentenced to 20 years in prison. Sure, that's fine and dandy... now let me tell me that I graduated high school and made a raft for Jessica and DeShawn, which is very important... but don't forget that I miss dad very much and hope that taking a spark plug with me while visiting him in jail will make all the difference. Really? And seriously, why the intensive harassing from the FBI? Was Paul the only killer they were looking for? I can accept that the agents were pissed off that Paul was using the reservation as Get out of jail free card but it just seemed over kill the number of things they tried to get to him.
Bottom line, not sure why, but the last hundred pages or so caused a 180 degree turn with me. And I couldn't wait to just finish the book. I think Rafael was the only character that didn't bug me. I'll read the last installment too, because I am curious what happens to Paul and whether Skylar becomes a lawyer. However, I doubt I'll get back the fondness I held for Skylar.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2014
Oh boy. This one did a number on me. Just when I think Rose Christo was done making my heart into happy mess and couldn't make it any bigger with the love I had for Skylar, Rafael and all that inhabit the Nettlebush Reservation....she tore my heart from my chest.
Now, this was still a great read. How can you go wrong with more Skylar and Rafael? You can't. But there were a few things that didn't sit well with me in this book. I hate saying that but it has marred the beauty a bit and it's now what I focus on when I think of this one.
This started out lovely. Just as lovely as book 1 & 2 and then something happened. The first something had me confused about what happened because what Skylar remembered and Rafael's reaction to it...it was just odd to then go there. Ugh. I am not making sense I know but it's just, I wasn't on board with it as much as I wanted to me and trust me I WANTED to be.
Then there is the big something. Not only did it happen on the page that had me a complete mess sobbing uncontrollably but the tone of the book changed for me. The lessons that I adored in the first two books now seemed overly heavy and not the beautiful stories I loved to read. They read more like a protest, which I understand in a way it was, but where it had lent itself to the story this time for me it took away from it. A lot. I found myself skimming the last 30% of the book because I wasn't feeling it as much as I was before. I still stopped and read all the beauty that was Skylar and Rafael and turned into goo a good number of times. But those somethings are now what are in the forefront for me with this book and that hurts.
But even with all that; I still felt all that I needed to feel with the boys and immediately went on to book 4. I had to know where they end up and if Rafael does indeed do what he promised Sky.
Now, this was still a great read. How can you go wrong with more Skylar and Rafael? You can't. But there were a few things that didn't sit well with me in this book. I hate saying that but it has marred the beauty a bit and it's now what I focus on when I think of this one.
This started out lovely. Just as lovely as book 1 & 2 and then something happened. The first something had me confused about what happened because what Skylar remembered and Rafael's reaction to it...it was just odd to then go there. Ugh. I am not making sense I know but it's just, I wasn't on board with it as much as I wanted to me and trust me I WANTED to be.
Then there is the big something. Not only did it happen on the page that had me a complete mess sobbing uncontrollably but the tone of the book changed for me. The lessons that I adored in the first two books now seemed overly heavy and not the beautiful stories I loved to read. They read more like a protest, which I understand in a way it was, but where it had lent itself to the story this time for me it took away from it. A lot. I found myself skimming the last 30% of the book because I wasn't feeling it as much as I was before. I still stopped and read all the beauty that was Skylar and Rafael and turned into goo a good number of times. But those somethings are now what are in the forefront for me with this book and that hurts.
But even with all that; I still felt all that I needed to feel with the boys and immediately went on to book 4. I had to know where they end up and if Rafael does indeed do what he promised Sky.
His heartbeat felt like a familiar song, primeval, a song I had known before I'd even known myself.
Years ago I never would have thought someone could love me. Someone who wasn't obligated to love me.
I never counted on meeting Rafael.
July 3, 2013
"St. Clair" is the third book in a beautiful series about a teenaged boy who finds community, friendship and love on a Native American reservation after suffering a debilitating trauma as a young child. Rose Christo explores complex, often difficult topics with deceptively simple, exquisite writing. She has created a sense of place and characters that stay with me long after finishing the book and that I long to return to. Christo also deftly weaves traditional stories and customs into the main story - educating and entertaining her readers.
While this book is darker than the previous two, I felt the activism of the children in the book was a hopeful, uplifting message - and an important one.
Like life does, the story throws curveballs at the reader which are unexpected, but move the story and characters forward while bringing understanding to past actions and insecurities. While sometimes painful, the story is amazing, much of which is due to the voice of narrator/main character. The love story between Sky and Rafael is lovely while not being overly sentimental. I am embarking on the fourth book of the series, which makes me a bit sad as it is the end of the series.
While this book is darker than the previous two, I felt the activism of the children in the book was a hopeful, uplifting message - and an important one.
Like life does, the story throws curveballs at the reader which are unexpected, but move the story and characters forward while bringing understanding to past actions and insecurities. While sometimes painful, the story is amazing, much of which is due to the voice of narrator/main character. The love story between Sky and Rafael is lovely while not being overly sentimental. I am embarking on the fourth book of the series, which makes me a bit sad as it is the end of the series.
October 23, 2014
oh God,
i don't know what to say. It was good, very good. i really, really enjoyed it.
i love how much i have learnt about Native Americans and their culture from Gives Light series, i love how the story goes, it is so easy to forget that this is only fiction, that it never happened. i love how all Nettlebush ppl help each other, how incredibly united they are. i love Rafael and Sky, they are perfect for each other and the xmas tape Rafael showed Sky only prooved they were meant to be together (i know how sappy it is, i don't really care at this point). i would say it was horrible that Paul ended in jail, and it really was, but honestly, law is law. it was predictable, it had to end this way.
and omg, i love Rafaels "reasons why i love You"!
the thing i like the most about these books is that reading them makes me feel a part of a story.
p.s. water ghost scared me. at first. then, i wasn't afraid anymore. it broke my heart. it is so unfair that the law doesn't work for everybody in the same way.
i don't know what to say. It was good, very good. i really, really enjoyed it.
i love how much i have learnt about Native Americans and their culture from Gives Light series, i love how the story goes, it is so easy to forget that this is only fiction, that it never happened. i love how all Nettlebush ppl help each other, how incredibly united they are. i love Rafael and Sky, they are perfect for each other and the xmas tape Rafael showed Sky only prooved they were meant to be together (i know how sappy it is, i don't really care at this point). i would say it was horrible that Paul ended in jail, and it really was, but honestly, law is law. it was predictable, it had to end this way.
and omg, i love Rafaels "reasons why i love You"!
the thing i like the most about these books is that reading them makes me feel a part of a story.
p.s. water ghost scared me. at first. then, i wasn't afraid anymore. it broke my heart. it is so unfair that the law doesn't work for everybody in the same way.
July 8, 2015
*wipes tears and smudged mascara away* Boy, was it an emotional roller coaster. I wish we'd learnt about this in school. But no, we spent years reading about the great white people taking over everything by raping and killing everybody in sight. We've been taught to praise them for being. So. Fucking. Great. I wish we could do something to change history. The present. I wish, I wish. I'm so sick of everyone, especially the American government ignoring and humiliating ethnicities, taking away their basic human rights, even their history and everything they've fought for... for what? I am so, so sad, you can't even imagine.
July 8, 2016
The story continues for Sky & Raf - this book really highlights the inequality of laws and rights for Native Americans and certainly made for some annoying and angry moments. This is a sweet love story but it is secondary to life on the reservation, the sense of family and community is the greater focus. Really beautifully written
October 5, 2013
The Skylar and Rafael scenes are still very endearing, so pure and honest.
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