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Together We See
Not yet published
Expected 16 Jun 26This edge-of-your-seat Indigenous murder-mystery set in Costa Rica from Pura Belpré and Walter Dean Myers Award-winning author of
Saints of the Household
is perfect for fans of
Firekeeper's Daughter
and
Patron Saints of Nothing.
How far would you go to protect your land? To protect your family?
Told in multiple points of view, Together We See follows Ulá Dominguez, a Bribri-American teenager, searching for the truth behind her land-activist father's mysterious death on their Native territory in Costa Rica. Ulá and her brother, Kabék, uncover secrets and corruption as they face off against illegal loggers, kidnappers, settlers, and the local government in the hunt for clues. Their only allies are a few family friends and relatives still living in Bribri, as well as a young journalist, who may be in danger himself. But as details of their father's death emerge, long-held trust is broken. And in this sinister web of deception, no one is safe.
Inspired by real-world missing, dead, and attacked Indigenous activists, award-winning author Ari Tison writes her first novel in prose and pushes the envelope yet again by pulling together a propulsive story full of grief, environmental justice, and the fight for retribution.
How far would you go to protect your land? To protect your family?
Told in multiple points of view, Together We See follows Ulá Dominguez, a Bribri-American teenager, searching for the truth behind her land-activist father's mysterious death on their Native territory in Costa Rica. Ulá and her brother, Kabék, uncover secrets and corruption as they face off against illegal loggers, kidnappers, settlers, and the local government in the hunt for clues. Their only allies are a few family friends and relatives still living in Bribri, as well as a young journalist, who may be in danger himself. But as details of their father's death emerge, long-held trust is broken. And in this sinister web of deception, no one is safe.
Inspired by real-world missing, dead, and attacked Indigenous activists, award-winning author Ari Tison writes her first novel in prose and pushes the envelope yet again by pulling together a propulsive story full of grief, environmental justice, and the fight for retribution.
320 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication June 16, 2026
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March 23, 2026
What is not to love in this murder mystery: a strong protagonist standing on on the line of her lineage and her emotional turmoil, a rainforest setting contrasting with Wisconsin, & poetic language that creates imagery and an authentic voice to the villages we get to travel to. It’s a fast read with symbolic rainforest creatures such as the snake and the frog, and shows the hardships indigenous families have faced to keep their land and live safely. I really enjoyed learning about the Costa Rican culture, the Talamanca rainforest, and the Bribri people. I would have liked a little more closure between Manuel & Ula at the end; I felt like a conversation was missing between them, but overall, I liked the book a lot!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I wanted to like Ari Tison’s Together We See more than I did. Indigenous stories are finally starting to make some small inroads into mainstream storytelling, and they not only offer a new perspective, but also the connection to land, animals and ancestors that is a beautiful element missing from most books authored by white people.
Comparisons for the advanced copy were made to Firekeeper’s Daughter and Patrons Saints of Nothing, both of which I really enjoyed, and made me optimistic about Together We See. It’s okay, but I felt like it needed more character exploration, less narrators and a tighter focus.
The book is primarily told by Ula, who returns to her Costa Rican Bribri roots from her home with her mother in Wisconsin, after her father dies. But the book is also told by Ian, a reporter who has moved to Costa Rica to report on the less fortunate, and the Bribri ancestors as they watch over other characters in the story.
The book would have been better if it had been almost exclusively told by Ula, and it would have allowed more opportunity to explore her character and the complicated relationship she had with her father, Andres, how it affected the dynamic with her brother Kabek, who moved to Costa Rica to live with their dad, and her complicated relationship with Manuel, who has always lived there.
Instead, it pretty much only scratches the surface of how angry and disappointed Ula is because her father always seemed to put activism and rights for the Bribri people above the family he was supposed to care about the most. And even in death he does this too, beseeching seventeen year old Ula to look into his death, anticipating it is coming and won’t be of natural causes, and putting her in danger as a result.
Ula and Kabek are already suspicious about his death before finding the note he left behind, and they begin investigating behind the back of their Tia Paloma, with the help of Ian, Manuel, Liloh, and Liloh’s younger brother Mu. Mu goes missing, further validating that something sinister is going on.
But is it the logging that Ian is following up on that Andres was fighting against with a fellow activist, or land rights for his family he was pursuing on his own that led to his death? It all felt very muddled to me, and the Ian and Mu storylines didn’t feel like they added anything crucial to the story.
One thing I think it did pretty well is show how difficult it can make relationships when someone commits themselves to pursuing justice for their people. Andres is passionate about this and accomplishes things that matter to his community, but in doing so makes Ula feel like he either doesn’t have time for her, or sees her accomplishments as a way dedicate herself to the cause without considering if that’s what she wants to use her knowledge and skills for. It highlights both the loneliness and risk of fighting for your people’s land and livelihood, and the personal consequences for loved ones when someone commits themselves to an important but potentially deadly cause.
This wasn’t a long book, but there was almost too much going on. I think a longer book told exclusively by Ula, exploring her complicated relationship with her father, while unraveling the circumstances leading to his death, would have made for a more cohesive story. It would have better allowed the reader to understand Ula’s love for her heritage, and desire to have a better relationship with her father, while acknowledging that her father’s love of their people prevented him from being present for her.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Comparisons for the advanced copy were made to Firekeeper’s Daughter and Patrons Saints of Nothing, both of which I really enjoyed, and made me optimistic about Together We See. It’s okay, but I felt like it needed more character exploration, less narrators and a tighter focus.
The book is primarily told by Ula, who returns to her Costa Rican Bribri roots from her home with her mother in Wisconsin, after her father dies. But the book is also told by Ian, a reporter who has moved to Costa Rica to report on the less fortunate, and the Bribri ancestors as they watch over other characters in the story.
The book would have been better if it had been almost exclusively told by Ula, and it would have allowed more opportunity to explore her character and the complicated relationship she had with her father, Andres, how it affected the dynamic with her brother Kabek, who moved to Costa Rica to live with their dad, and her complicated relationship with Manuel, who has always lived there.
Instead, it pretty much only scratches the surface of how angry and disappointed Ula is because her father always seemed to put activism and rights for the Bribri people above the family he was supposed to care about the most. And even in death he does this too, beseeching seventeen year old Ula to look into his death, anticipating it is coming and won’t be of natural causes, and putting her in danger as a result.
Ula and Kabek are already suspicious about his death before finding the note he left behind, and they begin investigating behind the back of their Tia Paloma, with the help of Ian, Manuel, Liloh, and Liloh’s younger brother Mu. Mu goes missing, further validating that something sinister is going on.
But is it the logging that Ian is following up on that Andres was fighting against with a fellow activist, or land rights for his family he was pursuing on his own that led to his death? It all felt very muddled to me, and the Ian and Mu storylines didn’t feel like they added anything crucial to the story.
One thing I think it did pretty well is show how difficult it can make relationships when someone commits themselves to pursuing justice for their people. Andres is passionate about this and accomplishes things that matter to his community, but in doing so makes Ula feel like he either doesn’t have time for her, or sees her accomplishments as a way dedicate herself to the cause without considering if that’s what she wants to use her knowledge and skills for. It highlights both the loneliness and risk of fighting for your people’s land and livelihood, and the personal consequences for loved ones when someone commits themselves to an important but potentially deadly cause.
This wasn’t a long book, but there was almost too much going on. I think a longer book told exclusively by Ula, exploring her complicated relationship with her father, while unraveling the circumstances leading to his death, would have made for a more cohesive story. It would have better allowed the reader to understand Ula’s love for her heritage, and desire to have a better relationship with her father, while acknowledging that her father’s love of their people prevented him from being present for her.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Together We See
By Ari Tison
First, I’d like to thank Ari Tison, MacMillan Publishing Group, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this e-ARC of Together We See by Ari Tison
This book is a YA publication, but is just as interesting for adult readers like me. I was drawn to this book because I spent part of my college years studying in Costa Rica. Living in the capital, I received limited exposure to indigenous culture. Ari Tison does a very good job of including indigenous practices and ideas throughout the story. One aspect of Bribri culture is its matrilineal orientation, which plays a key role in this book.
The main characters are Bribri Americans, Ulá Dominguez and her brother Kabék. The story revolves around 3 main friction points. Those are: family dynamics, cultural differences, and indigenous difficulties with the Sikua (outsiders).
Ulá and Kabék’s parents are divorced, with Ulá living in Wisconsin with their mother, and Kabék living with their father in Costa Rica. Ulá is interested in her indigenous heritage, but feels pressured by their father, who is a land protection activist in the Bribri territory.
Indigenous territories in Costa Rica have some similarities to the reservation system in the US. Key differences are the territories lack autonomous governments and land rights are much more vague.
Ulá and Kabék travel to Costa Rica when their father dies unexpectedly. They are faced with unraveling the truth behind his mysterious death. Is it due to natural causes, his activism, family conflicts, or something else? And who is next?
Other important characters are their father’s sister, Tía Paloma, journalist Ian, and childhood friend Manuel. The natural world also plays a significant role in the story.
The book was entertaining and nicely paced. Tison does well with building suspense but less well with credible misdirects. The story was told from multiple points of view. Because of the setting it could have devolved into a myriad of details. There was just enough information about the rainforest to set the scene, without being overwhelming. Bribri cultural practices were woven into the book in a natural and immersive way.
The action was appropriate for the intended audience, but is a very worthwhile read for adults as well. If you enjoy mysteries that include indigenous culture, and a tropical setting, this one’s for you!
By Ari Tison
First, I’d like to thank Ari Tison, MacMillan Publishing Group, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this e-ARC of Together We See by Ari Tison
This book is a YA publication, but is just as interesting for adult readers like me. I was drawn to this book because I spent part of my college years studying in Costa Rica. Living in the capital, I received limited exposure to indigenous culture. Ari Tison does a very good job of including indigenous practices and ideas throughout the story. One aspect of Bribri culture is its matrilineal orientation, which plays a key role in this book.
The main characters are Bribri Americans, Ulá Dominguez and her brother Kabék. The story revolves around 3 main friction points. Those are: family dynamics, cultural differences, and indigenous difficulties with the Sikua (outsiders).
Ulá and Kabék’s parents are divorced, with Ulá living in Wisconsin with their mother, and Kabék living with their father in Costa Rica. Ulá is interested in her indigenous heritage, but feels pressured by their father, who is a land protection activist in the Bribri territory.
Indigenous territories in Costa Rica have some similarities to the reservation system in the US. Key differences are the territories lack autonomous governments and land rights are much more vague.
Ulá and Kabék travel to Costa Rica when their father dies unexpectedly. They are faced with unraveling the truth behind his mysterious death. Is it due to natural causes, his activism, family conflicts, or something else? And who is next?
Other important characters are their father’s sister, Tía Paloma, journalist Ian, and childhood friend Manuel. The natural world also plays a significant role in the story.
The book was entertaining and nicely paced. Tison does well with building suspense but less well with credible misdirects. The story was told from multiple points of view. Because of the setting it could have devolved into a myriad of details. There was just enough information about the rainforest to set the scene, without being overwhelming. Bribri cultural practices were woven into the book in a natural and immersive way.
The action was appropriate for the intended audience, but is a very worthwhile read for adults as well. If you enjoy mysteries that include indigenous culture, and a tropical setting, this one’s for you!
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
3.75/5 ⭐
"Se ne suwe. And I remember what it means: together we see. It means even when we are apart, we still continue together. We see for one another. No one is ever alone. Separation doesn't stop us."
This novel shines most in its cultural richness and emotional authenticity. Tison’s portrayal of the Bribri people of Costa Rica feels immersive and thoughtfully rendered, offering readers a perspective that is both educational and deeply human. One of the strongest elements is Ula’s internal conflict—her struggle to honor her heritage while navigating the expectations and realities of the modern world is compelling and nuanced. The relationship and the complicated feelings between Ula and her father are raw and honest. That tension grounds the story, giving it a sense of realism that makes the characters and their decisions feel genuine rather than manufactured.
However, the narrative structure doesn’t always serve the story as well as it could. The abundance of points of view becomes overwhelming at times, particularly when the narration shifts in and out of ancestral voices. While this stylistic choice is ambitious and thematically relevant, it can blur the lines between perspectives, making it difficult to follow who is speaking and when. Instead of enhancing the story, these transitions occasionally pull the reader out of the experience.
The pacing toward the end is where the novel stumbles the most. After spending so much time carefully building motivations, relationships, and cultural context, the conclusion arrives abruptly. The final chapters feel rushed, as though the story accelerates too quickly to its resolution without giving key moments the space they deserve. Expanding one of the final chapters—or even adding a few more—would have allowed the climax to land with greater emotional weight and cohesion.
Overall, Together We See is a meaningful and engaging read that excels in its cultural depth and character authenticity, but is held back by structural inconsistencies and an ending that feels too compressed for the journey it sets up.
"Se ne suwe. And I remember what it means: together we see. It means even when we are apart, we still continue together. We see for one another. No one is ever alone. Separation doesn't stop us."
This novel shines most in its cultural richness and emotional authenticity. Tison’s portrayal of the Bribri people of Costa Rica feels immersive and thoughtfully rendered, offering readers a perspective that is both educational and deeply human. One of the strongest elements is Ula’s internal conflict—her struggle to honor her heritage while navigating the expectations and realities of the modern world is compelling and nuanced. The relationship and the complicated feelings between Ula and her father are raw and honest. That tension grounds the story, giving it a sense of realism that makes the characters and their decisions feel genuine rather than manufactured.
However, the narrative structure doesn’t always serve the story as well as it could. The abundance of points of view becomes overwhelming at times, particularly when the narration shifts in and out of ancestral voices. While this stylistic choice is ambitious and thematically relevant, it can blur the lines between perspectives, making it difficult to follow who is speaking and when. Instead of enhancing the story, these transitions occasionally pull the reader out of the experience.
The pacing toward the end is where the novel stumbles the most. After spending so much time carefully building motivations, relationships, and cultural context, the conclusion arrives abruptly. The final chapters feel rushed, as though the story accelerates too quickly to its resolution without giving key moments the space they deserve. Expanding one of the final chapters—or even adding a few more—would have allowed the climax to land with greater emotional weight and cohesion.
Overall, Together We See is a meaningful and engaging read that excels in its cultural depth and character authenticity, but is held back by structural inconsistencies and an ending that feels too compressed for the journey it sets up.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I would have read this no matter what since it was about indigenous Costa Ricans, but this was really sold to me as a book similar to The Firekeeper’s Daughter. It was sort of the same, but the protagonist, Ula was not nearly as proactive as Daunis. She lets things happen to her, as opposed to seeking things out. Most of the book is Ula and her brother Kabek accidentally finding things and other people figuring everything out and telling them what they learned.
There’s also a maddening amount of times when people don’t talk to each other, or refuse to answer direct questions. (Like why is Ula’s aunt lying to her at certain parts of the book? It doesn’t make sense.) Jorge also moves along at a very convenient time, and how did no one figure out who was involved until the very end when it’s such a small community, and many other things that mixed up the whole story. However, buried in the mess of plot was an interesting thought of how should land be rematriated back to the people it originally belonged to. The colonizers have been here for so long now that they have built their own connection to the land that was stolen from the original people. They have their own version of love for the land their ancestors stole, so how should those feelings be acknowledged? I liked the way the story ended, but it does leave a lingering question of how land repatriation should be decided.
This wasn’t bad, but The Firekeeper’s Daughter was much better. Read both and see which one you like better.
There’s also a maddening amount of times when people don’t talk to each other, or refuse to answer direct questions. (Like why is Ula’s aunt lying to her at certain parts of the book? It doesn’t make sense.) Jorge also moves along at a very convenient time, and how did no one figure out who was involved until the very end when it’s such a small community, and many other things that mixed up the whole story. However, buried in the mess of plot was an interesting thought of how should land be rematriated back to the people it originally belonged to. The colonizers have been here for so long now that they have built their own connection to the land that was stolen from the original people. They have their own version of love for the land their ancestors stole, so how should those feelings be acknowledged? I liked the way the story ended, but it does leave a lingering question of how land repatriation should be decided.
This wasn’t bad, but The Firekeeper’s Daughter was much better. Read both and see which one you like better.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4 stars
After really enjoying Tison's previous work, I was thrilled to get into this YA mystery. Tison, again, delivered.
Ula and Kabek's father dies mysteriously in Costa Rica. There are all kinds of theories about what happened to him and why, and most of these concerns revolve around his role as a land activist. The siblings are determined to uncover the truth, and they have few helpers for the cause. It's clear that in addition to solving the murder, they'll also be - ideally - repairing and building some relationships.
I enjoyed the mystery, but the standouts here for me are the representation, the focus on missing and/or harmed activists, and the character development, especially of Ula. There's a lot to learn, too. I was not aware of most of the central land issues when I arrived to this read. I enjoyed the fictional aspects and the content I learned on that front.
This is another great read from Tison, and I'll be recommending it to my students.
*Special thanks to NetGalley, Fierce Reads, and Macmillan Young Listeners for this widget and alc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
After really enjoying Tison's previous work, I was thrilled to get into this YA mystery. Tison, again, delivered.
Ula and Kabek's father dies mysteriously in Costa Rica. There are all kinds of theories about what happened to him and why, and most of these concerns revolve around his role as a land activist. The siblings are determined to uncover the truth, and they have few helpers for the cause. It's clear that in addition to solving the murder, they'll also be - ideally - repairing and building some relationships.
I enjoyed the mystery, but the standouts here for me are the representation, the focus on missing and/or harmed activists, and the character development, especially of Ula. There's a lot to learn, too. I was not aware of most of the central land issues when I arrived to this read. I enjoyed the fictional aspects and the content I learned on that front.
This is another great read from Tison, and I'll be recommending it to my students.
*Special thanks to NetGalley, Fierce Reads, and Macmillan Young Listeners for this widget and alc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I don't think an average teen reader will stick with this one even though it shares a piece of history of the Bribri culture in Costa Rica and the toll activism can take on people and families who are fighting for justice. However it isn't jarring enough and fast-paced enough to keep the attention of readers, including my adult self.
I regularly booktalk Tison's first book Saints of the Household because of the narrative and poetic styling and the dual POV of the brothers, however the multiple perspectives and times in this story slowed down the storytelling rather than picking it up. And without high-intensity and action with the nervousness of catching the bad people while dealing with the grief of the father's death, it didn't move me emotionally. It is important for visibility? Yes absolutely and there are the intricate pieces of family dynamics, history of land ownership and people rights, that are worthy of a read but it didn't work packaged for a teen audience. It will be a hard sell for our high schoolers.
I regularly booktalk Tison's first book Saints of the Household because of the narrative and poetic styling and the dual POV of the brothers, however the multiple perspectives and times in this story slowed down the storytelling rather than picking it up. And without high-intensity and action with the nervousness of catching the bad people while dealing with the grief of the father's death, it didn't move me emotionally. It is important for visibility? Yes absolutely and there are the intricate pieces of family dynamics, history of land ownership and people rights, that are worthy of a read but it didn't work packaged for a teen audience. It will be a hard sell for our high schoolers.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I won this ARC in a GoodReads Giveaway but that in no way influenced my review.
This was definitely more of a Young Adult selection than I'd normally read and i do believe YA readers will enjoy this story.
The book is educational and at least partly autobiographical on the author's part. The story concerns a young girl (Ula) raised in Wisconsin whose father is Indigenous Bribri from Costa Rica. She and her brother share two ethnicities and the complexities of the situation unfold in the story. Their father returned to the native land in Costa Rica where he died. Was it a natural death or murder? The readers learn the details along with Ula and her brother. Ula learns that the Bribri society is matriarchal and that she is heir to land which she doesn't think she wants there. And so the story unfolds.
I should also note that the cover photo is amazing. After reading the book check the cover photo again to find many elements of the story woven into the image.
This was definitely more of a Young Adult selection than I'd normally read and i do believe YA readers will enjoy this story.
The book is educational and at least partly autobiographical on the author's part. The story concerns a young girl (Ula) raised in Wisconsin whose father is Indigenous Bribri from Costa Rica. She and her brother share two ethnicities and the complexities of the situation unfold in the story. Their father returned to the native land in Costa Rica where he died. Was it a natural death or murder? The readers learn the details along with Ula and her brother. Ula learns that the Bribri society is matriarchal and that she is heir to land which she doesn't think she wants there. And so the story unfolds.
I should also note that the cover photo is amazing. After reading the book check the cover photo again to find many elements of the story woven into the image.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Together We See by Ari Tison is a gripping young adult mystery that blends suspense with powerful themes of family, identity, and environmental justice. The story follows Ulá Dominguez as she investigates the mysterious death of her land-activist father on Indigenous territory in Costa Rica, uncovering corruption and dangerous secrets along the way. Told through multiple perspectives, the novel keeps the tension high while also grounding the mystery in the emotional weight of grief and the fight to protect land and community.
What makes the book especially compelling is how it balances a fast-paced investigation with deeper social themes. Tison highlights the real-world risks faced by Indigenous activists while creating characters that feel authentic and determined. The result is a thoughtful and engaging story that encourages readers to reflect on justice, loyalty, and how far someone might go to defend their family and homeland.
What makes the book especially compelling is how it balances a fast-paced investigation with deeper social themes. Tison highlights the real-world risks faced by Indigenous activists while creating characters that feel authentic and determined. The result is a thoughtful and engaging story that encourages readers to reflect on justice, loyalty, and how far someone might go to defend their family and homeland.
April 21, 2026
I'd like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. In exchange, I am providing an honest review.
This book is so good. It is well written with a tight pacing that kept me hooked. It's the kind of book I wanted to call in to work for, just so I could read it all day.
The characters are likeable, even in their imperfections. I love how Tison crafted such a complex relationship between Ula and her father, and how Ula has to navigate his world when he is no longer there.
I also really loved learning about aspects of Bribris culture as presented in this book. It made me want to learn more about their people.
Overall, it's a fascinating read that offers a lot for readers. Like a good mystery? Here you go. Want a complex family story of navigating strained relationships? We got that. Ready to learn about a new culture? Have I got the book for you.
This book is so good. It is well written with a tight pacing that kept me hooked. It's the kind of book I wanted to call in to work for, just so I could read it all day.
The characters are likeable, even in their imperfections. I love how Tison crafted such a complex relationship between Ula and her father, and how Ula has to navigate his world when he is no longer there.
I also really loved learning about aspects of Bribris culture as presented in this book. It made me want to learn more about their people.
Overall, it's a fascinating read that offers a lot for readers. Like a good mystery? Here you go. Want a complex family story of navigating strained relationships? We got that. Ready to learn about a new culture? Have I got the book for you.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
In this YA mystery/thriller, the tension builds slowly as Ulá and her brother Kabék travel to the Bribri reservation in Costa Rica for the burial of their father who has apparently died of a heart attack. Slowly, readers learn about their complicated relationships as well as the enigmatic person who was their father; slowly details become clear and the siblings discover he was murdered. As they begin to track down the murderer, the tension slowly builds. At times, I was frustrated by plot gaps, but Tison's atmospheric storytelling drew me in until the action suddenly leapt forward. Any minor complaints were forgotten as the book raced towards its exciting conclusion. Recommended for readers who like "Firekeeper's Daughter".
Review based on a DRC from Edelweiss+.
Review based on a DRC from Edelweiss+.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
(4.5) As a bibliotherapist, I appreciated how Together We See holds space for complicated grief. Ulá’s story reminds us that you can love someone, miss them, and still feel angry, hurt, or disappointed by them and all of that can exist at the same time. That emotional truth is real, especially for folks navigating strained family relationships or loss without closure.
I also love how Ari Tison honors Bribri culture in a way not just informative but crucial to understanding cultural nuances and character motivations. There’s a deeper thread here about environmental justice and the real risks Indigenous activists face, which adds weight and urgency to Ulá’s story. This is a meaningful read if you’re sitting with identity, grief, and what it means to make peace with where you come from.
I also love how Ari Tison honors Bribri culture in a way not just informative but crucial to understanding cultural nuances and character motivations. There’s a deeper thread here about environmental justice and the real risks Indigenous activists face, which adds weight and urgency to Ulá’s story. This is a meaningful read if you’re sitting with identity, grief, and what it means to make peace with where you come from.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Thanks to the author, I'm learning more about the Bribri and their experience in Costa Rica and America.
This is more of a mystery than Saints of the Household, which I loved and was thrilled we added to the Morris Award list in 2024. There's a tension between Ulá and Kabék, not to mention Ulá and her father. Having to return to the territory to bury their father, dealing with the question of how did he die, and how she actually feels about all this (and her heritage as a biracial girl) takes up most of the emotional space in the book. Readers will also learn more about the Bribri struggle with Costa Rican authorities, their independence struggles and heritage. Example? Their father doesn't have an actual street address in the territory, it's more "a mile past the last house after the grocery story" directions kind of place -- how does that translate? and how does a culture adapt to more regulated regime that also wants its resources?
eARC provided by publisher via Netgalley.
This is more of a mystery than Saints of the Household, which I loved and was thrilled we added to the Morris Award list in 2024. There's a tension between Ulá and Kabék, not to mention Ulá and her father. Having to return to the territory to bury their father, dealing with the question of how did he die, and how she actually feels about all this (and her heritage as a biracial girl) takes up most of the emotional space in the book. Readers will also learn more about the Bribri struggle with Costa Rican authorities, their independence struggles and heritage. Example? Their father doesn't have an actual street address in the territory, it's more "a mile past the last house after the grocery story" directions kind of place -- how does that translate? and how does a culture adapt to more regulated regime that also wants its resources?
eARC provided by publisher via Netgalley.
Read
March 24, 2026A dual perspective mystery set on a Costa Rican Bribri reservation.
When her estranged activist father dies suddenly, Bribri-American high school senior Ulá Dominguez returns to her father and brother's home on the Bribri reservation to assist with funeral arrangements. But when suspicions of foul play arise, Ulá and her brother Kabék must race against time to find the murderer before they become victims themselves.
Ulá's first person narration is interspersed with scenes narrated by all-seeing ancestral matriarchs.
Ambitious and unique, but I felt that the pacing lagged in the first half of the book.
When her estranged activist father dies suddenly, Bribri-American high school senior Ulá Dominguez returns to her father and brother's home on the Bribri reservation to assist with funeral arrangements. But when suspicions of foul play arise, Ulá and her brother Kabék must race against time to find the murderer before they become victims themselves.
Ulá's first person narration is interspersed with scenes narrated by all-seeing ancestral matriarchs.
Ambitious and unique, but I felt that the pacing lagged in the first half of the book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It is a riveting tale that draws you in slowly from Wisconsin to Costa Rica. It covers several important topics such as land back, indigenous rights, and corruption. I think in the end I would have liked a bit more of a conclusion at the end as I felt things were left a little open.
ARC from Netgalley and publisher.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Read this if you:
•want to learn about indigenous activism
•like character development
•enjoy a mystery
This was really cool to learn about the culture. It brought up a lot of things that indigenous communities & indigenous activists face. This is YA and I really appreciated the character development. Thank you MACMILLIAN for eARC!
•want to learn about indigenous activism
•like character development
•enjoy a mystery
This was really cool to learn about the culture. It brought up a lot of things that indigenous communities & indigenous activists face. This is YA and I really appreciated the character development. Thank you MACMILLIAN for eARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a YA book about a Bribri-American girl who goes to Costa Rica when her father dies unexpectedly. It’s a good mystery, with lots of cultural history and solid character development.
I received an early copy through Netgalley but all opinions are my own.
I received an early copy through Netgalley but all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
suspense and fun reading.
Want to Read
March 11, 2026ok. it is fair reading
May 18, 2026
Slower moving than her last novel. Great insights into the culture and rituals. Needs more character development and better pacing to engage younger readers.
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