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When We Were Young #1
Two Princes
Billy Redsky, a rebellious punk who loves art and nature, is saddled with a welfare-leeching, alcoholic mother and criminal older brother who are the joke of their Ojibway community. Sick and tired of being perceived as a loser, Billy deals drugs for his older brother to earn quick money. He hopes if he buys a dirt bike, he’ll finally impress the chief’s popular and aloof son, René Oshawee. When the two are forced to serve detention together, a friendship begins to bloom, but much to Billy’s frustration, René keeps putting him on ice. To make his biggest dream come true if he finally wants to call René his own, Billy must make a huge decision that could cost him everything.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 12, 2020
About the author
Maggie Blackbird
26 books340 followersAn Ojibway from Northwestern Ontario, Maggie resides in the country with her husband and their fur babies, two beautiful Alaskan Malamutes. When she’s not writing, she can be found pulling weeds in the flower beds, mowing the huge lawn, walking the Mals deep in the bush, teeing up a ball at the golf course, fishing in the boat for walleye, or sitting on the deck at her sister’s house, making more wonderful memories with the people she loves most.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 20, 2021
Chi’miigwech to Maggie Blackbird for the review copy!
Two Princes was a really enjoyable read for me. It’s the first instalment of the When We Were Young series and I felt Blackbird (Ojibwe) dealt with a lot of important subject matter ranging from addiction, cultural connection, systemic issues and how they fail Indigenous folks, sexuality and grappling with identity as an Indigenous teenager.
This is my third time reading Blackbirds writing and every time I’ve read her work the connection between the characters was palpable and I became invested in their stories, Two Princes was no different as a romance novel with a realistic progression.
It’s important to have Indigenous literature written by Indigenous writers that gives space for LGBTQ2S teens to feel represented & understood. This series does just that.
Two Princes was a really enjoyable read for me. It’s the first instalment of the When We Were Young series and I felt Blackbird (Ojibwe) dealt with a lot of important subject matter ranging from addiction, cultural connection, systemic issues and how they fail Indigenous folks, sexuality and grappling with identity as an Indigenous teenager.
This is my third time reading Blackbirds writing and every time I’ve read her work the connection between the characters was palpable and I became invested in their stories, Two Princes was no different as a romance novel with a realistic progression.
It’s important to have Indigenous literature written by Indigenous writers that gives space for LGBTQ2S teens to feel represented & understood. This series does just that.
January 31, 2022
I had a hard time getting into this story at first. It’s the first installment of the When We Were Young series, which follows two Queer Indigenous teenagers Billy Redsky and René Oshawee as they grapple with sexuality and identity.
Billy and René are presented in a believable way and their relationship progresses realistically. It’s important to have Indigenous literature written by Indigenous writers that gives a space for LGBTQ+ youth to feel represented and seen. Overall, this is a valuable novel that I highly recommend to both teenagers and adults alike.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this title at no cost via Gay Book Promotions for Review Purposes. All opinions in my review are my own. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
Billy and René are presented in a believable way and their relationship progresses realistically. It’s important to have Indigenous literature written by Indigenous writers that gives a space for LGBTQ+ youth to feel represented and seen. Overall, this is a valuable novel that I highly recommend to both teenagers and adults alike.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this title at no cost via Gay Book Promotions for Review Purposes. All opinions in my review are my own. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
July 27, 2020
Billy Redsky is an artistically talented boy who comes from a pathological family, which affects his everyday life, behavior and choices. He just wants to be noticed at school, impress people he admires in some respects, in particular this one boy – René Oshawee, the son of the Ojibway community's chef. One day, Billy and René's heated argument ends with after-school detention and that's when everything in their life slowly begins to change. Although Billy and René are so different from each other, they quickly become friends and Billy is willing to pay any price to be with René. The better the boys get to know each other, the deeper their feelings are. But is Billy's courage and his persistence in pursuing his goal enough to help René finally open up and accept his feelings?
"Two Princes" is part in "When We Were Young" series by Maggie Blackbird, which I already consider truly fantastic, extremely valuable and worth recommending. It is a young adult novel, intended largely for teenage readers, as the main characters are about 15-16 years old. Therefore, I believe we should take a look at the way they are shown in this story. I admit, I am very impressed with how well the author managed to capture the mentality, way of thinking and acting as well as some of the problems of young people. Billy and René are presented in a believable way which makes them real. This is very important, because thanks to this fact, the reader, especially the young one, when reading this novel feels a deep connection with the characters who, to some extent, are just like them, so they feel that they are not alone and can truly identify with Billy and René.
The broadly understood courage is one of the very important topics raised and developed in the novel. In "Two Princes" we see the courage to face your fears, say "no", do the right thing, fight for your dreams, change, allow yourself to get help, accept yourself. I must admit that the author positively surprised me. In her novel, Maggie Blackbird created two really strong young characters who, in sometimes really difficult situations, are able to make very difficult but right decisions. They do not wait for a miracle, they do not wait for the fate to provide them with a solution to their problems. They take action, find the strength to fight, act, change something. Thus, they are the characters who are role models for the readers, and the whole novel carries a very important message: you are young, but you don't have to be a victim; it's up to you to take the first step if you want to change something; love yourself and let others love you; you are an important, valuable person.
As "Two Princes" is a novel intended for teenage readers, I am really glad that it focuses on a topic which is very important to young people: the friendship. Maggie Blackbird in a truly wonderful and detailed way shows the importance of friendship, the ups and downs of seeking and finding it, and the need for acceptance. In my opinion, it is extremely important that the boys Billy is friends with at the beginning are not the real friends he needs. What's more, he finds the real friends in people he didn't like as he didn't really know them. As for René, we see his somewhat complicated relationship with his team members, so people he wants to consider as friends, although in reality it's not that simple. In this way, the author shows her readers what true friendship really is, how valuable it is for a person, how much it can change their life, and at the same time encourages them to bravely look for it.
Another topic that dominates the life of almost every young person and which is also a very important element of this novel's plot are romantic feelings, first love. Also in this respect, Maggie Blackbird builds her novel very realistically and believably. The fact that not only her characters but also their feelings are shown in "Two Princes" in a believable and convincing way is another of the countless advantages of this novel. Moreover, the author links the theme of feelings with the acceptance of oneself and one's sexual orientation. In this case, it seems very important to me that while one of the characters is bisexual, the other is gay. This gives the author a chance to emphasize the problem of self-acceptance and youthful love even more thoroughly and deeply. The author shows how difficult it is for René to accept his orientation and attraction to Billy, as well as reveals how in this context the boy perceives the bisexuality of his friend/object of his romantic interest.
All things considered, "Two Princes" is a great and valuable novel that I highly recommend to both teenage readers, who are the age of the main characters, and adults. In this book we find not only an interesting, instructive story full of hope, but also reliable, brave and really strong characters who show us why it is worth going against the tide sometimes. This is undeniably one of the best young adult novels I have read.
________________________________________
Billy Redsky to utalentowany artystycznie chłopak, który pochodzi z patologicznej rodziny, co odbija się na jego życiu codziennym, zachowaniu, dokonywanych przez niego wyborach. Chłopak pragnie zaistnieć w szkole, zaimponować osobom, które pod pewnymi względami podziwia, a w szczególności jednej – René Oshawee, synowi wodza społeczności Ojibway. Kiedy między chłopcami dochodzi do kłótni, która kończy się szkolną karą, wszystko w ich życiu zaczyna się powoli zmieniać. Bo chociaż Billy i René są od siebie tak bardzo różni, nawiązuje się między nimi przyjaźń, za którą Billy jest gotowy zapłacić każdą cenę. Im bliżej chłopcy się poznają, tym głębsze stają się ich uczucia. Ale czy odwaga Billy’ego i jego wytrwałość w dążeniu do celu wystarczą aby René w końcu się otworzył i zaakceptował to, co czuje?
„Two Princes” jest częścią serii „When We Were Young” autorstwa Maggie Blackbird, którą już teraz mogę z powodzeniem określić jako naprawdę fantastyczną, ogromnie wartościową i godną polecenia. Jest to powieść young adult przeznaczona w dużej mierze dla nastoletnich czytelników, której główni bohaterowie mają około 15-16 lat. Dlatego też uważam, że warto zwrócić uwagę na to, w jaki sposób zostali w tej historii ukazani. Przyznaję, że jestem pod ogromnym wrażeniem tego, jak doskonale autorce udało się oddać mentalność, sposób myślenia i działania oraz niektóre problemy młodych osób. Billy i René zostali przedstawieni w naprawdę realny, prawdopodobny sposób. To bardzo istotne, ponieważ właśnie dzięki temu czytelnik, w szczególności młody, sięgając po tę powieść czuje głęboką więź z bohaterami, którzy w pewnym stopniu są tacy jak on, czuje więc, że nie jest sam i może identyfikować się z Billym i René.
Bardzo ważnym tematem podjętym i rozwiniętym w powieści jest szeroko pojęta odwaga. W „Two Princes” widzimy bowiem odwagę by spojrzeć w oczy strachowi, powiedzieć „nie”, postąpić właściwie, walczyć o swoje marzenia, zmienić się, pozwolić sobie pomóc, zaakceptować siebie. Muszę przyznać, że autorka naprawdę pozytywnie mnie zaskoczyła. W swojej powieści stworzyła dwóch naprawdę silnych młodych bohaterów, którzy w czasami naprawdę trudnych sytuacjach sami podejmują bardzo trudne, ale właściwe decyzje. Oni nie czekają na cud, nie czekają aż los sam podeśle im rozwiązanie problemu, ale podejmują działanie, znajdują w sobie siłę, aby walczyć, działać, coś zmienić. Tym samym, są bohaterami, którzy stanowią dla czytelników wzór do naśladowania, a cała powieść niesie ze sobą bardzo ważny przekaz – jesteś młody, ale nie musisz być ofiarą; to do Ciebie należy pierwszy krok jeśli chcesz coś zmienić; pokochaj siebie i pozwól by kochali Cię inni; jesteś ważną, wartościową osobą.
„Two Princes” to powieść dla nastoletnich czytelników, toteż cieszę się, że podejmuje temat jakże ważny dla osób w młodym wieku – przyjaźń. Maggie Blackbird w naprawdę wspaniały i szczegółowy sposób ukazuje znaczenie przyjaźni, wzloty i upadki związane z jej poszukiwaniem i odnalezieniem oraz potrzebę akceptacji. Duże znaczenie ma moim zdaniem fakt, iż chłopcy, z którymi na początku przyjaźni się Billy nie są tak naprawdę tymi prawdziwymi przyjaciółmi, których chłopak potrzebuje. Co więcej, prawdziwych przyjaciół znajduje w osobach, po których zupełnie się tego nie spodziewał. Co się zaś tyczy René, w jego przypadku widzimy jego trochę skomplikowane relacje z członkami jego zespołu, a więc osobami, które chce uważać za przyjaciół, chociaż w rzeczywistości nie jest to takie proste. W ten sposób autorka pokazuje swoim czytelnikom, czym tak naprawdę jest prawdziwa przyjaźń, jak wiele daje człowiekowi, jak dalece może zmienić jego życie, a jednocześnie zachęca do odważnego jej poszukiwania.
Innym tematem, który dominuje w życiu niemal każdego młodego człowieka i który stanowi także bardzo istotny element fabuły tej powieści są romantyczne uczucia, pierwsza miłość. Również pod tym względem Maggie Blackbird buduje swoją powieść bardzo realnie i prawdopodobnie. Fakt, że nie tylko jej bohaterowie, ale także ich uczucia zostały ukazane w „Two Princes” naprawdę wiarygodnie jest kolejną z niezliczonych zalet tej powieści. Co więcej, autorka łączy temat uczuć względem drugiej osoby z akceptacją siebie i swojej orientacji seksualnej. W tym wypadku bardzo istotne wydaje mi się to, że podczas gdy jeden z bohaterów jest biseksualny, drugi jest gejem. To dało jej możliwość tym dokładniejszego i głębszego ukazania problemu akceptacji samego siebie oraz młodzieńczej miłości. Autorka pokazuje bowiem jak trudno jest René zaakceptować swoją orientację i zainteresowanie Billym, jak również zdradza, jak w tym kontekście chłopak postrzega biseksualizm przyjaciela/obiektu swojego romantycznego zainteresowania.
Podsumowując, „Two Princes” to wspaniała i wartościowa powieść, którą gorąco polecam zarówno nastoletnim czytelnikom będącym w wieku głównych bohaterów, jak i tym dorosłym. Znajdziemy tu bowiem nie tylko interesującą, pouczającą i pełną nadziei historię, ale także wiarygodnych, odważnych i naprawdę silnych bohaterów, którzy pokazują nam dlaczego warto czasami iść pod prąd. To niezaprzeczalnie jedna z najlepszych powieści young adult jakie czytałam.
"Two Princes" is part in "When We Were Young" series by Maggie Blackbird, which I already consider truly fantastic, extremely valuable and worth recommending. It is a young adult novel, intended largely for teenage readers, as the main characters are about 15-16 years old. Therefore, I believe we should take a look at the way they are shown in this story. I admit, I am very impressed with how well the author managed to capture the mentality, way of thinking and acting as well as some of the problems of young people. Billy and René are presented in a believable way which makes them real. This is very important, because thanks to this fact, the reader, especially the young one, when reading this novel feels a deep connection with the characters who, to some extent, are just like them, so they feel that they are not alone and can truly identify with Billy and René.
The broadly understood courage is one of the very important topics raised and developed in the novel. In "Two Princes" we see the courage to face your fears, say "no", do the right thing, fight for your dreams, change, allow yourself to get help, accept yourself. I must admit that the author positively surprised me. In her novel, Maggie Blackbird created two really strong young characters who, in sometimes really difficult situations, are able to make very difficult but right decisions. They do not wait for a miracle, they do not wait for the fate to provide them with a solution to their problems. They take action, find the strength to fight, act, change something. Thus, they are the characters who are role models for the readers, and the whole novel carries a very important message: you are young, but you don't have to be a victim; it's up to you to take the first step if you want to change something; love yourself and let others love you; you are an important, valuable person.
As "Two Princes" is a novel intended for teenage readers, I am really glad that it focuses on a topic which is very important to young people: the friendship. Maggie Blackbird in a truly wonderful and detailed way shows the importance of friendship, the ups and downs of seeking and finding it, and the need for acceptance. In my opinion, it is extremely important that the boys Billy is friends with at the beginning are not the real friends he needs. What's more, he finds the real friends in people he didn't like as he didn't really know them. As for René, we see his somewhat complicated relationship with his team members, so people he wants to consider as friends, although in reality it's not that simple. In this way, the author shows her readers what true friendship really is, how valuable it is for a person, how much it can change their life, and at the same time encourages them to bravely look for it.
Another topic that dominates the life of almost every young person and which is also a very important element of this novel's plot are romantic feelings, first love. Also in this respect, Maggie Blackbird builds her novel very realistically and believably. The fact that not only her characters but also their feelings are shown in "Two Princes" in a believable and convincing way is another of the countless advantages of this novel. Moreover, the author links the theme of feelings with the acceptance of oneself and one's sexual orientation. In this case, it seems very important to me that while one of the characters is bisexual, the other is gay. This gives the author a chance to emphasize the problem of self-acceptance and youthful love even more thoroughly and deeply. The author shows how difficult it is for René to accept his orientation and attraction to Billy, as well as reveals how in this context the boy perceives the bisexuality of his friend/object of his romantic interest.
All things considered, "Two Princes" is a great and valuable novel that I highly recommend to both teenage readers, who are the age of the main characters, and adults. In this book we find not only an interesting, instructive story full of hope, but also reliable, brave and really strong characters who show us why it is worth going against the tide sometimes. This is undeniably one of the best young adult novels I have read.
________________________________________
Billy Redsky to utalentowany artystycznie chłopak, który pochodzi z patologicznej rodziny, co odbija się na jego życiu codziennym, zachowaniu, dokonywanych przez niego wyborach. Chłopak pragnie zaistnieć w szkole, zaimponować osobom, które pod pewnymi względami podziwia, a w szczególności jednej – René Oshawee, synowi wodza społeczności Ojibway. Kiedy między chłopcami dochodzi do kłótni, która kończy się szkolną karą, wszystko w ich życiu zaczyna się powoli zmieniać. Bo chociaż Billy i René są od siebie tak bardzo różni, nawiązuje się między nimi przyjaźń, za którą Billy jest gotowy zapłacić każdą cenę. Im bliżej chłopcy się poznają, tym głębsze stają się ich uczucia. Ale czy odwaga Billy’ego i jego wytrwałość w dążeniu do celu wystarczą aby René w końcu się otworzył i zaakceptował to, co czuje?
„Two Princes” jest częścią serii „When We Were Young” autorstwa Maggie Blackbird, którą już teraz mogę z powodzeniem określić jako naprawdę fantastyczną, ogromnie wartościową i godną polecenia. Jest to powieść young adult przeznaczona w dużej mierze dla nastoletnich czytelników, której główni bohaterowie mają około 15-16 lat. Dlatego też uważam, że warto zwrócić uwagę na to, w jaki sposób zostali w tej historii ukazani. Przyznaję, że jestem pod ogromnym wrażeniem tego, jak doskonale autorce udało się oddać mentalność, sposób myślenia i działania oraz niektóre problemy młodych osób. Billy i René zostali przedstawieni w naprawdę realny, prawdopodobny sposób. To bardzo istotne, ponieważ właśnie dzięki temu czytelnik, w szczególności młody, sięgając po tę powieść czuje głęboką więź z bohaterami, którzy w pewnym stopniu są tacy jak on, czuje więc, że nie jest sam i może identyfikować się z Billym i René.
Bardzo ważnym tematem podjętym i rozwiniętym w powieści jest szeroko pojęta odwaga. W „Two Princes” widzimy bowiem odwagę by spojrzeć w oczy strachowi, powiedzieć „nie”, postąpić właściwie, walczyć o swoje marzenia, zmienić się, pozwolić sobie pomóc, zaakceptować siebie. Muszę przyznać, że autorka naprawdę pozytywnie mnie zaskoczyła. W swojej powieści stworzyła dwóch naprawdę silnych młodych bohaterów, którzy w czasami naprawdę trudnych sytuacjach sami podejmują bardzo trudne, ale właściwe decyzje. Oni nie czekają na cud, nie czekają aż los sam podeśle im rozwiązanie problemu, ale podejmują działanie, znajdują w sobie siłę, aby walczyć, działać, coś zmienić. Tym samym, są bohaterami, którzy stanowią dla czytelników wzór do naśladowania, a cała powieść niesie ze sobą bardzo ważny przekaz – jesteś młody, ale nie musisz być ofiarą; to do Ciebie należy pierwszy krok jeśli chcesz coś zmienić; pokochaj siebie i pozwól by kochali Cię inni; jesteś ważną, wartościową osobą.
„Two Princes” to powieść dla nastoletnich czytelników, toteż cieszę się, że podejmuje temat jakże ważny dla osób w młodym wieku – przyjaźń. Maggie Blackbird w naprawdę wspaniały i szczegółowy sposób ukazuje znaczenie przyjaźni, wzloty i upadki związane z jej poszukiwaniem i odnalezieniem oraz potrzebę akceptacji. Duże znaczenie ma moim zdaniem fakt, iż chłopcy, z którymi na początku przyjaźni się Billy nie są tak naprawdę tymi prawdziwymi przyjaciółmi, których chłopak potrzebuje. Co więcej, prawdziwych przyjaciół znajduje w osobach, po których zupełnie się tego nie spodziewał. Co się zaś tyczy René, w jego przypadku widzimy jego trochę skomplikowane relacje z członkami jego zespołu, a więc osobami, które chce uważać za przyjaciół, chociaż w rzeczywistości nie jest to takie proste. W ten sposób autorka pokazuje swoim czytelnikom, czym tak naprawdę jest prawdziwa przyjaźń, jak wiele daje człowiekowi, jak dalece może zmienić jego życie, a jednocześnie zachęca do odważnego jej poszukiwania.
Innym tematem, który dominuje w życiu niemal każdego młodego człowieka i który stanowi także bardzo istotny element fabuły tej powieści są romantyczne uczucia, pierwsza miłość. Również pod tym względem Maggie Blackbird buduje swoją powieść bardzo realnie i prawdopodobnie. Fakt, że nie tylko jej bohaterowie, ale także ich uczucia zostały ukazane w „Two Princes” naprawdę wiarygodnie jest kolejną z niezliczonych zalet tej powieści. Co więcej, autorka łączy temat uczuć względem drugiej osoby z akceptacją siebie i swojej orientacji seksualnej. W tym wypadku bardzo istotne wydaje mi się to, że podczas gdy jeden z bohaterów jest biseksualny, drugi jest gejem. To dało jej możliwość tym dokładniejszego i głębszego ukazania problemu akceptacji samego siebie oraz młodzieńczej miłości. Autorka pokazuje bowiem jak trudno jest René zaakceptować swoją orientację i zainteresowanie Billym, jak również zdradza, jak w tym kontekście chłopak postrzega biseksualizm przyjaciela/obiektu swojego romantycznego zainteresowania.
Podsumowując, „Two Princes” to wspaniała i wartościowa powieść, którą gorąco polecam zarówno nastoletnim czytelnikom będącym w wieku głównych bohaterów, jak i tym dorosłym. Znajdziemy tu bowiem nie tylko interesującą, pouczającą i pełną nadziei historię, ale także wiarygodnych, odważnych i naprawdę silnych bohaterów, którzy pokazują nam dlaczego warto czasami iść pod prąd. To niezaprzeczalnie jedna z najlepszych powieści young adult jakie czytałam.
August 13, 2022
watch me never write a review for this book/series because I will love it so much I can't put it even into simple sentences.
I did not expect to be knocked off my feet by this story. I fell in love with Billy by page 2, and René was not far behind. These characters are so real.
These two immediately get under each other's skin because they SEE each other - and it rubs them both the wrong way. The push and pull of the beginning of their relationship as they are still figuring each out how to get closer to without tripping any wires and hurting the other one - it's so good.
And we've barely even started!
Outside of their romantic mess, their lives are equally difficult. Billy's life is pretty terrible and watching both be wary of every person in his life while also guilelessly jumping into the first person's arms to shows him even an inkling of kindness? Damn near broke my heart.
With only Billy's POV you might think we don't get insight on René but jokes on you cause Blackbird cleverly lets the reader know things Billy takes a little longer to catch up on. And NED! My kingdom for more characters like Ned who are just exemplary adults and general human beings. His advice, both the acknowledgment of systemic issues and intergenerational trauma and the importance of putting in the work, while maintaining a positive relationship with the teens - I loved those scenes.
I don't know much about rez life in Canada in the 90's but I do know a bit about figuring out your sexuality when you (appear to be) the only queer one around. Those conversations, sometimes angry, sometimes hurt, were really well done and there is space for these teenagers to work themselves out while maybe not always saying the right things.
(Some lines are a bit much, a few moments where the turnaround was veeery quick but goddammit if I wasn't the same at 16. And it's truly minimal.)
Look. I love sad, hard-hitting romances. They are my bread and butter. I love for my main characters to really hurt before we get the comfort. And I can feel it, this series will deliver it. Cause get what, the entire series is just about those two.
I did not expect to be knocked off my feet by this story. I fell in love with Billy by page 2, and René was not far behind. These characters are so real.
These two immediately get under each other's skin because they SEE each other - and it rubs them both the wrong way. The push and pull of the beginning of their relationship as they are still figuring each out how to get closer to without tripping any wires and hurting the other one - it's so good.
And we've barely even started!
Outside of their romantic mess, their lives are equally difficult. Billy's life is pretty terrible and watching both be wary of every person in his life while also guilelessly jumping into the first person's arms to shows him even an inkling of kindness? Damn near broke my heart.
With only Billy's POV you might think we don't get insight on René but jokes on you cause Blackbird cleverly lets the reader know things Billy takes a little longer to catch up on. And NED! My kingdom for more characters like Ned who are just exemplary adults and general human beings. His advice, both the acknowledgment of systemic issues and intergenerational trauma and the importance of putting in the work, while maintaining a positive relationship with the teens - I loved those scenes.
I don't know much about rez life in Canada in the 90's but I do know a bit about figuring out your sexuality when you (appear to be) the only queer one around. Those conversations, sometimes angry, sometimes hurt, were really well done and there is space for these teenagers to work themselves out while maybe not always saying the right things.
(Some lines are a bit much, a few moments where the turnaround was veeery quick but goddammit if I wasn't the same at 16. And it's truly minimal.)
Look. I love sad, hard-hitting romances. They are my bread and butter. I love for my main characters to really hurt before we get the comfort. And I can feel it, this series will deliver it. Cause get what, the entire series is just about those two.
July 19, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
Two Princes is a young adult story featuring a main character and love interest who are both indigenous and queer. Billy Redsky is fifteen and lives on a reservation and is bisexual; over the course of the book, he embraces more of the traditions of his people. René Oshawee is sixteen-going-on-seventeen and the son of the band’s chief (from context, I gathered that “band” is the general term for the indigenous group who lives on/is connected to a reservation) and fighting hard to keep his gay identity under wraps. I thought the book did an excellent job painting Billy as a teenager who is very naive about certain things, especially book-learning things, while also being pretty reasonably jaded about his circumstances in life and how to handle them.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
Two Princes is a young adult story featuring a main character and love interest who are both indigenous and queer. Billy Redsky is fifteen and lives on a reservation and is bisexual; over the course of the book, he embraces more of the traditions of his people. René Oshawee is sixteen-going-on-seventeen and the son of the band’s chief (from context, I gathered that “band” is the general term for the indigenous group who lives on/is connected to a reservation) and fighting hard to keep his gay identity under wraps. I thought the book did an excellent job painting Billy as a teenager who is very naive about certain things, especially book-learning things, while also being pretty reasonably jaded about his circumstances in life and how to handle them.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
January 28, 2022
I'm not usually into contemporary/realistic fiction (or I guess now it's historical fiction since it takes place in the 90's?) but this was a really entertaining read. The characterization is amazing (Rene and Billy have well-defined personalities and believable motivations) and while it takes a few chapters to gain momentum, it very quickly became hard to put the book down.
July 31, 2020
That's just how he saw things....
by and1515
His family wasn't anything to be proud of they seemed to make it their life's mission to throw as much dirt and muck on their name so everyone knew they were nothing but trash.
For the last year he'd been pedaling his brother's stupid product for chump change.
Honestly Billy knew even if there been any jobs available no one would hire him once they heard his name.
And of course he missed the school bus this wouldn't be the first time he'd been late and it probably won't be the last.
Never once in a million years did he expect someone like Rene Oshawee to offer him a ride to school. None of these idiots would ever look past my last name so it's all about trying to put me in my so called place.
Detention was anything but fun for either of them its truly easy to see how things like rumors and hersay can influence how we see others.
Okay so maybe he's brillant idea wasn't that great anymore especially having to deal with the unrelenting munches driving them crazy and oh yeah one nosey bear.
Billy should have known better why in the world did he honestly think things would be different but nope.
Sometimes fate throws a wicked curve ball at you meeting Ned certainly fit that category because Billy's understanding of a particular person became a little richer by just sitting there listening.
Billy wasn't sure what to think why had Rene covered for him? He was grateful that he had but he still couldn't understand why?
They were like a tempest and a teapot Billy truly did want to get to know him but getting past each others prenotions.
No.. And no again he didn't want to sale that crap anymore but unfortunately his brother didn't like hearing that word and the next thing he knew his stupid brother tried to prove to him just why he should change his mind.
Rene had been worried about Billy especially with the damage done to him he had to be in excruciating pain.
As much as Billy might have wanted to say something he knew better then to speak up because it would eventually come back to haunt him.
He'd been place temporarily in another home while they were investigating his incident which of course he still wouldn't say anything.
Billy wasn't sure how he could be suffering from whiplash while standing still but darn it all if he'd didn't with the way Rene acted around him hot one minute and freezing the next.
This was probably one of the most terrifying moments in his life they often say the truth will set you free?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
by and1515
His family wasn't anything to be proud of they seemed to make it their life's mission to throw as much dirt and muck on their name so everyone knew they were nothing but trash.
For the last year he'd been pedaling his brother's stupid product for chump change.
Honestly Billy knew even if there been any jobs available no one would hire him once they heard his name.
And of course he missed the school bus this wouldn't be the first time he'd been late and it probably won't be the last.
Never once in a million years did he expect someone like Rene Oshawee to offer him a ride to school. None of these idiots would ever look past my last name so it's all about trying to put me in my so called place.
Detention was anything but fun for either of them its truly easy to see how things like rumors and hersay can influence how we see others.
Okay so maybe he's brillant idea wasn't that great anymore especially having to deal with the unrelenting munches driving them crazy and oh yeah one nosey bear.
Billy should have known better why in the world did he honestly think things would be different but nope.
Sometimes fate throws a wicked curve ball at you meeting Ned certainly fit that category because Billy's understanding of a particular person became a little richer by just sitting there listening.
Billy wasn't sure what to think why had Rene covered for him? He was grateful that he had but he still couldn't understand why?
They were like a tempest and a teapot Billy truly did want to get to know him but getting past each others prenotions.
No.. And no again he didn't want to sale that crap anymore but unfortunately his brother didn't like hearing that word and the next thing he knew his stupid brother tried to prove to him just why he should change his mind.
Rene had been worried about Billy especially with the damage done to him he had to be in excruciating pain.
As much as Billy might have wanted to say something he knew better then to speak up because it would eventually come back to haunt him.
He'd been place temporarily in another home while they were investigating his incident which of course he still wouldn't say anything.
Billy wasn't sure how he could be suffering from whiplash while standing still but darn it all if he'd didn't with the way Rene acted around him hot one minute and freezing the next.
This was probably one of the most terrifying moments in his life they often say the truth will set you free?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 31, 2020
The story is based on a indigenous reservation and the surrounding nature. The world is very immersive and brought to life by the main character Billy Redsky his foster family.
We start with Billy a 16-year-old, who through no fault of his own is forced to sell drugs to his school mates or face severe kick ins by his elder brother. His mother a a drunk and is either out with her latest boyfriend or laid up in a drunken stupor. Billy survives on the money his brother gives him for selling the drugs, to feed himself. Worst of all is he carries his family name Redsky aka the lowest of the low on the reservation.
René Oshawee is the son of the reservations Chief, and on the outside, he is the coolest dude in school, all the girls adore him, and the guys admire him. But Rene has his own problems, he is struggling with his bisexuality and the expectations his father has of him.
We follow the two teenagers as they Slowly build a friendship, Billy wants to be more then friends with Rene. He has done for a long while. Rene seems to care for Billy and kind of takes him under his wing. But also sends mixed message that keep Billy second guessing.
The story deals with a lot of issues that Teenagers go through, from a drunken parent and a abusive brother to sexuality and parents and peer expectations and pressure.
Though there are many tough issues dealt with, I was left feeling positive and hopeful.
The chemistry between the two guys is perfectly portrayed in the authors writing style, and you feel the love the characters have for each other.
Rene gave Billy hope and friendship when he needed it most, and in doing so allowed Billy a chance to be himself. And Billy gives Rene the courage to face his sexuality.
I also really like the relationship between Billy and his foster father, and we learn a little about the indigenous culture.
A thoroughly enjoyable read that is not only thought provoking, making you think about life in other people’s shoes but also leaves you smiling and hopeful,
We start with Billy a 16-year-old, who through no fault of his own is forced to sell drugs to his school mates or face severe kick ins by his elder brother. His mother a a drunk and is either out with her latest boyfriend or laid up in a drunken stupor. Billy survives on the money his brother gives him for selling the drugs, to feed himself. Worst of all is he carries his family name Redsky aka the lowest of the low on the reservation.
René Oshawee is the son of the reservations Chief, and on the outside, he is the coolest dude in school, all the girls adore him, and the guys admire him. But Rene has his own problems, he is struggling with his bisexuality and the expectations his father has of him.
We follow the two teenagers as they Slowly build a friendship, Billy wants to be more then friends with Rene. He has done for a long while. Rene seems to care for Billy and kind of takes him under his wing. But also sends mixed message that keep Billy second guessing.
The story deals with a lot of issues that Teenagers go through, from a drunken parent and a abusive brother to sexuality and parents and peer expectations and pressure.
Though there are many tough issues dealt with, I was left feeling positive and hopeful.
The chemistry between the two guys is perfectly portrayed in the authors writing style, and you feel the love the characters have for each other.
Rene gave Billy hope and friendship when he needed it most, and in doing so allowed Billy a chance to be himself. And Billy gives Rene the courage to face his sexuality.
I also really like the relationship between Billy and his foster father, and we learn a little about the indigenous culture.
A thoroughly enjoyable read that is not only thought provoking, making you think about life in other people’s shoes but also leaves you smiling and hopeful,
August 2, 2020
Billy's been placed in temporary emergency foster care while his family situation is evaluated. Ned and Ellen are wonderful foster parents to Billy. They lay out their expectations immediately, and also what they intend to do for him in return. This is Billy's first real opportunity to learn of his indigenous heritage, which excites him. He has a developing friendship with Rene, who's two grades ahead of him in school, and comes from a wealthy family. As they find out what they have in common, Billy comes to understand that money doesn't come without responsibility. Rene's friendship gives Billy hope for a better future, as they come to terms with their sexuality. Aside from being a wonderful coming of age story, I always enjoy learning about the author's culture and history.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 3, 2020
I had a hard time getting into this story for some reason. This was my first time reading anything by Maggie Blackbird. Billy is rebellious, he deals drugs for his brother. One day he misses the bus and is offered a ride by Rene who he wants to impress. His family is a mess (that is putting it politely) nothing to be proud of. Billy and Rene get into an argument and end up in detention. They slowly become friends. This was actually a really good, hauntingly beautiful story.
I am voluntarily leaving a review form an ARC that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
I am voluntarily leaving a review form an ARC that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
June 29, 2020
Intrepid. So many different meanings for one word, but it is the perfect description for defining Billy. He is undaunted, in what he wants or who he wants. He is young in years but old in spirit, and this was a beautifully written story. Listening to mother by the whistle of the wind, the sigh of the trees, the calm of the air. It is a beautiful way of centering yourself and remembering you are a part of something bigger and more awesome than yourself.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 20, 2020
This book created an immersive world from the perspective of a teenage boys, living on a reservation, and dealing with their sexuality and budding relationship during a time it wasn't widely acceptable. The dialogue was intriguing and the connection between the two boys, Billy and René. The circumstances each boy finds themselves in kept me reading this book and I finished it in one sitting. The romance is a slow burn, which you expect from a YA book, but it's handled in a realistic way. A lovely read!
July 30, 2020
This is a slow burn teenage romance between Billy and Rene. The author brings a realistic romance with two people who are opposites and weaves a story for the young adult. She does a beautiful job describing her scenes in detail and brings out the emotions along the way starting at friendship into dealing with their sexuality and young love. It's well written,moves fluidly and is an interesting story. Great read for the YA group.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
April 3, 2021
Billy and Rene are wonderful characters and the story of their relationship is both lovely and heartbreaking. What I enjoyed even more in this story were the glimpses we get of what their life is really like, however, Billy's family has all kinds of problems exacerbated by drink, drugs and some folks who have lots of problems, but we also see that the system, both inside and outside the Ojibway community, which should be there to help all the family, fails miserably. This book makes you want to go learn more about the real world the author has put these characters into.
July 31, 2020
Both Billie and Rene' are young men trying to survive the restraints where they come from place on their lives. They seem like opposites that attracted but they make sense as they together not only make a them work but allow one another to work through their individual issues. Good solid first book in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 13, 2020
I've read several books written by Maggie Blackbird; she has done a great job at writing a good book; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of books her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
July 19, 2020
Billy and Renée were absolutely the best. They come from two different worlds and are so different in contrast to each other, but still make it work.
This one gave me all the right feels with a sweet school romance.
Looking forward to reading more from this author.
This one gave me all the right feels with a sweet school romance.
Looking forward to reading more from this author.
March 16, 2022
Cute but realistic YA romance. Set in the 90s - the slang is hilarious. Funny to see something set in Thunder Bay.
February 8, 2023
5 STARS
Loved this one. I grew quite attached to René and Billy, so I will definitely be reading the next book. 💜
Loved this one. I grew quite attached to René and Billy, so I will definitely be reading the next book. 💜
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