TW: SA and Residential Schools
Tyler’s got a dark family secret. The answers possibly lie north in Labrador where we come face to face with the legacy of residential schools.
Initial thoughts:
Fantasy. Werewolves in Newfoundland.
Expectations: Suspecting this book will be a 4 Star read.
While I can appreciate that After Dark Vapours is Brad's first novel, I did find that there was much left to be desired and even unanswered questions regarding the multiple storylines.
I did enjoy:
- multiple timelines
- tying in Indigenous legends
- fantasy aspect (werewolves)
I certainly had high hopes regarding the development of the story and the ending. Ultimately I felt that there was room for character development. I found it hard to connect with the main character.
I did appreciate how he touched on residential schools and their impact on Indigenous children and families. It's a part of our dark history which we should never forget. I did feel that I wanted more from this story line. I felt it could have tied to the main story further.
While After Dark Vapours was Brad's first novel and I found I was disappointed, I would read more from him, as I believe he had great potential to grow as a writer.
Final thoughts:
3 Stars - mostly because I recognized this was Brad’s first novel and I feel his writing could be expected to be a bit immature. I believe the story itself had great potential. Sentimental half star for being home-based.
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