The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones
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Web ID: 1262234135 reviews
dark and atmospheric horror
(3.75/5 stars) The Only Good Indians is a dark and atmospheric horror novel by Stephen Graham Jones. I read this one in pieces, over a few weeks. Sometimes I like to read darker books in smaller pieces while I read fluffier books at the same time. The book is set up in three main parts, with the first part spanning ~40% of the full novel. SGJ's writing often plays in my mind like a screenplay; he really paints a picture for me with his words. That's one of the reasons he's my favorite living horror writer. It was hard for me to read some sections because cw: animal death. That's partly why I took extra time to read this book. There was also a lot of basketball talk in here and I got lost in the weeds there. I never played outside of gym class so while I got the gist of everything, I felt a little pulled out of the story when those moments happened. Even though this isn't my new favorite SGJ book, I am so excited I have a good number of his books left to read. Rep: indigenous author (Blackfeet), indigenous characters (Blackfeet, Crow) CW: animal death, violence, gore, death, firearms, alcoholism, addiction, abuse I received a complimentary review copy from Saga Press and NetGalley. All opinions contained herein are my own.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Excellent!
A masterfully written horror, and from a cultural lense we typically only get rare glimpses through. The terror and inevitability of the fate awaiting the characters starts immediately and doesn’t loose its momentum throughout the chapters, and you find yourself questioning who is really the hero here, and who is really the victim. Witty, layered, disturbing, and honest, this book is well worth the read, and is in a league of its own in the depiction of indigenous terror/myth.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
OMG
The entire time I read this book, I was sweating. It's as gritty as it is terrifying!!
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Unearthing the Ghosts of Native Identity
Stephen Graham Jones’s “The Only Good Indians” is a striking narrative that delves deep into the heart of Native American identity, tradition, and the haunting specters of guilt and revenge. The novel stands out for its unique blend of psychological horror and social commentary, wrapped in a story that is as profound as it is unsettling. The story revolves around four Native American friends who, in their youth, partake in an ill-fated hunting expedition on land reserved for elders. This single act of youthful defiance sets off a chain of events that will haunt them for years to come. Central to this haunting is Lewis, one of the four, who becomes the primary target of a vengeful spirit, manifesting as… well, you’ll see. As the narrative unfolds, the past and present collide in a maelstrom of fear, violence, and the unrelenting grip of ancient traditions. Jones’s writing style is a significant highlight of the novel. His straightforward prose and ability to craft dialogue that resonates with authenticity make the story not just readable but deeply immersive. The horror in “The Only Good Indians” isn’t just about the supernatural; it’s about the horror of past actions, the weight of cultural heritage, and the personal and communal consequences of breaking from tradition. Another remarkable aspect is the novel’s deep dive into Blackfeet culture, offering readers an insightful view into the complexities and nuances of Native American life beyond stereotypes and simplistic portrayals. Jones, with great skill, navigates the delicate balance between reverence for traditional ways and the stark realities of contemporary life on the reservation. Despite its many strengths, “The Only Good Indians” falters slightly in its climax (**SPOILER WARNGING**), particularly in the inclusion of a basketball game that pits a secondary character against the elk head woman. This scene, intended to be a high-stakes culmination of the novel’s building tension, comes off as somewhat cheesy and detracts from the otherwise meticulously built atmosphere of dread. The sudden shift to a sports scenario feels out of place and disrupts the dark, brooding narrative that Jones so expertly constructs throughout the book. “The Only Good Indians” is a haunting tale that merges the everyday with the ethereal, the personal with the cultural. Stephen Graham Jones crafts a story that is not only a piece of horror but a poignant exploration of identity and the inescapable shadows of the past. While the climax certainly disappointed me, the journey there is filled with enough suspense, depth, and cultural insight to make this novel a compelling and thought-provoking read. Jones continues to cement his status as a master storyteller, capable of weaving complex narratives that challenge and engage his audience.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
The Only Good Indians – A Review
I didn’t know what I expected going into The Only Good Indians, but what I found was a haunting, visceral story. Stephen Graham Jones masterfully blends psychological horror with cultural tension, weaving a narrative that feels both deeply personal and universally unsettling. The characters are layered and flawed, making their struggles feel real in a way that adds to the creeping dread. The way Jones portrays guilt, tradition, and identity creates a unique kind of horror—not just fear of the supernatural but of the past catching up to you. Jones’s raw, sometimes jarring writing style heightens the unease. The pacing kept me hooked, and the shifting perspectives added depth without losing momentum. The imagery is vivid and brutal, with moments that left me genuinely unnerved. At its heart, this book is about cycles—of life, of tradition, of vengeance—and the difficulty of breaking free from them. It’s a reminder that the past can haunt you in ways you don’t expect, and sometimes there’s no escaping it. If you enjoy horror that makes you think while making you uncomfortable, this one’s for you. It’s brutal, thoughtful, and lingers like a shadow in the corner of your mind.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Amazing with just a few hiccups
I loved the first half of the books as well as the end, I just wish that we didn't get a view point from the elk spirit. usually keeping such an antagonist mysterious and unpredictable keeps readers on their toes and leaves the reader wanting more. Seeing chapters from her view point kinda takes you out of the story, though they are pretty short. If you can overlook that this book was amazing.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Keeps you on your toes!
This is one of my favorite titles! The visuals have stuck with me since reading it last year! Jones always throws a curve ball that leaves your jaw on the floor.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Yes.
This book is so eerily perfect. The descriptions of all the elk looming in the background of violent events is bone-chilling. This is the first book in a long time that made me feel genuinely spooked and it has so much to say on top of that. 100% would recommend (to someone who doesn’t mind violence).
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com