The things I appreciated the most in this book were the divergent interests and images: American vs. Native American, modern medicine vs. herbalism, oral tradition vs. computers, curses vs. guns, the FBI vs. witches, wolves vs. dogs, fast, flashy cars vs. horses and old pickup trucks. Jamaica’s willingness to embrace both sides means that she will have to reject some of the modern beliefs that clog her perception of reality. Wild Indigo is a perennial herb native to most of North America. It is valued for its purgative and emetic properties by herbalists; think Ex-Lax® and ipecac. This fits snugly with the story themes. Does sharing yourself make you less of who you are, or is it the start of a new beginning? Under what conditions should you risk change, and when should you jealously guard your cultural identity?

Jamaica is never quite sure whether she will be welcomed or shunned by her human counterparts from either Nation, but she always finds strength in her devotion to Mountain, the wolf who stands by her side.