Book review: The Misewa Saga: The Sleeping Giant: Book 5
Reviewed by Karl Hele
David Robertson’s fifth book in the Indigenous fantasy series called the Misewa Saga does not disappoint. It picks up immediately at the end of Book 4. Once again, Eli and Morgan are on a quest to save Aski, only this time, it is a horde of humans bent on exploiting the residents of Aski for profit. In earlier volumes, the children had found portals to the magical world of Aski where animal beings helped the children deal with problems in the real world and connect them to their traditional ways. Eli, the focus in this volume, continues to learn about his relationship to Star Woman, his ancestry, and develop his ability to open and close portals at will. While book 5 refers to Wisahkécáhk sleeping, in many ways, Eli is the titular Sleeping Giant.
Ministik is destroyed, another village occupied and fortified by humans, a Mistapew is enslaved, and much more forces Eli to confront his heritage and abilities while seeking strength through community. By enslaving a Mistapew, to hold a portal open indefinitely, the humans seeking to exploit the animal beings are able to bring weapons, cages, ATVs, trucks, and motorcycles into Aski. Additionally, the portal is used to transport captured animal beings to earth, specifically Winnipeg, where a zoo display is being prepared. Nonetheless, heavily armed human interlopers are not the only danger facing Eli and his friends. To help free the Pisiskowak, Eli embarks on a journey with Pipisché (a.k.a. Pip, the Robin Bird Warrior), to find the other Bird Warrior who once defended Ministik.
Together, he and Pip, must face down a group of Lizard-people intent on revenge. Apparently, in defending his people and families in the Bird village, Pip had killed the Lizards’ kin. It is Eli’s ability to open portals anywhere that enables the duo to temporary defeat the Lizards. After overcoming this obstacle, Pip and Eli manage to find the remaining Bird Warriors. Once reunited, these old friends offer eachother forgiveness for past actions and agree to aid Eli in freeing the captives. In the process, Eli learns that he is only part human – his mother is a woman from the stars. It all comes to a head when Eli, Morgan, Emily, and their friends seek to rescue the Pisiskowak. During the rescue attempt, Eli is shot and appears to be dying, his celestial mother offers him a choice, ascend to the Sky World or stay on Earth. He opts to remain on Earth to be with his family and friends; and aid them in the time of need. Following a daring rescue attempt, Eli is captured, along with Arik, Morgan, Emily, and three of the Bird Warriors. The novel ends with a brief Epilogue that hints at a further adventure with Eli, Morgan, Emily, Arik, Mahihkan, and the Bird Warriors working to free their relatives, return them to Aski, drive the humans back to earth, and close the portal. The Sleeping Giant reinforces the truth that strength comes from unity, love, and forgiveness.
Thus, The Sleeping Giant is another great instalment of the Misewa Saga. Roberston’s storytelling dramatically builds tension, while showing love, friendship, and community between various characters as they set about saving Aski. I now anticipate a wondrous conclusion and compelling resolution to the invasion of Aski, the imprisonment of its people, and the ongoing story of Eli and Morgan. Like the other volumes in the series, The Sleeping Giant is a wonderful must-read for youth and adults alike.
David A. Robertson, The Misewa Saga: The Sleeping Giant: Book 5. Toronto: Tundra, 2024.
ISBN: 1774881829