Visions From The Fire: Dreams Vol. 2

Reviewed by Carrie MacKenzie

The graphic novel Visions From The Fire: Dreams Vol. 2 by Wanda John-Kehewin and illustrated by Nicole Marie Burton, Ryan Howe, Rhael McGregor, and Kielamel Sibal, is a coming-of-age story that follows Damon Quinn, a Cree-Métis teen, as he, his mother, and his friend travel to Kehewin Cree Nation to attend a pow wow and Sweat Ceremony and reconnect with family.

This story touches on several different themes, including the Sixties Scoop, addiction, self-harm and feelings of shame around Indigenous identity, the reclaiming of one’s Indigenous identity, and reconnecting with ceremonies. Even though these are intense and upsetting subjects, they are dealt with in an age-appropriate way. This can help Indigenous readers relate to the story on a personal level. For non-Indigenous readers this is educational, bringing to the fore topics and perspectives that they may not have been aware of. This serves to change people’s views about the experiences of Indigenous people and teach them about the importance of the Sweat Ceremony and the pow wow.

The language used by the author further adds to the relatability and realism of this story. The characters speak the same way as people in real life. This makes the characters more realistic, leaving the reader feeling connected to both them and the situations in the book. This gives the reader a sense that they are not alone in their experiences and allows for an increased understanding of the book’s message. For the non-Indigenous reader, the book enables them to understand the Indigenous experience.

Further adding to the realism of this story are the characters. Not only do they speak like people we know, but they also behave in familiar ways. Their reactions to the situations they find themselves in are understandable and relatable to the reader. This helps create a stronger connection to the story, strengthening its impact.

Another aspect of this novel, bolstering the impact of the story, is the beautiful illustrations. The graphics are colourful and detailed, bringing the story to life. The colours are bright but muted at the same time, mirroring and enhancing the tone of the story. The illustrations also help the reader visualize the pow wow and the Sweat Ceremony, enhancing their understanding.

The pace of the story is a key factor keeping the reader interested and reading. This means they are exposed to perspectives and/or experiences that differ from their own, expanding their worldview and educating them about things they may have never encountered.

There are also various plot points in the story that serve to keep the reader engaged. There is the main storyline and the related subplots, adding to both the complexity and realism of the story, heightening the impact of the novel. This helps the reader form a connection with the characters, again furthering the story’s significance.

The tone of this graphic novel is part frustration and part hope. The frustration is over things that happened in the past and wanting closure, as well as not knowing your heritage. The sense of hope comes from the positive things already happening in the lives of the characters.

This book is for readers from Grades 7 to 12, and is perfect for those who enjoy graphic novels and are interested in different perspectives and wish to learn more about the Indigenous experience. Readers will devour this novel word by word and page by page.

Wanda John-Kehewin, Illustrated by Nicole Marie Burton, Ryan Howe, Rhael McGregor, Kielamel Sibal, Visions From The Fire: Dreams Vol. 2. Highwater Press: Winnipeg, 2026

ISBN 9871774920657