THE ART THIEVES

Stevie Henry, a Cherokee teen, is running out of time to survive impending world disasters unless she takes up the offer of a mysterious stranger from the future. DeLanna Studi's narration carries a quiet gravity that immediately sets the dark tone of this dystopian novel. Her nuanced performance captures the weight of Stevie's struggle as she is drawn into a secret mission to preserve Indigenous lost art while at the same time navigating her complicated family relationships and her younger brother's battle against cancer. Though Studi's steely delivery can sounds almost too somber at times, she manages to infuse flickers of hope. This young adult mystery offers sharp social commentary on Cherokee history, cultural preservation, and pressing contemporary issues. M.F. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2025]