Some folks is brushed by the hand o’ God. Some folks brushed by that Other One.

I wanted to like this so much. It sounds so interesting – a supernatural, steam punk adventure with a Gifted Harriet Tubman in an alternate universe. I am so disappointed, because I did not connect with this book at all. It was too gory for my reading pleasure, and I never felt like I had a minute to breath and get to know the characters.

Harriet Tubman, in real life, was the kind of badass that puts fictional badasses to shame. I have no problem with an author giving her superpowers, but it should always be noted that Harriet Tubman did not need superpowers to do extraordinary things.

This book begins with Harriet rescuing a young girl at the request of John Wilkes Boothe. The young girls turns out to be the daughter of Secretary of War, Edwin Stanton. And so begins a cross country pursuit full of random acts of violence and historical figures with unexpected Gifts. If you do read this, don’t become attached to characters. They are likely to die horribly.

In addition to the gore, my other issue was that the action was so fast-paced and disjointed. I often found myself wondering who was talking, why they were there, and where they were. There is a good story in there, but I don’t think it was as well told as it could have been. I felt like this might have done better as a graphic novel or tv show where the visuals could help tell the story.

For Afrocentric steamfunk, I think I’m going to try Maurice Broaddus’ Buffalo Soldier.