Finalist
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: In this bold work of fantasy, the first in the Seizing Freedom trilogy, Jones offers a reimagining of the story of Harriet Tubman. Jones echoes the timeless fight for liberation, while integrating a fantastical twist via a parallel magical universe.
Prose: Jones utilizes highly descriptive imagery, and language that transports readers into Harriet’s world. Jones once again proves herself to be a masterful writer of captivating fantasy.
Originality: Jones's concept is strikingly original. As Harriet hopes to lead her people to freedom, she must not only contend with slavery and racism, but with transformations and conflict within a fantastical world.
Character/Execution: As a testament to Jones's writing prowess, she doesn't rely on the novelty of the premise to fully carry the storytelling, instead populating the world she creates with believable and lovingly created characters; readers will invest in their stories and the battle to be freed from all forms of enslavement.
Date Submitted: May 09, 2024
Jones (author of the Winged Warriors series) transports readers into a fantastical yet poignant reimagining of the life of Harriet Tubman, beginning with young Harriet born as Araminta "Minty" Wren—a Sankofa bird shifter enslaved from birth. Minty's journey unfolds amidst brutal oppression, where her mother's Dragonkin slaver sends her father away and abuses her family—fueling Minty’s longing for freedom and quest to liberate her fellow Birdfolk from captivity. Minty’s plight is presented with heartfelt authenticity, and Jones skillfully interlaces historical realism with the story’s stunning magical elements, portraying Minty’s inner turmoil and capturing her single-minded mission against the looming threat of relentless slave catchers.Jones’s juxtaposition of the delicate, stunning Birdfolk with the savage Dragonkin evokes striking imagery of caged birds and their cruel masters, none more so than when Mistress Essodel—head of the Essodel Plantation and a vicious slaver who prefers her dragon form over her human side—defeathers the Birdfolk she finds most beautiful, plucking their feathers one by one for her own pleasure. Though Minty is initially out of Mistress Essodel’s reach given her tender age, she’s soon driven into slavery’s harsh reality, sold to a neighboring plantation and forced to live with a family of harpies who steal her feathers to sell. Minty’s abuse continues, as does her unbreakable spirit and conviction that “God’s will… [wasn’t] for Birdfolk to be slaves,” sparking her transformation into the unflinching, tenacious Harriet.
This is a testament not just to Harriet Tubman’s legendary role within the Underground Railroad, but to the indomitable human spirit and power of hope. Jones's narrative prowess shines through in her expert blending of historical significance and intense fantasy, offering readers a compelling story made rich with its relevance to contemporary times. Readers will be as transfixed as Harriet’s loved ones, as they watch her hard-won transformation into “a woman seizing freedom.”
Takeaway: Fantasy reimagining of Harriet Tubman’s transformative journey.
Comparable Titles: Colson Whitehead’s The Underground Railroad, Octavia E. Butler’s Kindred.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A-
Illustrations: A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A-
This is a profound retelling of Harriet Tubman's story, portrayed in eloquent prose that captures the soul. The storytelling is unmatched as we follow Minty's childhood, recast as a beautiful Sankofa bird shifter. Forced into slavery by the Dragonkin, we witness a powerful journey of love and freedom. N. D. Jones' creativity dances along the underground railroad, evoking admiration. We witness Minty rise to become a savior to the Birdfolk. The book is heart-wrenching and inspirational.
It's not easy to take an important historical figure and portray their story in an enchanting fantasy setting. N. D. Jones did an amazing job! I highly recommend it.
This book absolutely captivated me from beginning to end. The writing, fantasy elements, characters, reimagining of Harriet’s story was absolutely mesmerizing and so well done. This is a story that everyone should be aware of and the fantastical elements just add another layer to an already incredibly heart breaking story. Kudos to the author for bringing an old story back to life and showing how important it is to not forget history!
