Moses: The Chronicles of Harriet Tubman: Book 1

by Balogun

Genres: Steampunk

First published January 6, 2012

Reviews

[J.L. Hilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this may be my new favorite steampunk novel. My only complaint about the book is that it ends! I wish I didn't have to wait for the next one. Harriet Tubman is one of my favorite real-life American heroes, but don't let the cover or the title of this book fool you. This is NOT a history book. This is a kickass steampunk, dark fantasy, alternate reality, supernatural action-adventure -- sort of a Pam Greer meets Orson Scott Card's "Alvin Maker" series. I won't spoil it for you, let me just say that the author drew me in slowly, then sprang a lot of twists and turns and WOW on me as I went along. Fast-paced, but not so fast that character development suffered.

I'd call it "Americana" steampunk, similar to John Claude Bemis' YA Clockwork Dark trilogy -- it's set during the Victorian Era but in the United States' Civil War period, not in England. I also wouldn't call it "Weird West," because everything happens east of the Mississippi, not on the frontier. And, unlike the Clockwork Dark series, this is NOT a book for kids. There's a lot of graphic violence, and some sexual references (not in regards to Harriet, though, which is awesome -- I like seeing a powerful female character who doesn't have to use sexuality to achieve her goals, and who is not a sexual object). But, yes, there are steam-powered things, dirigibles, goggles, and the stuff you'd expect in steampunk. READ IT.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Chronicles of Harriet Tubman: Book 1" follows the adventures of Harriet Tubman as she fights for freedom in an age of fantasy and steam. A great story which held my interest from the first page.

[Milton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moses: The Chronicles of Harriet Tubman is an exciting mash up of steampunk, alternate history and horror. In this version of our Post Civil War 1800's Harriet is hired by John Wilkes Booth (that's right, John Wilkes Booth) to rescue his child Margaret from kidnappers. This version of Harriet Tubman is a supernatural heroine, so she does her job well. She later discovers that Boothe is not the girl's father, which launches the story into a frenzy of action and adventure. Balogun writes in a rapid fire style with short, action packed chapters and colorful, unexpected characters. No one as as they seem and the story's twists and turns had me feeling like I was on a wild roller coaster ride and loving every minute of it.

One of the most entertaining aspects of Moses is the re-imaging of historical history. No one is safe from Balogun's imagination, and everyone ends up with a fresh identity to match the world he creates for us. The other characters are just as imaginative and vivid; my two favorites are Mama Maybelle and Black Mary. When you read the book you'll clearly see why.

So get Moses: The Chronicles of Harriet Tubman, strap on your bicycle helmet and keep your hands inside the car. You'll enjoy the ride.