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Burn Down Master's House
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4 days and 11:24:32
25 copies available
U.S. only
Inspired by true, long-buried stories of enslaved people who dared to fight back, a searing portrayal of resistance for fans of Colson Whitehead, Jesmyn Ward, and Percival Everett, from Clay Cane, award-winning journalist and
New York Times
bestselling author of
The Grift
.
As turmoil simmers within a divided nation, smoke from another blaze begins to rise. Sparked by individual acts of resistance among those enslaved across the American South, their seemingly disparate rebellions fuel a singular inferno of justice, connecting them in ways quiet at times, explosive at others. As these flames rise, so will they.
Luke, quick-witted and literate, and Henri, a man with a strong and defiant spirit, forge an unbreakable bond at a Virginia plantation called Magnolia Row. Both seek escape from unimaginable cruelty. And sure as the fires of hell, Luke and Henri will leave their mark, sparking resistance among the lives they touch …
One is Josephine, a young, sharp, and observant girl who wields silence as her greatest weapon. A witness to Luke and Henri’s resilience, she listens, watches, waits for the moment to make her move.
Then there is Charity Butler, her husband a formerly enslaved man who proved his ferocity as a young boy standing alongside Josephine. At his encouragement, Charity fights for her freedom in court and wins—only to battle a deeply unjust system designed to destroy the life they’ve built.
And finally, there is Nathaniel, who ruthlessly exploits other Black people and mirrors the cruelty of the white men who, like him, are enslavers. A perversion of the system of slavery, his fragile and contradictory rule will become a catalyst of its own.
Inspired by the true stories of the profoundly courageous men and women who dared to fight back, Burn Down Master’s House is a singular tour de force of a novel—breathtaking in scope, compassion, and a timeliness that speaks powerfully to our present era.
“To refill my well of radical hope, I read resistance stories. Whether from history or from historical imagination. Burn Down Master’s House is a resistance story for the ages. Clay Cane’s gripping novel is based on real stories of enslaved women and men, of their audacious struggle against slavery.”—Ibram X. Kendi, National Book Award–winning author of Stamped from the Beginning
As turmoil simmers within a divided nation, smoke from another blaze begins to rise. Sparked by individual acts of resistance among those enslaved across the American South, their seemingly disparate rebellions fuel a singular inferno of justice, connecting them in ways quiet at times, explosive at others. As these flames rise, so will they.
Luke, quick-witted and literate, and Henri, a man with a strong and defiant spirit, forge an unbreakable bond at a Virginia plantation called Magnolia Row. Both seek escape from unimaginable cruelty. And sure as the fires of hell, Luke and Henri will leave their mark, sparking resistance among the lives they touch …
One is Josephine, a young, sharp, and observant girl who wields silence as her greatest weapon. A witness to Luke and Henri’s resilience, she listens, watches, waits for the moment to make her move.
Then there is Charity Butler, her husband a formerly enslaved man who proved his ferocity as a young boy standing alongside Josephine. At his encouragement, Charity fights for her freedom in court and wins—only to battle a deeply unjust system designed to destroy the life they’ve built.
And finally, there is Nathaniel, who ruthlessly exploits other Black people and mirrors the cruelty of the white men who, like him, are enslavers. A perversion of the system of slavery, his fragile and contradictory rule will become a catalyst of its own.
Inspired by the true stories of the profoundly courageous men and women who dared to fight back, Burn Down Master’s House is a singular tour de force of a novel—breathtaking in scope, compassion, and a timeliness that speaks powerfully to our present era.
“To refill my well of radical hope, I read resistance stories. Whether from history or from historical imagination. Burn Down Master’s House is a resistance story for the ages. Clay Cane’s gripping novel is based on real stories of enslaved women and men, of their audacious struggle against slavery.”—Ibram X. Kendi, National Book Award–winning author of Stamped from the Beginning
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First published January 27, 2026
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February 3, 2026
Burn Down Master's House is a historical retelling of 4 different stories of enslaved people in the American south. While it does not shy away from the horrors, dehumanization and brutality of slavery, it also has an overriding theme of hope and violent rebellion. We don't often hear the stories of the slaves who fought back, who resorted to violence and destruction in the face of extraordinary abuse. This book is masterful in the way that it draws a modern reader into a narrative in a way that will challenge us. Slave stories at one point were outright lies, whitewashing the horrors of the atrocities into a "Gone With the Wind" nostalgic sweet slavery story, Then we have the pitiful tragedies, 12 years a slave, "trauma porn"- although I don't love the term I don't have a better one. This type of scenario is much more empowering.
The scenarios are brutal, dehumanizing, violent and tragic. Gruesome. If you want to try this but have a difficult time with that, maybe read the introduction, skip Luke and Henri's story, and read the last 3 stories. If you are good you can go back to Luke and Henri, where we get the title "Burn Down Master's House."
This book is for those ready to confront the past with a righteous anger.
Thanks to NetGalley and Dafina for the ARC. Book to be published January 2026.
The scenarios are brutal, dehumanizing, violent and tragic. Gruesome. If you want to try this but have a difficult time with that, maybe read the introduction, skip Luke and Henri's story, and read the last 3 stories. If you are good you can go back to Luke and Henri, where we get the title "Burn Down Master's House."
This book is for those ready to confront the past with a righteous anger.
Thanks to NetGalley and Dafina for the ARC. Book to be published January 2026.
January 19, 2026
This reading experience was one of those very rare moments that I could feel the author's feelings pouring onto the page. I can only imagine how difficult, yet cathartic, this entire process must've been, from research to drafting to finalizing the story.
I'm not easily impressed these days (and I wasn't too convinced until I reached the second half), but once every storyline started to tie in together, I was emotionally spent. I even took a 24-hour break from this book because a fictional white man pissed me off. It felt way too real.
My only complaint is that I wish this novel was longer. I grew so close to the main characters, and I wanted more scenes and more details, especially in the second half with Charity and her family.
But that's only a mild complaint. These interconnected stories are so rich in character and history that I could easily picture everything in my mind as if I were watching an Oscar-nominated film. It was so easy to feel empathy for Luke, Henri, Josephine, and Charity, and the other secondary characters who were enslaved, like Solomon.
Likewise, the revulsion and disgust I felt for each enslaver and each person who condoned this peculiar institution (whether willfully or passively) made me wish every single one of them would be given their due.
But fret not, reader. There's a reason why this book is titled, "Burn Down Master's House." Not-quite-spoiler alert: It was extremely satisfying.
On a side note, this novel influenced me to check out more stories of slave resistance. If you're interested in historical accounts, check out Daring to Be Free: Rebellion and Resistance of the Enslaved in the Atlantic World. It was an absolute perfect follow-up to this novel.
Thank you to Dafina and NetGalley for this arc.
I'm not easily impressed these days (and I wasn't too convinced until I reached the second half), but once every storyline started to tie in together, I was emotionally spent. I even took a 24-hour break from this book because a fictional white man pissed me off. It felt way too real.
My only complaint is that I wish this novel was longer. I grew so close to the main characters, and I wanted more scenes and more details, especially in the second half with Charity and her family.
But that's only a mild complaint. These interconnected stories are so rich in character and history that I could easily picture everything in my mind as if I were watching an Oscar-nominated film. It was so easy to feel empathy for Luke, Henri, Josephine, and Charity, and the other secondary characters who were enslaved, like Solomon.
Likewise, the revulsion and disgust I felt for each enslaver and each person who condoned this peculiar institution (whether willfully or passively) made me wish every single one of them would be given their due.
But fret not, reader. There's a reason why this book is titled, "Burn Down Master's House." Not-quite-spoiler alert: It was extremely satisfying.
On a side note, this novel influenced me to check out more stories of slave resistance. If you're interested in historical accounts, check out Daring to Be Free: Rebellion and Resistance of the Enslaved in the Atlantic World. It was an absolute perfect follow-up to this novel.
Thank you to Dafina and NetGalley for this arc.
August 26, 2025
**ARC REVIEW**
Thank you to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for providing me an electronic ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#BURNDOWNMASTERSHOUSE #NetGalley #ePub #ARC
💠PLOT OVERVIEW:
Burn Down Master's House is a historical fiction novel following the lives and stories of numerous slaves over an extended period of time. Readers get a small snapshot into the brutality, violence, torture, and suffering Black slaves endured during these times. It is a harrowing reminder of what American history is built upon. Each chapter follows a different character (or characters) struggling to survive, ultimately leading to defiant acts of resistance and retribution.
💠CONTENT WARNING:
rape, violence, torture, blood, death, poisoning, miscarriage, verbal abuse, physical abuse, some gore, distressing imagery, mutilation
💠POSITIVE FEEDBACK:
• Cane drew on real experiences, real people, real things that happened, to write this book. The torturous scenes were hard to get through -- it's almost unfathomable what slave owners would do and the lengths they would go to. But we need to remember this part of our history, even if it's painful and uncomfortable. And we need to hear these stories of strength and resistance, to know there were those that 'did not go gently into that good night.'
• There were some really powerful words and well-written moments throughout this book. The normalization of this level of depravity -- as in, it was written like it was just another day for slaves, that this inhumane experience wasn't novel or unique -- is what really gave it effective shock value. I'm glad Cane didn't shy away from the brutality; slavery WAS brutal and to see a romanticized or toned-down version of it would have minimized what slaves went through.
• Vengeance. Is. Sweet. Whew! Some of those scenes drew me in like a moth to a flame. I didn't want to stop reading because I wanted SO badly for the harshest, most vile punishment to be inflicted upon the oppressors. They get what they're owed.
• The 2nd chapter was by far my favorite in the book. I teared up at the end of it.
💠CRITICAL FEEDBACK:
• I wish more credit was given to the reader to use their imagination. There are cases where vivid descriptions are needed, and there are cases where mere allusion to something will be enough. 'Show, don't tell' is something I've been told throughout my writing career. You can allude to things like character emotions by showing what it'd LOOK like ("his brow furrowed and his eyes narrowed") and trusting your audience to understand what you're conveying to them based on context (he was mad).
• I personally hate ad hominem commentary within fictitious books because 1) I believe it is unnecessary and 2) breaking the 4th wall with subjective opinions is jarring to me. Cane does this a lot in the intro of the book when mentioning a certain celebrity. (That's not to say I disagree with Cane on his musings; I think he is absolutely correct in his assessments.) But it disrupts the flow, takes us out of the tapestry being woven.
• There are moments in each chapter where we get inside a different character's head almost randomly. For example, the first chapter largely focuses on a man named Henri. We'll be seeing the world from his perspective, when suddenly, we'll see into the thoughts of a secondary character, only to go back to Henri's perspective. It feels disjointed and not like a smooth transition. Henri would not be privvy to the thoughts of others, and if we're seeing the story from his perspective, neither would we. Having additional inner perspectives interrupt the protagonist's storyline took me out of the narrative.
💠SUMMARY:
Overall, the content here is excellent & the story is so powerful. I feel like it could be tightened up and refined some more.
💠RATING:
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Thank you to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for providing me an electronic ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#BURNDOWNMASTERSHOUSE #NetGalley #ePub #ARC
💠PLOT OVERVIEW:
Burn Down Master's House is a historical fiction novel following the lives and stories of numerous slaves over an extended period of time. Readers get a small snapshot into the brutality, violence, torture, and suffering Black slaves endured during these times. It is a harrowing reminder of what American history is built upon. Each chapter follows a different character (or characters) struggling to survive, ultimately leading to defiant acts of resistance and retribution. 💠CONTENT WARNING:
rape, violence, torture, blood, death, poisoning, miscarriage, verbal abuse, physical abuse, some gore, distressing imagery, mutilation
💠POSITIVE FEEDBACK:
• Cane drew on real experiences, real people, real things that happened, to write this book. The torturous scenes were hard to get through -- it's almost unfathomable what slave owners would do and the lengths they would go to. But we need to remember this part of our history, even if it's painful and uncomfortable. And we need to hear these stories of strength and resistance, to know there were those that 'did not go gently into that good night.'
• There were some really powerful words and well-written moments throughout this book. The normalization of this level of depravity -- as in, it was written like it was just another day for slaves, that this inhumane experience wasn't novel or unique -- is what really gave it effective shock value. I'm glad Cane didn't shy away from the brutality; slavery WAS brutal and to see a romanticized or toned-down version of it would have minimized what slaves went through.
• Vengeance. Is. Sweet. Whew! Some of those scenes drew me in like a moth to a flame. I didn't want to stop reading because I wanted SO badly for the harshest, most vile punishment to be inflicted upon the oppressors. They get what they're owed.
• The 2nd chapter was by far my favorite in the book. I teared up at the end of it.
💠CRITICAL FEEDBACK:
• I wish more credit was given to the reader to use their imagination. There are cases where vivid descriptions are needed, and there are cases where mere allusion to something will be enough. 'Show, don't tell' is something I've been told throughout my writing career. You can allude to things like character emotions by showing what it'd LOOK like ("his brow furrowed and his eyes narrowed") and trusting your audience to understand what you're conveying to them based on context (he was mad).
• I personally hate ad hominem commentary within fictitious books because 1) I believe it is unnecessary and 2) breaking the 4th wall with subjective opinions is jarring to me. Cane does this a lot in the intro of the book when mentioning a certain celebrity. (That's not to say I disagree with Cane on his musings; I think he is absolutely correct in his assessments.) But it disrupts the flow, takes us out of the tapestry being woven.
• There are moments in each chapter where we get inside a different character's head almost randomly. For example, the first chapter largely focuses on a man named Henri. We'll be seeing the world from his perspective, when suddenly, we'll see into the thoughts of a secondary character, only to go back to Henri's perspective. It feels disjointed and not like a smooth transition. Henri would not be privvy to the thoughts of others, and if we're seeing the story from his perspective, neither would we. Having additional inner perspectives interrupt the protagonist's storyline took me out of the narrative.
💠SUMMARY:
Overall, the content here is excellent & the story is so powerful. I feel like it could be tightened up and refined some more.
💠RATING:
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
November 27, 2025
4.5
Burn Down Master's House is an extremely powerful novel set at the end of the American Civil War.
We begin the book with the story of Henri, a slave who has disappointed his master and is sold to a more vicious plantation owner. Here he finds friendship and more amongst the other slaves and when opportunity presents itself, the slaves act.
The book then follows the lives of the slaves once they have left the Magnolia Row plantation. The stories are taken from various sources and are based on real lives. Clay Cane has written a horrifying and disturbing novel that contains some shocking imagery. As always I am revolved by the things that were done to human beings whose only "crime" was having different coloured skin.
The novel contains scenes of racist language, graphic violence, rape and torture.
I would highly recommend this novel. It is not an easy read but it is worth it.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for the advance review copy.
Burn Down Master's House is an extremely powerful novel set at the end of the American Civil War.
We begin the book with the story of Henri, a slave who has disappointed his master and is sold to a more vicious plantation owner. Here he finds friendship and more amongst the other slaves and when opportunity presents itself, the slaves act.
The book then follows the lives of the slaves once they have left the Magnolia Row plantation. The stories are taken from various sources and are based on real lives. Clay Cane has written a horrifying and disturbing novel that contains some shocking imagery. As always I am revolved by the things that were done to human beings whose only "crime" was having different coloured skin.
The novel contains scenes of racist language, graphic violence, rape and torture.
I would highly recommend this novel. It is not an easy read but it is worth it.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for the advance review copy.
January 28, 2026
Even before I begin writing this review, I'm worried I won't do Burn Down Master's House justice. Clay Cane tells a series of interrelated stories about owned human beings who killed their owners. (I'm going with this terminology because the words slave and master have lost their weight for so many people. They're terms that allow historical distance, at least for white folks.) Cane has written a novel, but it's based on solid research as the afterword makes clear.
Cane's prose is spare. In writing about monstrous events—by which I mean day-to-day life in the south where people could be things that are owned, not the killings that are part of these characters' road to freedom—Cane avoids flourishes. He tells these characters' stories in plain, unadorned prose, which makes the events narrated feel real: real in the sense of not being fiction of not being something presented for the sake of demonstrating artistry. Each of the murders in the book feels utterly right. Anything less wouldn't suffice.
This is an utterly brilliant book about the wrongs human beings can inflict on other human beings when they're unable to see those "other" humans as human. I want to advise you to be patient with this book. The spareness of Cane's prose mean the reader isn't being pushed toward the realization of horror of that time. But, at least for me, the spare prose meant that when I started coming to that realization the realization was coming from within me. I don't know if that makes sense, but it's part of what made the book remarkable for me.
I want to acknowledge that I'm a white woman doing my best to talk about the power of this book without making false steps. If anyone wants to give me feedback on this review, I welcome it. But even if my words haven't done the book justice, read it. Cane has accomplished something remarkable.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via Edelweiss; the opinions are my own.
Cane's prose is spare. In writing about monstrous events—by which I mean day-to-day life in the south where people could be things that are owned, not the killings that are part of these characters' road to freedom—Cane avoids flourishes. He tells these characters' stories in plain, unadorned prose, which makes the events narrated feel real: real in the sense of not being fiction of not being something presented for the sake of demonstrating artistry. Each of the murders in the book feels utterly right. Anything less wouldn't suffice.
This is an utterly brilliant book about the wrongs human beings can inflict on other human beings when they're unable to see those "other" humans as human. I want to advise you to be patient with this book. The spareness of Cane's prose mean the reader isn't being pushed toward the realization of horror of that time. But, at least for me, the spare prose meant that when I started coming to that realization the realization was coming from within me. I don't know if that makes sense, but it's part of what made the book remarkable for me.
I want to acknowledge that I'm a white woman doing my best to talk about the power of this book without making false steps. If anyone wants to give me feedback on this review, I welcome it. But even if my words haven't done the book justice, read it. Cane has accomplished something remarkable.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via Edelweiss; the opinions are my own.
February 2, 2026
4⭐️
I step lightly in my review of Burn Down Master’s House as a white American woman. Mainly I will address craft and impact here. I will leave detailed content commentary to the Black and Brown readers, out of respect for the subject matter.
That being said: WHITE WOMEN, GET THIS ON YOUR SHELVES.
It’s 2026 in America. Unidentified, masked men with guns and tasers and tear gas are terrorizing the country, focusing on anyone who “looks illegal”, which ends up being Brown and Black people. Men, women, babies, it doesn’t matter. Their primary weapon - invisible but the most deadly - is fear. And that fear is wicked enough to kill. We’ve seen it this month.
What does this have to do with the book?
Clay Cane has written a story, starting in 1840s Virginia, which focuses on enslaved people’s rebellion against the individuals and the system that oppressed, violated, abused and exploited them for hundreds of years. He emphasizes the terror which was used to control these lives (the “souls” as he describes them) on the plantations and off. While this is a work of fiction, Mr. Cane writes in the introduction that “Remembering is an act of opposition….Every main character was inspired by real people whose names history has forgotten, but whose spirits deserve to be remembered.”
These spirits are embodied through four main stories which follow the light from the fires set. They weave together and bring the reader to a place of, if not redemption, resolution. Know the work is based on the history of enslaved Africans with accompanying descriptive language:
“Yes, this book will make you uncomfortable, but discomfort is the extravagant price of truth. These are not sanitized tales. The characters teach us to remember, and to hope. There is no one way to resist, it’s a spectrum.”
From this I hope you find the will to pick up these stories and explore them, to find the hope and courage within as a match to strike on your own:
“…maybe, there’s a house in your life you need to burn - chains holding you back, something keeping you from your own freedom. This book isn’t just a reckoning with history, it’s a call to action. To confront. To break free.”
Thank you to the author, Davina Books, Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this copy in advance of its release.
I step lightly in my review of Burn Down Master’s House as a white American woman. Mainly I will address craft and impact here. I will leave detailed content commentary to the Black and Brown readers, out of respect for the subject matter.
That being said: WHITE WOMEN, GET THIS ON YOUR SHELVES.
It’s 2026 in America. Unidentified, masked men with guns and tasers and tear gas are terrorizing the country, focusing on anyone who “looks illegal”, which ends up being Brown and Black people. Men, women, babies, it doesn’t matter. Their primary weapon - invisible but the most deadly - is fear. And that fear is wicked enough to kill. We’ve seen it this month.
What does this have to do with the book?
Clay Cane has written a story, starting in 1840s Virginia, which focuses on enslaved people’s rebellion against the individuals and the system that oppressed, violated, abused and exploited them for hundreds of years. He emphasizes the terror which was used to control these lives (the “souls” as he describes them) on the plantations and off. While this is a work of fiction, Mr. Cane writes in the introduction that “Remembering is an act of opposition….Every main character was inspired by real people whose names history has forgotten, but whose spirits deserve to be remembered.”
These spirits are embodied through four main stories which follow the light from the fires set. They weave together and bring the reader to a place of, if not redemption, resolution. Know the work is based on the history of enslaved Africans with accompanying descriptive language:
“Yes, this book will make you uncomfortable, but discomfort is the extravagant price of truth. These are not sanitized tales. The characters teach us to remember, and to hope. There is no one way to resist, it’s a spectrum.”
From this I hope you find the will to pick up these stories and explore them, to find the hope and courage within as a match to strike on your own:
“…maybe, there’s a house in your life you need to burn - chains holding you back, something keeping you from your own freedom. This book isn’t just a reckoning with history, it’s a call to action. To confront. To break free.”
Thank you to the author, Davina Books, Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this copy in advance of its release.
January 13, 2026
“Don’t let them take what they can’t touch.”
Wow. Wow. Wow.
This novel gave me everything that I needed and then some.
-beautifully written
-vividly descriptive
-queer representation
-religion & spirituality
-retribution & revenge
-memorable characters
-strong villains
-steady pacing
-gripping/exciting
I did not want to put this book DOWN!
This story was so multilayered & fully flushed out. All of my questions are answered. I finished this book feeling empowered. A piece of this book has etched itself onto my soul. Historical fiction books like this are needed.
If you are someone who enjoys movies like “Django” or books like “Kindred” by a Octavia Butler or “Ring Shout” by P. Djeli Clark then you could LOVE this!
Wow. Wow. Wow.
This novel gave me everything that I needed and then some.
-beautifully written
-vividly descriptive
-queer representation
-religion & spirituality
-retribution & revenge
-memorable characters
-strong villains
-steady pacing
-gripping/exciting
I did not want to put this book DOWN!
This story was so multilayered & fully flushed out. All of my questions are answered. I finished this book feeling empowered. A piece of this book has etched itself onto my soul. Historical fiction books like this are needed.
If you are someone who enjoys movies like “Django” or books like “Kindred” by a Octavia Butler or “Ring Shout” by P. Djeli Clark then you could LOVE this!
May 21, 2025
✧ Literary Review: Burn Down Master’s House by Clay Cane ✧
☄️ Book Description
Burn Down Master’s House is a searing novel by Clay Cane, acclaimed author of The Grift. The story reimagines historical uprisings through a lens of radical Black resistance, blending incendiary prose with razor-sharp satire. This speculative fiction masterpiece exposes systemic oppression while centering marginalized voices, delivering both a gripping narrative and a powerful call to action.
🔍 Comprehensive Analysis
📖 Structure & Flow
-Pacing: Propulsive and fragmented, mirroring the chaos of rebellion. Flashbacks to historical injustices collide with present-day reckonings in a way that keeps readers on edge.
-Flow: Nonlinear yet intentional, the shifting perspectives amplify collective trauma and triumph, creating a mosaic of resistance.
👥 Characters
-Protagonists: A dynamic ensemble of revolutionaries, each representing different facets of resistance—strategists, martyrs, skeptics—whose intersecting identities defy simplistic portrayals.
-Antagonists: Symbolic embodiments of institutional power, rendered with biting irony and depth.
✒️ Style
Cane’s prose is visceral and poetic, laced with caustic humor. Metaphors like “the master’s house is built on kindling” underscore the novel’s central thesis with devastating clarity.
🎯 Ideal Readers
-For: Fans of radical narratives that blend history with speculative fiction, such as The Prophets by Robert Jones Jr. or The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin.
-Not For: Readers who prefer linear storytelling or are uncomfortable with explicit depictions of systemic violence.
⭐ Star Breakdown (0-5)
Thematic Depth: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) — A masterclass in subverting oppressive narratives.
Narrative Risk: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) — Bold fragmentation may disorient some.
Character Complexity: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5/5) — Nuanced, though occasionally archetypal.
Emotional Impact: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) — Leaves scorch marks on the soul.
Prose Craft: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) — Dazzling, though dense at times.
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5/5) — An incendiary triumph.
📢 Reviewer Remarks
-Cane doesn’t just write a novel—he lights a Molotov cocktail of words.
-A descendant of Audre Lorde’s rage and James Baldwin’s fire, this book will burn down your complacency.
-The Requiem for a Dream of racial justice literature—unflinching, unforgettable.
🙏 Acknowledgments
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. This review reflects my honest assessment.
💥 Final Thought
Like a struck match in a powder keg, Burn Down Master’s House ignites a conversation that refuses to be extinguished.
☄️ Book Description
Burn Down Master’s House is a searing novel by Clay Cane, acclaimed author of The Grift. The story reimagines historical uprisings through a lens of radical Black resistance, blending incendiary prose with razor-sharp satire. This speculative fiction masterpiece exposes systemic oppression while centering marginalized voices, delivering both a gripping narrative and a powerful call to action.
🔍 Comprehensive Analysis
📖 Structure & Flow
-Pacing: Propulsive and fragmented, mirroring the chaos of rebellion. Flashbacks to historical injustices collide with present-day reckonings in a way that keeps readers on edge.
-Flow: Nonlinear yet intentional, the shifting perspectives amplify collective trauma and triumph, creating a mosaic of resistance.
👥 Characters
-Protagonists: A dynamic ensemble of revolutionaries, each representing different facets of resistance—strategists, martyrs, skeptics—whose intersecting identities defy simplistic portrayals.
-Antagonists: Symbolic embodiments of institutional power, rendered with biting irony and depth.
✒️ Style
Cane’s prose is visceral and poetic, laced with caustic humor. Metaphors like “the master’s house is built on kindling” underscore the novel’s central thesis with devastating clarity.
🎯 Ideal Readers
-For: Fans of radical narratives that blend history with speculative fiction, such as The Prophets by Robert Jones Jr. or The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin.
-Not For: Readers who prefer linear storytelling or are uncomfortable with explicit depictions of systemic violence.
⭐ Star Breakdown (0-5)
Thematic Depth: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) — A masterclass in subverting oppressive narratives.
Narrative Risk: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) — Bold fragmentation may disorient some.
Character Complexity: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5/5) — Nuanced, though occasionally archetypal.
Emotional Impact: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) — Leaves scorch marks on the soul.
Prose Craft: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) — Dazzling, though dense at times.
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5/5) — An incendiary triumph.
📢 Reviewer Remarks
-Cane doesn’t just write a novel—he lights a Molotov cocktail of words.
-A descendant of Audre Lorde’s rage and James Baldwin’s fire, this book will burn down your complacency.
-The Requiem for a Dream of racial justice literature—unflinching, unforgettable.
🙏 Acknowledgments
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. This review reflects my honest assessment.
💥 Final Thought
Like a struck match in a powder keg, Burn Down Master’s House ignites a conversation that refuses to be extinguished.
January 16, 2026
BURN DOWN MASTER’S HOUSE
By Clay Cane
Stories history tried to erase.
4.5 stars rounded up
This historical fiction book, set during the Civil War, is told through four interconnected stories that focus on enslaved people whose acts of rebellion have been left out of history. The main characters are real, while the secondary characters are named after the author’s enslaved ancestors.
Cane’s writing does not shy away from the physical and psychological violence experienced by enslaved people. The portrayal of rebellion is equally direct and intentionally brutal, showing the violence present in both oppression and resistance without softening it.
This was a one-of-a-kind read for me and very different from the usual books written about slavery. The tone is dark and intense, and the prose is vivid and straightforward, making for a heavy but purposeful reading experience. The author draws on court records and other research to tell these stories, and the inclusion of an abolitionist character with a complicated past added an unexpected layer.
The book explores themes of, suffering, love, courage and the desire to be remembered.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the eARC. Publication date: January 27, 2026.
By Clay Cane
Stories history tried to erase.
4.5 stars rounded up
This historical fiction book, set during the Civil War, is told through four interconnected stories that focus on enslaved people whose acts of rebellion have been left out of history. The main characters are real, while the secondary characters are named after the author’s enslaved ancestors.
Cane’s writing does not shy away from the physical and psychological violence experienced by enslaved people. The portrayal of rebellion is equally direct and intentionally brutal, showing the violence present in both oppression and resistance without softening it.
This was a one-of-a-kind read for me and very different from the usual books written about slavery. The tone is dark and intense, and the prose is vivid and straightforward, making for a heavy but purposeful reading experience. The author draws on court records and other research to tell these stories, and the inclusion of an abolitionist character with a complicated past added an unexpected layer.
The book explores themes of, suffering, love, courage and the desire to be remembered.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the eARC. Publication date: January 27, 2026.
February 3, 2026
The research, time & care Clay Cane put into this book speaks volumes! The these TRUE stories must be told and he did them justice! The authors note discusses everything he put into making this book and made me appreciate it even more. Well done!!!
January 14, 2026
I loved this book, it made me so uncomfortable but in a way he intended. He did a fantastic job of connecting the characters to each other at different points of their life’s. I also love that he found real true stories of people that lived through slavery and created a fictional story around them. Very well done!
June 22, 2025
NetGalley ARC copy - my first ever advanced reader copy of a book is exciting and I had the pleasure of reading ‘Burn Down Masters House’. This is “another slave” story that doesn’t hold any punches. Coincidentally I read ‘James’ by Percival Everett right before this and all I could think about at the beginning of this book was how gritty and raw it was in detail comparatively.
The book is broken up into 4 chapters and almost feels like interconnected short stories. Each story with similar progressions but each equally impactful in their own ways. As the author points out in his notes, these stories are pulled from historical records and he has either changed the name or combined real life situations into these characters.
This is, without question, a horrible time in history and the authors goal is for us to not forget or allow time to change history. We should continue to speak of the horrors that have existed in our past so we can continue to strive to be better for our future.
The book is broken up into 4 chapters and almost feels like interconnected short stories. Each story with similar progressions but each equally impactful in their own ways. As the author points out in his notes, these stories are pulled from historical records and he has either changed the name or combined real life situations into these characters.
This is, without question, a horrible time in history and the authors goal is for us to not forget or allow time to change history. We should continue to speak of the horrors that have existed in our past so we can continue to strive to be better for our future.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Kensington Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Burn Down Master's house is divided into 4 chapters, each following a different story from the past. Each story is connected in one way or another, and together they form a powerful narrative of enslaved Black people in the South shortly before and during the Civil War.
The novel starts with Henri, a Haitian who was captured only a few years ago as he is sold off to a new plantation – Magnolia Row. There he meets people that will shape not only his story but the story of countless other enslaved people in the South.
Burn Down Master's house is based on true events and people that history has forgotten, which makes this book more 'real', in a way. Clay Cane writes in the introduction that "Remembering is an act of opposition" and that "there is power in retelling stories of liberation". I couldn't agree more. Because even though the subject of slavery is tough to read about, there is the need to remember. In this day and age, with people downplaying slavery more and more and seeing equality as a given and not something to still fight for and something that continuously needs defending, this book reminds us. It makes us remember.
It also shows the power one simple act of liberation, of retaliation. This book is explicit in its retaliation against the oppressors. But it shows that more important than physicality is spirituality. Burn Down Master's House is not just the physical act of destruction. It is the metaphorical burning of the systems holding you back, keeping you in place, imprisoning you and your mind. And it is your reminder to start fighting back. Because "maybe, there's a house in your life you need to burn–chains holding you back, something keeping you from your own freedom."
Burn Down Master's house is divided into 4 chapters, each following a different story from the past. Each story is connected in one way or another, and together they form a powerful narrative of enslaved Black people in the South shortly before and during the Civil War.
The novel starts with Henri, a Haitian who was captured only a few years ago as he is sold off to a new plantation – Magnolia Row. There he meets people that will shape not only his story but the story of countless other enslaved people in the South.
Burn Down Master's house is based on true events and people that history has forgotten, which makes this book more 'real', in a way. Clay Cane writes in the introduction that "Remembering is an act of opposition" and that "there is power in retelling stories of liberation". I couldn't agree more. Because even though the subject of slavery is tough to read about, there is the need to remember. In this day and age, with people downplaying slavery more and more and seeing equality as a given and not something to still fight for and something that continuously needs defending, this book reminds us. It makes us remember.
It also shows the power one simple act of liberation, of retaliation. This book is explicit in its retaliation against the oppressors. But it shows that more important than physicality is spirituality. Burn Down Master's House is not just the physical act of destruction. It is the metaphorical burning of the systems holding you back, keeping you in place, imprisoning you and your mind. And it is your reminder to start fighting back. Because "maybe, there's a house in your life you need to burn–chains holding you back, something keeping you from your own freedom."
January 8, 2026
Incredible. This book is absolutely, gut-wrenchingly poetic in its prose, it was equally painful to go through as it was impossible to look away. These inspired retellings feel like a necessary work that should be explored by more. It forces discomfort of remembering the horrible fate of so many Africans stolen from their homes and souls stripped of their dignity and humanity in a way that feel so, so, SO important in 2026. With the essence of titles like James, Kindred, and works by Colson Whitehead, I absolutely adored this work.
Thank you so much to Kensington Publishing and Netgalley for this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. I was honored to be a part of the process!
Thank you so much to Kensington Publishing and Netgalley for this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. I was honored to be a part of the process!
February 4, 2026
Excellent… Brilliant. This book is necessary reading and so impactful. That’s all I’ll say. Go buy it…go read it. That’s the review
January 3, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this novel. All my thoughts and opinions are my own.
Real rating: 4.75
My God.
I immediately sat up at the introduction.
Never in my entire life have I been instantly sucked into a novel before it actually began.
My plans were to just start this book today. Read a few pages. But that introduction decided for me: I was not to move from this spot until I finished this book.
This story is only four chapters, but they’re all interconnected. One domino cannot fall without the other. Every time I closed a chapter on one person’s or group’s journey, my thoughts stayed with them.
I only wish this novel was longer. I would’ve happily read an additional 100-150 pages just to linger with these characters for a moment more. But they deserve rest. And for that, I can only thank Mr Cane for giving it to them.
Real rating: 4.75
My God.
I immediately sat up at the introduction.
Never in my entire life have I been instantly sucked into a novel before it actually began.
My plans were to just start this book today. Read a few pages. But that introduction decided for me: I was not to move from this spot until I finished this book.
This story is only four chapters, but they’re all interconnected. One domino cannot fall without the other. Every time I closed a chapter on one person’s or group’s journey, my thoughts stayed with them.
I only wish this novel was longer. I would’ve happily read an additional 100-150 pages just to linger with these characters for a moment more. But they deserve rest. And for that, I can only thank Mr Cane for giving it to them.
February 2, 2026
5 stars. What a powerful retelling loosely based on the stories of author Clay Cane’s ancestors. Set during the American civil war at Magnolia Row Plantation in Goochland, Virginia, Burn Down Master’s House tells the different stories of four interconnected, enslaved people that refuse to accept their bondage. These are courageous and resilient Black individuals that have uprised against their enslavers and retaliated for the horrendous offenses done to them.
It’s an emotionally charged novel that not only shows the horrors of bondage, but also shows that freedom isn’t just about physical freedom.. emotional and mental freedom are just as important. Cane also shows how those enslaved share a bond of compassion and love for one another.
This is definitely not an easy read as the author does not hold anything back and at times I had to set it aside. I could literally feel their pain.. heartbreaking.. this emotionally wrecked me. Deeply thought provoking - powerful- skillfully written - excellent book. I encourage you to pick this up, especially now. Pub. 1/27/26
Many thanks to Kensington Publishing via NetGalley for the advanced reading copy.
It’s an emotionally charged novel that not only shows the horrors of bondage, but also shows that freedom isn’t just about physical freedom.. emotional and mental freedom are just as important. Cane also shows how those enslaved share a bond of compassion and love for one another.
This is definitely not an easy read as the author does not hold anything back and at times I had to set it aside. I could literally feel their pain.. heartbreaking.. this emotionally wrecked me. Deeply thought provoking - powerful- skillfully written - excellent book. I encourage you to pick this up, especially now. Pub. 1/27/26
Many thanks to Kensington Publishing via NetGalley for the advanced reading copy.
February 1, 2026
“One flame inspired a thousand fires.”
I don’t think I can fully capture the depth of what this book accomplishes. Burn Down Master’s House shares the stories of enslaved people who refused to be broken. People who resisted, fought back, and held onto their humanity, however they could, in the face of unimaginable cruelty.
The brutal dehumanization portrayed is absolutely heartbreaking. Trying to comprehend how anyone could cling to even the smallest shred of hope in those circumstances was overwhelming, and I was left feeling both devastated and so angry on their behalf.
Because these stories are rooted in real events, the weight of them will linger long after you finish reading. It’s dark and disturbing, but also profoundly powerful and inspiring.
Reimagining and preserving these stories matters. These voices, their resistance, this truth... they deserve to be remembered. I'd highly recommend this book to anyone.
**Don’t skip the historical notes at the end! The real history that inspired the novel is just as essential and absolutely worth the read.**
⭐ I’d give it more stars if I could!
I don’t think I can fully capture the depth of what this book accomplishes. Burn Down Master’s House shares the stories of enslaved people who refused to be broken. People who resisted, fought back, and held onto their humanity, however they could, in the face of unimaginable cruelty.
The brutal dehumanization portrayed is absolutely heartbreaking. Trying to comprehend how anyone could cling to even the smallest shred of hope in those circumstances was overwhelming, and I was left feeling both devastated and so angry on their behalf.
Because these stories are rooted in real events, the weight of them will linger long after you finish reading. It’s dark and disturbing, but also profoundly powerful and inspiring.
Reimagining and preserving these stories matters. These voices, their resistance, this truth... they deserve to be remembered. I'd highly recommend this book to anyone.
**Don’t skip the historical notes at the end! The real history that inspired the novel is just as essential and absolutely worth the read.**
⭐ I’d give it more stars if I could!
January 28, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. Less than 300 pages, based on real historical events and people, these four interconnected stories follow the lives of enslaved people who fought against their oppressors and reclaimed their power.
Oppressors rely on isolation, fear, and misinformation. They feed on hopelessness. These stories show how much power exists in collective resistance and solidarity, how one spark of rebellion lights another until the entire institution is in flames. When it comes to human suffering, there is no neutrality. Choosing to do nothing is still a choice, and it only protects those in power. This novel is uncomfortable, violent, and gory at times, but it’s also filled with so much love, resilience, and humanity. It broke my heart, but it also incited a fire in me. Together, change is possible.
Oppressors rely on isolation, fear, and misinformation. They feed on hopelessness. These stories show how much power exists in collective resistance and solidarity, how one spark of rebellion lights another until the entire institution is in flames. When it comes to human suffering, there is no neutrality. Choosing to do nothing is still a choice, and it only protects those in power. This novel is uncomfortable, violent, and gory at times, but it’s also filled with so much love, resilience, and humanity. It broke my heart, but it also incited a fire in me. Together, change is possible.
February 5, 2026
This is an important read. It will make you uncomfortable , but it should make you uncomfortable.
January 4, 2026
Revolution has never been achieved without violence, and this book brings that knowledge to the forefront with the unflinching retribution brought about by its protagonists.
Inspired by true events, Clay Cane has given Luke, Josephine, Charity, and Solomon the endings they deserved - serving up justice in an often brutal fashion to the enslavers that tried to destroy them.
There’s an overarching feeling of hope and catharsis to the end of each of the stories that made the harrowing narratives feel less like trauma porn. I think everyone should read this book, the warnings about the current political climate were not lost on me either, I think it’s very relevant to the here and now too. You’ll need a strong stomach, though.
“Don’t let them take what they can’t touch.”
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the ARC!
Inspired by true events, Clay Cane has given Luke, Josephine, Charity, and Solomon the endings they deserved - serving up justice in an often brutal fashion to the enslavers that tried to destroy them.
There’s an overarching feeling of hope and catharsis to the end of each of the stories that made the harrowing narratives feel less like trauma porn. I think everyone should read this book, the warnings about the current political climate were not lost on me either, I think it’s very relevant to the here and now too. You’ll need a strong stomach, though.
“Don’t let them take what they can’t touch.”
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the ARC!
July 6, 2025
I am not sure I can put into words how I feel about this book but in going to try.
WOW! I have never ever felt so many emotions while reading a book! Burn Down Master's House had me crying, yelling, sick to my stomach, and many more emotions. My heart is shattered for what people have went through during/after The American Civil War. I did enjoy that all of the characters intertwined in some way throughout the story.
I think everyone should read Burn Down Master's House, especially if you enjoy Historical books.
This book will sit with me forever and I will recommend it to everyone forever.
WOW! I have never ever felt so many emotions while reading a book! Burn Down Master's House had me crying, yelling, sick to my stomach, and many more emotions. My heart is shattered for what people have went through during/after The American Civil War. I did enjoy that all of the characters intertwined in some way throughout the story.
I think everyone should read Burn Down Master's House, especially if you enjoy Historical books.
This book will sit with me forever and I will recommend it to everyone forever.
January 30, 2026
⊹ ࣪ ˖𝒎𝒚 𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈
ᯓ★★★★★
If you loved Percival Everett’s James, this one is a must-read. Burn Down the Master’s House is a historical retelling of four different stories of enslaved people in the American South. Each story has its own chapter but they all interweave, creating a sweeping narrative about resistance, hope, and humanity.
⊹ ࣪ ˖ 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 𝒂𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈
I was surprised at how early the author introduces the imagery of fire. In a more conventional narrative, such hints might be reserved for the climax. But if I imagine being one of the enslaved, living under daily exploitation and violence, I might constantly dream of destroying these plantations. In that sense, the writing feels incredibly real, it just makes sense.
The book doesn’t shy away from the horrors, dehumanization, and cruelty of slavery. Yet at its core, it’s not just about depicting suffering—it’s about hope and violent resistance. We rarely hear stories of those who fought back, who chose destruction and fire as a response to extreme violence. Unlike the romanticized nostalgia of Gone With the Wind, or narratives that linger on tragedy in a way that borders on trauma consumption, Burn Down the Master’s House offers a more powerful imagination. It forces readers to confront anger and reconsider what justice and resistance truly mean.
The characters and their interconnected stories are vivid—I could almost see them on screen as if watching an Oscar-worthy film. Luke, Henri, Josephine, Charity, and even secondary characters like Solomon are easy to empathize with. At the same time, my hatred and disgust for every slaveholder—and anyone who condoned the system—was just as intense. I even wanted them to face their just consequences.
There were also two moments that moved me to tears. The first is in chapter one, —the helplessness, pain, and stolen dignity are heart-wrenching. The second is in chapter four, That warmth of regained possibility is quietly powerful.
Cane draws from real events, real people, and historical records. Some of the torture scenes are almost unbearable, and the cruelty of slaveholders surpasses comprehension. But that’s exactly why this history must be remembered, even if it’s painful and uncomfortable. We need to hear stories of power and resistance, to confirm that people did resist, refused to disappear quietly into darkness.
⊹ ࣪ ˖ 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘𝒔 𝒂𝒍𝒔𝒐 𝒐𝒏
╰┈➤blog ╰┈➤ instagram
⩩CONTENT WARNING: rape, violence, torture, blood, death, poisoning, miscarriage, verbal abuse, physical abuse, some gore, distressing imagery, mutilation
# started: 21/01/2026
# finished: 28/01/2026
⊹ ࣪ ˖𝒑𝒓𝒆-𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅
This may well become my first 5-star read of 2026.
₊˚ʚ Thanks to NetGalley and Dafina for the ARC. Burn Down Master's House will be published on 27 January 2026.
ᯓ★★★★★
If you loved Percival Everett’s James, this one is a must-read. Burn Down the Master’s House is a historical retelling of four different stories of enslaved people in the American South. Each story has its own chapter but they all interweave, creating a sweeping narrative about resistance, hope, and humanity.
⊹ ࣪ ˖ 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 𝒂𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈
Don’t you go making Magnolia Row a hotter hell than it already is. That fire burns up everything around you.
I was surprised at how early the author introduces the imagery of fire. In a more conventional narrative, such hints might be reserved for the climax. But if I imagine being one of the enslaved, living under daily exploitation and violence, I might constantly dream of destroying these plantations. In that sense, the writing feels incredibly real, it just makes sense.
The book doesn’t shy away from the horrors, dehumanization, and cruelty of slavery. Yet at its core, it’s not just about depicting suffering—it’s about hope and violent resistance. We rarely hear stories of those who fought back, who chose destruction and fire as a response to extreme violence. Unlike the romanticized nostalgia of Gone With the Wind, or narratives that linger on tragedy in a way that borders on trauma consumption, Burn Down the Master’s House offers a more powerful imagination. It forces readers to confront anger and reconsider what justice and resistance truly mean.
The characters and their interconnected stories are vivid—I could almost see them on screen as if watching an Oscar-worthy film. Luke, Henri, Josephine, Charity, and even secondary characters like Solomon are easy to empathize with. At the same time, my hatred and disgust for every slaveholder—and anyone who condoned the system—was just as intense. I even wanted them to face their just consequences.
There were also two moments that moved me to tears. The first is in chapter one, —the helplessness, pain, and stolen dignity are heart-wrenching. The second is in chapter four, That warmth of regained possibility is quietly powerful.
Cane draws from real events, real people, and historical records. Some of the torture scenes are almost unbearable, and the cruelty of slaveholders surpasses comprehension. But that’s exactly why this history must be remembered, even if it’s painful and uncomfortable. We need to hear stories of power and resistance, to confirm that people did resist, refused to disappear quietly into darkness.
⊹ ࣪ ˖ 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘𝒔 𝒂𝒍𝒔𝒐 𝒐𝒏
╰┈➤blog ╰┈➤ instagram
⩩CONTENT WARNING: rape, violence, torture, blood, death, poisoning, miscarriage, verbal abuse, physical abuse, some gore, distressing imagery, mutilation
# started: 21/01/2026
# finished: 28/01/2026
⊹ ࣪ ˖𝒑𝒓𝒆-𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅
This may well become my first 5-star read of 2026.
₊˚ʚ Thanks to NetGalley and Dafina for the ARC. Burn Down Master's House will be published on 27 January 2026.
January 30, 2026
4.5 Stars.
"There is no one way to resist, it's a spectrum."
This book will make you ANGRY. This book will have you questioning everything they've ever taught us in school because "remembering is an act of opposition."
Clay, sir, this book is exactly what folks need to read right now, given our current political climate. It's also a book that will challenge you, as a reader. From the beautiful love story of Luke and Henri to the surprising betrayal by Nathaniel, everything we've thought we've known about slavery will be flipped upside down. The only reason this wasn't a 5-star read for me is that I felt like my girl Josephine's story needed MORE.
Be sure to take your time reading these stories, because you'll want to burn down the master's house. As Luke reminds us,
"This is not the end. They'll keep trying. But every time they build, we must burn it down. Not just the house, but the whole foundation. We can't rearrange the furniture and slap on fresh paint..."
Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
"There is no one way to resist, it's a spectrum."
This book will make you ANGRY. This book will have you questioning everything they've ever taught us in school because "remembering is an act of opposition."
Clay, sir, this book is exactly what folks need to read right now, given our current political climate. It's also a book that will challenge you, as a reader. From the beautiful love story of Luke and Henri to the surprising betrayal by Nathaniel, everything we've thought we've known about slavery will be flipped upside down. The only reason this wasn't a 5-star read for me is that I felt like my girl Josephine's story needed MORE.
Be sure to take your time reading these stories, because you'll want to burn down the master's house. As Luke reminds us,
"This is not the end. They'll keep trying. But every time they build, we must burn it down. Not just the house, but the whole foundation. We can't rearrange the furniture and slap on fresh paint..."
Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
January 31, 2026
This book first and foremost was a harrowing yet beautifully written depiction of the harsh brutalities of the institution of slavery, while highlighting the unrelenting grit and perseverance of those held in bondage. Told over several decades and coming back together in a full circle moment, this story is told through the eyes of several slaves across different plantations and states. There were several scenes that were difficult to read due to the nature of the content, however this book is excellently written with a clear and concise message. This was my first read from author Clay Cane but will definitely not be my last. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel based on true events and life stories. Thank you to Goodreads and the publishers for gifting me with this ARC!
January 31, 2026
this book is harsh and emotional.. the contents are heavy, but worth sitting with the unrelenting events for the ending of each section.. when i tell you the goosebumps were so real as i took in the interwoven story unfolding before me.. whew!
the chapters are long, but necessary.. it gives each moment the space it needs…
the audio is narrated by the author.. which i love! gives it something extra.. and his note at the end gives the story even more clarity and meaning.
the chapters are long, but necessary.. it gives each moment the space it needs…
the audio is narrated by the author.. which i love! gives it something extra.. and his note at the end gives the story even more clarity and meaning.
January 28, 2026
I could just cry right now because WOW! Ok, wait… I am crying! This was a phenomenal read from start to finish. When I say a book pulled me by my edges, this is the book I’m referring to. I felt every emotion, the fear, the fight, the anticipated freedom. “Don’t let them take what they can’t touch!” In the end, when the characters start to connect, wow, mind blowing. No matter how far we travel by foot, by boat, by horses, by water, we are still connected through the blood and through the fire & the fight! Remarkable job!
January 31, 2026
How I hope the ancestors felt when the Nottoway Plantation, turned resort, was reduced to ashes in 2025.
These are the stories that must be shared with the world. Black people didn’t simply succumb to slavery. This book encapsulates the moment when someone reaches their breaking point, fed up with enduring suffering, and the consequences of those individuals finally taking matters into their own hands. It’s like Django Unchained, but with a more authentic and powerful narrative based on true events.
These are the stories that must be shared with the world. Black people didn’t simply succumb to slavery. This book encapsulates the moment when someone reaches their breaking point, fed up with enduring suffering, and the consequences of those individuals finally taking matters into their own hands. It’s like Django Unchained, but with a more authentic and powerful narrative based on true events.
January 20, 2026
Burn Down Master’s House by Clay Cane is a prime example of why historical fiction is one of my favorite genres.
This book is powerful, heartbreaking, and truly eye opening. I’ve read a few stories centered on slavery and racism, and some tend to follow familiar plot lines. But the way Clay Cane approaches revenge and resistance, and enslaved people standing up for themselves, feels fresh, intentional, and honestly genius.
Inspired by true stories of men and women who were unafraid to rebel and fight back, this book honors the bravery of those who refused to be broken.
After every chapter, I found myself sitting with so many emotions, constantly wondering what would happen to the characters next. By the end, every question I had was answered, and the way their stories connected was beautifully done.
I couple read this with my husband, and the fact that the introduction pulled us both in immediately says a lot. This is absolutely a must read.
Clay Cane did an amazing job with the research for this book, and giving that these characters the kind of endings they deserved. This story honors the lives and courage of real people who fought for their freedom, and their stories will stay with me for a long time.
This book is powerful, heartbreaking, and truly eye opening. I’ve read a few stories centered on slavery and racism, and some tend to follow familiar plot lines. But the way Clay Cane approaches revenge and resistance, and enslaved people standing up for themselves, feels fresh, intentional, and honestly genius.
Inspired by true stories of men and women who were unafraid to rebel and fight back, this book honors the bravery of those who refused to be broken.
After every chapter, I found myself sitting with so many emotions, constantly wondering what would happen to the characters next. By the end, every question I had was answered, and the way their stories connected was beautifully done.
I couple read this with my husband, and the fact that the introduction pulled us both in immediately says a lot. This is absolutely a must read.
Clay Cane did an amazing job with the research for this book, and giving that these characters the kind of endings they deserved. This story honors the lives and courage of real people who fought for their freedom, and their stories will stay with me for a long time.
January 16, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
First of all, I’m very grateful to NetGalley and the publisher/author to have granted me an early access to this novel. Second of all, this book was incredible.
Burn Down Master’s House is a novel about slavery, but it’s also a novel about rebellion, uprise and revenge. It takes a gory twist that’s supposed to make you uncomfortable, along with a slight sense of justice when intended.
Typically, books with no chapters tend to feel slow and hard to get through, but I did not have this perception with BDMH. The story was captivating, beautifully written and informative (we don’t get taught enough about the brutality of slavery in school, therefore i was ignorant regarding practices or even signs of rebellion). In my personal opinion, a few lines and concepts felt a little repetitive at some point, but aside from that I thoroughly enjoyed this.
I would also really recommend reading both the preface and the author’s note at the end, as it helps giving perspective on real life events that inspired the novel.
First of all, I’m very grateful to NetGalley and the publisher/author to have granted me an early access to this novel. Second of all, this book was incredible.
Burn Down Master’s House is a novel about slavery, but it’s also a novel about rebellion, uprise and revenge. It takes a gory twist that’s supposed to make you uncomfortable, along with a slight sense of justice when intended.
Typically, books with no chapters tend to feel slow and hard to get through, but I did not have this perception with BDMH. The story was captivating, beautifully written and informative (we don’t get taught enough about the brutality of slavery in school, therefore i was ignorant regarding practices or even signs of rebellion). In my personal opinion, a few lines and concepts felt a little repetitive at some point, but aside from that I thoroughly enjoyed this.
I would also really recommend reading both the preface and the author’s note at the end, as it helps giving perspective on real life events that inspired the novel.
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