Buffalo Soldier

by Maurice Broaddus

Having stumbled onto a plot within his homeland of Jamaica, former espionage agent, Desmond Coke, finds himself caught between warring religious and political factions, all vying for control of a mysterious boy named Lij Tafari.

Wanting the boy to have a chance to live a free life, Desmond assumes responsibility for him and they flee. But a dogged enemy agent remains ever on their heels, desperate to obtain the secrets held within Lij for her employer alone.

Assassins, intrigue, and steammen stand between Desmond and Lij as they search for a place to call home in a North America that could have been.

Genres: Steampunk, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Novella, Alternate History, Fiction, Historical Fiction

145 pages, ebook

First published April 25, 2017

Reviews

[K.J. Charles]

Fantastic opening and fascinating characters, with a great set up, but didn't entirely work for me in the end. It felt like a section of a full length book: lots crammed in (alt history, semi mystical story themes, several plotlines and mystery) but I didn't feel it all had the space it needed to breathe and develop, and for the plot to work itself out. This may be in part because alt history is a challenge when you are ignorant of the actual history, as I am, so it took me forever to work out what probably would seem obvious to US readers.

Also I need to stop believing I will one day like steampunk, because it isn't happening. So this probably just wasn't for me.

*Amazing* cover. Should win awards.

[Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantasy Review Barn

“We call them engineers. It's from the Navajo meaning...engineers.”

If you have ever read a short story and thought 'damn I wish this was just a bit longer.' Or if you have ever read a novel and thought 'there is a good story here but the page count seems padded.' Or perhaps you are a person who has been waiting for a steampunk alternative America with a Jamaican protagonist. If any of these statements apply to you then proceed to pick up Buffalo Soldier immediately.

This is the story of Desmond Coke and Lij. The former a covert agent of Jamaica and the latter just a boy. Well, a boy turned into an object to covet being searched for by man unsavory sorts. Searching for nothing more than a place they won't be found the pair leave Jamaica, skirt its rival regional power Albion, and make their way near the lands of the Five Civilized Tribes. This is American that wasn't; splintering at an unknown spot in the historical timeline.

Along the way they meet a colorful cast including a man who claims to be Garrison Hearst and a mysterious woman named Cayt with her own agenda. This is a story with plenty of action (watch Coke's cane carefully) including some Steampunk goodness. But even more so it is a story of family and stories. Coke claims at one point that Jamaicans have the best stories and Lij seems more than willing to indulge him if it means the stories getting told.

This novella gives the reader the best of what a short story often provides; a more streamlined story with a tighter cast. In fact the bones of the plot would have made a fine short story on its own. But the extended length really lets the stories Coke tells shine and meld into the larger narrative. And it lets the relationship Coke and Lij share gain the emotional potency needed for a reader to truly care about the outcome.

This isn't a story for people who insist on answers to every question; the mystery of Lij gets some explanation but is never completely transparent and Cayt's agenda is only half brought out. But it is a story that answers enough to satisfy while leaving just enough to keep one thinking about the implications.

I admit I really hope this is the first of several novellas set in the world. I would be happy to continue following Lij and Coke of course, but Cayt could also prove to be a great main character. Mostly I don't want this well crafted world to be something I only glimpse once; I could see myself spending a lot of time here.

4 Stars

Copy for review provided by publisher.

[Max]

A fast-paced and well-written gateway to an America that could have been. In this book, Broaddus walks between traditional storytelling traditions and pulp, parenthood and pugilism—and creates a world and characters I want to watch grow over time.

[Skip · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story of Jamaican agent Desmond Coke and a young boy, Lij Tafari on the run. Coke wants Lij to have a normal life, but because of who he is, that seems improbable, as there are many seeking his capture for reasons that are dribbled out over the short course of the book. The book suffers from trying to do too many things in too short a number of pages (146): the unUnited States are a bunch of warring territories with differing politics, steampunk devices and technology abound, a Pinkerton detective working for an unknown party, etc. A mile wide, but only an inch deep, Broaddus should expand this novella into a full length novel to provide a more enriching experience for his readers.

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very engaging alternate history with a nice flavoring of steam-punk that's really all about story-telling. The world is presented to us as is, a fact the characters must deal with and move through, and Broaddus is not interested in making a detailed explanation or apology. It's a good technique, and makes the characters easier to identify with. There are quite a few gems in the dialog, such as "Swords don't have stun settings," "You seriously brought a sword to a gunfight?," and "Techno-shamans? Seriously? Where do you people get your intel? Pulp novels?" along with neat descriptive phrases like "Cayt tumbled into them like a four-limbed bowling ball." It keeps the story speeding along, while giving him the chance he needs to make his real points about story-telling culture and heritage. Though perhaps a bit too short, it's a fun read with sympathetic characters, good writing, and a good story.... as Desmond might say, it tumbles into the reader like a four-limbed bowling ball.

[imyril is not really here any more · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh dear, this didn’t really work for me. I like the basic ingredients but the execution just leaves me cold and frustrated.

It’s a shame, because the world-building is fascinating. This is a really intriguing alternate history, where the British Empire hung on to her American colonies but lost control of Jamaica in the Maroon Wars; where Texas has remained belligerently independent; and where the indigenous tribes withdrew from the eastern states to fortify the West against the white man. It makes for two powerful political blocs of colour balanced against the ongoing incursions of the expansionist Imperials, and sets up an interesting political balance.

All of which is brilliant context for story-telling ...but the story and the characters feel awfully thin, and the dialogue is terribly heavy on exposition dumps. Disappointing.

2.5 stars

Full review

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the interesting alt-history steam-punk late-1800s (maybe?) sort-of-United-States that was developed, though I would have loved more details or development of some aspects. I would also have liked some more development of the relationship between the two main characters.

[Monica **can't read fast enough** · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this novella, but I felt as though I had been dropped down into the middle of a story instead of starting from the beginning. This may be due to the fact that it's a novella and things needed to get moving quickly without the time and space for detailed background and lead up to the main part of the story. My fingers are crossed that this will be developed into more stories. It would truly make for a good series with full length stories. Full review to come.

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[Maria reads SFF]

I love divese stories and Steampunk elements.
I think if you are more familiar with USA geography, this will work even better for you.

[Tawallah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novella is an alternate history/steampunk book which looks at fatherhood along with politics. Here we follow Desmond Coke, a spy, a Marron and someone who wants freedom for his ward Lij. Lij is a mysterious character who potentially can change the world. Set in southern America Desmond runs into trouble in Tejas( Texas) both for the color of his skin and for having Lij.

This book attempts to blend Jamaican, Seminole and Jewish folklore/subculture and philosophy using oral history. But it is quite disjointed and would have benefited from being a novel to better harmonize the meanings of freedom and fatherhood for these characters . It kept key aspects close to the chest and I wish there had been more unfolding of this story. Some aspects of the religions and certain beliefs were hard to grasp but a key theme is shared stories and survival beyond current circumstances.

A good read if you are interested in history of Jamaica or Native American with a bit of steampunk and look at being fatherhood.

[Peter Tieryas · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Swords don't have stun settings."
"You seriously brought a sword to a gun fight?"
Really enjoying the fascinating mix of alternate history, steam punk, and witty dialogue.

[Milton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buffalo Soldier is an engrossing tale that takes place in an very interesting alternate America. Maurice weaves a tale that contains stories within a story and cleverly names each chapter after a roots reggae song. An alternate history story with a reggae vibe? Perfect. The story ends with much left to be told, which I hope Mr. Broaddus will get the opportunity to do.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this. It's novella length and tells enough story without needing more information. I think if we were still in a steampunk trend, there might be more from this world, but I'm thinking it's less popular since when this was published.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great steampunk story set in an alternative America.

[Grady · Rating 3 out of 5]

This feels like it’s the first third of a full-length novel - that it gets just past the first mountain range and ends, but the most interesting part of the story, and the explanation of *why* the first climax came out the way it did, remains to be revealed. I will gladly read that longer novel.

As others have noted, this could benefit from an editor with a strong hand. The world-building is interesting, and the characters are appealing - but because it ends early, some characters never really come into their own. A number of transitions between scenes or parts of a scene need work - they could be a lot smoother. There’s enough about this alternate history that is disorienting (but would bog the narrative down to explain) so the book already is inevitably going to require readers to have a willingness to figure it out as they go along. But that’s all the more reason for an editor to ensure that the writing itself doesn’t distract from the flow of the story. One example: several times, the narrative presents a story-within-a-story. It’s a great technique, calling back to classic works like the The Pancatantra and the One Thousand and One Nights, as well as SF classics like Hyperion. But here, it isn’t always clear who is telling the story, which is an unnecessary hurdle. Another recurring example: the main characters are on a long journey, but scenes shift across long geographic distances with few indications of spatial or temporal change. Providing that wouldn't have to take up many pages, but could give a lot more coherence to the plot, and better underline the protagonist’s weariness in places where that matters.

At any rate, this is a pretty promising start, and I hope to have the chance to read more set in this world.

[Becky Spratford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three Words That Describe This Book: Steampunk, Story About Stories, Engaging

This is another alternative history, dark fantasy Western. It is Steampunk but with an Afro-Caribbean foundation.

But what is unique here is the relationship between Desmond and the child. They are on the run, but there is time for the reader to learn about them and be lured in by their relationship in between the action. Broaddus' writing style engages us, draws us in to participate.

There are plenty of eccentric characters here and the story is a fun read, but there is also lots to ponder as the book delves into politics and religion but without being preachy about either.

Readalikes: Pairs well with RIVER OF TEETH by Gailey and DREAD NATION by Ireland but is different than both. I have reviews for those on my shelf too. Also THE BLACK GOD'S DRUM by Clark-- especially this one.

UNBURY CAROL by Malerman because of the mystical western frame with steampunk influences. Here is my review of that book: https://raforall.blogspot.com/2018/02...

Finally, many people who enjoy steampunk in general will like this novella. Here is the Goodreads Steampunk page: https://www.goodreads.com/genres/stea...

[Vinay Badri · Rating 2 out of 5]

Never really got into this book at all despite it being a novella :(. Found it hard to follow and there was a distinct lack of flow

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

This felt like a short story that was too long to include in The Voices of Martyrs. Unfortunately, I wanted it to be a lot more fleshed out than it was. The setting was a slice of speculative fiction...what if United States was still controlled by England, Texas was an independent nation, and the native Americans were able to unify and prevent the westward expansion of the Europeans? Although, the world wasn't an exact duplicate...it was "Tejas" and England was "Albion", with a steampunk veneer to the whole thing. With an added dollop of futuristic DNA engineering that gave two characters mystical mental abilities. It took a long while to piece together what the setting was, and who the characters were. I'm familiar with authors throwing the reader headlong into the storyline & revealing everything simply through being immersed in the world, but it didn't work for me in this book. It felt like Broaddus was trying to fit a bunch of intriguing ideas into too short a book.

Broaddus always manages to write bits that I love, though:

"One day, all that will be left of us is our stories. When our tribe has become little more than a faded dream with only our tales left to shape our children and our children's children. But a story only needs a teller for it to be remembered. At night, when the road is free of travelers and the villages are silent, the dream of us will fil the land. There is no death, only movement between worlds.
Our stories live on after us."
---------------------
"When the powerless seek their own sense of control, 'crime' is what an unjust system produces"

[Rene Sears · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. Desmond Coke is a Jamaican agent on the run, protecting a boy, Lij, whom everyone seems to want. Over the course of the novella, *why* everyone wants him starts to become clear, and how his young life has been affected by it. The stories people tell themselves and each other also feature over the course of the novella, which I enjoyed. (Lij loves stories, and people seem to enjoy telling them to him.)

Desmond and Lij have fled to Tejas (Texas) and go to seek refuge with the Seminole when everyone seems to be after them: Tejas industrialists, Pinkerton agents in the hire of a mysterious client, Jamaican Niyabingi (of which Desmond used to be one.) Cayt Siringo, the Pinkerton agent, is particularly troublesome and hard to shake (and the story's main antagonist, but not an unsympathetic one as the story advances.)

I really loved the worldbuilding in this--there's a steampunk aspect to it, but it's clear that there are layers and layers. I particularly enjoyed seeing the Seminoles' city and their technology. Desmond's character was wonderful, particularly his determination to protect Lij. My one complaint was that this felt a little rushed in places, like it needed more room to spread out, and I'd have liked to see more of it (in fact, I really hope there's a sequel.)

ETA: Meant to mention. Dang, that cover! Gorgeous.

[Redsteve · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kind of disappointed in this one. I'd heard good things about it, but it had a number of flaws that are not uncommon in steampunk/alternate history stories. The technology is pretty much classic steampunk/Wild Wild West, with giant factories, robot animals, steam-powered mechs, gunfighters using electro-pistols ("pulse weapons"), primitive cyborgs, etc. The British Empire ("Albion") still controls the United States, whose "Regents" all seem to have the same names as US presidents. There is a Texas republic ("Tejas") and a independent Native American nation using more "green" technology. The author is vague as to what year the story takes place in and there is little to explain how things diverged from the world we know. One of the characters even has silver gears attached to her hatband. Sheesh! I was interested in the independent Jamaica in the story and it's factions - which seemed to have some aspects similar to the Haiti of our timeline. Another original idea that I felt fit in well with a steampunk setting was phrenologists inducing psychic powers through surgery. Overall, it is an entertaining story, but at the bottom I felt that the world building was weak (or weakly explained), and I want some history in my alternate history. 2.5 stars.

[Valeria Vega · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Some stories were only told when words failed. When whatever truth scrabbled about in the dark, in secret places that defined a people, bubbled to the surface and found its voice spoken in a language only known to the wind.”

The idea in general was incredible! Too bad it was so short and everything happened in the blink of an eye. From the beginning, we are immersed in the history of the Five Civilized Tribes and all the politics that revolve around North America, the diplomatic conflicts, and another good handful of details that confused me. In a longer book the description of the world and its rules could have been developed better, here I would have liked it to focus more on Lij and why everyone wants to capture him. Like Cayt, the boy appears to have superhuman abilities that the world wants to study, either to use as a weapon or to replicate in other beings. I would have liked to know more about it.

“There is no death, only movement between worlds. Our stories live on after us.”

The characters were great, their development, and I think that is the strength of this narrative. I really enjoyed the tales and how Lij loved listening to them.

Favorite character: Desmond

[Nicky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think my enjoyment of this book would be greatly enhanced if I knew my US history a bit better. As it is, it’s an alternate history, and yet I can’t judge the cleverness of it and what it’s trying to show. I feel like I might’ve got into it more at novel length, even without more history knowledge; events might have come upon me a little less abruptly, then.

It’s definitely readable and pacy; that’s not the issue at all. There’s some great lines, including some bitterly funny ones (“We call them engineers. It’s from the Navajo meaning… engineers”). The world building is intriguing, but I just didn’t know enough — either about the world being built, or about the world it is building on. There’s great action scenes, but.

After the whole concept of his King Arthur retelling totally failed for me, though, it’s good to have tried some more of Broaddus’ work. I think I’ll pick up something else by him if I get the chance.

Reviewed for The Bibliophibian.

[VexenReplica · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 rounded up. I've wanted to read this one for a while now, and it doesn't really disappoint.

This reminds me of a shorter version of The Vanished Birds except set in an alt-his US where (I presume) the US never became free from the UK and instead other British territories became industrial powerhouses. Apparently it's set in modern day? but I really didn't get the vibe from that besides a couple of throwaway mentions.

It’s much too short though. It reads like a serial in a magazine with separate sections loosely joined together by the same characters in a overarching plot. In case you're curious, this was published in 2017 when I really started noticing Tor's novella dominance.

I liked the stories within the story. The characters were OK but we really only get good characterization of two or three. The plotting is brisk and there’s rarely a dull moment.

Based on the historical aspect of a buffalo soldier, I thought there would have been more fighting (if you don't know what the historical/real-world buffalo soldiers were, look it up!) but there seems to be a lack of that.

Book bingo 2022: historical sff, standalone, BIPOC, no if/and/but
Maybes: cool weapon, revolution, family matters

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, so this awesome. It's an alternate history that is jarring and yet cleverly familiar enough to allow us to stay grounded, all centered around a wonderful MC with a wonderful voice. The world also features impressively detailed steampunk technology, particularly given how short the novella is. It actually reminds me a bit of Nisi Shawl's remarkable Everfair -- while Shawl's work is novel more developed and digs deeper, both works display a great confidence in their words and settings, and both are ambitious enough to tear apart a world we know and posit an alternative one in which (gasp) white people don't run everything.

[Degenerate Chemist · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Buffalo Soldier" can best be described as afrofuturist steampunk. I had originally thought the title might mean this book had something to do with the historical Buffalo soldiers, the Black cavalry of the US army. The title is more likely a reference to Bob Marley and the song of the same title.

This book has my very favorite trope- murder parent taking care of supernatural and powerful child. It portrays a world that is familiar but where manifest destiny and imperialism were not quite as successful as they were in this world.

At 145 pages this is a quick, fun read. I wouldn't mind reading more books that take place in this timeline.

[T.B. Caine · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Booktube

This is like a 3.5/5 rounded up just because I do like this cast as well as this world.

However that is also what is keeping it from being ranked higher, this is a novella so there isn't as much time to worldbuild. But there is still a lot being done, almost too much. There are various points where I felt a tad overwhelmed, especially since a lot wasn't used again once it was mentioned.

Interesting concept and world, I just wish it was longer so I could experience these characters more.

[Daran · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good writing, but edited oddly.

This book needed to be about 53% longer. While there are some interesting ideas in the world building of this story l, they are only sketched out if that. I felt like I had started reading somewhere around chapter 10. Additionally, the sense of time from chapter to chapter expanded and contracted in a disorienting way.

The prose was good throughout, and the use of steam punk tropes were used to good effect. The main characters were interesting enough that I felt disappointed I didn't really get to know them well. I will definitely read more from this author. tbh, I'd like to read a longer version of this story.

[CJ · Rating 1 out of 5]

What. I don't know what I just read. It seemed like every other chapter was missing, felt really slight and incomplete. I had no idea what time period it was supposed to be in.

None of the characters were around long enough to feel anything about them. I seriously have no idea what this was.

Also, needs a better editor. The phrase "for a brief moment" was used twice in one sentence, among other things.

[Amanda [Novel Addiction] · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a bit confused in the beginning since the audience is tossed right in with not much explanation about the world or current political climate (which definitely matters), but this book was worth it. Well written, a fascinating subject.. and I definitely want to see more by this author in the future.

[Jaii · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember glimpsing this cover on twitter and wanted to read this so badly without having no idea what it was about. black steampunk characters...more please!! i wish this were longer so we had more backstory tho. i love the different storytelling that took place and the patois usage and the world building