llamareads
Written on Nov 20, 2017
I liked Elle quite a bit, but found Malcolm a bit more opaque. I could definitely understand why Elle didn’t trust him at first, and I really respected her for how careful she was about getting involved with him. Elle has been used all her life because of her talent – by her parents, by her almost-husband Daniel, by the Loyal League – and finding someone who seems to value her for herself is heady, but she’s wise enough to realize that Malcolm’s charm isn’t enough to overcome the obstacles to their relationship. As for Malcolm, he falls for her strength and intelligence, and is confused when his charm doesn’t work on her like he expects. Malcolm’s slow realization of the awfulness that Elle faces every day of her life, and what they’ll both experience if they choose to pursue a relationship, is painfully real.
This is not exactly a light read. Elle is posing as a mute slave in a Rebel household, and the treatment of her, and the other actual slaves, is heartrendingly awful. Nor does Ms. Cole, or her characters, shy away from the difficulties involved in an inter-racial relationship during the Civil War area. Despite it all, Elle’s dedication to freedom shines through.
“We don’t want revenge, Malcolm.” She looked at him like he was the densest bastard to ever walk the earth. “We want life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, just like any damned fool in these United States is entitled to so long as he isn’t Black or Red. So you can keep your outrage. All I can do is try to make a difference.”
With all that said, this is a wonderful, amazing read. Ms. Cole shows a deft ability to balance the horrors of the Civil War with humor and delightfully real characters. I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series!