Initially, I was skeptical of reading this story. It’s a subject that can trigger emotions that some might feel are better left unsaid or imagined. After emptying my mind, I read the story with a blank slate and no expectations of what lie between the pages. I’m glad I did, because the story was more than I hoped it would be. First, the author used their pen to depict a well researched, and historically sound piece of art. Art that had me as a reader feeling like I travelled in a Time Machine. It’s as if all of my senses were immersed in a time that we’ve only glimpsed in history books or the oratory prowess of our elders before they became ancestors. The speech, fashion, introspective and retrospective thought, were indicative of a time some want to forget, yet we must honor. I appreciate the artistry portrayed between every line. Next, the subject matter was soul stirring. Every scene, moment of hatred or bigotry, the love and building of bonds, as well as the music were all vividly depicted in every sentence of this story. I know that it couldn’t have be easy re-imagining the thought process of the closed minded oppressors and for that, you have all my love and support for digging this deep to bring it to life. Some of these things were hard to read, but I do not shy away from history nor the reflection it evoked. Then, there was Lily. The proverbial definition of hope. A testament to the resilience it took to attempt to survive a time that couldn’t encapsulate her greatness. The brilliance of her mind as she shook the room instead of acquiescing to its borders. How her dreams became the manifestation of the labor of love it took to try and promote unity, understanding, and commonality among a great divider such as race. She was everything that I imagined a great heroine would be. To whom much is given, much is required. Lastly, I was so immersed into what I assumed would be a love story, when the plot twist came, I was truly shocked. I didn’t trust the variables that led to this love, but I was dedicated to the story that was woven. It stopped my heart when we got to the end and I cried genuine tears. It felt like my dreams were shattered after daring to think this type of relationship would work. That was the single most devastating moment in my reader life. I will never forget it, and I want to read the next installments. I’d give this book an 4/5. There were no errors and the plot was consistent. The content of the story was sound and it was as imaginative as a movie. ****** The Prodigy Slave, Book One: Journey to Winter Garden