Heather’s Bookshelf: The New Empire
Author: Alison McBain
Released: 10/04/22
Genre: Alternate Historical Fiction
“He would find a way to free the slaves. All of them, not just himself. He would find a way, some way—-any way he could—-to lead his people to freedom.”
“The New Empire” is an alternate timeline tale that takes place in a world where the US west coast has been settled by an alliance of the Chinese and native tribes of the US. The story introduces Jiangxi, the youngest son of a Chinese Emperor who is taken as a political prisoner and shipped to the US.
After surviving the harrowing trip as an imprisoned child, he is purchased by Onas, a tribal Elder of both the Haudenosaunee and Mutsun tribes. At first he believes Onas is treating him fairly, but when he comes across an escaping slave girl and is punished for assisting her, his perception changes entirely. Jiangxi changes from a place of complacency to one of freedom and revenge.
As Jiangxi puts his plan into motion, Onas presents him with another, unexpected option. The years go by with Jiangxi working both plans until his enemies present a threat to Mei, a young woman he has grown close to- both emotionally and physically. More determined than ever, will Jiangxi help forge a better future for himself and those he wants to help?
Trigger Warning: violence, torture, slavery, reference to rape/sexual assault
Overall, I enjoyed this story. Jiangxi is a well-developed, emotionally invested protagonist and following him from such a young age provides further connection to his character. The things he endures and the twists his life takes are unimaginable and horrific, but the extent of the bad makes the good he encounters that more sweet. His relationship with Onas is complex and often bad for both of them, but it also frames much of what each becomes. It’s really his interactions with the other slaves that provide the most insight into Jiangxi’s motivations and emotions. The story itself is a little on the slower side as it is very character centered. I found the alternate timeline angle to be a great idea, though I was hoping for even more changes as compared to what actually happened in history (although smaller changes may have been more realistic and felt very natural within the story). The ending felt organic and realistic and fit within the rest of the tale.
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
OVERALL REVIEW:
A character-driven story provides an emotional connection to the protagonist within this alternate timeline tale
Want to learn more about the author?
Check out my interview with Alison McBain
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Find it for purchase here
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