Buffalo Soldier

Buffalo Soldier tells the story of Desmond Coke, a Jamaican ex-spy who flees to an alternate America with a young boy in his care. In this steampunk version of the 1880s, Desmond must navigate a fragmented United States where various territories compete for dominance. The pair's journey through this transformed landscape puts them in the path of rival forces, including airship crews and dangerous operatives. Desmond's skills as a former intelligence agent become vital as he works to protect both himself and his young charge. This blend of steampunk, espionage, and alternate history explores themes of loyalty, identity, and the bonds between protector and ward. The novel examines questions of belonging and duty against a backdrop of political intrigue and technological innovation.

Readers highlight the book's unique steampunk alternate history setting and appreciate the representation of Black characters in a genre that often lacks diversity. Many note that despite its novella length, the story delivers complex themes about identity, belonging, and colonialism. Positive reviews focus on: - Fast-paced action and world-building - Strong character development of protagonist Harriet - Integration of historical elements with steampunk technology Common criticisms: - Story feels rushed in places - Some plot threads left unresolved - Readers wanted more depth and background Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (300+ ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (100+ ratings) "The steampunk elements blend seamlessly with the historical aspects" notes one Amazon reviewer, while a Goodreads review states "I wished for more pages to fully explore this fascinating world." The novella receives particular praise for making complex themes accessible to young adult readers while maintaining appeal for adults.

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🔹 Maurice Broaddus based the book's futuristic Indianapolis setting on his real-life experiences as a community organizer in the city's Riverside neighborhood. 🔹 Buffalo Soldiers were African American cavalry units who served on the American frontier after the Civil War; the book reimagines their legacy in a cyberpunk context. 🔹 The author deliberately incorporated elements of Afrofuturism and solarpunk to create a more hopeful vision of the future than typical dystopian fiction. 🔹 The book's protagonist, Desmond Coke, is named after a Jamaican national hero who fought against British colonial rule in the 18th century. 🔹 Broaddus worked as a laboratory manager in a research facility before becoming a full-time writer, which influenced his approach to the scientific elements in the story.