Black Cloud Rising

Black Cloud Rising follows Sergeant Richard Etheridge and the African Brigade during the Civil War as they conduct missions through the Confederate South in 1863. The brigade consists of formerly enslaved men who now serve in the Union Army, carrying out raids and liberating other enslaved people while confronting their former masters. The narrative centers on Etheridge, who was born into slavery but received education and certain privileges due to being the son of his enslaver. His complex position between worlds shapes both his leadership of the brigade and his internal struggles as he leads dangerous expeditions through familiar territory. The story tracks the African Brigade's military campaign through the coastal regions of North Carolina, where they face armed resistance and must navigate treacherous terrain. Their mission combines military objectives with the personal quest of each soldier who now fights against the system that once held them in bondage. The novel examines questions of identity, loyalty, and the psychological impact of claiming power over former oppressors. Through its portrayal of this lesser-known chapter of Civil War history, the book reveals the complexity of relationships forged under slavery and the ways those bonds transformed during the fight for freedom.

Readers emphasize the book's historical accuracy and fresh perspective on the Civil War through the eyes of formerly enslaved soldiers. Many note the detailed research and incorporation of real military records and documents. Readers liked: - Rich character development of Sergeant Richard Etheridge - Vivid descriptions of military life and operations - Complex exploration of identity and belonging - Balance between action and personal reflection Readers disliked: - Slow pacing in middle sections - Military terminology can be dense - Some found the writing style detached Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (324 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (156 ratings) Review quotes: "The battle scenes put you right there in the mud and chaos" - Goodreads reviewer "Takes time to get going but rewards patient readers" - Amazon reviewer "Brings an overlooked piece of history to life through strong characters" - BookBrowse review

Waiting for the Light to Shine by David Durham A formerly enslaved man joins the Union army and navigates complex relationships with white soldiers while fighting in the Civil War.

The Good Lord Bird by James McBride An enslaved boy poses as a girl while following abolitionist John Brown through his historic campaign to free slaves.

March by Geraldine Brooks The Civil War experiences of Mr. March, the absent father from Little Women, detail his service as a Union chaplain and his encounters with slavery.

The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead A runaway slave's journey through an alternate history transforms the metaphorical Underground Railroad into a physical rail system.

Property by Valerie Martin A plantation mistress's account of her husband's obsession with an enslaved woman reveals the power dynamics of the antebellum South.

🌟 Black Cloud Rising is inspired by the true story of Sergeant Richard Etheridge, who led the African Brigade of Black soldiers—many of whom were formerly enslaved—during the Civil War. 💫 David Wright Faladé based much of his research on the actual wartime diary of Union Colonel Edward Wild, who commanded the African Brigade. ⚔️ The African Brigade's primary mission was to raid Confederate territories in northeastern North Carolina, where many of the soldiers had previously been enslaved—creating powerful confrontations with their former enslavers. 📚 The author drew from his experience co-writing Fire on the Beach, a non-fiction book about Richard Etheridge's later life as the first Black keeper of a U.S. Life-Saving Service station. 🏆 The novel earned widespread critical acclaim, including being named one of NPR's Best Books of 2022 and receiving a starred review from Publishers Weekly.