The Conductors

Interesting take on gaslamp fantasy

Hetty isn't a character you have to like, but she is one you admire. She's used to making hard decisions and not apologizing for them, which on the surface, pushes her into the Strong Black Woman stereotype. When we meet her in this book, she's begun to second guess herself, reflecting on those she had to leave behind as a conductor of the Underground Railroad and why she's shut off her softer emotions with her friends and found family. The magic system was cool, just loose enough for me to not care how it works but tight enough that I bought the usage, attacks, and battles. I enjoyed the use of the “fall in love with my husband” trope, and that the story didn't tie everything up into a 100% happily ever after for Hetty. A solid read!