Harriet's Escape: Harriet Tubman Reimagined

2024 Booklife Prize Fiction Contest Finalist

Plot/Idea: In this bold work of fantasy, the first in the Seizing Freedom trilogy, Jones offers a reimagining of the story of Harriet Tubman. Jones echoes the timeless fight for liberation, while integrating a fantastical twist via a parallel magical universe.

Prose: Jones utilizes highly descriptive imagery, and language that transports readers into Harriet’s world. Jones once again proves herself to be a masterful writer of captivating fantasy.

Originality: Jones's concept is strikingly original. As Harriet hopes to lead her people to freedom, she must not only contend with slavery and racism, but with transformations and conflict within a fantastical world.

Character/Execution: As a testament to Jones's writing prowess, she doesn't rely on the novelty of the premise to fully carry the storytelling, instead populating the world she creates with believable and lovingly created characters; readers will invest in their stories and the battle to be freed from all forms of enslavement.

2024 Booklife Prize Fiction Contest Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror Category Winner

Author Kathe Koja selected Harriet's Escape: Harriet Tubman Reimagined by N.D. Jones as the finalist for the Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror category. Koja called the book "a bold and heartfelt, wholly original recasting of a hero for all time," and praised the novel's "vivid fantasy landscape of Birdfolk and Dragonkin, freedom and danger (well-complemented by the book's illustrations).

Booklife Editor's Pick

"Jones skillfully interlaces historical realism with the story’s stunning magical elements, portraying Minty’s inner turmoil and capturing her single-minded mission against the looming threat of relentless slave catchers."