The concept might work as a discussion in a history class but it didn’t work as the plot for a book. The author seemed to have thought of a possible good idea but never really pulled it off in any great entertaining way.

UNDERGROUND AIRLINES offers a well-conceived and -imagined alternate present: what if the American Civil War hadn't happened? Slavery remains, and is very much protected by the US government, albeit in the "hard four" states. Prejudice remains across the United States, however.

The protagonist, Victor, is a formerly-escaped slave who now is forced to work for the US government as a bounty hunter - tracking and recapturing other escaped slaves. His latest case is proving very difficult, and Victor's convinced that he hasn't been told everything. He's an excellent protagonist, well-written, and an engaging guide to this reality.

UNDERGROUND AIRLINES is a sometimes difficult novel to read -- the conditions that the slaves in this alternate reality still live under are horrific, and to see it transposed on a more modern setting is particularly unsettling. Although, I think the author was clearly trying to offer an exaggerated allegory for continuing institutional racism in the United States (and elsewhere in the Western world).

Well-written and well-paced. This is the first novel by Winters that I've read, and it will certainly not be my last. Definitely recommended.

When reading this book I was immediately drawn in by the narrator, Victor. From there, it just kept getting better and better. I will be keeping my eyes peeled for more of Winter's work.

A dystopian tale of alternate U.S history and the slave trade today. An escapee working for the Marshals department trying to track an escaped slave to send back but naturally all is not as if seems. A twisty tale of double cross well described with a clever ending. Good stuff!

Alternative history on the "what if slavery still existed?" theme. Some interesting ideas but which fizzled out somewhat frustratingly

Really enjoyed this book. What an interesting take on an alternative future. All I can say is thank goodness things are not the way they are pictured in this book. Horrifying, but ultimately shows human nature at its worst and best.