The Prodigy Slave, Book One: Journey to Winter Garden
by Londyn Skye
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Pub Date 1 Jan 2017 | Archive Date 5 Jan 2018
Description
At the age of ten, Lily is forcefully torn from her mother's arms and sold at a Negro auction by her master, a man that Lily learns that day is her very own father. Seeking solace from such devastation, Lily secretly begins teaching herself to play her new master's piano: an instrument that she is forbidden from touching. Lily becomes an extraordinary pianist and gets away with secretly playing for fourteen years until the master's son, James, discovers her deceit. The “punishment” that James gives Lily starts her on an unprecedented journey that dramatically alters her life and influences the lives of thousands, including a man with great power. Lily's groundbreaking journey also unveils the secret altruistic love of a particular man who has been forbidden from expressing his love to her for years.
But the question remains whether or not the strength of his love will be powerful enough to free Lily from the shackles of slavery and protect her dreams and her life while on her turbulent Journey to Winter Garden.
Advance Praise
This is a wonderful tale that reminds me of the writing of Langston Hughes and many a famous Negro writer like Richard Wright. Londyn Skye has just become one of my favorite storytellers and has created a story that feels real, a story that explores the themes of family, slavery, love, and freedom in a masterful way. Readers will be enticed by the writing and the pace will literally compel them to keep on turning from page to page, eager to discover what happens to the protagonist. This is one of those novels that transport readers back to a historical setting, allowing them to relive a portion of history. The Prodigy Slave: Journey to Winter Garden is a rip roaring, masterfully written and entertaining novel with great potential to keep readers captivated. I couldn’t put it down. --Divine Zane "Readers' Favorite"
"It's honestly one if the finest books I have read and I read a lot of books each month. The story line will keep you reading and never wanting to put it down, the characters are so believable and the writing is breathtaking. This is such a wonderful book from the first page and I recommend it to everyone." -D. Fox
"Beautifully written, enticingly delicious, and wonderfully entrancing. This book is both heartbreaking and rewarding. Londyn Skye is a one-of-a-kind writer and I would definitely read more from this author." -- P. Wilson
"The Prodigy Slave is a beautifully-woven literary tapestry, a shimmering and complex amalgam of interracial romance, historical fiction, violent action, sharp dialogue, interpersonal conflict, and stunningly erotic sequences. Author Londyn Skye gives us a female protagonist to root for -- Lily, a musical prodigy born into slavery in the 19th-Century American south. Lily's setbacks and triumphs will engage you and keep you turning the pages as the story gallops toward its suspenseful ending. In this, her debut novel, Skye proves herself to be a confident and gifted storyteller. The Prodigy Slave succeeds on dual levels: first, as a hell of a good story, and secondly, as a well-researched commentary on a bygone world that still has relevant lessons for 21st-Century readers." D. Powers
"London skye is a fantastic Storyteller with an eye for true human connection and that is abundantly evident in The Prodigy Slave" -- Authorstalkaboutit.com
Available Editions
| EDITION | Ebook |
| ISBN | 9781684192618 |
| PRICE | US$2.99 (USD) |
Featured Reviews
Sharon R, Reviewer
This was a great historical romance. This story goes from the trials of a young boy who became best friends with a young slave girl on his father's plantation and jumps to the time period when the young man comes home from college and finds his former best friend playing the piano. From there the story is full of trials and triumphs and love and romance. It is captivating and also historically factual—outlining the great difficulties and harsh treatment of the slaves in that time period. I loved this story and appreciate the wonderful writing style of this author. I am greatly looking forward to the next book in this series. (I was given a copy of this book for my honest review, but would have gladly paid to read it!)
Librarian 186177
A very moving and touching historical romance set in a very touchie time period and situation
Deanne P, Reviewer
An AMAZING book that kept my attention riveted throughout starting with the first chapter. An interracial romance when this was totally not allowed by law. Lily captured my attention and heart and I was totally in her corner. Hers is truly a fairy tale romance a rags to richer story. A brilliant master of the piano that she taught herself to play as a way to overcome her sadness and loneliness after being ripped from her mother's arms at ten years old. This book is full of masterfully told historical richness of slave history and the deceit that can come from putting your trust in the wrong person. The plot was amazingly woven with the current story time taking place to the back story of the childhood times of Lily and James. Superbly written but something that happened at the very end made me feel as though my heart was ripped from my chest and stomped on. Oh the total betrayal. I am having a hard time accepting it! Why did you have to end it that way,Londyn Skye? I need to read part two right now!
Pub Date 01 Jan 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.
Dora Archie O, Reviewer
The premise of this book broke my heart.The heroine of this tale, Lily, is a slave who knows nothing but hard work, punishment, insults and she yearns for nothing but 'freedom'. She has what's called 'the perfect pitch,' because she has to listen to anyone play a song once on the piano and she can play it better.
Playing the piano helps her release her fears and agony but when she stands from that bench she's still go to say 'masta,' and it broke my heart reading this and the bits of acts that the author shared each chapter regarding slaves in America and rules concerning ownership and treatment of slaves.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review and I am glad the author chose to write about such a book, but more so about the bravery and will to do right by the few who took it upon themselves to do so.
Mercedes P, Reviewer
Just a awesome interesting story on slavery.
The history,the angst that they live through,the want of being a person and the love for someone that wasn't possible.
She was a negro and a slave who was still a smart beautiful person who thaught herself to play the piano at a very earlier age,by ear..
There was always a connection between James and Lily.
Really had by full attention to the end
Vi B, Reviewer
Anguish, being ripped/separated from your child and your mother, especially by your father! This is the beginning of Lily's story! Then, sold to Jesse, a ruthless master. Lonely and afraid, Lily is slowly befriended by Jesse's youngest son, James. Yet, she appears to face betrayal more then once...
Gripping, page turning American historical romance. Covers a period of American slavery and stated rules and enforcements for slaves in certain states. The story itself is compelling and interesting, especially Lily's musical ability. I'm not fond of cliff hangers, but can't wait to read the next book in the series. 4 1/2 stars.
Voluntarily read ARC, thru Netgalley and publisher, for honest review.
April s, Reviewer
This story was so wonderful on so many levels. I instantly fell in love with Lily and James even though he deserved a thump on the head many times. I loved William and the fact that his wife was Black. I cant wait to hear more from the author
Liliyana S, Reviewer
A very powerful story, and if it doesn't bring tears to your eyes at least once, I'll be shocked. A must read!!!
S. Verma T, Reviewer
This is a story about a girl named Lily, who was born to a slave and sold to be a slave. But her life was not meant for slavery only. She is a girl born with perfect pitch and this came to the notice of her childhood love who broke all societal rules and norms to bring her gift in front of the world. This book deals with many issues like slavery, societal discrimination on base of skin colour, people's own psychological demons and the inherent goodness that lies in some of the human beings. This is a long and deep read. So, readers who like to experience intense emotions from their books and who do not get lost in length. I found this book good but extra long. I received an ARC of this book for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
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