I forgot to leave a review for this, but I really enjoyed it! It's been out for ages, so I won't say much more than I need to for my star rating. <3

"The Conductors" by Nicole Glover is a captivating historical fantasy novel that introduces readers to a unique world filled with magic, mystery, and intrigue. Set in post-Civil War Philadelphia, the story follows Hetty and Benjy Rhodes, a married couple who are former conductors on the Underground Railroad and now work as investigators, using their magical abilities to solve crimes in their community.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its richly imagined setting and historical detail. Glover skillfully brings to life the atmosphere of post-war Philadelphia, incorporating elements of African American history and culture into the narrative. The magic system, which is based on sigils and rituals drawn from African traditions, adds depth and complexity to the story, creating a sense of wonder and mystique.

The characters of Hetty and Benjy are compelling protagonists, each with their own strengths, flaws, and secrets. Their dynamic relationship is at the heart of the novel, and Glover does an excellent job of exploring the complexities of their marriage, as well as the challenges they face as black professionals in a predominantly white society.

However, one weakness of the novel is its pacing. While the premise is intriguing and the world-building is strong, the plot can feel slow-moving at times, with the central mystery taking a while to fully develop. Some readers may find themselves wishing for more action or suspense to drive the narrative forward.

Additionally, the supporting cast of characters, while diverse and well-rounded, could have been further developed. Many of them feel underutilized or overshadowed by the main characters, which detracts from the overall impact of the story.

Despite these flaws, "The Conductors" is ultimately a compelling and thought-provoking read that offers a fresh take on the historical fantasy genre. Nicole Glover's debut novel showcases her talent as a storyteller, and I look forward to seeing where her writing career takes her next.

A truly enjoyable read that weaves together a mystery and a time period in a new and innovative mannr.

thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

The Conductors is a good debut novel that I didn't love, but I would still recommend it because I think it would click for some readers. The story follows Hetty and Benjy, a married couple who live in Philadelphia shortly after emancipation. Most of the plot centers around as the two navigate their life and friend group while also trying to solve a recent murder mystery. At the same time there are flashbacks to their earlier life working with their magic, bravery, and smarts to help free enslaved people. I was drawn in with the beautiful cover and hopeful for the mystery and interplay of historical fiction & magic, especially as it is completely focused on black main characters.

Here are some top three elements I enjoyed, but with slight caveats of how I might have enjoyed them a little bit more. Regardless, this is a solid debut and I think worth checking out.

- strong focus on depicting a wide circle of found family and the main character's social group in Philadelphia. There are intimate small gatherings with some of Hetty & Benjy's closest friends as well as interactions some folks they are less keen on but still interact with and a strong scene around a memorial for the character in the group who died. I think Glover does some interesting stuff around depicting how Hetty & Benjy's relationships with people shifted overtime, especially depending on how people related to their trauma. At times, it felt like a lot of characters were being introduced quickly and would have appreciated a different pace for that.

- a unique approach to magic that emphasizes people, especially depending on their community learning experience & magical heritage. so many of the points of reference are based on how magic functioned as part of black community and resistance during enslavement. Hetty also diffuses magic throughout her work, be it her current sewing work or her previous experience of being a conductor. I think the magic feels very visual and I can imagine it being beautifully cinematic. however, it's also a bit confusing especially as it's introduced.

- the relationship between Hetty and Benjy is especially lovely and a lot of Hetty's interior experience throughout the book is her developing understanding about how she relates to her husband. The book has this lovely theme of partnership that underpins the romance. My favorite parts of the book easily were the flashbacks and the small moments focused on their life together. I would love to read a prequel or something that really focuses on the earlier days of their relationship.

As I said earlier, I think it's a solid debut with a lot to like even if there are some issues. I look forward to watching what else Glover does in the years to come!

This book was full of creativity. It was chock full of things I love to read about (historical, fantasy, magic, mystery). I felt like I was transported to another time and place while reading this story. This was my first read by this author. I look forward to reading more.

I tried to read it a few times and every time I felt completely disconected and I couldn't progress the reading. The book seems good and I was very excited, but I don't know what went wrong. I just didn't like enough to continue.

The Conductors centers on husband and wife team Hetty and Benjy Rhodes, previously conductors on the Underground Railroad and now, in the Reconstruction Era, solving crimes in Philadelphia.

From a historical fiction point of view, I think this book was excellent in it's depiction of the lives of Black people during Reconstruction. It hits on the prejudices of the time while still making room for spots of joy in the lives of our characters.

However, the fantasy aspects of this story fell flat for me. I was initially intrigued by the two types of magic - celestial magic (wielded by Blacks) and sorcery (wielded by whites). But outside of the knowledge that practitioners of celestial magic create constellation glyphs imbued with magic and that sorcery requires a wand, we never really learned anything about these systems and I would have loved to see them more fleshed out.

The story itself was a little slow-paced; with the action not really picking up until the last 20% or so of the book.

Thank you so much to net galley for sending me a copy of this book. It was very interesting, but not really for me.

I really wanted to love this story. I loved the idea of bringing magic to historical fiction, but it also really confused me. I tried listening to this and reading it more than once and I just was confused the whole time. DNFed after 30% (which is probably just me)

What a fun read this was!

Hetty was a badass and I really loved most of our characters.

The alt-history was well done - as were our villains.

What I really enjoyed most, though, was the magic system in the book. It was unique and a lot of fun.

I do think I would have liked a touch more background, but I really enjoyed this one!

The Conductors is a beautiful blend of Historical Fiction with slight fantasy or magical realism. The writing has a depth that transports the reader into the story that it’s as if the story is playing in front of you. The characters are well crafted, and the plot moves at an enjoyable pace. I think this was a great story, especially for fans of magical realism. While I enjoyed it, I don’t think it would be a story that I would reread or plan to own a physical copy. However, I will recommend this to anyone I think might enjoy it.

Sadly I have to DNF this book, while at first the premises was interesting I found the mistery part lacking and the twists were predictable.

Interesting take on slaves, magic, family ties and the road to freedom... I do not really care for slavery or trauma-based books but this was a good book.#theconductors #netgalley

This was a book that was great conceptually, but the writing didn't work that well for me. I really enjoyed Hetty and her circle of friends and the relationship between Hetty and Benjy was sweet too. I found the plot a little bit convoluted at times and the mystery was a bit confusing. However, I did enjoy the magic system (where the drawing of star constellations allow certain magical spells to manifest) and the overall setting was compelling too. I will pick up the sequel and just hope that the plot is a little bit more coherent for me.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

The Conductors

By: Nicole Glover

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt John Joseph Adams/Mariner Books

Publish Date: 02 March 2021

Sci-Fi and Fantasy

#TheConductors#NetGalley

100 Book ReviewsProfessional Reader

I want to first thank both NetGalley and Houghton Mifflin for allowing me to read and review this book.

Good Reads Synopsis:

Introducing Hetty Rhodes, a magic-user and former conductor on the Underground Railroad who now solves crimes in post–Civil War Philadelphia.

As a conductor on the Underground Railroad, Hetty Rhodes helped usher dozens of people north with her wits and magic. Now that the Civil War is over, Hetty and her husband Benjy have settled in Philadelphia, solving murders and mysteries that the white authorities won’t touch. When they find one of their friends slain in an alley, Hetty and Benjy bury the body and set off to find answers. But the secrets and intricate lies of the elites of Black Philadelphia only serve to dredge up more questions. To solve this mystery, they will have to face ugly truths all around them, including the ones about each other.

Book Review:

I gave this book 4 stars. I really enjoyed reading it and wish I got this done before it hit the market. I enjoy reading about history in any form and this one was a little different but still enjoyable. The book in mainly set after the Civil War but does have some flashbacks so you get to know the characters better. Hetty is a strong-willed lady and isn’t afraid to let anyone know how she feels. Her and her husband work together to solve mysteries and they actually complement each other well. When they worked for the underground railroad, there was a certain symbol they used to figure out who needed the help the most. They still use this symbol to determine what is going to be their priority cases. I enjoyed the friendships in this book. You really weren’t able to figure out who the killer was until the end and it still came as a surprise for me. I can’t wait to read the next book.

The Conductors is Nicole Glover’s debut novel. It combines the history of the Underground Railroad with a great magic system. The main characters are Hetty and Benjy, they are ‘conductors’, solving murders and disappearances that the police won’t look into. I enjoyed the whole cast of characters of this story, and even though there are some pacing issues, the story was compelling and interesting to read, would recommend! 3.5 stars, rounded up

First of all, I would like to thank NetGalley and Harper Voyager for the free Advanced Reader’s Copy. I would be remiss to not admit that it has taken me a long time to read this. However, I will say that that fault lies within myself and not the book itself.
Nicole Glover has imagined a post Civil War in the United States where former slaves have magic. They were kept under control with the use of collars that muted their powers. Hetty Rhodes and her husband Benjy were Conductors on the Underground Railroad. Now in Philadelphia, they are trying to build a new life. However, a series of murders seems to be connected to their previous work.
Bahni Turpin does a fabulous job in the narration of the audiobook.
I found some elements of the magic system rather confusing. I loved the way that the constellations were often referenced. However, the author seemed to be trying to pack too many things into the story.
I gave this a 3.75 rounded up to a 4. I do think I am willing to continue on with the series to the next book.

I chose The Conductors by Nicole Glover for the “Lies” theme because it’s a murder mystery. However, it turned out to fit the theme in other ways as well: many of the suspects rewrote themselves and their lives to some extent after being freed from enslavement or moving up in the social order, meaning the investigators must constantly re-evaluate what they know and think they know. In addition, the protagonist Hetty Rhodes is a storyteller, and her thoughts about stories are relevant to the stories she and her husband Benjy are told about the murders.

“Where do you think my stories come from?”

“You heard them in the quarters and at your mother’s side as you shelled peas. You collected them from old aunties and uncles with more dreams than memories of African kingdoms. And most of all, you gathered them from the fancies of others wanting nothing more than to pass the time.”

“That’s one part,” Hetty murmured, “and it’s a very small part. A story is a living creature, and they need a personal touch to live on. You breathe in your woes, your loves, your troubles, and eventually they become something new. They aren’t the books you love so much. Stories change with the tellers.”

The Conductors is historical fantasy set soon after the American Civil War; the protagonists are formerly enslaved people who now work as amateur detectives in Philadelphia, among the Black community there. Magic is common, but in this world’s version of Jim Crow laws, people of color are forbidden from learning or using certain methods of using magic, for instance the use of wooden wands. Before Emancipation, enslaved people with magic were used by their enslavers and kept in check via the use of punishing collars that inhibited their abilities, not all that different from limitations imposed upon enslaved people and their talents in our world.

The details of the magic systems, wands versus nature and stars, were well thought out, both complex and thematically meaningful. The plot flowed very quickly. The murder mystery begins with a body found in an alley. Hetty and Benjy realize they have to search among their friends and acquaintances for the truth, and along the way they uncover more than they’d imagined. I won’t spoil the mystery here; I did guess the guilty party eventually, but not until close to the end. For me, guessing the murderer has nothing to do with how much I enjoy the journey!

The thing I wanted more of was a sense of place. I live in Philadelphia, and have some knowledge of the historical community depicted in the book, at least the real world version. I used to live in that area of the city and regularly read the historic markers. I had been hoping for a lot more sensory detail and specificity about locations and institutions; instead, the setting felt very bland, a background but not a character in itself, if that makes sense. For example, I am pretty sure the church and cemetery that figure into the plot were created for the book, which is fine, but felt very neutral; when real locations are mentioned, there isn’t a lot of detail. Obviously, the setting of this book is an alternate universe, so the Philadelphia with people using magic is not the same as the one I live in. But I would have liked to see the Black history of my city celebrated to a greater extent. This might have been a conscious choice to separate the story from real people and their lives, of course.

Incidentally, here’s the Historic Philadelphia Burial Places Map if you’re interested – there’s a lot of concern in Philadelphia about burial places that were utterly destroyed by developers, especially in the first half of the twentieth century.

Anyway! Wanting more of a book I enjoyed is always a good thing. I love the characters and the lowkey romance and the twisty plot. I’m looking forward to the sequel.

The Conductors is a novel that has a mixture of Historical fiction, Fantasy and mystery. It is the first book in the Murder and Magic series. Set in reconstruction era Philadelphia where free Black citizens navigating their way in this city of brotherly love. Hetty and Benjy Rhodes are a couple who were former Underground Railroad conductors, freeing dozens of slaves with their skill and magic. They use their magic skills to solve mysteries left unsolved by White police. There's true tension between those born free and those set free. Their magic draws its power from the constellations in the sky. The Rhodes’ Celestial magic, and those of many other slaves is spell-based, invoked through sigils, forbidden and punished by slave owners, and sneered at by whites, who believe their sorcery is far superior.

Hetty and Benjy bear scars from their years of slavery and from wearing magic-inhibiting collars, which they shed once they escaped. They live together in Philadelphia, Hetty works as a seamstress and dress designer, and Benjy as a blacksmith. They investigating a mystery when Charlie, one of their friends is found murdered, and the two begin using their connections and skills to search for answers. And like all investigations into the past actions of their dead friend, Hetty and Benjy unearth all sorts of resentments, secrets, and problems amongst people they thought they knew.

The Conductors by Nicole Glover is a historical urban fantasy, that merges history and magic seamlessly, giving readers a unique experience.

To be honest, I had trouble finishing this book. I would start it, think to myself, “this is really good. let’s go!” and a few pages later, I’d lose it. When it comes to mysteries, I have to be in the right mood, and The Conductors is also a historical fiction, which I have to be in the right mood for.

I was speaking with my friend on Twitter when I finally finished it (three tries. Stupid mood reading!) and told her it had nothing to do with the book. The failing for taking so long to finish it was mine. I encouraged her to read it, because, in her words, “Underground Railroad with magic? I’m So in!”

Yeah, you read that right.

Benjy and Hetty, our main characters, were conductors for the Underground Railroad. They are also practitioners of celestial magic. Something they were each born with, and which caused its own struggles as they grew up as slaves in the south.

The cool thing about The Conductors, is that not only is it Historical Fiction, and describes some of the struggles slaves endured to get free, but it’s also Urban Fantasy, in that Hetty and Benjy are practitioners of magic.

Their abilities with magic helped, a LOT, allowing them to move easily and swiftly in their work to free slaves to the north. Even after Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation, slaveowners still wanted to hold onto the status quo.

Hetty and Benjy would travel to the south, and help these people move to the north, where they would be able to hold jobs, and be part of society.

Once I was able to get past my own issues with being a mood reader, I thoroughly enjoyed The Conductors. Normally, when I DNF a book, it’s because I found something problematic with the storyline, or the characters weren’t grabbing me…something. That wasn’t the case with The Conductors. I honestly liked the story, loved the characters, and urban fantasy is always fun.

After my second attempt at reading, I could have contacted Netgalley, told them I couldn’t finish it, and just not leave feedback. This would have been my right as a book reviewer.

I knew I would be able to finish it, though. I really just needed to give myself grace, and know I’d get there.

Which I did, and I’m so glad!