I found this to be an interesting "alternative history" read. In this case, the timeline has shifted during the Civil War, as it has ended with neither side having won. Instead, the North hangs onto it's territory, the South it's territory. The North is industrial, the South agricultural. The South maintains it's practice of slavery. Both sides still are fighting, just in a more guerilla warfare mode.
The book explores the times through the use of several main characters, Southern plantation owners, politicians, slaves, escaped slave hunters, and Northern soldiers spies, and politicians. The author does a good job of developing the many characters, fleshing them out well. I had no problem in following all the characters, as well as the plot. I think the author did a good job of not making one side all good, or all evil.
I enjoyed reading this. I look forward to the next book in what looks to be a series.