One act of rebellion needed to trigger a larger uprising. People can only take so much before they break.

This book deals with themes/ triggers of slavery, physical and mental abuse, rape and murder.

We follow 4 seemingly individual story lines of struggle and resilience only to find out that they are all interconnected. Each story shows us strength and determination as well as a willingness to risk everything for freedom. Even death to have a life of their own. A life free from brutality and obsession. This book will make you feel all the emotions. From anger to sadness. Then from hope and hate in just a matter of a few sentences. Then the horror kicks in. Graphic, vibrant, angry and ready to unleash its wrath.

Clay Cane paints a vivid picture of slavery and rebellion with the stroke of his pen. It’s raw yet poetic, macabre yet beautiful.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This book is an incredibly well written novel, based in historical fact. Truly, with citations even. It follows a family (both in the biological and adopted senses of the word) through the world of being bought, traded, and living as slaves during the mid-late 1800s. The introduction talks about exactly the same thing I will tell you now: if we do not look at our history without blinders on, we will never learn from it or how it influences our present. It is with that in mind that this book pulls back any pretenses at softening any blows the reader might receive in reading a book in this setting. It is a raw, emotional, cold look at a prime example of what life could be like for those who should never have been in the position that they were.

If you are looking for a feel good book with a happy ending, this isn't it. This book is full of death, heartbreak, torture, revenge, and all the unpleasantness of slave life - but ramped up to 10 and presented to you in 4k detail. That said; I think it is going to be one of the most important books to read in 2026, when it is published, because of those.

Now, for the only reason I did not give this a full 5 star rating: There is not a lot of depth to the story. Yes, the story follows a group of people who have more than one connection and often keep running into each other in more than one way. However the storyline between those meetings is often glazed over and explained away in just a few sentences. The scenes switch quickly, and often move from one atrocity to the next with no gap filling or explanation in between of what was going on. Even something as simple as moving from room to room happens 'off camera' and leaves the reader struggling to keep up if they are not paying very close attention.

All in all, I think this book is going to be one that I keep on my shelf and recommend to people who are interested in a more historically accurate historical fiction, complete with citations and an attention to detail that is rarely found in historical fiction books anymore.

"Remembering is an act of resistance."

I received this ARC two days before Nottoway Plantation in Louisiana burned down, which feels like just and divine timing. Burn Down Master's House is a triumph of truth despite centuries of misinformation aiming to dilute the truth of the horrors that enslaved people in the United States were subjected to. Taking inspiration from the real lives of enslaved men and women who were nearly forgotten by history and lovingly bestowing supporting characters with the names of his own ancestors, Clay Cane's story is a gift to the reader from his heart and soul. Every character leads their own rebellion and leaves a lasting impression on the reader - Luke and Henri's pure and persevering love, Josephine's defiance and fortitude, and Charity's bravery and pursuit of a free future for herself and her daughters. The concluding tale is one of a different sort - that of Nathaniel, a Black slave owner who earned the hate of those he enslaved, trapped, and betrayed, as well as the white slave owners whom he imagined to be his peers.

Clay Cane's introduction, cited sources, and concluding author's note provided such valuable context and insight into the stories told in this novel, and I can't recommend this novel highly enough.

Burn Down Master's House is a masterpiece. In this day and age, we need to read books like this one to grasp, -through fiction- parts of what we must never forget.

Please note: Even though it's a historical fiction, the author is inspired by his family history and accounts he found (references are present in the book). This book contains violence, blood, gore (and more). If you cannot stomach the prologue, you might not be able to stomach the rest of the book.

This book has been an amazing read. I read it in 2 sittings, I couldn't put it down. Each chapter flows onto the next, til the end, and, similar to its characters, there is nothing stopping the author. It's raw, and it will leave you thinking about humanity (or the lack thereof). The characters are stronger with each page, and I loved that. This was brilliantly done.

A must-read.

Burn Down Master’s House by Clay Cane is a masterful, visceral tapestry of rebellion, kinship, and unyielding courage set against the brutal backdrop of the Civil War era. This novel doesn’t just tell a story—it ignites a fire within, illuminating the fierce fight for justice and freedom that echoes through history. From Luke, the intelligent and hopeful escapee, to Henri’s indomitable spirit, these characters leap off the page with authenticity and depth. Cane deftly intertwines their journeys with that of Josephine, whose silent observation becomes her most powerful weapon, and Charity, whose fight for liberation underscores the resilience of the human spirit. The complex figure of Nathaniel, a Black enslaver caught in contradictions, adds a haunting layer—challenging readers to grapple with uncomfortable truths about power and morality. What makes this novel stand out is its unflinching honesty combined with breathtaking prose. It’s a story of love and brutality, betrayal and defiance—a searing reminder that even in the darkest shadows, sparks of rebellion can ignite history-changing flames. Cane’s narrative is both timely and timeless, fighting against complacency while celebrating the indomitable will of those who dared to resist. Burn Down Master’s House is a tour de force—powerful, compassionate, and utterly necessary. Prepare to be challenged, inspired, and forever changed.

"'Burn Down The Master's House' by Clay Cane is a masterful and gut-wrenching novel that will leave you breathless. The bond between Luke and Henri is the beating heart of the story, a testament to the unbreakable spirit of those who fought for freedom. Josephine's quiet determination is a powerful counterpoint, while Charity's struggles and Nathaniel's complexities add depth to the narrative. Cane's writing is evocative and immersive, transporting you to the brutal world of slavery and resistance. This is a beautifully written, period-accurate story that will take you on an emotional rollercoaster. Engaging and heartfelt, it's a powerful exploration of the human spirit's capacity for resilience and defiance. A must-read for anyone interested in historical fiction, slavery, and the human