Such an incredible book! I’ve been meaning to read this authors debut novel, The Sweetness of Water, so I was really excited to be able to read his new book. Amity is one of those rare type of books that will stick with you long after you’ve finished reading it. I didn’t want this one to end that I kept going back and rereading pages and taking notes. I was engaged the entire time and savored each page. The writing style is brilliant with descriptive and vivid imagery that makes the reader feel absorbed in the story. Such a unique and important subject matter and I highly recommend everyone read this book!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review and feedback.

This novel swept me into the heart of post-Civil War America, where freedom is promised but not easily claimed. Coleman and June’s story is both heartbreaking and inspiring—a vivid reminder that the end of slavery didn’t mean the end of struggle.

The author paints 1866 New Orleans and the Mexican frontier with such raw beauty and tension that I felt the dust, the danger, and the desperate hope in every chapter. What moved me most was the bond between the siblings—separated by cruelty, but never by love. Coleman’s unwavering faith and June’s quiet resilience shine through, even as they face betrayal, violence, and the harsh truths of a fractured nation. Florence, Mr. Harper’s daughter, adds unexpected depth, showing that redemption can come from unlikely places.

This is not just a historical tale—it’s a testament to courage, endurance, and the power of reclaiming one’s destiny. If you’re drawn to stories that honor the human spirit and illuminate forgotten corners of history, this one will stay with you long after the final page.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the privilege of reviewing this book.

This historical novel about a brother and sister, newly emancipated from slavery after the end of the Civil War, swept me up right from the first page. Most of the book focuses on Coleman, who has remained as a servant to the Harper family who used to own him. Coleman is smart, loves books, and is a little awkward with people. His sister June had been taken by Mr. Harper to Mexico, where he has dreams of getting rich with silver mines. June's story is interspersed with Coleman's, and I found both siblings equally compelling. Coleman's journey to find his sister in Mexico is filled with unexpected twists and turns, interesting characters, dastardly villains, and lots of heart. Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for a digital review copy.

Having read and liked The Sweetness of Water, I was happy to receive an advance reader copy of Amity from NetGalley and looked forward to reading and reviewing it. Although it sounds like another excellent novel and portrays a unique side of history as slave owner and slave leave the U.S. for Mexico after emancipation, unfortunately I was unable to read more than a few pages. The eGalley’s bold font caused severe eyestrain, and although I tried every font option on my iPad Kindle app, hoping to correct the issue, I was unable to convert the bold font to a normal, readable one.
I look forward to finding a copy at my local library in the future. I will not share this review online, but hope to later share a different review when I am able to read the novel.

This was my first book by Nathan Harris, but it certainly won’t be my last. From the very first page, I was drawn in by his lyrical prose and masterful character development. Harris has a remarkable gift for capturing both the beauty and the menace of the haunting deserts of Texas and Mexico, where danger seems to linger at every turn.

At its heart, Amity is an adventure story, following siblings Coleman and June as they struggle against staggering odds in their quest to be reunited. The narrative brims with suspense, yet it’s also infused with tender moments of love, hope, and connection, brought to life by a rich and memorable cast of characters.

Beyond the gripping storyline, Harris illuminates the profound challenges faced by newly freed slaves, weaving in themes of resilience, survival, and humanity. It’s both an engaging journey and a poignant reflection on a pivotal moment in history.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Little, Brown and Company, and Nathan Harris for the opportunity to read this advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

In *Amity* by Nathan Harris, the themes of separation, survival, and family take center stage in a gripping and emotionally complex narrative. The novel follows the lives of two siblings, June and Coleman, separated after their emancipation and forced onto separate paths in post-slavery America. Their journeys, filled with hardship and resilience, eventually lead to a heart-wrenching and ultimately redemptive reunion.

The story is told primarily from Coleman’s perspective, as he embarks on a dangerous journey through Mexico to find his sister, June, who has been forcibly taken by her abusive former owner. The owner, obsessed with finding a silver mine that will make him wealthy, is a cruel and self-serving figure whose actions highlight the ongoing brutality even after the end of slavery. June’s plight is heartbreaking as she is torn from the life she knew and forced to travel with a man who once treated her as property.

As Coleman tracks down his sister, the book also introduces Florence, the daughter of Coleman’s former owner, who accompanies him on his journey. Their evolving friendship adds emotional depth to the story, as Florence herself is a victim of her father’s manipulative schemes. While her initial involvement in the journey stems from her forced departure to Mexico, she gradually transforms from a reluctant participant to a compassionate and complex character in her own right.

The heart of *Amity* lies in the bond between June and Coleman, and the author masterfully portrays the depth of their sibling connection. Coleman’s love and devotion to his sister drive the narrative, while June’s strength and will to survive, despite the horrors she faces, make her a deeply inspiring character. Their journey through Mexico is fraught with dangers—from the unforgiving environment to hostile enemies—and the emotional weight of their separation and longing is palpable.

The novel also delves into the harsh realities of slavery’s legacy, examining the enduring scars of trauma and the struggle for freedom in a world that continues to treat Black bodies as expendable. The characters’ battles with the physical and psychological aftermath of slavery are handled with raw, unflinching honesty, allowing the reader to empathize deeply with their struggles.

Nathan Harris’s writing style is evocative and richly detailed. The harsh landscapes of Mexico are brought to life with vivid descriptions, making the environment itself feel like an active, dangerous force against the characters. The pacing of the novel is well balanced, with moments of intense action and quiet introspection that allow the reader to fully immerse in the emotional stakes of the journey.

However, while the book excels in character development and thematic exploration, some readers might feel that certain secondary characters and subplots could have been fleshed out more. Florence’s transformation, for instance, is compelling but could have benefited from a deeper exploration of her motivations and inner conflict. Additionally, the ending, though satisfying in its reunion of June and Coleman, feels somewhat open-ended regarding the fates of other characters like the former owner. His eventual failure to find the silver mine and presumed death are left to interpretation, which may leave some readers wanting more closure.

Despite these minor critiques, *Amity* is a poignant and powerful tale of survival, resilience, and the indomitable strength of family. Harris’s portrayal of the complexities of freedom, identity, and survival in the post-slavery era is both moving and thought-provoking. The novel’s portrayal of the siblings’ bond, as well as the unlikely friendship between Coleman and Florence, makes this an unforgettable read.

I highly recommend *Amity* to readers who enjoy historical fiction with rich, multidimensional characters and a focus on themes of identity and familial love. It’s a book that stays with you long after the final page, and its exploration of survival against insurmountable odds is both heartbreaking and inspiring..

There's a lot about this historical fiction read that I loved - primarily the attention to details, the characters (especially Coleman and Oliver) and especially their resilience. Amity is als0 set in a time period I haven't read/seen much in the way of recent historical fiction set during, which also caught my attention.

[Also ... the cover art!!!]

I did struggle with the pacing at times - simply because I was reading this while under the weather!

4.5 stars rounded up ... I now want to snag this in audiobook form once released.

Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown & Company for this ARC read!

I was enthralled.. no... i was immersed...no...i was captivated. This was an interesting story. It pulled me in right from the beginning i loved June and Coleman and this book will stay with me for a long time.

Thank you little brown and netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I loved the setting Nathan Harris picked for his new book. I thought the writing was very immersive, richly descriptive, and atmospheric. I felt like I was right behind the main characters following their arduous journey.
This book is told by two point of views, siblings who were separated and now the brother - our main character -is on a journey to reunite with his sister.
It's hard to read sometimes, especially because the characters read in a very realistic way that you can't help but empathise with and root for them. Or, in some cases, against other characters. But there are some lighter scenes (especially the ones with a lovely dog) and the promise and hope to see the two siblings united once again.

This is the second novel Harris writes and, even though I believe his writing skills have improved since his first novel (but he already was great), I personally prefer his previous novel, The Sweetness of Water. The brothers' relationship in that book appealed to me a little more.
However, Amity has a more dense and richer atmosphere that I truly enjoyed spending some time with.
I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who has read The Sweetness of Water and enjoyed, and to readers who are into historical fiction with some adventurous journey.

Thank you, NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company, for providing me with a free eARC of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion.

Amity is a well-written account of siblings Coleman’s and June’s journeys from New Orleans to Mexico post-civil war. It was told through a unique lens by mostly taking place in Mexico. There were memorable moments in which I was super locked-in, but also sections where I zoned out. Although some of the pacing was a bit slow, the ending was satisfying.

Huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Amity is historical fiction at its best. It follows historical fiction tropes, but with the most compelling characters and a heartbreaking yet hopeful plot. I was immediately invested in the siblings and raced to find out their fates. A tough but important read, and one I'm hoping many people pick up. Harris has absolutely risen to Sweetness of Water expectations!

Amity is Nathan Harris’ second book. And while I didn’t love it the way I did The Sweetness of Water, I still strongly recommend it.
Taking place in 1866, it follows Coleman and June, a recently freed brother and sister from New Orleans to Mexico. Their former owner left with June on an expedition into Mexico. Coleman stayed behind with the wife and daughter, until a letter came commanding Coleman’s presence in Mexico. The trip to Mexico meets with disaster and Coleman is soon on the run with Florence, the daughter.
The book flips back and forth between their two storylines. Both are still seeking the freedom they were promised by Emancipation. They are fully developed characters and I found each storyline equally engaging. Even the secondary characters are well fleshed out. Each has a story arc that is brought to fruition.
Harris does a fabulous job of setting the scene, whether it be on a riverboat, the Mexican desert or the town of Amity. The story moves at a steady pace, never getting bogged down. There is at least one cringeworthy scene of animal cruelty involving a horse. Luckily, no harm comes to Oliver, the dog. The writing is beautiful and I found myself savoring multiple passages.
My thanks to Netgalley and Little, Brown for an advance copy of this book.

3.5 stars. Having read Nathan Harris’s debut novel, The Sweetness of Water, which I enjoyed, I was looking forward to his latest book, Amity. The story is told from the point of view of a brother and sister, Coleman and June, two recently freed slaves after the end of the Civil War. Though they are free, having been slaves their entire lives, they know nothing else and remain with the family they’ve been with. The two siblings suddenly find their lives turning upside down. What follows is a harrowing journey for each of them to find hope and new beginnings. It alternates between June’s story (following along as June is taken to Mexico by her former master, a rather delusional and crazed man, who leaves his wife and daughter behind in search of a new life after slavery is abolished) and Coleman’s story (as he is found by a man sent by his former master to bring Coleman to Mexico where he hopes to reunite with his sister).
There were times in this book that it moved along at an exciting pace with beautiful writing. In between were moments that I struggled to find interest in. It remained that way throughout the book. Each time things started to pull me in, I was then left wanting more but not really feeling it. The ending had me captivated once more, but I had hoped for more from this book. I would pick up another of Nathan Harris’s books in the future, should he continue to write, as I did like the other one, but this book was a little underwhelming compared to the first.
Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own.

Amity, by Nathan Harris tells a tale of emancipated slave siblings looking to find one another after being separated. Coleman the brother sets out in the desert to Mexico after being summoned in order to reconnect with his sister June. He is accompanied by Florence the daughter of the man who has taken June, on a long terrifying journey. The story tells of love, trust, terrifying encounters, so much faith and persistence in order to find the ones you truly belong with. While this is story that is usually my taste, it was beautifully written and provided many themes that I will think about.

Thank you to the publisher for the advanced reader copy via Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.

It's 1866, and formerly enslaved Coleman is a servant in the home of the Harper family. There is little difference between life as a slave and being free. Wyatt Harper had taken his older sister June to Mexico, which was under French rule, with dreams of making a fortune. Coleman had been left with Mrs. Wyatt and his daughter, Florence. They soon travel to Mexico to reunite with Mr. Harper and help him locate June, whom he informs Coleman, by letter, has been abducted.

Through June's storytelling, we learn of the dangers encountered in Mexico and her desire to escape Wyatt. When June meets Isaac, a Black Seminole, she wonders if he could be her chance at real freedom and possibly love. Coleman, who had spent his life reading, is unprepared to be a protector. The journey across the Mexican desert to find Wyatt and June is fraught with mishaps, including run-ins with a pair of criminal brothers and a Mexican gang. June finds hope in a town named Amity, and Coleman never gives up the search for his sister.

If you read Nathan Harris' 2021 debut, The Sweetness of Water, it was clear that we were being introduced to an exceptional talent. In Amity, we are again treated to his beautiful writing and another unforgettable book. It is a captivating and emotional tale featuring complex characters, especially Coleman, who finds a strength and maturity he didn't realize he possessed. His bond with the Harper family's dog, Oliver, who also travels to Mexico, was incredibly heartwarming. The storytelling, especially Coleman's narrative, takes its time and requires some patience, which is richly rewarded.

This was one of my most highly anticipated books of the year, and it did not disappoint.

I totally enjoyed the novel,Amity. It had several perspectives that all came together at the end. I found the historical info very informative too. The gist of the story:Brother and sister are slaves to a Louisiana family who are not nice people(no surprise),Civil War ends,all slaves are now free. June and Coleman,the sis and bro,have no place to go. Mr.Harris,owner, goes to Mexico,and makes June go with him,to find silver mines. Eventually Coleman,Mrs Harris and daughter,Florence are beckoned to join in Mexico. Many complications and disasters happen,Coleman and Florence with their dog,Oliver finally find June who is happy and Mr Harris who went totally insane, after two years of being apart.All ends well!
The story is full of adventure and is a fast read. I really wanted to get to the end to see what happened to the characters I felt close to,even Oliver,the dog.Thank you NetGalley,author,Nathan Harris and Little Brown and Co for the arc ebook.
Amity goes on sale,September 02,2025

This book took a while for me to read and I can’t say I ever got engrossed in the story.
The premise is good, the characters had potential but I just couldn’t seem to fall in love with either.

This one took me some time to get through, to be honest. There were parts that dragged, parts that bored me so much I considered not finishing, (I have never had a dnf in my life- who I am kidding) and characters that I could not imagine ever truly caring about. And then, I got about 60 percent of the way through, and did not want to put it down for even a second. First of all, I love a weirdo. Coleman is perhaps one of the most lovably weird characters I have met in a book in recent history, and I felt great emotion toward him and his crazy little dog. Imagine traipsing from New Orleans to a sinking ship and through the Mexican desert, experiencing untold horrors and hardships, and clinging so fiercely to your beloved, sometimes unhinged animal that you cared little for your own wellbeing. In this, I can relate very deeply to Coleman. I did care about June’s story, and it was one that deserved telling, but her brother really tugged at my heartstrings. This review is all over the place, and I’m sorry! But, this novel was also kind of all over the place in a way that I came to truly appreciate by its end. This is a tale of journeying, survival, and finding one’s place in the world, no matter what it takes to get there. 4 stars- well worth the tough parts. Thank you to netgalley, the publisher, and the very talented author for this arc.

Every lost soul eventually finds its way.

I've not read Nathan Harris before, but this author seems to have his finger on the pulse of those in constant turmoil. The characters within Amity are caught in a whirlpool of deep tension in 1866 within the aftermath of the Civil War.

It's New Orleans, Louisiana and we cross the thresold between the haves and the have nots. Freedom was bestowed upon the former slaves, but there's definitely not a feeling of relief for those who still bear the emotional confines even with these broken shackles.

Coleman and his sister, June, work in the household of the Harpers. It's business as usual as they wait upon every whim of this Harper family. Even with their freedom, where would they go? But the decision is made for them when Mr. Harper takes June with him in pursuit of a fortune in Mexico. Mother and daughter, Florence, wait for news. News does come, but it is Coleman that is requested to make the journey to Mexico. Mrs. Harper and Florence misinterpret the message. They set off on this ill-fated adventure as well.

Nathan Harris has a special talent with carving out finely hewn characters. Coleman is front and center with his patient demeanor and his determination to find his sister June. You'll also be taken by the little dog, Oliver, who will work his way into your heart. Florence is a thorny individual and Harris showcases her in all the right situations. We'll meet truly evil people who have their own nasty agendas that press upon June, Coleman, and Florence.

Harris paints a panoramic view of the American West and Mexico after the Civil War. Coleman and crew are mightily unprepared for what awaits them among the dust and the mesquite trees. Danger is constantly in the wind. Humanity flips on the edge of a coin. It can go either way. Amity is a fine novel from the viewpoint of recently freed slaves who take up their challenges and meet them with grit and determination.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Little, Brown and Company and to Nathan Harris for the opportunity.

This is one of those books that lingers — the kind you close slowly and sit with for a while before moving on. Amity is a sweeping, deeply human story about the unshakable bond between a brother and sister, and the way love endures through hardship, change, and time.

I’ll admit, there were moments where the pacing felt a little slow, and I thought I’d land on a 4-star rating. But then I read the epilogue — and it completely reframed everything. That final chapter was so moving, so perfectly in tune with the heart of the novel, that it elevated the whole reading experience.

Nathan Harris writes with such tenderness and precision, weaving a story that feels both timeless and intimate. The sibling relationship at the center is rendered with so much care — their love is protective, complicated, and unwavering, and I found myself aching for them in both their struggles and triumphs. The prose is lush without being overwrought, and the emotional beats land with quiet power.

This isn’t a book you race through for the twists — it’s one you sink into, letting the characters and setting wash over you until you feel like you’ve lived alongside them. By the end, I was grateful for every slow moment, every pause, because it made the payoff so much richer.

A truly beautiful, resonant novel that will stay with me for a long time.