Slavery & Indentured Servitude – Page 14

Through the White Wood by Jessica Leake

Through the White Wood by Jessica Leake

Katya’s power to freeze anything she touches has made her an outcast in her isolated village. And when she loses control of her ability, accidentally killing several villagers, she is banished to the palace of the terrifying Prince Sasha in Kiev, At the castle, though, she is surprised to find that Sasha is just like her—with his own strange talent, the ability to summon fire. Instead of punishment, Sasha offers Katya friendship, and the chance to embrace her power rather than fear it. But outside the walls of Kiev, Sasha’s enemies… Read more.

Goodreads • The Story Graph

Trigger & Content Warnings

Slavery mentioned
Mass murder

Of Ice and Shadows by Audrey Coulthurst

Of Ice and Shadows by Audrey Coulthurst

Princesses Denna and Mare are in love and together at last–only to face a new set of dangers. Mare just wants to settle down with the girl she loves, which would be easier if Denna weren’t gifted with forbidden and volatile fire magic. Denna must learn to control her powers, which means travelling in secret to the kingdom of Zumorda, where she can seek training without fear of persecution. Determined to help, Mare has agreed to serve as an ambassador as a cover for their journey. But just as Mare and Denna arrive in Zumorda, an attack on a border town… Read more.

Goodreads • The Story Graph

Trigger & Content Warnings

Slavery mentioned
Animal cruelty

The Prophets by Robert Jones Jr

The Prophets by Robert Jones Jr.

Isaiah was Samuel’s and Samuel was Isaiah’s. That was the way it was since the beginning, and the way it was to be until the end. In the barn they tended to the animals, but also to each other, transforming the hollowed-out shed into a place of human refuge, a source of intimacy and hope in a world ruled by vicious masters. But when an older man—a fellow slave—seeks to gain favor by preaching the master’s gospel on the plantation, the enslaved begin to turn on their own. Isaiah and Samuel’s love, which was once… Read more.

Goodreads • The Story Graph

Trigger & Content Warnings

Slavery
Human trafficking
Rape
Death of an infant
Murder
Torture
Lynching

And We Rise by Erica Martin

And We Rise by Erica Martin

In stunning verse and vivid use of white space, Erica Martin’s debut poetry collection walks readers through the Civil Rights Movement—from the well-documented events that shaped the nation’s treatment of Black people, beginning with the “Separate but Equal” ruling—and introduces lesser-known figures and moments that were just as crucial to the Movement and our nation’s centuries-long fight for justice and equality.

Goodreads • The Story Graph

Trigger & Content Warnings

Slavery mentioned
Racism & racial slurs
Lynching
Police brutality

Freewater by Amina Luqman-Dawson

Freewater by Amina Luqman-Dawson

Under the cover of night, twelve-year-old Homer flees Southerland Plantation with his little sister Ada, unwillingly leaving their beloved mother behind. Much as he adores her and fears for her life, Homer knows there’s no turning back, not with the overseer on their trail. Through tangled vines, secret doorways, and over a sky bridge, the two find a secret community called Freewater, deep in the swamp. In this society created by formerly enslaved people and some freeborn children, Homer finds new friends, almost forgetting where he came from. But when… Read more.

Goodreads • The Story Graph

Trigger & Content Warnings

Slavery
Child abuse

Rules for Heiresses by Amalie Howard

Rules for Heiresses by Amalie Howard

Born to a life of privilege, Lady Ravenna Huntley rues the day that she must marry. She’s refused dozens of suitors and cried off multiple betrothals, but running away—even if brash and foolhardy—is the only option left to secure her independence. Lord Courtland Chase, grandson of the Duke of Ashton, was driven from England at the behest of his cruel stepmother. Scorned and shunned, he swore never to return to the land of his birth. But when a twist of bad luck throws a rebellious heiress into his arms, at the very moment he finds out he’s the new Duke, marriage is the only… Read more.

Goodreads • The Story Graph

Trigger & Content Warnings

Misogyny
Racism
Slavery mentioned
Blood depiction
Gun violence
Animal death recounted
Bullying

Like a River Glorious by Rae Carson

Like a River Glorious by Rae Carson

After a harrowing journey across the country, Leah Westfall and her friends have finally arrived in California and are ready to make their fortunes in the Gold Rush. Lee has a special advantage over the other new arrivals in California—she has the ability to sense gold, a secret known only by her handsome best friend Jefferson and her murdering uncle Hiram. Lee and her friends have the chance to be the most prosperous settlers in California, but Hiram hasn’t given up trying to control Lee and her power. Sabotage and kidn… Read more.

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Trigger & Content Warnings

Slavery & forced labour of Native Americans
Physical child abuse mentioned
Drugging
Dead bodies, including decapitated heads
Death of a friend from head trauma
Murder & attempted murder
Gun violence
Whipping
Kidnapping

Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson

Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson

Lee Westfall has a strong, loving family. She has a home she loves and a loyal steed. She has a best friend—who might want to be something more. She also has a secret. Lee can sense gold in the world around her. Veins deep in the earth. Small nuggets in a stream. Even gold dust caught underneath a fingernail. She has kept her family safe and able to buy provisions, even through the harshest winters. But what would someone do to control a girl with that kind of power? A person might murder for it… Read more.

Goodreads • The Story Graph

Trigger & Content Warnings

Racism
Slavery
Parental abuse mentioned
Death during childbirth
Amputation
Gun violence
Animal death
Biological warfare

When She’s Lonely by Ruby Dixon

When She’s Lonely by Ruby Dixon

Everyone says humans are safe on Risda III. Yeah, right. I was taken from Earth years ago and I’ve learned one thing – a flawed human is a dead human. So I keep my flaws to myself, and I focus on running my farm. At least, I try to. But when I (accidentally) burn the barn down, one of the local officials shows up to help me put it out. And when Khex learns my secrets, he decides that he’ll keep them. If I’ll go out on a date with him. Oh, this is going to end badly.

Goodreads • The Story Graph

Trigger & Content Warnings

Slavery
Rape recounted

Corsairs: Straik by Ruby Dixon

Corsairs: Straik by Ruby Dixon

What’s worse than finding a lost ship full of stolen humans? It’s finding out that your family is responsible. This is a wrong I have to somehow right, so I take off to find answers…and discover one of those kidnapped humans has stowed away on my ship. She’s furious that I’ve deserted her friends. She’s determined to make me pay. Ruth swears vengeance and won’t be satisfied until she sees me destroyed. It’s a battle of wills I’m determined to win. Instead of breaking Ruth, I find that I’ll do just about anything to get her to kiss me again. Now…who’s bending who?

Goodreads • The Story Graph

Trigger & Content Warnings

Slavery & sex slavery
Torture, including food & water deprivation
Kidnapping & captivity