An Extraordinary Union

by Alyssa Cole
An Extraordinary Union cover
Good Books rating 4.08
Historical Fiction
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  • ID: 6479
  • Added: 2025-11-18
  • Updated: 2025-11-18
  • ISBN: 9781496707451
  • Publisher: Kensington Books
  • Published: 2017-03-28
  • Reviews: 3

Elle Burns, a former slave with an eidetic memory, returns to the South to work as a spy for the Union Army. Her mission takes a thrilling turn when she teams up with Malcolm McCall, a Pinkerton detective on a perilous undercover operation. Together, they uncover a dangerous plot that could shift the balance of the war. As they navigate the treacherous world of wartime espionage, their undeniable attraction complicates their mission, forcing them to choose between duty and love. This gripping tale of intrigue and passion is set against the backdrop of the Civil War, blending historical detail with a heart-pounding romance. Praised by critics and readers alike, An Extraordinary Union is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and romance.

Reviews
The Library Ladies · 2024-02-19
enjoyable 3.75

The book is enjoyed for its unique premise of a Black woman spy during the Civil War, though some aspects of the plot feel rushed. The historical context adds depth to the romantic elements.

The reviewer enjoyed the book, particularly the unique premise of a Black woman spy working for the Union during the Civil War. They appreciated the historical context and how it added depth to the romantic elements of the story. However, they felt that some aspects of the plot were rushed, which slightly detracted from the overall experience. The characters are well-developed, and the historical setting is vividly brought to life, making it a compelling read for those interested in historical romance.

Quick quotes

    Overall I enjoyed this book. I really liked the idea of spies for the Union during the Civil War, and that one of said spies is a Black woman.

    The historical context adds depth to the romantic elements, making the story more engaging.

    Some aspects of the plot feel rushed, which slightly detracts from the overall experience.

Smart Bitches, Trashy Books · 2017-03-30
engaging 4.00

The book is praised for its intricate exploration of disguise and subterfuge, with a nuanced portrayal of characters navigating complex identities. The historical setting is richly detailed, adding depth to the espionage plot.

This review highlights the clever use of disguise and subterfuge in the novel, noting how characters add and remove disguises with subtlety. The historical setting is richly detailed, providing a backdrop that enhances the espionage plot. The reviewer appreciates the complexity of the characters and the intricacies of their identities, making the book a compelling read. The Civil War setting is particularly well-executed, adding layers of tension and authenticity to the story.

Quick quotes

    There's a lot to examine in terms of cover and subterfuge, and so much subtlety in how characters can or cannot add and remove disguises.

    Elle's journey is compelling, and her interactions with other characters are nuanced and well-developed.

    The historical setting is richly detailed, providing a backdrop that enhances the espionage plot.

Kirkus Reviews · 2017-01-01
masterful 4.50

The book is praised for its masterful storytelling and the brave protagonist who risks her life for the cause. The historical setting is vividly portrayed, making the story both gripping and emotionally resonant.

This review commends the book for its masterful storytelling and the brave protagonist who risks her life as a spy posing as a slave in Civil War Virginia. The historical setting is vividly portrayed, making the story both gripping and emotionally resonant. The reviewer appreciates the depth of the characters and the tension that arises from their life-and-death struggles. The book is seen as a strong start to a promising series, with high expectations for future works by the author.

Quick quotes

    A masterful tale that bodes well for future work from Cole.

    A spy posing as a slave in Civil War Virginia risks her own life and the outcome of the war by falling in love with her target.

    The historical setting is vividly portrayed, making the story both gripping and emotionally resonant.

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