No One Will Save Us by Julie L. Brown offers an intriguing alternate history where the kingdom of Kana resists the transatlantic slave trade. The world-building, featuring strong female warriors and a rich culture, is engaging, and the themes of bravery and resistance hold promise.

However, the execution didn’t quite deliver. The pacing feels uneven, with key events rushed and lacking emotional depth. Many of the characters feel overly idealized, and some actions and dialogue felt unrealistic within the world Brown created, which weakened the story’s believability. While the book touches on the brutal realities of the era, the resolution feels too neat and diminishes its impact.

Though fans of historical fiction might find something to enjoy here, it wasn’t the right fit for me. Despite its interesting premise, No One Will Save Us didn't leave a lasting impression.

Historical fantasy with well drawn characters and an imaginative plot. I was not familiar with this aspect of history so cannot speak to the accuracy of any aspect of the story, but it was engaging and I found myself drawn in to the tale.
Thanks to NetGalley and JAB Press for the chance to read this advance copy of the book.

This was a truly engaging and thought-provoking read. I truly enjoyed the fact that the setting takes place in a Queendom, something we rarely see in fictional works today. I also enjoyed how the protagonist, Chi, was established as an independent warrior: without a romantic element in the story, I was able to enjoy seeing her in her full element without distractions or entanglements. The overall pacing of this book flowed very well, and I look forward to what 's next from Julie L. Brown.

No One Will Save Us by Julie L. Brown is a solid, suspenseful read that kept me engaged, but it didn’t completely blow me away. The story has a unique premise, focusing on themes of loss, secrets, and survival, which provides an intriguing foundation for the plot. The pacing was decent, with a few tense moments that kept me turning pages.

However, while the book had potential, it didn’t fully deliver on its promise. Some of the characters felt underdeveloped, and their actions didn’t always feel as authentic as I’d hoped. The plot, though interesting, became somewhat predictable at times, and I found myself anticipating certain twists rather than being surprised by them.

The writing was competent, but there were moments where the story lacked the depth or emotional weight that would have truly elevated it. Overall, No One Will Save Us is an enjoyable read, but it didn’t leave a lasting impression.

This was one of those books I knew I would be glad that I read. And it was true! While it took a little while for me to get sucked it, in the end I totally stayed up late to finish! The beginning was a slow start for me as we were introduced to characters and the scene was set up. I always have a hard time with pure description and while this wasn't exactly that, there was a lot. But it was necessary so that we as a reader could have a clear picture of the characters, the landscape, the queendom, etc. Once the tapestry was created, the true adventure began.

I love this alternative-history as it's the history we all wish would have happened. The courage and strength portrayed by these warriors was beautiful to witness, the female empowerment was inspiring, and goodness left you hopeful. I was left wanting to hear more. Again, it was a slow start for me, but as I predicted based on the description and the previous reviews, this was a delight to have read and I'm better for it.

Thank you to the publisher for the ARC. This review is my own.

This was nicely written, but I feel like this could have been a little longer, but that being said there still is great character development, but a lot of them.

I will be rating this book a 3 stars because i was unable to download this title, I tried everything but it was not working. Judging by the title I would have loved this book. I’m definitely going to purchase this when it comes out then give it its proper rating

This book set out with an incredibly ambitious goal: imagining an alternate history where West African kingdoms united to resist the trans-Atlantic slave trade. The concept alone is powerful and promises a story filled with resilience, strategy, and cultural pride. Unfortunately, the execution didn’t live up to the premise.

The kingdom of Kana, led by Chibuike, is clearly inspired by the Dahomey warriors. However, instead of presenting a nuanced portrayal, the story paints Kana as an idealized society—progressive and nearly flawless. There’s little acknowledgment of the complexities or moral gray areas of the time, and this simplification made the world feel less authentic.

The pacing of the story was another struggle. Events that could have carried enormous emotional weight—such as battles, betrayals, or personal triumphs—were rushed through at breakneck speed. Rather than feeling immersed in the characters’ struggles, I often felt like I was reading a summary of what happened.

The characters themselves also felt overly polished. Nearly everyone was exceptionally skilled, wise, or brave, which left little room for growth or relatability. For example, the Kanaians manage to overcome seemingly impossible odds with ease, including defeating an armada of sixty English warships in a battle that was resolved in just a few pages. It felt more like wish fulfillment than a believable narrative.

That said, the book does have its merits. It doesn’t shy away from depicting the brutal realities of the slave trade, which serves as an important reminder of history’s darkest chapters. However, the way the story wraps up so neatly—with all major conflicts resolved and historical wounds seemingly healed—felt unrealistic and diminished the enormity of the subject matter.

In the end, while I respect the author’s ambition and message, the execution left much to be desired. The rushed pacing, idealized characters, and oversimplified resolutions kept me from connecting to the story as deeply as I’d hoped. Therefore I'm giving this book 2 ⭐.

No One Will Save Us by Julie L. Brown is a bold, imaginative blend of historical fiction and fantasy that reimagines destiny, bravery, and resistance with stunning emotional depth. At its heart, it’s a tale of a princess-warrior who steps far beyond the borders of her home to confront an unthinkable horror—the rise of the transatlantic slave trade—and the result is both haunting and hopeful.

Princess Chibuike, or Chi, is a character you root for from the very beginning. Her introduction as a curious, fearless girl exploring the lush forests of Kana sets the stage for a story where the land itself feels alive, steeped in ancestral strength and feminine power. The Queendom of Kana, ruled by fierce and free women, is richly drawn—there’s a palpable reverence for nature, tradition, and sisterhood. Brown’s descriptions of the queendom’s culture and customs ground the reader in a world that feels as real as any historical kingdom, even as it holds the mythic energy of a legend passed down through generations.

But the novel doesn’t stay rooted in this idyllic world for long. The shift to the brutal realities of 1619 Jamestown is jarring—in the best way. When Chi and her warriors embark on their mission to find their missing people, the journey across the ocean becomes a metaphor for Chi’s transformation. She’s not just traveling to a new land; she’s stepping into the unknown and confronting the unimaginable. Her confrontation with the pale-skinned men of Jamestown is written with unflinching honesty. Brown doesn’t sanitize the horror of the era—the human cost of colonization and enslavement weighs heavy in the narrative, but it’s balanced by Chi’s resolve to fight for justice.

The relationships in the story are another strength. Chi’s bond with her fellow warriors, especially the close ties of friendship and loyalty, adds emotional weight to the mission. The loss of her childhood friend drives her, but it’s the love she carries for her people and her homeland that elevates her quest. Chi’s internal struggle—reconciling the warrior she’s become with the girl who once dreamed of destiny—feels raw and real.

The only place where the novel falters slightly is in its pacing. The buildup to the final confrontation slows a bit in the middle, with sections that linger a little too long on reflection rather than action. However, the payoff is worth it. The climax is gripping, filled with moments of both heartbreak and triumph that leave you breathless.

At 4 stars, No One Will Save Us is a powerful, beautifully written story about reclaiming agency in the face of historical devastation. It asks hard questions about survival, sacrifice, and destiny and never offers easy answers. Julie L. Brown’s narrative voice is lyrical and poignant, weaving history and myth into something unforgettable. This is more than just a novel—it’s a reimagining of what could have been and a tribute to the resilience of those who refused to be erased. Chi’s journey will stay with you long after the final page.

I really enjoyed the alternative history element to this, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed the overall world going on. The characters were everything that I wanted and was engaged with the overall concept of this. Julie L. Brown wrote this well and I wanted to read more in this world and author.

A refreshing view on a time in history that was incredibly troubling. This book shows the strength and purpose of women who work together to achieve their goals. thoroughly enjoyed this book.