Pieter Van Leyden knew he could not remain on the plantation with his lover Sebastian Cane. He travels to New York to support the abolitionist cause during the start of the Civil War, and discovers his only option will be to join the Union Army. Joss has found a home in New York, learning skills not afforded to slaves. He misses his friend and finds a way to honor one of the only men to show him kindness. Sebastian has tried to be patient and await his lover’s return. However, with little contact, and then a letter that spells out the worse, Sebastian is at the end of his rope. Pressed to join the Confederate army, Sebastian decides to enter the ranks. With his lover gone, he feels he has nothing left to live for.

Stevie Woods highlights some pertinent events of the Civil War with this power sequel to Cane. Watching these three men come face to face after such a long absence truly made me smile. Stevie Woods doesn’t just deliver a fantastic love story in Conflict. The passion not just relationship wise but also the passion about what is right and wrong leads these three characters throughout this story. They will have countless obstacles in their way, socially and economically, but they never stray from the path they must travel. Conflict brings home what each side was fighting for, but at the same time, it proves the points missed by everyone. That the “property” fought over was actually members of society who deserved fair and equal treatment. I enjoy how Stevie Woods gives you a history lesson and a lesson in love rolled up into one.

Reviewed by: NeNe