dlberglund's review against another edition
4.0
Laurie Halse Anderson's historical fiction is just excellent. Chains is a painful and heart-effecting story of Isobel, an 18th century American slave who is wronged over and over again. While the book has wonderful and terrible historical detail, it doesn't cross the line into horror for shock value. An excellent look at the roots of American liberty from a forgotten perspective.
findyourgoldenhour's review against another edition
Alex and I listened to this audio book and he took part in a book club discussion with two of his peers. It was a great book; we'll probably listen to the other two in the series.
colin_cox's review against another edition
4.0
This is a charming little book. I read it as something of a distraction, but it is far from that. It is technically a YA novel (and historical fiction to boot), but it transcends the tired conventions of its genre.
pheonix_likes_reading's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Slavery
Moderate: War
sambooklove's review against another edition
5.0
This is a great book. I had been eyeing it in the juvenile section for awhile and I'm so glad I gave it a try. Isabel is a strong character who endures terrible hardship. Can't wait to continue her story with the next book, Forge!
cuddleybunny's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. At times it would be very slow but it wouldn't be like that for long. Once it started to get intresting it and speed up a little you would not want to put the book down. I found this book very heart felt and sweet. I really do recommend this book. Just don't read the next book because it is very slow and does not speed up at all. Also it is not told from Isabella's perspective which makes it more sad because you want to know what happens to her little sister and if everything turns out all right.
flamingo11's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
chadstep's review against another edition
4.0
A decent first person narrative of a slave girl and her sister in the colony city of New York in 1776-77. I know it's the start of the series so it shouldn't rush too quickly out of the gate with the characters but I could have used more intrigue. I did enjoy the insight into challenges of being involved inside of a revolution rather than simply an active participant on one side or the other--much closer to the ground of reality. I'm also a fan of "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing" as a more unusual perspective of the Revolutionary War..