hiltzmoore's review against another edition
3.0
This was good, but clearly an "in between" book for the series. I enjoyed reading about how rough the American soldiers had it, as this is a juvenile fiction story and I think history classes tend to make it seem like the Americans just waltzed in and took their country from the British when it reality, it was the French who saved them from destitution. I will definitely be reading the finale and I'm glad I didn't have the long wait for the last book that other fans of this series experienced!
rachelares1's review against another edition
5.0
I've never rooted so hard for book characters as I did for Isabel and Curzon. In fact, I listened to the last few chapters of the audio book with my hand over my heart. The courage and camaraderie of this book was so well researched and based on so much history that I wished I could reach through time and help too.
jcarsrud's review against another edition
4.0
This one was as good as book 1 and I’m on to book 3! It amazes me that they didn’t consider giving slaves freedom when they were asking for freedom themselves. It’s something I would like to read more about.
Lillian and I are reading these together and it’s fun having book discussions at the dinner table. ❤️
Lillian and I are reading these together and it’s fun having book discussions at the dinner table. ❤️
lindasdarby's review against another edition
4.0
Another amazing book in the series. I missed Isabel's voice in this book but Curzon was a great protagonist. I loved reading about the soldiers at valley forge and understanding more about how difficult the time must have been. Once again I can not believe how the slaves were treated. Horrible and heartbreaking but a wonderful story. A great read for everyone and especially children-a great opportunity for children to learn about slavery and the birth of our nation.
lshorner's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This is the sequel to Chains. Laurie Halse Anderson Does a wonderful job at plot twists! You will care deeply about Isabel.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence
They are in an army, so there is death and slight gun violencebak8382's review against another edition
4.0
It’s been nine months since Isabel and Curzon escaped from New York in [b:Chains|3002300|Chains (Seeds of America, #1)|Laurie Halse Anderson|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1255625710s/3002300.jpg|3032794] . After arguing Isabel and Curzon have parted ways. Curzon finds himself joining the Patriot army right before winter sets in. He and his comrades see little fighting, but have to contend with terrible living conditions at Valley Forge. He gains both friends and enemies in the army, and can’t seem to stop thinking about Isabel.
The story is totally told from the point of view of Curzon, and he seems to have it better than Isabel did in [b:Chains|3002300|Chains (Seeds of America, #1)|Laurie Halse Anderson|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1255625710s/3002300.jpg|3032794]. His enemy for most of the book, who doesn't even do that much to him, conveniently dies of small pox. Meanwhile it's hinted that Isabel has not fared so well before she reunites with Curzon.
The story is totally told from the point of view of Curzon, and he seems to have it better than Isabel did in [b:Chains|3002300|Chains (Seeds of America, #1)|Laurie Halse Anderson|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1255625710s/3002300.jpg|3032794]. His enemy for most of the book, who doesn't even do that much to him, conveniently dies of small pox. Meanwhile it's hinted that Isabel has not fared so well before she reunites with Curzon.
tifflovesbooks80's review against another edition
5.0
I think I liked this sequel even better than the original. My heart went out to Curzon and his plight. I love how each chapter begins with material taken from firsthand sources. It adds a nice realism to the plot. I wash hoping for a nice end, but I guess I will have to wait for the next installment!
chadstep's review against another edition
4.0
Decent follow-up, thoroughly researched for historical accuracy, and a good picture of the challenges of the Valley Forge winter and what it would have been like to be on the ground at the time through the eyes of a character from Chains, her previous installment. I wouldn't recommend this too highly to a middle school reader, since a lot of background knowledge would be important to get buy-in to the story. I enjoyed it for the clear picture of what it might have felt like, descriptively, to live through that experience.
libraryjen's review against another edition
dark
emotional
medium-paced
3.0
I absolutely loved Chains, but just liked this one. I think it's just because I don't like Curzon nearly as much as Isabel and this book was clearly all him. Also, in the last eighteen days I have read The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom, Hurricane Song by Paul Volpini, and March: Book Two by John Lewis, plus Forge, so I've been inundated with historical fiction about racism and trauma. If I'd read this book a few months from now I might have rated it higher.
Still, the historical information at the end is comprehensive (for a YA fiction book) and the story is entertaining. At some point I'll read the last book in the trilogy, Ashes. Recommended for fans of historical fiction and YA lit.
Still, the historical information at the end is comprehensive (for a YA fiction book) and the story is entertaining. At some point I'll read the last book in the trilogy, Ashes. Recommended for fans of historical fiction and YA lit.