Forge-Anderson

This exciting sequel to Chains is told from Curzon's point of view.  Following their escape Isabella and Curzon have a difference of opinion and part company.  The story picks up with Curzon saving a young soldier's life.  As a scrimmage breaks out around them the young soldier encourages Curzon to join him and his company, the Sixteenth Massachusetts in their fight against the British.  Curzon's hungry stomach convinces him to join because at least food is provided to the soldiers and it's been a long time since Curzon's had a hot meal.  Cruzon is assigned to Valley Forge where his past troubles soon catch up to him.  Although the life of a soldier isn't the easiest, it sure beats going back to where he is headed.

Chains-Anderson

Many of you are already fans of Laurie Halse Anderson. She has written Speak and Fever 1793. In the book Chains, she tells a very powerful story of a young slave girl named Isabel. This historical fiction account takes place during the Revolutionary War. Isabel and her younger sister, Ruth are orphans and their latest owner has just died. They are taken by their owner's nephew and sold in a tavern to the highest bidder. That degrading event takes Isabel and Ruth from their home in Rhode Island to New York City where they are to work for a couple who are very loyal to the King. They have money and wealth like Isabel has never seen but her mistress is one of the meanest, most demanding people you could ever imagine.
While many of the characters in the story are fiction, the humiliation, cruelty, and danger that Isabel endures is not. Her life means nothing to the soldiers who use her as a spy and messenger between the Loyalist and Patriots. The story is very emotional and moving. I was happy to see that Isabel's story will be continued in another book. If you have been reading any of Angel Johnson's books I recommend picking up this story.