Forge (The Seeds of America Trilogy) MP3 CD – Audiobook, August 11, 2015

My 13-year old had to read the prequel to this for 8th grade Reading, and so I read both this book and the prequel. They both are fascinating and I could not put them down! I have also read another of Anderson's books "Fever 1892" and that was also captivating. I have to say my daughter did not read this book, or even finish the prequel, and she did not like Fever because of the descriptions of people with serious illness. She is a big reader but historical fiction is not her thing (yet!). I hope to get her interested enough to finish them both. I hope Ms Anderson keeps writing because I will keep reading!

My tween had to read the first book in this trilogy for school so, I picked it up to see what it was about, really enjoyed it and bought all three. This is the second book in the set and I found this story very engaging and it held my interest.

The wolves terrified him. Curzon scrambled down the ravine, thinking about the bodies that the beasts had dug from their graves after the battle at Freeman’s Farm. An escaped slave like him didn’t stand a chance if they’d caught his scent. Gunfire blasted into the glade. Musketballs peppered the trees, nearly ripping his ear. Curzon threw himself to the ground, hoping no British or rebel fire would strike him. When the smoke cleared, a young rebel was staring down the barrel of a British soldier. Curzon hurled a rock at the redcoat and struck him hard in his shoulder. Seizing his chance, the rebel fired. His enemy screamed as blood spurted over dead leaves.The shaken rebel soon prepared to rejoin his comrades, and Curzon was off with him to the thick of the battle—fighting for the freedom of the men who had enslaved him.Valley Forge. Curzon found himself serving in the army as a freeman, without papers to prove he wasn’t a slave. The cold of deep winter set in, freezing the feet of any soldier left without boots. Icy winds swept through the camp on nights too cold for pitching tents. All the barrels of salt pork spoiled. With nothing to eat but handfuls of flour, starvation chewed through the rebel army. Veteran soldiers poured muddy water and crushed grain over heated rocks to make scorched firecakes. Little choice for food remained, other than stealing pumpkins from surrounding farms.Trapped in a world of hunger, freezing weather, and vicious assaults from his own comrades, Curzon missed his friend Isabel fiercely. She had been the one to free him from Bridewell Prison, rowing all night with bleeding hands to save his life. One cold day, Curzon’s former master rode into camp. When their eyes met, past and future caught in one life-changing moment. Freedom and slavery exchanged places. Curzon’s world was about to begin over again. Isabel was alive, but collared in iron, making another escape all but impossible.Laurie Halse Anderson writes dramatic history that quickly captures your heart. She is a New York Times bestselling author. She’s won numerous awards and honors, including two National Book Award nominations, the Margaret A Awards Award, and the Assembly on Literature for Adolescents Award.

Forge,the outstanding sequel to Chains, by truly gifted YA author Laurie Halse Anderson, will turn even reluctant readers into lovers of historical fiction and make history buffs out of even the most resistant student(young or old). The very accurate descriptions of the horrid living conditions in the colonial military camps during the winter or 1777 sound like something out of a holocaust history. The battle scenes are equally accurate, equally horrifying and action packed. Anderson also does a great job of capturing the idealism, optimism and courage of the young inexperienced colonial fighters. Even more gripping than the story of the war is the story of the slaves who were promised freedom if they enlisted for the colonies and were also promised freedom and riches if they spied on their masters for the British. Adult readers know neither side has any intention of keeping its promise, but YA readers with their strong sense of fairness and clearly defined ides of right and wrong will be shocked at the callousness and cruelty of the slave owners and some of the soldiers. I loved that Anderson begins each chapter with quotes from letters actually written by people involved in the Revolution and the events of the novel. Some of the quotes are from leaders like Thomas Payne and Abigail Adams, and some are from ordinary colonists. Forge will be a great movie and a classic YA novel.

I bought this book because my daughter's class at school is reading it and I wanted to check it out & make sure it was suitable for a youngster to read.I read the whole thing in one sitting, couldn't put it down, and it made me cry.There was no inappropriate/adult content.Definitely a great read, and I would recommend it for adolescent reading material for learning about the revolutionary war.I started reading the second book, Forge, and am not as into it, haven't finished it...I just want to skip ahead to the third book which isn't written yet, I if understand correctly.

It was fun to read the book Chains(the book before Forge).It is exciting to read and there are some fun parts and also some funny parts too.I love the characters,especially the main characters(Isabel and Curzon).They go through a journey that frees them, but leaves Curzon to fend for himself without anymoney or food.It was one of the best books ever. I think Laurie Halse Anderson is one of the bestwriters ever!

Ok, I ha en’t read this book. BUT I buy each new installment for my 12 yo grandson. This child will not read books. Almost ever. But he asks for these and actually gets excited and reads them! He also likes Percy Jackson. Children must read to appreciate reading as an adult. I was thrilled to find this series!