Publisher Description
Return to the American Revolution in this blistering conclusion to the middle grade Seeds of America trilogy.
As the Revolutionary War rages on, Isabel and Curzon have narrowly escaped Valley Forge—but their relief is short-lived. Before long they are reported as runaways, and the awful Bellingham is determined to track them down. With purpose and faith, Isabel and Curzon march on, fiercely determined to find Isabel’s little sister Ruth, who is enslaved in a Southern state—where bounty hunters are thick as flies.
Heroism and heartbreak pave their path, but Isabel and Curzon won’t stop until they reach Ruth, and then freedom, in this grand finale to the acclaimed New York Times bestselling trilogy from Laurie Halse Anderson.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Picking up in June 1781, three years after Forge (2010), this thrilling conclusion to Anderson's Seeds of America trilogy finds former slaves Isobel and Curzon finally locating Isobel's younger sister, Ruth, on a South Carolina plantation. The reunion is not a happy one: while Ruth, now 12, has been cared for by fellow slaves on the plantation, she rebuffs Isobel. Curzon and Isobel are also at odds over his desire to enlist in the fight for independence. Despite the discord, the three head north joined by Aberdeen, an escaped slave from the plantation stopping in Williamsburg, Va., where patriots are preparing for an assault on Yorktown. As in the previous two books, Anderson's vividly detailed writing immerses readers in the hardships of her heroes' travels and the harsh realities of war. Isobel's eventual reconciliation with Ruth, her growing understanding of Curzon's need to fight, and her recognition of the true feelings between them all work to guide the story to an emotionally satisfying conclusion. It's a gripping finish to an epic journey that speaks resoundingly to the human capacity to persevere. Ages 10 14.
Customer Reviews
FAVORITE SERIES EVER!
I’m 13 and I love this trilogy SO MUCH. You really get to know the characters and feel connected to them over the series. It makes you want to cry when something goes wrong and jump for joy whenever good things happen. I’ve read all 3 of them 4 times and every time they’re just as good. I TOTALLY recommend this series!!! 🩵🩵🩵
Ashes
This book was so captivating O read in a 3 or 4 day time span and I couldn’t stop reading. I even wanted to cry when I thought that Curzon was dead it sent chills up my spine the way Laurie Hals Anderson Describes the characters is amazing I LOVED it. ❤️😍
Ashes
I have thoroughly enjoyed the reading and "book study" of Chains (forgive me for not underlining the title as I am writing this on my phone) with my 5th grade class for the last two years. After the first reading, I quickly bought and downloaded Forge and marveled at the clever way the story continued in another character's voice and from their point of view. I eagerly awaited the release of Ashes, and after a busy couple of months, have finally had the pleasure of dedicating the time to enjoy the rest of this trilogy. I read with eagerness to learn of Ruth's fate, with great interest to see how each primary document entry would be woven into this adventure and with great satisfaction at the fate of Isabel and Curzon. Huzzah! To you, the author of such a meaningful way to bring the important lives of the people of the American Revolution to light, I thank you for your dedication and hard work!