In this sequel to the award-winning Chains, the focus shifts from Isabel to Curzon, a fifteen-year old-runaway slave. Curzon, starving and cold, becomes a Patriot soldier in the American Revolutionary War out of desperation for food and shelter. He fights many battles against the British, enduring long and cold winters at Valley Forge with the Patriots. There, he and Isabel meet up again, and once again they find themselves fighting for their freedom.

Forge is rich with historical detail about life during the American Revolution, particularly at Valley Forge. Packed with action, the story moves quickly. No punches are pulled in showing the grim realities of war and slavery. People are killed in battle (shot and stabbed), and soldiers are starving, cold, and wounded. That said, Forge's historical accuracy is very educational. Language is mild (a man refers to Curzon as a "negar"). Although this book seems to be marketed more for the Young Adult audience, a mature sixth grader would benefit from reading it, especially in the classroom, as it is loaded with historical information and discussion-worthy themes such as freedom, human rights, slavery, war, coming of age, power, and loyalty. Forge is not for the reluctant reader, who may find its vocabulary challenging. It stands alone as a great story but fans of this book should read its prequel, Chains, if they have not done so already. This book is the second of the planned trilogy.

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