Set during the American Revolutionary War, Chains follows an enslaved girl, Isabel, as she is sold around after her previous owner’s death. She becomes involved in the political struggle of the war, while trying to protect her younger sister. Isabel also meets another slave, Curzon. Curzon works for a revolutionary, and is soon sent off to fight in the war, to be later captured. Isabel,trying to secure her freedom, agrees to work as a patriot spy, spying on her loyalist owners. As she works as a slave and a spy for the revolutionaries, she gets into trouble multiple times as her owners discover her secrets. She is branded as a punishment, and her sister is sold. Isabel later tries to escape, running away from her owners while also rescuing Curzon from prison.
Like many historical slave accounts from the 18th and 19th centuries, Chains takes the perspective of a slave, following the main character through years of struggle and labor. While a fiction book, truthful elements are present (with mentions of historical events and some historical characters). The emotions and the hope of Isabel and Curzon are positive by the end of the novel, after the grave situations described earlier.
10 and Up

I am 9 years old. I recommend this book because "Chains" is very exciting! It has cliffhangers. The plot is very nice and it has the point of view of a slave. I like that because it gave me a sense of what it would be like to be a slave. It was vivid. There were very vivid pictures at the time of the Revolutionary War. (my son gave it 3 stars because it is not his favorite genre of literature.)

I couldn't put the book down! An amazing tale of a young girl's fight for freedom.

Before reading this book, I used to always just think of the Civil War and Abraham Lincoln when hearing the world "slavery." Now, through Isabel's story, I've seen that slavery has an immense history dating centuries back. This novel is a fantastic historical fiction story that proves history does not have to be boring.

Amazing book! One of my favorites!

I really enjoyed this book! I found Isabel's journey and struggles very interesting! Anderson wrote a very compelling story that kept me enthralled the whole way through! I can't wait to read the rest of the series and find out what happened to Isabel and Ruth!

Anderson's writing draws you into the live's of her characters and their struggle against the oppression of this period in American history. A moving and insightful read.

I've always recommended Laurie Halse Anderson to teens interested in a solid historical fiction read with a bit of mystery and intrigue, and this book is no exception. Isabel is a strong female protagonist who a lot of teens might relate to when it comes to taking risks while still holding strong to their moral compass. Very well developed characters and vivid historical descriptions. The cliffhanger ending will definitely leave you wanting to read Forge, the sequel.

This book is a good mix of historical information and engrossing story. Isabel is so real, she pulls you into her story. This book is definitely one you should read.

"Chains" was a fast-paced, riveting historical fiction novel that blew me away with its emotion and views of war, slavery, and overcoming obstacles when the odds are completely against you. I was inspired to say the least!