Freedom Fire

Dactyl Hill Squad #2

by Daniel José Older

Magdalys and the squad are flying south on pteroback. South to rescue her older brother. South to war.

The squad links up with the dino-mounted troops of the Louisiana Native Guard, an all-black regiment in the Union Army fighting to free their people. They're led by General Sheridan, surrounded by enemy forces in Tennessee and desperate for any edge to sway the tide of battle. Magdalys's burgeoning powers might be the Union's last hope. But she doesn't want to abandon the search for her brother. And she might not be the only one with a mysterious connection to dinosaurs.

With the Civil War raging around her and the Union on the brink of collapse, how can Magdalys choose between the army that needs her help to survive and the brother she risked everything to save?

Genres: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Dinosaurs, Fiction, Historical, Science Fiction

304 pages, Hardcover

First published May 14, 2019

About the author

Daniel José Older is the New York Times bestselling author of the Young Adult series the Shadowshaper Cypher (Scholastic), the Bone Street Rumba urban fantasy series (Penguin), and the upcoming Middle Grade sci-fi adventure Flood City (Scholastic). He won the International Latino Book Award and has been nominated for the Kirkus Prize, the Mythopoeic Award, the Locus Award, the Andre Norton Award, and yes, the World Fantasy Award. Shadowshaper was named one of Esquire’s 80 Books Every Person Should Read. You can find his thoughts on writing, read dispatches from his decade-long career as an NYC paramedic and hear his music at http://danieljoseolder.net/, on youtube and @djolder on twitter.

Reviews

[jocelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[E · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could have zoomed through reading this in one sitting, I would have. But, pesky things like work and sleep intervened.
The adventures of Magdalys and her brave friends in the Dactyl Hill Squad continue.
It's well-researched Civil War historical fiction.
WITH DINOSAURS!

And I love it.
I need the next installment desperately.
And I need to go back and binge-read both books. Which might tide me over til the next book. I need the next book. Did I mention that?

[Llyr Heller-Humphreys · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great historical fiction series with the added bonus of dinosaurs! Also an excellent middle grade series dealing with the horrors of war.

[Cherise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This middle-grade historical fantasy book has such a cool premise: the Civil War but with dinosaurs. Freedom Fire is #2 in the series, and it's very action-packed. The main character is black and female, and her squad is also mostly people of color. Slavery is discussed a little. One of the characters is Indigenous, and this book discusses the plight of Indigenious people in America during the 1860s a little. This and the first book include historical afternotes from the author, who bases some of the characters and events on real-life historical events.

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved getting back into Magdalys' world with the Dactyl Hill Squad!! Not sure on that ending, though - feels less like a cliffhanger and more like it just stopped in the middle to keep the book shorter (I need book 3 now!).

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is so good!

FREEDOM FIRE is an excellent sequel that moves the adventure along while leaving plenty of space for things to develop in the next book.

[Becky B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magdalys and the rest of the Dactyl Hill Squad are headed south in their quest to rescue her brother. Their first stop is in Tennessee where they meet up with General Sheridan. Magdalys and the rest of the squad had no clue this was a planned stop, but Cymbaline has been keeping secrets from them. And now a new weight is placed on Magdalys' shoulders as she sees how not only her brother, but the entire Union Army is in need of her unique skills with dinosaurs. Who can she trust, who needs her help most, and what can just one girl really do?

70ish years ago US Civil War settings were all the rage for middle grade books it seems. Rifles for Watie, Across Five Aprils..., they raked in the awards and were highly recommended to kids for the next 30-40 years. In the past decade or so those books have been disappearing from our shelves as middle grade readers refused to touch them with ten foot poles. Middle grade readers just aren't all that interested in US Civil War stories any more, or most of the historical fiction for that matter. If it isn't a WWII story, they treat it like it might make them break out in hives to read. But you add some dinosaurs and some plucky characters and all of a sudden I think we can get kids reading about history again. Older does a fantastic job of clarifying what is true and what is made up in the back of the book. He keeps most of the Civil War battles, movements, and leaders the same so even though it is a rollicking tale with dinos, there's real history mixed in here. I love that the book stars a group of African American kids, one Native American kid, and a division of African American soldiers who are very aware of the human rights and freedom issues that are on the line. So it isn't just a fun adventure story or cool 'dinos aren't extinct!' story, it explores much deeper issues along the way along from human rights issues to all the messiness of war, the frailty of human life, value of animal life, etc. That could have all been rather heavy, but Older kept just the right balance of humor, adventure, and sober pondering. It should superbly entertain as well as getting kids to think (and teaching them about history). I loved the characters, the dinos, the reimagined history Older created, and all the good stuff he packed in around those. Normally I get upset when authors use somewhat modern slang in a book set in a specific time period, but I felt like in this case it kept the book approachable to modern readers (the slang isn't glaringly modern, just slightly) and the reimagined history also allows Older to reimagine language usage too. Highly recommended to reimagined history fans, dinosaur lovers, diverse character fans, and reluctant historical fiction readers.

Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. War violence is included and there are casualties on page. Older keeps the gore to a minimum but definitely gets across the seriousness and sobering fact that people died, it was horrible, and war isn't "fun."

[Margaret Boling · Rating 5 out of 5]

7/1/2019 ~ The action-packed 2nd book in the series. Does Magdalys ultimately find her brother? Can she reconcile her use of her ability to communicate with dinos with her need to keep them safe? Can she avoid being impressed into the Union army? This book provided a fun adventure while also giving me lots to think about. (And, of course, I really want to know the author's and publisher's plans for the series - trilogy? longer series? when's the next release?!)

Magdalys, as the 12 year old natural leader of the Dactyl Hill Squad struggles with the challenges of leadership: sending others out to fight; calling animals to help her, even knowing they face death and dismemberment; balancing her own need to find her brother with the needs of the Union army. In this book, I could really feel her rage against the plantations and what they represented of the enslavement of her people.

I continue to be fascinated by Older's imaginative use of a wide variety of dinosaurs. As I read this book, it also occurred to me that there are NO horses in this world. Not only has Older imagined a world with dinos, he extrapolated what might have to disappear: Since dinos exist concurrently with humans, our need for horses would not have evolved. Hmmm.

This volume was, perhaps, a bit harder to follow than book 1. I found the descriptions of the battles & geography a bit challenging, and I know quite a bit about the U.S. Civil War. I wonder if that will impact the enjoyment of upper elementary students, who probably have less knowledge of the era.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second installment of Magdalys Roca's dinosaur-riding, Civil War adventures is, if possible, even more action-packed than the first book, Dactyl Hill Squad. Diverted on their way to rescue Magdalys' brother, the protagonists end up attached to the all-black regiment of the Louisiana Native Guard, led by General Sheridan. As they encounter more fighting, Magdalys discovers more about her own powers, and those of the opposing Confederates, in a manner that is both exciting to read, and uncompromising in the examination of race, power and politics of the Civil War era. Daniel Jose Older shows a great deal of respect for his young readers in the honest way he examines history from both personal and national perspectives.

[Edshara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leave it to an author to get me to realize how much I really like dinosaurs! This series blends the ugliness of slavery and war with the unique idea of humans and dinosaurs coexisting together. I love that Daniel Jose Older doesn’t shy away from the hard topics, while adding a good amount of action, fun and sensitivity.

One of the only things I disliked was some of the expressions used seemed, a bit current, and while interesting, threw the story off a bit for me. However, I’m so glad I finally picked this series up. If you can keep an open mind and just enjoy the story, then I highly recommend the Dactyl Hill Squad. (Also I need to see more black and brown people in books, movies and television that work with dinosaurs and pteros.)

[Janell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish this had been around when I was a tween ... historical fiction set during the civil war, but with dinosaurs. Also, a strong protagonist, Magdalys, who may have the skills to become one of the legendary dinowranglers. The Union army would like to find out, then enlist her to help them. Since she and her friends are persons of color, they have incentive to help the Union - but also mixed feelings given the horrors of war and the fact that they're just kids. The author weaves these fascinating characters and their dinos into a well-researched tapestry of actual characters and events from the civil war.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy this book quite as much as the first in the series, but I think that had more to do with the audiobook narrator than anything else. I read the first book in print, and listened to this one, and I found the narrator a bit grating. The story is still sweet and warm and hopeful without ignoring the incredibly messed up history of how the US has dealt with and treated BIOPC people. I would 100% recommend the whole series to anyone with a late elementary/early middle school aged kid (or any adult who is willing to read middle grade books.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars. These books are a slow start for me. There are so many characters and types of dinosaurs and battles and plot threads, but once in it, I did really enjoy it. I appreciate the historical background and the muscularity of the story. Magdalys does genuinely have issues to metaphorically wring her hands over (as opposed to some other heroines I could mention). War is hell and killing other humans and mentally controlling dinosaurs to hurl them in harm’s way are no small things. Yet it was still a great relief when she finally recognized her responsibility to step up to the fight.

[Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have this five stars except for the whole first book made it sound like dinowranglers were almost mythic. Stories about their past exploits circulated but no one really seemed to believe them. That is why it took Magdalys so long to accept her ability. But now we find out that the Confederate army has a bunch of them and the newspapers have been reporting on it. That minor inconsistency bugged me.

[Serenity · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a free review copy of this book from the publisher through my district library services*

This was an exciting, emotional read. Older does not pull any punches in describing the horrors of battle. I enjoyed reading about Magdalys' growth as a person and dinwrangler, but it definitely ends on a cliffhanger.

I don't know that I'll be adding this to my elementary library. I think it might be more appropriate for middle school. I'll need to think on it.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

The dinosaur action sequences are very engaging and even more exciting than they were in the first book, but my FAVORITE thing here is how well Older approaches the complexity of Magdalys' emotions. When she sees a Confederate soldier die, she thinks about his family and feels bad... but she also understands that he wouldn't have hesitated to sell her if he had the chance.

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

So maybe this isn't 5-star in terms of literary quality but I FREAKING LOVE THIS SERIES. Alt-history, featuring black and brown kids RIDING DINOSAURS to save the day during the CIVIL WAR. Love the historical context, love the focus on less-well-known African-American history, love the dinosaur (and other prehistorical creatures) descriptions. I just love it.

[Victoria Law]

Definitely a fun read. There are quite a few descriptions of pitched battles (it is, after all the Civil War, and Mags and her friends are flying south of the Mason-Dixon line). I appreciate that Older weaves in the human cost of war--and taking life. It's not all flash and gunfire and dactyls swooping in on people, but loss and sadness and fear and despair as well.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Dactyl Hill Squad returns in this well-researched sequel that puts the gang on the battleground in Tennessee and Louisiana. However, the addition of numerous new characters (none of whom is dynamic) and blink-and-you'll-miss-it action sequences weakens this otherwise great middle grade series.

3/5

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good bridge to book 3.

[Kelly Mangan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very fast-paced, action-packed sequel to Dactyl Hill Squad. Ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, which I’m never a huge fan of, but I know I’m gonna read the third one anyway, so not too bothered.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars - all the adventure and feels to be expected ~ ready for the sequel!

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4.25

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 was so good! I possibly loved it even more than book 1. CIVIL WAR PLUS DINOSAURS, what else do you need to know.

[Cindy]

Freedom Fire

[Adrianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a kid, I was never much into dinosaurs, so I didn't really expect to be invested in the ones in this book. I should have known better, because as an animal person, I immediately connected to the dinosaurs through their relationship with Magdalys. This second installment took me a little bit longer to get into--possibly because it had been so long since I'd read the first book--but once I got back into the story, I remembered much of what I enjoyed the first time around: Older seamlessly melds fact with fiction and creates an exciting adventure while still highlighting many of the horrors and injustices of war. I will continue to recommend this series to middle grade readers!

[Carisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking forward to the third! The second book did not disappoint.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun, action-packed historical fantasy set during an alternate US Civil War where dinosaurs roam the land among the people! In this 2nd book of the series, we catch up with Magdalys Roca and her friends from the Colored Orphan Asylum as they ride a giant pteranodon towards NOLA to save her brother who was injured in battle. They have some adventures along the way and help the Union efforts. Magdalys is growing into her new found skill and into her leadership role. The story is engaging but I think we spent too much time in Tennessee. I felt like the story started to drag a bit. Things picked up again in NOLA then we're left with a few loose ends that I hope we revisit in book 3. I'm bummed we have to wait another year for it though. This is a middle grade book but def fun for adults! I'm excited to share this series with my niece when she's older (and can read 😆!)

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twelve-year-old Magdalys Roca, from the Colored Orphan Asylum in New York, flies south on the back of Stella, her giant pteranodon, with a group of her friends to find her older brother, Montez, lost in the Civil War. Swept into the Battle of Chickamauga in Tennessee alongside the dino-mounted Louisiana Native troops, her developing skill in using mental telepathy to direct Stella and other pterobacks becomes evident. After saving General Ulysses S. Grant’s life, she is recruited by him to form a special regiment of dinowarriors while she searches for her brother in this alternate historical fantasy series. Back matter includes “A Note on the People, Places & Dinos of the Dactyl Hill Squad” (which differentiates fact and fiction in the story) and also “A Note on Weapons.”

[ara · Rating 4 out of 5]

i enjoyed the nuances of diff black thoughts while being around a still racist white army

but didn’t enjoy as much as book 1 bc still civil war / battles / places etc. it sux