Ashes

Seeds of America #3

by Laurie Halse Anderson

Freedom for one, freedom for all?

That’s the question that burns in Isabel’s mind as she and Curzon forge on through chaos and fear toward the dream that’s kept them alive for so many years: freedom. But her dream of living not as a “runaway” but as a free person with land and a family of her own seems impossibly far away. That dream hinges on one thing: finding her little sister, Ruth. It’s been years since Ruth was stolen from her. Is she even alive? And if Isabel can find her, how will they make it safely through the war between the Patriots and the British that rages on as dangerously as ever, while bounty hunters try to kidnap them at every turn?

In the American Revolution, one must pick a side in order to survive. But how can you care about a nation’s freedom when the very same nation has kept you in chains?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Middle Grade, Fiction, Historical, War, American Revolutionary War

Audio CD

First published October 4, 2016

About the author

UPDATE! Rebellion 1776 is out! The New York Times wrote, "Filled with immersive detail, expert delineations of complex characters, and both harsh and loving reality, Rebellion 1776 provides young readers with a true experience of a historic moment in time that resonates with today's world." Huzzah!

Laurie Halse Anderson is the New York Times-bestselling author of many award-winning books including the groundbreaking, modern classic Speak, a National Book Award finalist which has sold over 3.5 million copies and been translated into 35 languages.

In 2023, Anderson was named the Laureate of the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, long considered to be the de facto 'Nobel Prize for Children's Literature.'

A passionate spokesperson for the need to combat censorship, she has been honored for her battles for intellectual freedom by the National Coalition Against Censorship and the National Council of Teachers of English. She lives near Philadelphia. Go Birds!

Follow Laurie on Bluesky at @halseanderson.bsky.social, Instagram at halseanderson, and Facebook at lauriehalseanderson, or by visiting her website, madwomanintheforest.com.

Reviews

[Saru (Queen of Bookland)]

Why does the release date keep getting pushed ahead? ERGH! I need to know what happens! How does everything turn out?

[Fia-Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

When will this book come out? I am dying to read it! It was over a year and a half ago that I read Forge, so I'm getting really antsy for Ashes. Please come out soon!

[Kate Kerrane]

Waaa! The audio version of this book is supposed to come out this week. Clearly Halse Anderson has finished it, but we must wait until January for the actual book to come out! Noooo! Chains and Forge, the first two books in this trilogy are among the best historical fiction books that I have ever read.

[Sarah Gross · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been waiting a long time for this book and, man oh man, it was worth the wait. The conclusion to the trilogy that began with Chains, Ashes takes the reader back to Isabelle and Curzon's story. I cried more than once while reading and could not put it down. I even snuck in a few pages while standing in line at the deli counter today!

I'm thrilled that this story has grown with it's readers (Isabelle and Curzon are in their late teens now) while still maintaining it's appeal to middle school and high school readers. And as a #hamilfan, I think I have an even deeper appreciation for the historical accuracy in the trilogy.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

My words will never justly express my love, adoration and appreciation of Ashes and the entire Seeds of America trilogy. I am said and satisfied I've read them. The historical research and attention to detail was worth the decade journey LHA took to write them. The best and most surprising part of this book is the relationship between Isabel and Curzon. Never have I ever read a YA piece that creates such a deliciously deep, complex and rich relationship between two characters. Even my middle school students wouldn't be bothered by the "mushy love stuff" because it wasn't about that. It was about trust, friendship, loyalty, values, friends as family...I could go on and on. I look forward to rereading again soon. Thank you LHA!

[Skip · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this last book more than its predecessor: Forge. Former slaves Curzon and Isabel are traveling south at great personal risk to find Isabel's younger sister, who was sent away to punish Isabel's rebellious nature. Her adoptive family sends her with them (in search of freedom), but tensions are high among all. Curzon eventually joins the patriot army and much of the story is centered around the battle of Yorktown as Isabel and her sister gravitate there too find work as their resources wane because of unexpected substantial, but essential costs.

[Andralynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed how this series and the stories of Isabel, Curzon, and Ruth wrapped up. Though I was a little sad that I didn't get to read more about what Isabel and Curzon experienced while trying to get to Ruth, I did appreciate that Ruth and Isabel's reunion happened early on in the book. It had been years since they had been separated, and there would inevitably be some bumps on the road to being reconciled, and I very much enjoyed reading about that process.

Isabel is such a strong, courageous character, and I loved having her voice back as the narrator. She isn't perfect, by any means, and it was touching to see her figure out her own foibles and missteps in trying to reconnect with her sister.

I also loved the viewpoint of the patriotism black people had at the time. They knew that they weren't likely to receive freedom from the Revolutionary War; they knew that the army would most likely recant on any promises of freedom that they had made. They also knew that once the war was over, whether freed legally or freed by their own means, they would be in constant danger of being kidnapped and sold back into slavery. Yet so many of these courageous men and women fought for the promise of freedom in a new land. They fought on the hope that one day, they would be included in the phrase "All men are created equal." They fought knowing that once the Revolutionary War ended, their war for equality would be far from over. Despite all of that, they still believed in the United States of America. Their stories are so often forgotten, which is a shame because they are so inspiring to read.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, LOVE. I'm sad it's over. I read it slowly on purpose just for that reason.

[Allison]

According to a recent blog post made by the author in September 2012 it seems that Ashes is not finished (or perhaps even started). However, there have been no new posts since September 23rd, so it is possible things have changed. She writes:

"I am writing again like,…. well, like a madwoman. My health has been good this summer (last year it really sucked) and although I have have a bunch of tests and doctor visits later this month, I think it will be smooth sailing ahead. I’m hoping to give my new YA to my editor by Halloween and then, AND THEN I get to dive into the historical research for ASHES, which will be an absolute delight."

So according to this post, she has not started the research for Ashes (or the writing of it) and has another YA book to finish before she begins, so it's probably going to be a while. So, it seems like 2014 might be the year for Ashes. Maybe (it has been pushed back a few times). Amazon has set the Kindle version to March 2014- I think that's a reasonable deadline given the information available.

[BookishStitcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished reading this trilogy for my studies in middle grade literature.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

5.0 I was so lucky to get my hands on an advance copy of Ashes thanks to the generosity of a few friends who knew how much I enjoyed the first two instalments in this series.

The conclusion of an anticipated trilogy is always filled with excitement, but also concern that it is not going to meet the lofty expectations of the previous titles. Ashes not only met my hopes for the third book, but exceeded them. Right from the start Laurie Halse Anderson threw me for a loop and took the story in a direction that I had not predicted at all. It created yet another wonderful layer of suspense that added immensely to my enjoyment of the story.

Even though this is a middle grade/young adult novel I found myself totally engrossed in the plot and not wanting to put the book down. Halse Anderson is a truly gifted writer and her ability to weave multiple complex isssues into captivating, brilliant, simple and yet beautiful writing makes her easily one of my absolute favorites. It is so nice to have a young adult book that has complex themes that adults can enjoy without the trash that so many authors tend to feel the need to put in their books. It once again speaks to her skills as a storyteller and to her as a person. Her ability to embody human emotion between people is so sweet, so lovely and so refreshing. It is that authentic human element that she brings to her stories that really is so inspiring.

When you add to all of that her skill at weaving in wonderful historical facts that she relates to current issues it is truly the perfect combination. I definitely enjoyed the extra historical information at the end and I can't think of a better way to learn about the American Revolution, slavery, the creation of the United States and the legacy of all of that today. I can only hope that this is not her last foray into historical fiction. In conclusion this book ultimately made me feel as if I had frogs hopping around in my stomach!

[Sydney]

WHY AREN'T YOU OUT YET???

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laurie Halse Anderson's brilliant conclusion to her Revolutionary War trilogy brings the war years of the struggling new nation to life in surprising ways. Our favorite characters: Isabel, Ruth, and Curzon are together again as they work towards the freedom of a nation that does not deem them free. I learn so much reading her books. For instance, I didn't know that Rhode Island offered freedom to any slaves who fought in the Revolutionary War and honored it. Meanwhile, our Founding Fathers rounded up their runaway slaves who were prisoners with the British and made them slaves again. Ten thousand escaped to New Foundland and some from there to Sierra Leone. And up to 20% of the Patriot soldiers in our Revolutionary War were blacks! But the History is the bonus. Ashes is a great story with suspense, twists, turns, betrayals, discoveries, sacrifices, and love. And Laurie Halse Anderson is visiting O. Henry Middle School on October 24! Yea Book People!

[Libby · Rating 1 out of 5]

I give up - I will never read another Laurie Halse Anderson book. I have waited more than FIVE YEARS for her to wrap up this story, and Anderson has pushed the publication date on this book back at least EIGHT TIMES now - she constantly announces new dates and insists she is "finishing ASHES up right now!" but when the date arrives, there is a new publication date six months down the road again. It is clear that she has no clue how to finish this series, and didn't plan out the whole plot before she began writing. She's just stringing readers along at this point, and it is beyond irritating. I will give my time to authors who can actually finish the stories they create in the future.

[Kassidy · Rating 4 out of 5]

War is coming, and Isabel is forced to choose a side, British or the rebels.
This story is not only about surviving, but protecting the ones you care about. In this book, characters relationships towards one another are constantly growing. They gained trust in others and formed relationships to strive for their freedom. Supporting one another through the worst of times.

[Lisa Mandina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series should be even more popular with the popularity of Hamilton right now. A great end to a great series. Full review to come on Lisa Loves Literature soon.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book 3 and the last in the Seeds of America Trilogy. We follow Isabel and Curzon south in search of Isabel's sister Ruth who was sold to a plantation owner in the south. Ruth is found, but the sister reunion that Isabel was hoping for is not there. In fact Ruth is very resentful towards Isabel. Ruth is convinced to go with Curzon and Isabel and head north back to her home in Rhode Island, but the path North is blocked by danger and fights between the British and the Patriots. When they finally get to Virginia Isabel seems at odds with everyone in the group. Her sister hates her, Curzon leaves and joins up with a regiment, and Aberdeen becomes a spy. Although Isabel is a good character, she seemed to only care about what she wanted and not what was good for others. I get where she was coming from, but I felt she was a bit selfish and only wanted things her way.

This is an amazing series, but sad that this is the last book. I would have loved to have seen what these characters did and how they fared after the war ended.

[Morgan · Rating 2 out of 5]

First, I had to read summaries of Chains and Forge, because I couldn't remember what was happening. Not a great start. Second, I really did not like Isabel or Ruth. Ruth is depicted in some scenes as a mentally disabled character, yet has more insight and is more astute than Isabel in many ways. It was really, really cruel that Isabel yanked Ruth out of the one home she remembered; I felt Isabel was an incredibly selfish character, and her sudden change from being closed-off to telling Curzon she loves him didn't feel real. The plodding of the characters journeying through the wilderness got a little tedious, and the epigraphs were distracting.

I suppose I am satisfied with where all the characters ended up; this just still feels incomplete. THIS is a novel that needs an epilogue; we're left wondering if Isabel and Ruth remain free or if they're resold into enslavement and what happens to Curzon and Isabel. There was so much lead-up to a climax that doesn't really happen, and the ending feels rushed. Ultimately, the long delay between books erased any tension between them, and erased any curiosity and interest I had.

[Sparrow · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been waiting to read this book for years and I'm finally happy to have finished the series.

by book three, I've realized that I don't care for the large skips of time in-between. I don't like hearing recaps from Isabel and Curzon about the last year's worth of activities (it made their relationship seem slightly unrealistic). but I still very much enjoyed moving with these characters and living through the American revolution.

I cannot wait to read more Anderson when she writes again!

[Beth Honeycutt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely 4.5 stars. I loved the "ending" of Isabel and Curzon's story! Amazing historical fiction journey.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the finale in the trilogy, and it's uplifting and heart-wrenching at the same time. Isabel and Curzon push through the battle lines to find Ruth, Isabel's little sister. They stick to the woods, scouting farms and fields to figure out if they're occupied by friend or foe or just folk willing to look the other way if they reveal themselves. They're about to make the final push into the city where they suspect Ruth was taken when they stumble onto her and the wonderful slave couple who took her in when she was little and raised her.

The only problem: Ruth refuses to acknowledge Isabel, and Isabel, of course, blames herself for not looking harder and sooner for her little sister. But there's no time for the long, careful introduction Ruth needs to get used to Isabel and accept her into her life and heart again. The civil war comes knocking, and they have to flee -- with a friend of Ruth's, Aberdeen, a young man who's sweet on her and also a Royalist sympathizer.

Ruth walks around barefoot, as she is wont to do, and develops a life-threatening infection Isabel must nurse her through. The two women accept each other into their hearts after that, although the change happens slowly.

Curzon's ties to the Continental Army prove advantageous for them, and he rejoins, claiming Isabel as his wife. It ensures her a job, cooking and washing the soldiers' dirty laundry, and rations for her and Ruth.

But it's unclear which side, the Americans or the British, will be best for freed Blacks and runaway slaves like Curzon and Isabel. Aberdeen throws his lot in with the British, and tries to take Ruth with him.

Isabel later makes a gruesome discovery about what the British did to the Blacks who joined their ranks when the tide turns. Curzon, in the meantime, is digging trenches for the cannons to bombard the British and his very life is at stake.

I won't spoil how it ends, a both happy and profoundly sad ending, knowing the characters' faith in America's potential for them and their children is misplaced for close to 250 years afterward.

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[Anne Osterlund · Rating 4 out of 5]

Determination is the word for Isabel. After a years of obstacles and delay, she and Curzon arrive in the South in order to rescue Isabel's younger sister Ruth, only to find that Ruth wants nothing to do with her older sister. Chances at liberty don't knock often, though, and all three flee north, only to find themselves detoured to Williamsburg, Virgina--where Lafayette's forces are gathered and soon Washington's as well. Isabel has learned better than to trust either the patriots or the British, but the time for choosing is here. As the war reaches its climax, she cannot choose those she loves if she does not commit to a side.

This was a wonderfully researched series with three dynamic lead characters and sharing a woefully undercovered point-of-view. Geared toward a mid-grade audience, Seeds of America has enough harsh reality, historical detail, and just enough romance to please a YA fan as well.

[Haley Durfee · Rating 4 out of 5]

♡isabel: sister, friend, sweetheart
♡curzon: all grown up now, fighter
♡ruth: precious child that is no longer a child

Ashes was a great ending to the Seeds of America trilogy. I saw a lot of character growth in Isabel and Curzon, and the ending..♡♡♡

Content:
Racism & slavery (portrayed in a negative light).
War violence.
Reference to past abuse.
Death.
Mild romance.
Occassional language fitting the time period and circumstances.

Ages 14+

[★*☆♪Ev★*☆♪ · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

Ok, so I wasn't really happy with this one. There were some words that didn't go with the time period of the Revolutionary War.

But I thought it was kinda funny when Curzon signed her up as his wife.
I loved his mates. They cracked me up.

[Dee Dee G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t realize this wasn’t the first book until I started reading it. This was so good, I could clearly imagine seeing the story unfold in real time.

[Bekah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[sarah h · Rating 5 out of 5]

yet another amazing book! the beginning started a little slow but once i got into it i could NOT put it down! i highly recommend this series!

[Lia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, the author transports me back in time. I was so happy with the ending. I felt the hope for a better future.

[Mayla · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found myself rather confused in this book and I found out it was because this was not the first book. That's why I had to give it 2 out of 5 stars. Though if I had read the first one first I think I would have liked it better.

[Marcus Trent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I literally bawled at the end of this book. It was literally that good.