Cole’s vivid novel sheds light on a little-known chapter of American history, highlighting the contributions of indentured servants alongside enslaved individuals in the building of the nation’s very foundations, both physical and otherwise. As the War of Independence looms, Thomas embarks on a perilous journey, driven by his burning desire for liberty. Yet, in Cole’s swift and spirited telling, the path to freedom is fraught with danger. With overseers and hunting hounds on their heels, years of brutal military service ahead, and the relentless threat of death on the battlefield, survival is anything but certain. Cole deftly captures the tension, asking: who among them will break the chains that bind them?

Her nuanced portrayal of the courage and resilience of these forgotten laborers, especially the younger ones, offers a fresh perspective on the human cost of America’s early infrastructure. Alive with striking period detail, like what goes into a cooper’s work, and lots of heart, Chains of Fate is a powerful reminder of the indomitable will to survive—and to be free.

Takeaway: Resilience, grit, and honor pave the way to freedom in this spirited historical novel..

Comparable Titles: Amy Belding Brown’s Flight of the Sparrow, Amy Harmon’s A Girl Called Samson

Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A