Reviews

Blades of Freedom: A Tale of Haiti, Napoleon, and the Louisiana Purchase by Nathan Hale

erine's review

5.0

I vaguely recall the tale of the Louisiana Purchase, but this version fills in all the gaps and cracks in the history. There’s a bit of Napoleon’s early history; brief mentions of American colonial exploration; a lightning round of the French Revolution; a quick tie-in to the transatlantic slave trade; some details of European monarchy and U.S. government; a reminder about how disease affects the path of history, especially during war; and what single-minded activism can do (obtain your freedom but at a very bloody cost). It’s a lot to cover, and it’s a bit haphazard, but it’s also an endless series of fascinating tidbits.

I think one of the oddest pieces in this history is how the Haitian revolution did not inspire the U.S. to give slaves their freedom after seeing this violence. Instead they doubled down on restrictive and humane measures.

friendlydisaster101's review

4.0

Honestly speaking, this was probably the best Hazardous Tale so far. Although the storytelling at first seems awkward and somewhat disjointed, it starts to click over the course of the book. There's a lot of information packed into this book, much of it quite serious and solemn, portrayed in a fun but not an overwhelming way, broken up with bouts of humor. Overall, this book was detailed and interesting, and enjoyable as always.

vlbouchard's review

4.0

Great history book told in a graphic novel format.

alys's review

adventurous challenging informative fast-paced

emordnilap's review

adventurous funny informative fast-paced

5.0

i love all the hazardous tales & this one was pretty funny(especially with the kitties haha)

karingforbooks's review

adventurous dark funny informative lighthearted medium-paced

4.0

Could have used more fleshing out for some of the points. Mixed feelings about the non linear way of story telling. I liked the whimsy of it but I did forget people occasionally. Loved learning about the Haitian revolution though and how that connected to the Louisiana purchase. 

multitaskingwithbecca's review

adventurous challenging dark funny sad tense fast-paced

 Normally if I find myself in a book funk I will read a middle grade book or a graphic novel. Today I chose to read a book that is both! (I didn't actually realize it was a graphic novel until I opened it up. 😅)

  The official release day for Blades of Freedom was just yesterday! (11/24/2020) This is actually the tenth book of Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales, but it is the first one I am reading. They can be read as stand alones so it is no big deal. 

   I found it interesting and insightful. I even learned some things I didn't previously know. (Like how sugar is made) These are supposed to be comedic little snippets of our history here in America. A great deal of this story doesn't take place here though. 

   It is supposed to be middle grade, but I do not think my kiddo is quite ready for it. There were some pretty heavy topics and adult humor throughout. Just not sure we are quite there yet. 

  I thought the illustrations were great. I also think I would be interested in reading more from this series. It is definitely something you have to be in the mood for though. Part of it was actually a bit depressing, but I guess History can be that way. The author really managed to lighten this up in ways I did not expect. 

  I am not sure I can accurately give this a star rating because it is our history? The presentation of it was great though.

   I should also note that I did not buy this book, it was given to me by the publisher. (Thank you Amulet Books) My review is still 100% my own and just honest opinions.