Valli reviewed Forged in the Fire by Ann Turnbull on 7/11/2009

Set in London, in the year 1655, Will, a young man who was cast from his father's home for becoming a Quaker, moves to London where he begins a promising career as a clerk. He's waiting to marry the girl he loves, Susanna, when tragedy strikes. The authorities habitually harass Quakers at this time and several are arrested during a meeting, then sent to a transport ship. While seeing his fellow Quakers off, Will has a run-in with a guard and is himself imprisoned during a particularly bad period of time because there is plague in London. The plague is raging through London and Susanna becomes increasingly worried about Will, so she sets off for London to find him and finally be married. In the midst of all this, the Great Fire of London occurs. I won't tell anymore after that because I don't want to spoil the plot for anyone who may read this one.

I enjoyed the bits about the plague because I have a fascination with it, but I particularly enjoyed the great description of the Great London Fire. It was very well done and exciting to read. I also enjoyed the glimpse into the life of a Quaker at this time. The author did a great job at showing the persecution and the daily habits of the Quakers. There were some bits that I thought could have been a bit more fleshed out, but I have to remember this is a book for a younger audience and in that regard, I think it was very well done.

I didn't realize until I was almost halfway through with the book that it is actually a sequel to an earlier book; "No Shame, No Fear". The author was very good at bringing a reader who hasn't read the first book up to date and I never felt like I was missing out on parts of the story.

I'd give this one 4 out of 5 stars.

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