41 pages • 1 hour read
Blood on the River
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Book Brief
237
Novel • Fiction
Jamestown, Virginia • 1600s
2006
Middle grade
10-14 years
820L
Super Short Summary
Blood on the River: James Town 1607 by Elisa Carbone follows the journey of 12-year-old Samuel Collier, an orphan, from the streets of London to the New World, where he serves as a page to Captain John Smith. The novel vividly recounts Samuel's experiences, hardships, and growth into a vital member of the Jamestown colony, emphasizing themes of resilience, cross-cultural interactions, and historical authenticity. The story addresses themes of violence, colonialism, and cultural conflict.
Adventurous
Suspenseful
Challenging
Emotional
Informative
Reviews & Readership
9,104 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Carbone’s Blood on the River captivates readers with its vivid historical detail and well-rounded characters, providing an engaging glimpse into early American colonization. However, some critiques mention a slow pace and occasional predictability. Overall, it is praised for educational value and compelling narrative.
Who Should Read Blood on the River?
Readers who enjoy historical adventure novels like Blood on the River by Elisa Carbone are typically young adults who are captivated by early American history and tales of survival. This book is comparable to works like Island of the Blue Dolphins and Johnny Tremain that also explore rich historical settings and resilient young protagonists.
9,104 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Captain John Smith
Captain John Smith
A skilled soldier and explorer whose leadership is crucial for the survival of the colonists at James Town, despite facing disrespect due to his status as a commoner.
Reverend Hunt
Reverend Hunt
A compassionate and fatherly figure to Samuel who is dedicated to spreading Christianity in the New World and influences Samuel's character through his teachings.
Sir Edward Maria Wingfield
Sir Edward Maria Wingfield
A gentleman on the expedition to James Town, motivated by self-interest and power, whose leadership decisions negatively impact the settlement.
Richard
Richard
A loyal servant to Reverend Hunt who forms a friendship with Samuel, showcasing Samuel's growing empathy and understanding of others.
237
Novel • Fiction
Jamestown, Virginia • 1600s
2006
Middle grade
10-14 years
820L
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