Forge is the second book of a series written by Laurie Halse Anderson. The first in the series is Chains. The first book centered around Isabel and her friend Curzon. In Forge the two have gained their freedom. Forge centers on Curzon. Isabel has run away to try to find her sister. Curzon finds himself fighting at Saratoga. He then decides to enlist with the patriot army. Curzon is now fighting for other people to gain their freedom. Curzon was a slave and he has trouble with this somewhat. Curzon finds himself at Valley Forge where none of the soldiers are prepared for the winter that awaits them. There are no shelters and hardly any food. Curzon manages to keep quiet that he is an escaped slave. While at Valley Forge, Curzon and Isabel meet up again. They now have to deal with what is happening between them now. Forge is Curzon's story this time. What will happen to him if they find out he is not really free? These themes run throughout the story, while history is being played out before your eyes.