In The Ghosts of Saratoga by David R. Ossnet and David Dampt, young Roland McCafferty decides to join the Americans and fight for independence against the British led by General Johnny Burgoyne. Under the supervision of his woodsmen mentor, Caleb O’Conner, Roland’s marksmanship is both needed and noticed as the war progresses to the Battle of Saratoga. Yet, the youngster is plagued with nightmares and qualms about killing. Will he be able to overcome his reticence and help America survive? Or will he become a casualty himself?

The Ghosts of Saratoga is well-written and well-researched Young Adult Historical Fiction. The novel is incredibly entertaining and the characters display authenticity and verve. The historical events are beautifully woven throughout the plot by the authors which makes the story an immersive experience. The action-packed narrative makes the pages fly. The only reservations I have are some themes that might be discussed with an adult to be understood correctly. All in all, however, The Ghosts of Saratoga is great Young Adult Fiction.


I was given a free copy in exchange for my honest review

A terrific read for American Revolution enthusiasts as well as for younger readers just beginning to learn about and gain enthusiasm for the subject.

Young Roland is a member of the continental army, and this is the story of his exploits, culminating in the Battle of Saratoga.

For the most part I find battle scenes (real or imagined) in books to be boring, and though that’s somewhat true here, the book comes to life through the accounts of what happens between battles through cleverly imagined dialogue, the realties of camp life, and all of the ways in which one young man’s journey to assist America in gaining its independence might differ from even the man standing right next to him.

This is well structured and well paced, and doesn’t. drag like many imagined war narratives do.