Review of 14 Hands to Freedom

Brenda Creech · Post by **Brenda Creech** » 26 Feb 2022, 03:38

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "14 Hands to Freedom" by Glen Vetter.]

3 out of 4 stars

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It is 1896, and King Nicholas II sent his soldiers to find and kill every German who lived in Russia and burn their homes and belongings. An entire community led by Captain Ross (known to everyone as Captain) packed up their belongings and left their homes by horse and wagon, trying to escape such a fate at the hands of the Russians. The men Captain had commanded in battle had finished their last assignment and were free to go, but they remained loyal to Captain and went with him and his family. When they reached the Black Sea, they stole a Russian ship, loaded their belongings at night, and sailed away for America, having no idea what lay ahead. Crossing the Atlantic Ocean, they faced storms, seasickness, pirates, and an outbreak of pneumonia before finally reaching their destination.

In New York City, the men bought wagons and supplies for their trip across America and applied for homesteading rights for land in North Dakota. Fourteen-year-old Glen, Captain's youngest son, saw a poster announcing horse racing. Glen's horse, Flash, stands 14 hands tall and is fast and loves to run, so Glen entered the horse races in New York City and won $1,000. His older brother, Mitch, won a race and a shooting contest. Mitch entered shooting contests when available as the wagon train headed west across America, and Glen entered every horse race he found. The money they won put them at risk for attacks. The wagon train endured snowstorms, outlaws, Indians, and more. Tragedy struck after Glen won a large sum of money racing Flash in Kentucky. Outlaws attacked, trying to rob the group of their winnings. Glen's girlfriend's father and Mitch got shot. The wagon train was still far away from North Dakota, and they had already lost several lives. There were rivers to cross and possibly hostile Indians to battle. The families planned to purchase cattle and horses to herd on the final leg of their journey. They were cavalrymen, not cowboys; could they make it to their new land with no more tragedies?

14 Hands to Freedom by Glen Vetter is a fictional novel based on a true story. The characters are real; the situations they face are the author's imagination. Vetter excelled at highlighting the importance of family, love, loyalty, and friendship. I had no problem settling into the lives of the families as they headed west. I felt every victory they celebrated and every tear they shed during their long and arduous journey. I cheered them on when the going got tough and celebrated with them at every milestone they reached. I mourned for those who lost loved ones along the way. I laughed with them and cried with them and held my breath for them at their scariest moments.

The book sends a positive message about teamwork. Everyone on the wagon train worked together for a common cause. The characters showed what hard work and perseverance could accomplish. Everyone carried their weight and pitched in wherever needed. The part I liked the most was the budding romance between Glen and his girlfriend, Laurie, and trying to figure out where it would lead. Since Laurie is two years older than Glen, will she end up breaking his heart? They are so young, are they destined for failure? Or will true love prevail?

My only complaint about the book is the number of errors I found. Because of the number of mistakes, I have to remove one star; however, I still believe the book had some professional editing because the errors were primarily simple typos. Therefore, I am rating this book 3 out of 4 stars. The only other aspect of the book that I didn't care for was the profanity. However, it is mild and not frequent. Overall, this book was a pleasant read. It is a good, wholesome book with plenty of lessons to be learned, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I recommend this book to historical fiction fans and those who enjoy a good, wholesome family book suitable for young teenagers to adult readers. There is no sexual content; however, several teenage girls become pregnant along the way, but there are no details.

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14 Hands to Freedom
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Blessing Odii · Post by **Blessing Odii** » 10 Mar 2022, 04:37

I wonder what would be the fate of these people as they tried to escape. Good review.

Rhodahams · Post by **Rhodahams** » 10 Mar 2022, 10:01

I think I would have to skip this one due to it's strong language and profane content. Nevertheless, this looks like an amazing book with an exceptional author. Thank you for recommending.

Brenda Creech · Post by **Brenda Creech** » 10 Mar 2022, 18:32

BLESS_ wrote: ↑10 Mar 2022, 04:37 I wonder what would be the fate of these people as they tried to escape. Good review.

Back then they traveled by horses and wagon trains across miles and miles of empty land with nothing to protect them from outlaws and Indians. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!

Brenda Creech · Post by **Brenda Creech** » 10 Mar 2022, 18:33

Rhodahams wrote: ↑10 Mar 2022, 10:01 I think I would have to skip this one due to it's strong language and profane content. Nevertheless, this looks like an amazing book with an exceptional author. Thank you for recommending.

Thanks for stopping by and commenting!