LitPick Review
The Sons of Liberty: Death and Taxes Created and Written by Alexander Lagos and Joseph Lagos Of late, I have read The Sons of Liberty: Death and Taxes, a graphic novel written by Alexander and Joseph Lagos. Set in the Pre-Revolutionary War era, things are starting to heat up around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where the new Stamp Act has just been announced. Two escaped African American slaves, Graham and Brody (who, by the way, have supernatural powers) are both trying to locate their longtime friend Isabel and free her from the bonds of slavery that have held her so long. They then plan to all book a passage on a ship to their homeland of Africa and finally be rid of the veil of American discrimination forever. But, as always, there is a slight hitch; the notorious Sons of Liberty are at it again, wreaking havoc along the Pennsylvanian streets. With chaos erupting all around them, with many citizens lives at stake just for what they believe in, with the looming shadow of war just around the corner, will these two boys risk it all for the common good for all men? Or will they choose to save themselves and their freedom first with their magnificent powers? Read this action-packed graphic novel to find out! Left unchallenged and unguided, men become like wild beasts of the field. This novel portrays the inner struggle of the conscience all human beings have, whether deciding to do good or evil, cause tears or happiness, be the root of fear or contentment, even when the victims are the ones who have neglected and beaten you down time and time again. Choosing to make or break others who are your friend or your enemy can be an excruciating decision, against the morals of hate or goodness, comfort or strife. Remember now, no matter what happens--its all part of the Grand Design!
Opinion:
I was quite disappointed in this book. I found all the characters running together, and it was mostly predictable all through the book what the ending was going to be. Also, if you dont know very much about the uprising before the Revolutionary War, you can get utterly lost. I started to get quite confused on who was who, who was where, and what was going on. I also felt that the plot was bouncing from one thing to another, throwing me off when a whole different subject appeared. I did enjoy how the artists and authors rendered the disarray that surround the uprising at the decree of the Stamp Act, and the slightly humorous twist with some of the characters actions. If you are interested in reading this book, I would recommend it for ages nine and up, because of the display of violence that is shown in this novel, consisting of a quite gory scene where a man is beheaded, and a few other bloody demises. So, will Graham and Brody choose to work through the Pre-Revolutionary War madness to save many victims lives, or decide to save their own skins first? You decide!
