Praise
What a tale of a patriot who endured horrific events. I can tell you spent a lot of time researching the customs, conditions, and the split feelings of the colonials and native Americans!... I think this will be a fantastic coming of age story for teenagers, particularly young men….I truly enjoyed it.
"I finished the book! It is wonderful. I really couldn't put it down…. I could tell you did a lot of research. This will be a best seller and probably made into a movie. Its a must read form anyone interested in the American Revolution from a soldier's point of view!"
This story is riveting. Not being an avid reader, surprisingly, I finished the book in a week. I could not put it down. Tears of joy came at the climax.
What a pleasure to read and so informative. I must compliment you not only on your writing but your extensive research. The first-person account was an excellent choice. The "story" was fascinating.
Dan
1 review
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February 10, 2026
I had the opportunity to read “A Plea For Freedom” this weekend and found the story quite engaging. I don't start and finish many books in a 2-3 day period, but this one I did. The author told this story with meticulously researched and historically accurate details to paint a vivid picture of Daniel Asbury. The story unfolds as Daniel eagerly steps out into a life changing adventure, not knowing where it will take him or who he will meet. It truly is a "coming of age" story of a young teen venturing into the perils and adventures of life, the journey of growing up into adulthood, with its joys and challenges. I found myself moved in several places of the story as Daniel's interactions with those he encountered on this adventure surprised him and the reader with the beauty and ugliness of humanity. And in this coming of age story, Daniel grapples with questions humanity has wrestled with throughout history. Questions of suffering, compassion, forgiveness, war, death, faith and redemption. In an time where division and animosity to "the other" pervades all around us, this story just may help those willing to delve into the themes that emerge an avenue toward civility, to true living , to real freedom in the fullest and eternal sense.
I loved this book! This American Revolution historical novel brings the war and times into perspective in a way I’ve never experienced; and provides insight into aspects I’d never considered: e.g. recruiting and training a revolutionary army, the threat of wild animals, the dangers posed by Native Americans, and the contrasts between tribes and between Native Americans and the British. In addition to the rich history, this author is skilled at character development and telling a compelling story.
Fifteen-year-old Daniel Asbury joins the Virginia militia in 1777 when his father was conscripted. The family decided that Daniel’s father was needed to support the family and family farm, and reluctantly agreed to allow Daniel to fulfill his yearnings for adventure and independence by joining the patriot cause in service for his father. This historical novel, based on an actual young man’s experience, follows Daniel to Kentucky, where Daniel is captured by Native Americans and ultimately traded to the British. Daniel’s harrowing time as prisoner is a page-turner. I highly recommend this book!
This book has everything I look for in a work of fiction. It shares big epic stories, from the exploration of Kentucky wilderness to British prisons during the Revolutionary War. And it tells smaller more intimate stories like illustrating the day to day life of a colonist captured then adopted by Shawnee. I returned to the book each day eager to find what wonders were next and was never disappointed,
When I was a young novelist I read somewhere that a successful novel was a great story well told and the author nailed it.
A Plea for Freedom is a gripping and deeply moving account of Daniel Asbury’s life, brought to life by his descendant through a vivid first-person narrative. Focusing on five pivotal years—from Asbury’s enlistment in the Revolutionary War to his long-awaited return home to Virginia—the story immerses readers in the harsh realities of war, captivity, and survival.
Asbury served alongside Daniel Boone and endured brutal treatment as a prisoner of Shawnee, Miami, and British captors. The telling of his story is richly descriptive, cross-culturally and historically enlightening, and full of adventure. After end of the War prisoner exchange and reuniting with his family, Asbury trusted Christ and went on to serve as a Methodist minister for many years. Endnotes reinforce that this book was well researched and inspired by true events.
I heartily recommend this book for a deeper understanding of the struggles of Revolutionary War soldiers and prisoners of war, and especially for insight into the life of the remarkable Daniel Asbury. His dedication and perseverance in serving our country both as a soldier and Christian minister make his story inspiring and profoundly relevant today.
So authentic of the times. So well written. I could not put it down ! Easy read I read in a couple of evenings. I hated to finish the book.
Great Book. What a wonderful story and very well researched and written. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to everyone.