The Trail of the Sword, Volume 2

"The Trail of the Sword, Volume 2" by Gilbert Parker is a historical fiction set in early New France, transporting us to a time of high-stakes adventure and unwavering loyalty. We are introduced to Iberville, a youthful soldier returning to Montreal after years of fighting but whose homecoming is marred by old rivalries, notably with a man named George Gering. Determined, Iberville sets off on a perilous journey to reclaim Hudson's Bay forts from the English. Lush descriptions paint a vibrant picture of the rugged landscape, and we meet interesting characters like De Casson, a moral guide, and Perrot, a woodsman who brings warmth and camaraderie to the intense narrative. All this culminates in a clash between Iberville and his British rival, challenging what we understand about love, revenge, and a person's sense of self during times of war.