Review Detail

On Blood Road by Steve Watkins is set during the Vietnam War and follows the story of Taylor Sorenson, a 17-year-old from New York who enjoys partying and sneaking out to clubs with his friends. After one too many misadventures, his mother sends him to Vietnam, where his father is serving in the war, hoping the move will teach him responsibility. However, Taylor continues to defy the rules, sneaking out again to celebrate Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. His rebelliousness leads to his capture by Vietnamese soldiers. Because his father is an American soldier, the captors send Taylor along the infamous Ho Chi Minh Trail, known as Blood Road for the countless lives lost there, intending to force him into labor and extract information. The novel follows Taylor’s dangerous journey along Blood Road, with his ultimate aim being to survive and reunite with his parents.

Watkins does a great job of immersing readers in Taylor’s experiences. Written in the first person, the narrative captures the intensity of war, making moments like explosions feel immediate and vivid, almost as if sparks are raining down. Some of the violent scenes are very detailed, so I would recommend this book for young adult readers and older. For those who enjoy a gripping, action-filled account of wartime struggles, or who want insight into life on the Ho Chi Minh Trail, On Blood Road is an engaging and memorable read.