abigcoffeedragon's review against another edition
2.0
Well, I figured this would be as much as it is - this falls under Historical, but it should be more of Historical Romance, which is not my fare - Sure, it is no Romance novel with "breasts heaving" kind of thing, but the "hero" is not a very heroic gentleman at all, nor is he a character that I like. No character is one that I like, and that is what made this hard to continue with.
The overview of this novel, and the entire series, sounds promising and interesting, but the words that fell onto these pages was far from interesting. I worked my way through the first 'book' within the novel, and the events were scattered though a through-line existed, if only to move the character to the next 'book' within.
Every word and every page seemed to force the character forward instead of him going that way naturally. Even trying to display resilience, you end up just showing him as ill-tempered and stubborn.
But, I did get what was promised, eventually, filled with pages of loveless romance and more arguments between the hero and a woman than he with anyone else.
The overview of this novel, and the entire series, sounds promising and interesting, but the words that fell onto these pages was far from interesting. I worked my way through the first 'book' within the novel, and the events were scattered though a through-line existed, if only to move the character to the next 'book' within.
Every word and every page seemed to force the character forward instead of him going that way naturally. Even trying to display resilience, you end up just showing him as ill-tempered and stubborn.
But, I did get what was promised, eventually, filled with pages of loveless romance and more arguments between the hero and a woman than he with anyone else.
raloveridge's review against another edition
4.0
It's really hard for me to rate this accurately because (and I know this is bizarre) this was one of my absolute favorite books when I was in middle school. I was so big on the Bicentennial Series that it's hard for me to see it clearly.
So. The prose does not hold up. The characters are kind of hilarious in their sexism. But my affection for hearing this story again is pretty unmatched, so: FOUR STARS, DAMMIT.
So. The prose does not hold up. The characters are kind of hilarious in their sexism. But my affection for hearing this story again is pretty unmatched, so: FOUR STARS, DAMMIT.
tarmstrong112's review against another edition
4.0
I was really entertained by this book and enjoyed reading it. Jakes has a very digestible writing style and really makes the characters come alive. I have been trying to dip my toes more and more into the genre of sprawling Historical Fiction series and I am happy I enjoyed this one and I look forward to continuing the story of the Kent Family in further installments.
However I felt the narrative slowed a in the last third of the book after the main character arrives in Boston. This prevents me from rating this any higher.
However I felt the narrative slowed a in the last third of the book after the main character arrives in Boston. This prevents me from rating this any higher.
jw2384's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
ddinmia2000's review against another edition
5.0
Thoroughly enjoyed this book
The story is compelling from beginning to end with historical figures and events woven throughout. The characters are well fleshed out and I can’t wait to dig into the next book.
The story is compelling from beginning to end with historical figures and events woven throughout. The characters are well fleshed out and I can’t wait to dig into the next book.
sarahlchaps's review against another edition
4.0
I love this series!! I was never really into history before, but John Jakes is an amazing author. The way he actively involves the reader into major moments of American history really keeps you reading. There are eight books in the series, and they are all very much worth the read!
didactylos's review against another edition
2.0
Wooden and stereotyped plotline. I learned a bit about the events leading up to the War of Independence but that was all I really got out of this. Will not bother with the rest of the series.
readers_block's review against another edition
4.0
3.75/5
Phillipe Charboneau is the illegitimate child of the duke of kentland. His young life is marked by his mother’s quest to claim his rightful inheritance. Instead, he ends up in Boston alongside the leaders of the American revolution.
The first book ends with Anne’s pregnancy and the culmination of the battle of lexington and concord.
I always enjoy a john jake’s book, no exception here. Not quite as good as north and south or american dreams but very enjoyable.
my one qualm with jake’s is that after reading a bunch of his books, his characters seem to follow very clear outlines. there’s always a whoreish, manipulative woman and a virtuous one. the villains are charicatures, evil and nothing else.
Phillipe Charboneau is the illegitimate child of the duke of kentland. His young life is marked by his mother’s quest to claim his rightful inheritance. Instead, he ends up in Boston alongside the leaders of the American revolution.
The first book ends with Anne’s pregnancy and the culmination of the battle of lexington and concord.
I always enjoy a john jake’s book, no exception here. Not quite as good as north and south or american dreams but very enjoyable.
my one qualm with jake’s is that after reading a bunch of his books, his characters seem to follow very clear outlines. there’s always a whoreish, manipulative woman and a virtuous one. the villains are charicatures, evil and nothing else.