The first three novels in a sweeping American epic from the #1 New York Times-bestselling author who “makes history come alive” (Nelson DeMille). This multigenerational saga follows the Kent family and their pursuit of a foothold and future in the expanding United States. From the family’s initial journey traveling to America’s shore to their voyage to the Western frontier, their fate is … frontier, their fate is intertwined with the course of American history in these first three volumes of the series.
The Bastard: Denied his birthright as the illegitimate son of the Duke of Kentland, Philippe Charboneau seeks a new life in London, where he meets Benjamin Franklin and reads the works of patriot firebrand Sam Adams. Inspired by such brave new ideas, he travels to the American colonies at the brink of the Revolution. There he will choose his own name–Philip Kent–and finally decide his own fate.
The Rebels: Philip Kent fights as a Continental soldier at the Battle of Bunker Hill. In a bold move, he has taken up arms for the future of his new family. Spirited and unwavering in his dedication to his adopted homeland, Philip fights in the most violent battles in America’s early history. But far from the front lines, another battle rages that will sweep his wife, Anne, on her own perilous journey that may destroy all Philip has fought for.
The Seekers: Returning from fighting valiantly on the frontier, Abraham Kent–son of Philip and Anne–returns to Boston, only to realize that he cannot abide the confines of civilization. Determined not to live in his father’s shadow, he takes his young bride and settles on the American frontier. But the life of a pioneer comes at a high price, and the cost of Abraham’s restless ambitions may be more than he can bear.
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I LOVE THIS SERIES OF OUR HISTORY, BECAUSE I LOVE NOVELS THAT ARE FICTION BASED ON REAL EVENTS, AND I COULD JUST PICTURE EVERYTHING….THE CHARACTORS, THE EVENTS, THE SCENERY, ALL DESCRIBED BEAUTIFULLY…AND THE EVIL ONES….YES, THEY DID EXIST, AND THEY ARE PROTRAYED AS REAL PEOPLE WHO CAN LOVE, HATE, AND CHO0SE TO TAKE THE WRONG ROAD…YES, I WOULD RECOMMEND THESE….
I really like the John Jakes books. I have read all of the Kent Family Chronicles. I am currently reading one of his books now. East to read, interesting, historical and informative.
These are on my all time favorite book list. Historical fiction at it’s best!
They were great then and even greater today
These three books have been among my top selections for historical-based fiction on the beginning of our country. Facts presented in these books can easily be verified. The characters are so real, so human, and so brave.
Great historical fiction, could hardly put if down
Fantastic fictionalization of an immigrant to the American Colonies, his misadventures, his opportunities, his determination to build a life for himself and a family that would eventually not only enjoy the benefits of this new country United States of America, but have a profound effect upon the development of the country itself. These books bring to life the U.S. history in ways that a fact-based school book could never do. While no one story can encompass every worthwhile event in our history, Mr. Jakes does an excellent job of revealing many of them by scattering his characters throughout the country at various periods of time, characters who make very different choices & follow varied lifestyles because of each character’s goals & desires. Anyone interested of learning about our country’s development, the forces that built it, both good and bad, should really read this series. It’s informative, and very enjoyable.
I’m a big fan of historical fiction, and John Jakes is one of the best. I don’t have the patience or research skills to put together novels like these, so I’m a huge fan of people who can. I write what I know, which works for me, but Jakes creates fictional characters and weaves them in with actual events and historical figures. It’s a way to learn or experience history without slugging through boring textbooks.
Phillip Kent! Probably my first real crush! Fabulous series, this is volume 1-3, they are really fantastic historical novels full of rich details.
Excellent series!
This entire series was a wonderful fictional story based on the history of the United States beginning with the American Revolution and ending in contemporary America.
Great stories, start you won’t finish until you read them all!!
A terrific way to read about history
Historical fiction at its best.
The author has an issue with sexual abuse and sex outside of marriage.
I love historical fiction and this series fit the bill. I enjoyed the intertwining of history with the character’s stories!
I read all 8 books when they were originally published and often wished I had saved them so I could read them again. In the last 2 months I did read them all again and enjoyed them more the second time. I understand why me jakes did not write a nineth book but wish he had
I loved this series. Highly recommend
Very interesting, but I did not particularly like where it went at the end. I was not expecting it to continue the path the author chose.
Way too long. But Jakes is always terrific.