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.
more
Great books of historical fiction.
One of the best of authors of this genre. Classic reads still pertinent today. Most of the historical facts, times, and situations are as accurate as a fiction writer can be and still create a story.
It brought American history to life for me. John Jakes is a wonderful author!
The first and second books were engrossing. The third read like boring
history with an attempt at historic fiction. Read like two different authors.
I liked this book very much. It began prior to the American Revolution and reminded me of all the historical events of this period which I had forgotten.
I liked the fact that the book followed several generations of the original characters and therefore it was a history of our country covering more than one hundred years. A great read. I highly recommend it.
Hard to put down. Now I want to read the rest of the series.
Jakes packed a lot of US history into an entertaining read.
Historical fiction easy to read.
Long and pretty boring. Disappointing.
John Jakes is one of by favorite authors. What a marvelous story teller. The research he does for background in his historical novels is remarkable.
John Jakes’ series of books beginning with THE BASTARD and ending with THE GODS OF NEWPORT tells our nation’s history in a way no one else, to my knowledge, has. The books are interesting and full of facts presented in a way that made me think. They are realistic in that he includes the bad along with the good. I highly recommend THE KENT FAMILY CHRONICLES as a part of this series.
A great way to learn history while not realizing you are doing it. Very compelling story of the Kent family woven into true history!!
Great historical information that I never knew before. I just wish the rest of the series would be bundled together instead of sold separately.
I have read the entire set of the Kent Family Chronicles and it was one of the best reads of my life. From the beginning of volume 1 to the end of the last volume, I was engrossed within the lives of the characters and living in the time periods of each volume.
I read the entire series many years ago when it first came out, pre E books. Loved it then, and it was even better now that I’m older.
Page turner, great read. This book really opens your eyes to a different way of life that this nation had 150 years ago. Tragic, informative, and makes you think. Highly recommended.
I read this series years ago and decided to read it again. It’s even better than I remember!
Loved this book!
Love the history
Jakes is an exceptional writer. He builds character with detailed descriptions and brings them to life on the pages. Jakes does his homework and makes the story line very historically significant. Definitely a good read to settle in with this winter!