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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.
shai3d's review against another edition
4.0
I first was introduced to the Kent Family Chronicles when I was back in high school and fell absolutely in love. I hated history classes but I managed to pick up quite a bit of it by reading historical fiction. History became so personal when seeing it through the eyes of those that had lived it. Anyways enough of my history let's move forward thirty years...when I saw that THE BASTARD was being released again I jumped at the chance to see if it was as good as my memory made it out to be.
I am very happy to say that it is even better! Being an adult and having lived through some of my own trials and tribulations, I found that I was able to really relate to Philip Kent and what he went through with his life choices. I don't want to give away any of the story but if you want to experience our nation's birth through the eyes of someone that was there I highly recommend this book. I give this book a 4.4.
*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.
I am very happy to say that it is even better! Being an adult and having lived through some of my own trials and tribulations, I found that I was able to really relate to Philip Kent and what he went through with his life choices. I don't want to give away any of the story but if you want to experience our nation's birth through the eyes of someone that was there I highly recommend this book. I give this book a 4.4.
*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.