The Rebels

''The Rebels'' follows the events of the American Revolution through interconnected stories of Philip Kent and Judson Fletcher. The novel, published in 1975, is the second installment in John Jakes' Kent Family Chronicles series. The narrative centers on Judson Fletcher, a Virginia plantation heir who becomes entangled in both personal conflicts and the larger political upheaval of Colonial America. As the colonies move toward revolution, Fletcher's path intersects with the Second Continental Congress and key historical figures of the era. Philip Kent's story continues from the previous novel, weaving together with Fletcher's tale against the backdrop of America's fight for independence. The plot encompasses events from Virginia plantations to Philadelphia's congressional halls, incorporating both intimate personal dramas and pivotal historical moments. The novel examines themes of personal freedom versus responsibility, the complex nature of rebellion, and the price of independence - both for individuals and for a nation in its formative stages.

Readers describe The Rebels as the strongest of Jakes' Kent Family Chronicles. They note its balance of historical detail and character development during the Revolutionary War period. Readers appreciate: - Detailed research and incorporation of real historical figures - Complex relationship dynamics between family members - Focus on both military and civilian experiences during the war - Fast pacing compared to other books in the series Common criticisms: - Some scenes feel rushed or underdeveloped - Too many coincidental meetings between characters and historical figures - Romance subplots can distract from the main narrative Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (6,782 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (483 ratings) Review quotes: "Brings the American Revolution to life better than any textbook" - Goodreads reviewer "Too much emphasis on romantic relationships instead of the historical events" - Amazon reviewer "Characters feel more authentic than in previous Kent books" - LibraryThing reviewer

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🔷 "The Rebels" is the second book in The Kent Family Chronicles, an eight-part series that spans multiple generations of American history from 1770 to 1890. 🔷 John Jakes began his career writing for pulp magazines and didn't achieve mainstream success until he was nearly 50 years old with the publication of The Kent Family Chronicles. 🔷 The book's protagonist, Philip Kent, is partially inspired by Benjamin Franklin's early life as a printer's apprentice who later becomes involved in revolutionary politics. 🔷 Historical figures portrayed in the novel include Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Paul Revere, with Jakes extensively researching their actual correspondence and writings for accuracy. 🔷 When originally published in 1975, "The Rebels" hit #1 on The New York Times Best Seller list, helping establish the modern historical fiction genre as we know it today.