Rating: 
Summary: Addicted Me to the Series
Review: I picked up this book at a garage sale and made the mistake of buying this book and then reading it. It was a mistake because this book is so good and addictive that I had to find the succeeding books in the series, which was no easy task.This book introduces the Kent clan's founder Phillip Kent. Forced to flee his native England he sneaks his way to the colonies. Along the way he meets several interesting historical characters from his good friend Lafayette to Ben Franklin. A ton of historical fact is presented here that the reader will remember more than if they read a textbook.
Rating:
Summary: Writing at its best!
Review: I read all the series in the Kent Family Chronicles ten years ago when I was a senior in high school. I could not put them down and was fascinated by what each generation of this family went through. At the time, I was studying American History and these books made everything click and placed it all in perspective. John Jakes is the one who inspired me to work towards my dream of a writing career and to pursue a degree in junior high or high school history. He is one of my very favorite authors. He makes history come alive and helps one to understand it all. The breathtaking romance and nail biting adventure and thrills are just the icing on the cake. I loved every book in the series, although the "Warriors" is my favorite and "Jeremiah", my favorite Kent family member. I look forward to rereading them all again soon.
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Summary: Perfect Combination -- History and Story Telling
Review: I started with the North & South Trilogy and was deeply depressed when it was over. I deeply missed the characters and just didn't want it to end. Therefore, what could be better than a John Jakes story that takes 8 books to complete!! Once you read The books, you won't be able to stop until you read them all. This is a great book containing three different stories or stages surrounding the life of our first Kent -- Phillip. All of these stories collide for a finale that is as good as anything I have ever read. One of the best parts of this book is how Jakes uses Ben Franklin as the key character in bringing the story together. I would highly recommend this book to anyone. The story is superb and the history lesson makes you proud to be an American. I can't wait to start Book Two -- The Rebels!!
Rating:
Summary: Perfect Combination -- History and Story Telling
Review: I started with the North & South Trilogy and was deeply depressed when it was over. I deeply missed the characters and just didn't want it to end. Therefore, what could be better than a John Jakes story that takes 8 books to complete!! Once you read The Bastard, you won't be able to stop until you read them all. This is a great book containing three different stories or stages surrounding the life of our first Kent -- Phillip. All of these stories collide for a finale that is as good as anything I have ever read. One of the best parts of this book is how Jakes uses Ben Franklin as the key character in bringing the story together. I would highly recommend this book to anyone. The story is superb and the history lesson makes you proud to be an American. I can't wait to start Book Two -- The Rebels!!
Rating:
Summary: Worthy combination of a fictional story and historic events
Review: I thought the book was in a word fantastic. When I was assigned to read it for school I saw it as a boring 634 page book.
I loved reading of his escape from a vengeful brother in England to his eventful life in America.
The combination of American history in the the story helped me to understand such things as the Boston Tea Party.
I would recommend it to everyone. I am glad my teacher made me read it. How many books can I say that about?
Rating:
Summary: excellent book,he holds your attention so you have to finish
Review: i'm reading this book on the tapes for the blind and find he is so good i have all i can to put the book down
Rating:
Summary: Get ready for an epic ride...
Review: Jakes has created a mass following with the Kent Family Chronicles and this is the book that started it all. He is, by far, one of the best historical fiction writers around. For a grand journey - through the eyes of the Kent family - from the beginnings of a nation to its epic rise as a world power, this series does an outstanding job of presenting history through a rough-n-ready fictional family. The book is unputdownable, and you'll be on a hunt for #2 through #8 once you're done. I must give credit to Jakes for kick-starting my love of reading again after my teen years in literary wasteland (i.e. not reading) because it was this series that turned me back on to the written word with a ferver. A great buy and a great read.
Rating:
Summary: Great Historical Novel
Review: John Jakes is a wonderful author of historical fiction. This book reveals the problems of a family in Europe and what led up to their immigration to the colonies. The main character, Phillip Kent, never imagines that his path will cross with those who created problems for him in Europe, but it does. The plot presents a good amount of history mixed with the fictional Kent family. I can't wait to read the second in the series.
Rating:
Summary: the best kind of History lesson
Review: Just finished this book that was recommended by my mother. First of all, I could not believe how hard it was to find this book in the bookstore. It was out of print everywhere I looked. Mid-way through the book it was hard for me to understand that this book isn't still read by (a lot) people everyday. It is fast moving and extremely exciting. Plus, I have never learned so much about American History than by reading this book. It should be required reading in college history courses. High school would be fine too but some parents might be offended by the (although tasteful) sexual situations. Do yourself a favor and buy this book. I'll be very surprised if you do not buy "The Rebels" (the sequel) as soon as you finish.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Start to the Kent Family Chronicles
Review: My grandmother gave me the hardcover edition of the entire Kent Family Chronicles over two years ago. After reading several other non-related books, I finally decided to pick up The Bastard and start reading. Well, the book was so good that I ended up finishing it in 3 days just so that I could get on to the next book to see what happens next!!! John Jakes is an exceptional writer who has the ability to write about history, love, deception, you name it...and he makes all of his characters seem so alive that it is not hard to picture all of the different scenes that he creates. He nails the classic love story right on the head with the twists and turns between Philip's (the main character) feelings for both Anne and Alicia, and the choices that Philip has to make. Also, I love how Philip is always fortunate enough to met some of our most pivotal members of American History, such as Samuel Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and so on. If you truly want to learn more about American history in a fun and exciting way, then definately pick up this book and start reading. You cannot go wrong!!
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