Rating: 
Summary: Another winner from Jeff Shaara
Review: This is the 3rd book I have read by the Shaara father and son team (Killer Angels and Gone for Soldiers previously) and like the others, it kept my interest throughout... was hard to put down. Also like the others, it really spiked an interest in me to read more and learn more about the people and events of the book. When I finished the book, I was left with a great feeling of satisfaction, because I truly enjoyed reading it, and at the same time came away from it knowing that I had learned a lot about the early days of the American Revolution. Easy to read, with a fair amount of dialogue, never gets bogged down in detail. The only criticism I can make, is that it contains a little too much about the daily routine and eccentricities of Ben Franklin. But then again, some of Franklin's borderline wackiness lends a good deal of wimsy to the book. Readers who expect a lot of war time fighting, i.e. a battle-of-the-day type chronicle should be warned that the period of time this book covers, includes lots of talk, meetings, attempts at negotiation, committees, etc. But Shaara gives very exciting and suspensful accounts of Lexington, Bunker/Breeds Hill and more. I would recommend this book to anyone.
Rating:
Summary: A Page Turner!
Review: Shaara has given us a highly readable history of the Mexican War using source material from the era. If you want to know what the early careers of most of the Civil War heroes looked like, read this book. I read Grant's Memoirs (ghost written by Mark Twain) at the same time and it is fascinating to have the books side-by-side. Like each of Shaara's books, the novelized history is fast paced and keeps the reader in suspense. Example: What will happen to the American deserters who were recaptured outside of Mexico City? Will they be hung en masse for their crime? Read the book and you will learn about this and so much more.
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Summary: Didn't listen in US History class? This one is for you!
Review: This book provides a very entertaining way to brush up on US History for those of us who snoozed through high school history classes. Who remembers that Ben Franklin was Georgia's (my home state) colonial agent in England prior to the American Revolution. These are the kind of facts you will recall or learn while being entertained by the lives of people like Franklin, John & Sam Adams & George Washington. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end and I can't wait for the second in this series.
Rating: 
Summary: Not Pleased
Review: I have read Jeff Shaara's other war stories and hoped that this book would be just as exciting. However, I found the book slow in comparison to his others and was not pulled in enough to even finish.
Rating:
Summary: Three Dimensional Patriots
Review: After enjoying two very good historical depictions of the American Revolution, "John Adams" and "Founding Brothers", I approached "Rise to Rebellion" with skepticism. Why do we need a fictional depiction of the events leading up to the Declaration of Independence with so many excellent non-fictional records in distribution? My concerns were unfounded. "Rise to Rebellion" offers a different and enjoyable perspective of our history. Jeff Shaara focuses on five catalysts - Ben Franklin, George Washington, Thomas Gage and Abigail & John Adams. Franklin underestimates the concerns of the colonists, but evolves into one of the revolution's most inspired leaders. Washington is uncomfortable about his new command, but he transforms nervous energy into dynamic leadership. Gage is the unfortunate first general to face the minutemen. His initial arrogance crumbles into desparation at the bottom of Bunker Hill. Finally, John and Abigail Adams give a glimpse of the risks, lonliness and uncertainty faced by revolutionary couples of their day. Non-fictional chronicles accurately describe events and transcribe the words of our first leaders. Jeff Shaara imagines their thoughts and misgivings without altering the events. This adds more dimensions to each character by making them human. When we understand their frailties and anxieties, we better understand their courage. Especially for those that enjoyed "John Adams", I recommend this book.
Rating:
Summary: Brilliant
Review: Jeff Shaara has brilliantly captured the moments, personalities and issues that led to the Revolutionary War.
Rating: 
Summary: Very Good Reading!
Review: This is an excellent novel. Mr. Shaara provides a unique insight into the events that lead up to the Revolutionary War. Unlike many historical books, Mr. Shaara attempts to convey the feelings and emotions of some of the key individuals in the conflict. This makes for great reading, especially for those who are well versed on the subject. Mr. Shaara gives a more human face to our founding fathers, persons with emotions and fears that are sometimes overlooked in historical accounts. He vocalizes many of the emotions these men must have been experiencing during this uncertain time. I would recommend this book for anyone that is interested in our history.
Rating: 
Summary: Worth the time, but...
Review: This is an OK read for the scholarly among us...This will not excite you like Ken Agori's novel Defenders of the Holy Grail, which explains how the Crusades truly happened. Shaara does hishomework, like Agori, but his reach is too pedestrian
Rating:
Summary: Gettysburg, It Ain't!
Review: I was very disappointed in the author's decision to focus on the Revolutionary War's developmental period. Much like "Gods and Generals," this effort should have been deferred to the publication of the second volume. The latter should provide more fodder for this author's extraordinary cannon to bring life to our military history. I am bored with this first volume. How many pictures of Sam & John Adams (with Abigail, of course-always) and Ben Franklin do we need? (I found the broadway musical, "1776," much more creative!) I fear the sounds of "ca-ching" are seducing the author's better judgment.
Rating:
Summary: Shaara hits the mark with fictionalized account of Rev. War
Review: I have not read Jeff Shaara's other works revolving around the Civil War or his father's Pulitzer Prize winner, "Killer Angels" - was intrigued by the topic and was not disappointed. Shaara brings to life the events leading up to the American Revolution and masterfully portrays the strengths and weaknesses of our founding fathers. Every American should re-familiarize themselves with these defining events which Shaara does with precision and certainly beats a dry work of historical non-fiction. Anxiously awaiting the second work in this series.
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