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Rating: 
Summary: Great research -- not much story
Review: I expected a good story from Katherine Kurtz, the author of the Deryni books that I've enjoyed so much. And this book does have the attention to historical detail that I expected. Too much, in fact: there are several lengthy scenes depicting Masonic rituals that read as if Kurtz just wanted to show off her research. Overall I was very disappointed. The characters were unconvincing and seemed like they were just going through their paces, and I never cared about any of them; there was never any real sense of urgency to the story; Kurtz spends way too much time *telling* what happens instead of showing us what happens; and basically, I didn't see any real *plot*, at least not one that caught my interest! Those few aspects that seemed intriguing -- the nature of the Master, for instance -- are the ones that are least delved into. It may be worthwhile reading if you're avidly interested in U.S. history, particularly of the American Revolution; but if you're just looking for an entertaining story, I'd pass it by. I feel bad giving this book only one star -- it's not *badly* done, exactly -- but frankly, I only finished it out of a sense of duty.
Rating: 
Summary: GREAT BOOK!!!!!
Review: I have not read any other books by Kurtz but picked this one up on a whim. She really mixes the Freemason myths and the American Revolution together well. I was amazed to discover that St Germain was a real person. Seeing the real Founding Fathers such as Washington, Revere, and Franklin alongside the fictional members of this conspiracy was great and I hope some producer decides to make it a movie.
Rating:
Summary: Not on the level
Review: I'm a Scot history buff as well as enamered by tales about our founding fathers. Lots of good background information, however it didn't seem to have much of a plot and if someone didn't know anything about Freemasionry you would be left very much in the dark.
Rating:
Summary: Preety good
Review: I'm a Scot history buff as well as enamered by tales about our founding fathers. Lots of good background information, however it didn't seem to have much of a plot and if someone didn't know anything about Freemasionry you would be left very much in the dark.
Rating:
Summary: Not on the level
Review: Proof that excellent research and the ability to put words together nicely doth not a good book make can be found herein. Kurtz seems to have forgotten the rule of "show, don't tell," as much of the novel is descriptive summary of the progress of the Revolutionary war. Such few scenes as dramatize character development seem to have been cut-and-pasted from _Lammas Night_ and the Camber of Culdi novels. One can entertain oneself by matching the characters with characters in the Camber novels, but one might better spend one's time rereading those books and skipping this one.
Rating: 
Summary: Well written, superbly researched
Review: This book takes us back to the dark days when there was a very real possibility that the United States would fall back into the hands of the British government. Ms Kurtz' depiction of Freemasonry is sympathetic and treats the Craft far better than many authors have. But the meat of this book are the characters. She successfully depicts the character and morality of George Washington as few can. Well worth the price, and worthy of an honored place in your library.
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