1 voice rallied a nation to Independence with 7 words: "Give me Liberty, or Give me Death!"
The Order of the Seven must help birth one nation under God by entering the lives of a unique generation of children chosen to become the Founding Fathers of America. Liz is given the assignment of helping Patrick Henry become the Voice of the Revolution, setting the entire war in motion. If Max can't protect George Washington, the patriots will lose the Sword of the Revolution to lead them. Nigel must ensure that Benjamin Franklin's efforts succeed, and Al must gather intelligence right under the nose of the King of England. Victory will be impossible without the powerful ally of France to join in the fight led by its patriotic son, the Marquis de Lafayette. But will Kate be able to protect the young Marquis in time? The fight for liberty will be costly, with an enemy determined to give the patriots and anyone who helps them the other course—death.
Award winning author, speaker and producer Jenny L. Cote developed an early passion for God, history and young people, and beautifully blends these passions together in her two fantasy fiction series, The Amazing Tales of Max and Liz® and Epic Order of the Seven®. Likened to C.S. Lewis by book reviewers and bloggers, Jenny L. Cote opens up the world of creative writing for students of all ages and reading levels through fun, highly interactive workshops. Jenny has appeared to over 30,000 students at lower, middle, high school and universities in the US and abroad. Jenny's passion for research has taken her to London (with unprecedented access to Handel House Museum to write in Handel's composing room), Oxford (to stay in the home of C.S. Lewis, 'the Kilns', and interview Lewis' secretary, Walter Hooper), Ireland, Paris, Normandy, Rome, Israel, and Egypt. Her books are available online and in stores around the world, as well as in multiple e-book formats (Kindle, Nook, etc.). Jenny holds two marketing degrees from the University of Georgia and Georgia State University. She lives in Roswell, Georgia, with her family.
Watch out! The Voice, the Revolution, and the Key will take you on the most exciting mission yet for the Order of the Seven. It keeps the reader on the edge of their seat waiting for more. This story is well-written and makes you feel as if you were a part of the action.
Follow the intelligent and humorous group of animals called “The Epic Order of the Seven” through the years leading up to the Revolution as they influence some of the most important people in American history including Patrick Henry, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin. Cote's thorough research is evident on every page of this book, covering every aspect, including how the historical characters felt. She makes brilliant connections through-out history that will leave you speechless.
Jenny L. Cote is an amazing author. The Voice, the Revolution, and the Key shows how much effort and research she put into this book. Readers of all ages will adore this thrilling, action-packed adventure.
I have to say, I enjoyed this book much more than I was expecting! The author did a good job of connecting the reader to the important figures of American history, and making everything clear to follow. Despite the many stories and events that wove together throughout the novel, I was able to keep track of what was happening, and I found the historical facts very interesting. I've always found revolutionary war history interesting, but I don't think I've known so much about it until now. I'll be sure to read the rest of the revolutionary trilogy that this author plans to write!
SO. AMAZING. This book is the perfect blend of fact and fiction, history and fantasy, bittersweet and joy. I loved it!!!!!! I learned so much and have been taken on an unforgettable journey with my animal friends. Max, Liz, Al, Kate, Nigel, Gillamon, Clarie... and Cato! Liberty is indeed a priceless jewel, and it will always be worth fighting for! "But as for me, give me liberty or give me death!"
I read The Voice, the Revolution, and the Key (650 pages!) in 3 large chunks. The book was split into four acts that spanned 25 years. The plot progresses smoothly, and shows how America became rebellious gradually. There is some mystery ("the fiddle has a riddle"), some drama, and humor too. The story tells us about Patrick Henry’s family and his life as a kid. Additionally, it portrays the multiple conflicts across the frontier.
Gillamon and Clarie are spiritual animals in the Order of the Seven that give missions and help with them too. Because it is fantasy, Gillamon and Clarie can engage as humans with history because of their ability to shapeshift and time travel. Cato is an eagle, and he helps them get around while not knowing the Order of the Seven are immortal. The enemy is not who you would think it is. The enemy has multiple cronies, so the enemy is everywhere!
It also has plenty of characters and doesn’t focus on one person entirely. Patrick Henry perseveres! He lost 2 stores and failed as a farmer before becoming a lawyer. I like how he works as a lawyer, because people underestimate him, so he is my favorite character. George Washington, King George the Third, and Lafayette’s story were also included. Ben Franklin is in the book too!
This book was a "Shucshessh!" It transitions smoothly and doesn't require five or more books to cover the twenty-five years of history. This allows for the effect of many books in one book. Due to this, I give it five stars.
I received a free copy from the author. No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own.
I majored in history in college. So often it's hard to find books that give new insight into subjects I have studied much. Jenny Cote has managed to give me new information in a exciting book. This book is well-researched. There are many new connections made in the story of America's birth in the mid-1700s. The details she uses in the story is amazing. She brings in writings from that time and little-known aspects of the culture and history of the world. All of it is told through the eyes of animals. The story is fast-paced and exciting and kept my interest even while using and quoting original sources. I would recommend this book to just about anyone age 10 and up. Under age 10, I believe that there are things that would be difficult to understand. It would be a great book to read with as a family with kids helping them to understand the magnitude of what happened on this continent 250 years ago.
I really tried not to write this review, but hearing this book being pushed as a great history book for kids to read boils my blood. I was given this book to read over as a potential educational program for my place of work. I couldn’t even make it through the first four chapters before I had to stop reading this monstrosity to literature, theology, history, and humanity. The historic inaccuracies within the first few chapters set me on edge as a historian. The blatant ethnic stereotypes being perpetuated made me sick to my stomach. And the biblical theology is sketchy. Please, please, PLEASE, do not encourage any more of these books to be written! This is not the book series people keep touting it to be. It is not a great work of literature and if you read it and agree with what was written then you are not a person I would ever want to be forced to know.
I am Australian so was not really interested in American history, but after putting the book down for a few months I picked it back up again determined to finish it... and I’m glad I did! There is nothing wrong with a little learning about the history of another country, don’t let this stop you from reading a good book in a series you like.
You think you know the Founding Fathers... all except this person: Patrick Henry. See the years leading up to the American War for Independence through new eyes as Jenny takes you along one man's journey: from failure at every trade he tried to the Voice that rallied a nation to Independence! I love to re-read this book! <3
This is a lovely book. The animal characters are endearing and are characters the reader will grow to love. This story helps young and old alike learn details about Patrick Henry, Roman and American history. Highly recommended for all.
This book was huge, so naturally, it intimidated me. However, once I got past the first 100 pages, I couldn’t stop! This book was amazing! I hadn’t read a book that take history and really analyzes it with a Christian perspective before. This was a great introduction to her books!
Summary: The Voice, The Revolution, and The Key is a retelling of the events of the beginning of the American Revolution. Starting with a young boy named Patrick Henry in Virginia, this book follows the journey of one of the lesser known Founding Fathers of America and the one who lit the torch of Liberty for his generation. Young America is struggling with her British chains and isn't unified in her desire for liberty. Will Patrick Henry be able to rally his countrymen to fight for their freedom? Seven animals influencing his life. Seven life changing words: Give me liberty or give me death!
Worldviews: Jenny L. Cote is a Christian author, and I found nothing theologically wrong or chronologically incorrect. There was a minor side storyline about the two different 'Christian' worldviews in Patrick's house. Hus mother was a Dissenter, but his father was more supportive of the Anglican Church of England, as Patrick's dad's brother was an Anglican minister. Patrick eventually sided with his mother and faced backlash from his uncle.
Foul Language: None that I know of or remember.
Violence: There was some. Like minor skirmishes, battles, I mean, it's about the American Revolution so there were quite a few fight scenes, but it's not super gory.
Romance: There were some scenes detailing Patrick and his future wife Sallie's relationship, but it wasn't like the book focused on their romance. Nothing inappropriate.
Alcohol: There were some scene that involved drinking wine, and Patrick worked in a tavern for a while, but it didn't get super crazily out of hand.
Rating and recommended age level: I’m going to rate this 4.5 stars! Again, so close to 5, but I can round it to 5 here. My only "problem" with it was that I think while Cote did an awesome job bringing history to life, I think there were some parts where there could've been more action, as some of the scenes were kinda lagging in that. As for my recommended age level, I’m going to say 10-11+. This is very age appropriate, and I learned SO much history from this, as I am American born but live in Canada so I don't learn as much American history. I highly recommend it.