The Kent Family Chronicles Volumes One Through Three: The Bastard, The Rebels, and The Seekers

Kent Family Chronicles #1-3

by John Jakes

The first three novels in a sweeping American epic from the #1 New York Times–bestselling author who “makes history come alive” (Nelson DeMille). This multigenerational saga follows the Kent family and their pursuit of a foothold and future in the expanding United States. From the family’s initial journey traveling to America’s shore to their voyage to the Western frontier, their fate is intertwined with the course of American history in these first three volumes of the series.  The Denied his birthright as the illegitimate son of the Duke of Kentland, Philippe Charboneau seeks a new life in London, where he meets Benjamin Franklin and reads the works of patriot firebrand Sam Adams. Inspired by such brave new ideas, he travels to the American colonies at the brink of the Revolution. There he will choose his own name—Philip Kent—and finally decide his own fate.  The Philip Kent fights as a Continental soldier at the Battle of Bunker Hill. In a bold move, he has taken up arms for the future of his new family. Spirited and unwavering in his dedication to his adopted homeland, Philip fights in the most violent battles in America’s early history. But far from the front lines, another battle rages that will sweep his wife, Anne, on her own perilous journey that may destroy all Philip has fought for.  The Returning from fighting valiantly on the frontier, Abraham Kent—son of Philip and Anne—returns to Boston, only to realize that he cannot abide the confines of civilization. Determined not to live in his father’s shadow, he takes his young bride and settles on the American frontier. But the life of a pioneer comes at a high price, and the cost of Abraham’s restless ambitions may be more than he can bear.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, American History

1804 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1974

About the author

John William Jakes, the author of more than a dozen novels, is regarded as one of today’s most distinguished writers of historical fiction. His work includes the highly acclaimed Kent Family Chronicles series and the North and South Trilogy. Jakes’s commitment to historical accuracy and evocative storytelling earned him the title of “the godfather of historical novelists” from the Los Angeles Times and led to a streak of sixteen consecutive New York Times bestsellers. Jakes has received several awards for his work and is a member of the Authors Guild and the PEN American Center. He and his wife, Rachel, live on the west coast of Florida.

Also writes under pseudonyms Jay Scotland, Alan Payne, Rachel Ann Payne, Robert Hart Davis, Darius John Granger, John Lee Gray. Has ghost written as William Ard.

Reviews

[Charlene A. Lester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wealth does not equal happiness

Although the family had great wealth it had very little happiness. Many family members died during the war, couple were killed in acts of violence. The various members that were killed left 2 children to fight for themselves.

Read the books to learn the details of the lives of this family's trials and tribulations. Excellent books.

[LISE · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed these books although I must admit I did skip some parts where battle descriptions were just too long to hold my attention. The first & third books are the ones which held my attention a lot & I'm looking forward to read the rest of the Kent Family Chronicles, something I plan to do in the near future.

[Ginny Guerry]

I'm beginning to see a trend toward enjoying fictional, historical novels. I read these during our bicentennial.

[Sharon H Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Confused

Although I read this series many years ago in the 1970's,I had enjoyed them so much I decided I would like to read again. After reading the Seekers, I was disappointed that Jared and Amanda Kent had not reconnected. Having read the intro to The Furies, I am still baffled that there has been no connection.

[Lola Foberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

War, Love,, Adventure

These are terrific. I loved the adventure and travel from France, to England, and then the New World. I have experienced corruption, thieves, lovers, travel and War. I have learned so much , it is a great story. Moving on to the next book in this series. Can’t wait to see what happens.

[Daniel Breen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

[Olga H. Rivas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eight Books: You gotta get involved; at times, I would put them down for a few days, but curuosity got the best of me and I ended up finishing them all.