Crucible Along the Mohawk

by Johnny Rockenstire

The New World - 1689. War has begun! Following a revolution across the ocean, an alliance of nations led by England, found itself pitted against the most powerful empire on earth – France. Back in America, in the New York colony, the Dutch inhabitants of the small village of Schenectady continue with their lives as normal. They carry on with their farming and fur trapping, engaging in trade and barter with their closest ally – the Iroquois Confederacy.However, events in New York City soon send the entire colony spiraling into domestic conflict. In that city, a powerful autocrat takes command, and stakes a claim on the entire province, and in Albany, aristocrats and merchants bound together as a convention, determined to resist him. While the colonists fight among themselves, their powerful friends of the Mohawk nation deal New France a devastating blow – one the French vow to avenge.In Crucible Along the Mohawk, author Johnny Rockenstire tells the tale of one of colonial America’s darkest times – the perilous first years of King William’s War. It’s a time of upheaval and conflict, of politics and war. Told from the views of those who lived and died in this period of hardship and unbelievable sacrifice, from noble to commoner, Rockenstire offers a unique and unprecedented insight into a turning point of history, a time when civil war threatened the colony, a time when a faithful ally saved it from certain collapse, and a time when it was nearly brought to its knees in one night of fire and fury – a night forever enshrined in the annals of Schenectady’s history.With remarkable historical authenticity and gripping visual details, Rockenstire brings to life the untold story of the men, women, and children who lived during this unforgiving period, and whose stories of cowardice and courage, treachery and honor, hatred and love, come together to form a masterpiece of historical fiction for the ages.

396 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 2, 2018

Reviews

[Ann]

Being from that area myself and growing up hearing about this event, this book was of great interest to me.

[Carol C]

My review may be colored by my special interest in this historical event and the area. I am originally from Schenectady and am a direct descendant of Adam Vrooman, one of those who lost family members in the massacre. I knew a lot about this event prior to reading the book. However, the book put everything into perspective from the background leading up to the event to the treatment of those taken to Canada. This was a well-written, easy to follow story. Thoroughly enjoyed the book and highly recommend it. Thank you, Johnny R, for your thorough research and attention to details. I would love to see schools in the area place it on a required history reading list. Loved it!

[Casey Ross Scalzi]

Not a fan of colonial history, but I thought I should read this one since I grew up in Schenectady. This is a long book with some very small print, but it is worth every minute invested in the read. I really enjoyed the story and reading about all the facets of politics that led to the event. Really well written. A deftly woven tale around a very long list of characters. I read the last quarter of the novel in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down.

[Johnny]

I loved writing this novel. It will forever hold a special place on my bookshelf. I appreciate all the ratings and hope you share it with others.

[Stacey L Davis]

I am not a historical fiction buff but this story - and the way it is written - captured me immediately. I am a Niskayuna resident and it is beyond cool to be reading about an event that actually happened right here. I also loved how this took you through the different angles of the massacre - from the English, to the French, to the Mohawk, to the enslaved.

[Robert]

Poorly written

I only read the first three chapters, because the book is so poorly written.

Anachronistic dialog, incorrect punctuation, and spelling errors abound. (Ex: "reigns" instead "reins"; "ringing" instead of "wringing")

Life's too short to bother with this mess.