A Patriot's Tale

by Nicole Pierman

The American Revolutionary War rages on. Can a young woman overthrow a loyalist-infested district and help the rebel cause turn the tide?

South Carolina, 1778. Lily Thompson burns to overthrow the British. In a daring bid to flee her enemies and join the fledgling American fight, she becomes a ward and takes on the guise of a man. But just after joining a raid against the British army, the determined freedom fighter is captured and held for ransom for a hefty price.

Unable to hide in the shadows after she is released, Lily cannot sit by idly while those around her struggle to survive. Seeing the captain's growing infatuation as a weakness, Lily joins a spy ring in a bid to help the local militia's need to overthrow the vicious British captain.

But what will happen to Lily as she plays the dangerously unnerving game of intrigue?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical

352 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2017

About the author

Nicole Pierman rocks out to metal, is obsessed with coffee, and (obviously) loves to write. She also write urban fantasy under the pen name Nicole Brona.

Writing is part of her DNA, but when Nicole’s not writing, she’s either baking, reading, or active on her YouTube channel.

You can find Nicole on these platforms:

Website → https://nicolepierman.com

Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/Nicole-Pierm...

YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU1G...

Merch Store: https://nicolepierman-shop.fourthwall...

Reviews

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember reading the historical fiction "Johnny Tremain" by: Esther Forbes when I was a youngster. It took place in Boston just before the Revolutionary War.

Nicole Pierman's "A Patriot's Tale" a historical fiction about seventeen-year-old Lily Thompson, during the American Revolutionary War, somewhere in South Carolina 1778. It is nice to follow the history and culture during the same war as "Johnny Tremain," but in a much different location through Lily Thompson's eyes.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, I gave my own book 5 stars but you'll know why in 3, 2, 1…

A Patriot's Tale is my first book, quite literally: I started writing it when I was 12 years old! But don't worry, it's gone through many drafts and many edits. There were a lot of blood, sweat, tears, emotional breakdowns, and caffeine involved in my first novel. For a while, I didn't know what to do with my writing and was thinking of not writing anymore until a friend told me about online serial writing.

My first novel (and all of my backlog, honestly) found a home on Wattpad for a few years. This book even won the 2020 Historical Fiction Watty award. But the days of Wattpad are no more because I'm self-publishing on Amazon with a fully edited and cleaned up version of A Patriot's Tale.

My book cover was created by the ever-amazing and talented Jonas of Fantasy & Coffee Designs. But if you've read my other books, you know that he's my cover artist for all of them, so that isn't brand new information. What *is* brand new information is that he encapsulated my vision of Lily's journey into a book cover. I asked for a redheaded young woman in colonial garb with a pistol in one hand, and a very patriotic background, and BAM! Jonas definitely did that. I'm so happy with my cover because the theme and story of my novel shines through the cover.

*Update 10/12/2021:

A Patriot's Tale will be released December 7th on Amazon in paperback, KU, and ebook form! You can preorder the ebook now or wait to get the paperback. Either way, we're closing in on release day!

**Update 10/18/2021:

New video, who dis? I've filmed and uploaded a video overview of A Patriot's Tale for everyone's viewing pleasure. If you want to check out my video before preordering the ebook (or buy it on December 7th) then this video is for you. Enjoy!

Cover reveal video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ik7qT...

***Update 12/07/2021:

IT'S RELEASE DAY! A Patriot's Tale is officially out in the world! It has taken me years to publish my first historical fiction novel, but this year was just the right year for me. Any other year, and my novel wouldn't be up to par for publishing.

Thank you to my family, friends, readers, and my fiancé for supporting me and my writing throughout the years. I wouldn't be here without you and all your love.

Direct Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09GW91VM5

[Sirbooksage · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Stars

A PATRIOT'S TALE is a novel set during the Revolutionary War, in South Carolina. We follow the journey of young Lily Thompson, her family dead, as she joins one of the militias to take a stand against the Redcoats in their fight for independence.

Lily is headstrong, and determined, and someone who pushes back on the expectations of her place in society. She navigates her way through a tumultuous period, looking for how she can find her own way to help. The author does a good job working in organically how Lily struggles with PTSD and trauma, as she stakes out her own footing in their struggle.

The pacing is a bit uneven in the opening part of the novel (which, considering the original iteration of this story began when the author was 12, is understandable), but it finds its rhythm as it moves into the heart of the story, and barrels towards a final act that delivers.

[Kristi Elliot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. I have always been fascinated by the American Revolution, and one of the standout aspects for this time period is how much women contributed to Americans winning the war. This novel begins with the protagonist, Lilly, as she meets the Turners in her quest to find a family to take her as their ward.

Obviously, people are less than thrilled at the thought of a woman seeking a place among men on the battlefield, but her objective is deeply rooted in her past; it is more than the need to assist. It is a pursuit of vengeance and closure.

Lilly has many struggles as she finds love, faces loss, and attempts to contribute to the war effort any way she can, even if it means placing her life in danger.

And while she's not perfect, I find her relatable and human. She has her share of flaws, but they aren't annoying. She comes across as natural and real, and I truly sympathize with her many times throughout the story.

The story had me turning the pages to find out what happened, and I recommend this to anyone looking for a taste of history with a strong heroine.

I received an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Thomas Bellezza · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A Patriot’s Tale” offers a compelling journey through Revolutionary War-era South Carolina through the eyes of Lily Thompson, a young woman determined to fight for the patriot cause after losing her family to violence. What sets this novel apart is its focus on the experiences of women during wartime.

The story shines brightest in its battle scenes and espionage elements. Nicole Pierman crafts tension-filled moments of conflict and intrigue that keep the pages turning. Lily’s time as a spy in Captain Thomas’ household particularly stands out, balancing danger with character development.

The relationships between characters feel authentic, especially the complex dynamic between Lily, Henry, and Clayton. Rather than resorting to melodrama, Nicole explores how war creates impossible situations and difficult choices for those caught in its grip.

The pacing keeps a high-speed presence as the overall narrative pulls you forward with well-crafted characters you genuinely care about. The historical details add richness without overwhelming the story.

This novel would be great for those who enjoy historical fiction that combines action, romance, and a strong female protagonist. “A Patriot’s Tale” delivers a satisfying read.

[Lina Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's always difficult for me to review anything remotely in the young adult category, since this isn't what I write - or read for that matter - myself.
But I do love a good historical fiction and a strong and determined MC, and "A Patriot's Tale" gave me both.
The blood, sweat, and tears of a formative time of the United States (well, they weren't very united back then) come alive in a realistic way. Yes, the novel gives us the horrors of war, but that is part of the realism. But there's more to it. The war was fought by people, and they come alive on the page. This is a very human tale, a story of history in the making.
There are many stories about females in uniform, but that too was part of history, a history often either untold or glorified beyond recognition. The author didn't fall for the Joan of Arc trope, and that was good to read.
Overall, a great debut, that deserves recognition.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cover of this book drew me to it, along with the title. Just look at the cover! It's beautiful!

This is the story of Lily Thompson. She's a very determined young lady who takes on the role of a man to fight for her freedom. Lily faces many trials and tribulations in her young life but she must persevere!

This book was written when the author was 12 years old. I find that very impressive, even considering this story has had a few rewrites. I will be looking for more by this author.

A fitting read for the Memorial Day weekend! I'm very thankful for those who gave all for my freedom!

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 - 4 stars
War is ugly, war is raw, and war is deadly no matter who, where or when and Nicole spares no details. A Patriot's Tale is Nicoles first novel and an award winning one at that. This historical fiction tale set in 1778 during the American Revolutionary War where a young woman, Lily is determined to fight she changes who she is to succeed at any cost.
Lily is headstrong and a patriot, but she is living with the trauma and grief of having lost her family and certainly suffers with mental health issues that comes with seeing the horrors of war. To her there is no question that the Red Coats be taken out and the Militia are the ones to join. She plays a deadly game one she intends to see the end of.
Other than a few pacing issues to start with but it soon picked up to the point I quite enjoyed this bloody tale.

[Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stories like this are not what I typically read, however I enjoyed this story. Lily Thompson has lost the only family she had left, her brother. She has been on her own trying to get a family to take her on as a wars so she could join the militia and get her revenge against the red coats. She finally gets the opportunity when she happens upon the Turners. This was a fast paced and enjoyable read. I hope there is possibly a sequel about her life after the war.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed very much!

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an arc for an honest review. I really enjoyed this store and the enjoyed the chacters lot especially Lily. I will be buying the finished book

[Fallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

| I received an ARC for an honest review | This review contains no spoilers |

5 stars ✨

Wow. In this American Revolutionary War, historical fiction story, it left me in awe. The descriptions, not sugar coating - the genuine struggles, mental and physical and emotional trauma of war. A Patriot's Tale gave me an authentic perspective as our main character, Lily Thompson survives and arrives at the rebel town.

All the characters were fantastic. I won't go into too much detail, unless you've read it and send me a PM we can fan-girl over everyone; the readers get to see both sides, the loyalists (British) and the rebels (colonists) and how they're living within this close proximity and the tension for resources. I throughly enjoyed the pacing, Lily's character arc is fantastic. I highly recommend reading! ❤️

*P.S: Some language and violence descriptions were high. It's all about war.*

[Cate Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although Nicole Pierman writes unapologetically on the horrors of the Revolutionary War, she also shows that there was still room for friendships, love, and most of all, bravery.

Lily, who obviously suffers from PTSD, won't let anything stop her from reaching her goal. She is a strong, determined young woman navigating her way through war and loss. I love the way Pierman also gives a realistic glimpse of Lily's enemies, making them humans and not cardboard cutout villains.

A Patriot's Tale is an easy, albeit gory, fast-paced read--a must for all who enjoy Revolutionary War fiction!

[Ricky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicole Pierman gives us a new historical look at the Revolutionary War, one that naturally calls to mind a lot of previous fictional dramatizations on that segment of American history. Most notably, the Southern setting of The Patriot and the subtle machinations of Turn, with an engaging young woman protagonist who takes on a man's persona to finagle her way into the ranks of the army, the sort of Joan of Arc the Revolutionary War isn't widely known to have had (though if we did, I wouldn't be surprised if such a Joan were lost to all but the most hidden of histories.) Pierman's multilayered storytelling takes us on a years-long trip through the Revolution in the South in particular, a segment of the war often ignored in the popular consciousness, as well as showing the many dangerous ways Lily has to navigate the soldiers' world - and the numerous personal problems throughout the ranks, throwing out a lot of drama and dissension to keep the pages turning. Well, in the ebook ARC I got, more like swiping, but you get the picture.

[Dave Ally · Rating 4 out of 5]

What would it be like to be living during the hardships of the US Revolutionary War yet having some of the sensibilities of recent times? The character of Lily Thompson fits this role.

Reading A Patriot’s Tale is not like reading literature written during the time period in which the story is set, the late eighteenth century. Consider seeing southeastern US life during the 1780’s through Lily Thompson’s eyes, some of her sensibilities ahead of their time. I imagine there were several people with similar attitudes hidden throughout history who felt they were the odd one out.

With such a view, Lily lives a life during wartime: hiding, raids, battles, death, and victories among refugees, heroes, and people in between who find her a difficult person with whom to engage, at least at first, perhaps always. Everyday people, some loyal to the British, others feeling the need to be free of British rule, find themselves, one way or another, as part of an army or a militia. Within that context, families are still families, prejudice and misunderstanding play out and are resolved, relationships are formed and broken - but none of these every time. While facing the loss of her family, grief, kidnapping, rescue, hope, and espionage as she’s able, she finds among a few people acceptance, a sense of family, and perhaps a life with loving - a stew of many ingredients.

But will I enjoy the story? If you are looking for a long, intricate, involved story, complex, with multiple threads twisting, jumping through time and place, in the search for hidden secrets and meanings, then no. If you would enjoy a story winding through a slice of American history in a reasonably forthright manner providing characters of clear complexity and interest, then yes.

Disclaimer: I was provided with an advance copy of this work in order that I might offer my opinion.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Patriot's Tale: An American Revolutionary War Novel by Nicole Pierman was a book that I enjoyed reading. This is a new author for me, and I enjoyed how she was able to pull me into world that is set during the American Revolutionary War, and she did a good job at setting the scene from the start. Nicole was able to put a lot of thought and time into the development of the characters and the parts that they play in this book. This is about Lily and her determination to overthrow a British captain due to the fact that this Captain plays a big part in the loss of her brother. Lily is the main character that has a lot on her plate between the death of her brother and what she is dealing with at home from her family. As far as Lily is concerned, the Redcoats are the enemy, and they need to go down for what they have done to her brother. Lily finds herself being held captive, then has to join a spy ring, and has to find a way to help all of those that are struggling just to survive. I really enjoyed the way that Nicole brought Lily and her story to life, Lily brings so much to the plot of the story and Nicole captured all of that wonderfully. Lily is a strong, determined character that brings inspiration to the women of the story. Nicole did a great job at bringing the historical aspects to the tale of Lily as well as developing Lily into a strong, independent character. I look forward to seeing what else Nicole has to bring to us, I highly recommend picking up a copy of this book and getting lost in the story of Lily and all of the adversity that she has to face!

[Emerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

A glimpse into the war that started America through the eyes of a young woman…

A Patriot’s Tale immediately launches into the plot within just the first chapter, introducing us to both Lily and the family that takes her in, the Turners. I will admit, I was a little confused as I hadn’t expected to be placed in the middle of the setting, but I fell into the rhythm and the pacing of Nicole Pierman’s, A Patriot’s Tale. By the end, I was fully immersed.

You may not fall in love with Lily’s character right off the bat, but you understand her flaws, and feel for her as she’s taken in by the Turner family and faced with kidnapping, hardships, trauma in the time of war, loss, and rejoicing in the small moments. As the story progresses, you begin to love her a bit more.

Nicole Pierman did a remarkable job of exploring life during the American Revolutionary War, from the Southeastern US during the 1700s to the horrors of war that created an impact on Lily and those around her.

If you’re seeking an easy, historical read during moments you have time to sit down and invest yourself into a book… A Patriot’s Tale is the one.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for a voluntary honest review.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The American Revolutionary War rages on. Can a young woman overthrow a loyalist-infested district and help the rebel cause turn the tide? South Carolina, 1778. Lily Thompson burns to overthrow the British. In a daring bid to flee her enemies and join the fledgling American fight, she becomes a ward and takes on the guise of a man. But just after joining a raid against the British army, the determined freedom fighter is captured and held for ransom for a hefty price Unable to hide in the shadows after she is released, Lily cannot sit by idly while those around her struggle to survive. Seeing the captain's growing infatuation as a weakness, Lily joins a spy ring in a bid to help the local militia's need to overthrow the vicious British captain. But what will happen to Lily as she plays the dangerously unnerving game of intrigue? If you like strongly independent women, meticulous historical detail, and stories set during the American Revolutionary War, then you will love A Patriot's Tale.
This is not a typical story I would read, but it was interesting to read about what this lady went through during these difficult days and trying to become independent and fight for woman's independence. If you like historical fiction, this is the book for you. I give this book 4 stars.

[Kerry carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really interesting read. I love historical stories and this authors attention to detail really brought this time and the Revolutionary war alive for me.
I love the lead character of Lilly. She is a young woman but she has had to deal with so much loss in her life. I love how determined she is and how she doesn't let anything stop her from achieving the goals she sets out to achieve.
After losing her parents and her brother Lilly is determined to join the rebels and fight against the people who murdered her family.
The problem is she is a woman and at the time women weren't seeing as beings who can fight. However Lilly is determined to prove them wrong, this is her journey as she overcomes obstacles, finds love, recovers from losses and fights to alongside men to win the war.
This is a very real story and is really eye-opening. The characters are written in a way that makes them feel real and you can actually imagine being there with them, fighting alongside them and facing all the odds and obscales against them.
This was one book that I couldn't stop reading until the end.

[Katie Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Patriot's Tale, written by Nicole Pierman, is a story set during the Revolutionary War. Lily Thompson is a young woman who has lost her only family. We travel along with Lily as she navigates her way through hurdles and challenges to obtain retribution by any means necessary for all she has lost. Lily is a little tough to side with at first, but as her strength, courage and determination begins to shine, she becomes such an admirable character. I felt this story really gained momentum quickly, and the pages kept on turning. I believe the author did a wonderful job at researching the topic and has weaved together a very interesting work of historical fiction.

Having relation to a grandfather and grandmother, who both served as spies under the command of General George Washington, this particular war and the stories around it, always have my interest piqued. I am glad I took the time to read this story and I do recommend it if you're a fan of detailed historical fiction stories about war.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gripping American Revolutionary War novel which had me hooked throughout. It is set in South Carolina, during 1778 as the war rages on. We are introduced to the strongly determined and independent Lily Thompson, who is not going to let the fact that she’s a girl, stop her from joining the fight against the British. Lily takes on the guise of a man and joins a raid against the British army only to be captured and held for ransom. Following her release Lily takes advantage of the British captain’s growing infatuation, seeing it as a weakness. She joins a local spy ring in order to help the militia's overthrow him, but this means Lily having to play a dangerous game of intrigue. The author does a great job of setting both time and place, and the descriptive narrative and added historical details transport the reader back in time. I felt immersed in the story and engaged with the characters, especially Lily as I felt invested in her journey. 



[Tausha Treadway · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Patriot's Tale by Nicole Pierman . This is a wonderful historical story about the Revolutionary War in South Carolina. The story follows Lily Thompson who is set to join the Militia because her family has been killed and she wants revenge on the Red Coats. Lily is so head strong and really shows what women were capable of back in the day. We see the horrors of war and even the way many women contributed to the war among the battlefields even. Fighting for their freedom men and women have to endure many things and its not pretty in the least. Lily finds love, loses loves and suffers PTSD from the loss of her family. Trying to fit into a male world and fight like a man is even harder but she tries her best. This book is written so well that I felt like I was in South Carolina during the Revolutionary War. Its a young adult novel but don't let that stop you because it was a wonderful read!

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won a copy through a Goodreads Giveaway, and here is my review.

This book had a lot of potential and an interesting premise, but ultimately suffered from inconsistent pacing and too much telling, not enough showing. For instance, when the main character faced internal conflict throughout the story, we didn't have the benefit of her internal dialogue to clearly understand what she was thinking, but instead were given dialogue with other characters where she stated everything she was thinking and feeling. This led to her character feeling very wishy-washy, instead of conflicted and complex, making her decisions and actions hard to follow. The dialogue itself felt very cartoonish, but lacked the visuals to support the world-building within the different settlements. Similarly, the romantic subplots fell flat, because without the character going "I like you because..." it was unclear that these were anything more than friendships (again more telling, less showing).

The battles, raids, and skirmishes were the highlights of this book, because this was when more information was shown, rather than told. If this level of detail and description was used throughout the story, this could have easily been a 5-star book for me.

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this historical story. This is a newer author for me which I enjoyed how she was able to pull me into the character’s world from the start. I also enjoyed their attention to details that made the story realistic. This is a well written story about Lily and her determination to overthrow a British captain. Lily is a character that has overcome a lot during this time. She was held captive, joins a spy ring, all to help those that are struggling just to survive. I enjoyed Lily and what she brought to the story. She is a strong, determined character that brings inspiration to women of the story. I enjoyed watching the growth of this story which made it easy to read. It is a fast paced story that is hard to put down and entertaining to read. I enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend it.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

A Patriot’s Tale is an historical story set during the American Revolutionary War. It is raw and gritty in parts, full of pain, struggles, challenges, loss, determination, battle, action, adventure, danger, drama, mystery, intrigue, tension, suspense, politics, agendas, friendship, survival, bravery, hope, and interesting, quirky characters.
I can’t imagine being seventeen and having faced and endured everything that Lily (our MC) had to face. She survived, against the odds, with a burning need to set things right. She joins a militia group- and is thrust into the fray, danger stalking her every move. What happens makes for a suspenseful read.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Nicole Pierman!

[Kat Mellon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Patriot's Tale: An American Revolutionary War Novel by Nicole Pierman was a really good book! Very easy to read and a page turner.
This book focuses on Lily, a orphan with a thirst for revenge against the redcoats who m*rdered her family. It follows her along as she meets a family who is able to help her reach a rebel settlement. From there, the storyline takes a surprising twist as the enemy commander at a nearby town is completely taken with her (no spoilers!). I definitely recommend this book!
Strong female character, good for mature teens (some war content) and YA. I also read that this was written when the author was 12! You can tell that it was written with a younger narative in mind, but I still really enjoyed it. Can't wait to see what else this author publishes.

[La Toya · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Patriot’s Tale is a Historical Fiction by Nicole Pierman. We follow Lily Thompson as she searches for a family to make her their ward so that she may join the rebels during the Revolutionary War. Lily meets the Turner family and they set out to Bamburgh to join the rebels. This was an adventurous story with many great details about the war and battles. I liked the variety of characters given to us. Lily is a character who makes a great effort to protect the ones she cares for. I greatly enjoyed the Turner children. Mary and Eric, in particular, were delightful. The story would have benefited from more even writing and doing more showing than telling. This story is fun for those who enjoy determined female leads and historical fiction.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the era of the Revolution in America around South Carolina we meet and follow the very turbulent story of Lily Thompson, whose family are dead and she feels the pull to join the Militia. and fight for what she believes.
Lily is willful and unlike many of the time will not be cowed and subdued in her behaviour, she works for what she believes.
The character growth is really good and those Lily comes into contact with fall deftly onto one side of the war or the other.,their personalities really show through. The world of the time is well written and descriptive. And as an English person, seeing things through this descriptive manner is very helpful.
Well written and I would read more by this author.

[Paloma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lily Thompson had had a traumatic life, after losing her parents and brothers due to the revolution in America against Britain. After training a little she thinks she will be able to make a difference joining the revelion, and has a second thought avenged the wrong to her family.

The Turners are a family touched by the war tragedy, full of hope for a better future, after their brother and mother died, they begin the journey to a place where revels gather in order to stop the English control. Along the way they will find Lily and an adventure like no other will commence.

A historic treat, full of heart warming patriotism.

[Smutty~ Vibes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A patriot's tale is the first book I have read by this author. This book takes place during the Revolutionary war. This Historical read will keep you engrossed in the story the way this author writes this book really makes you feel like you were there you can picture it all. I really enjoyed reading about the characters in this book especially Lily. If you like Historical books and are ready to be engrossed by a book then look no further this book is amazing. Thank you to this author for writing this book. I look forward to reading more books by this author.