The Bastard: The Kent Family Chronicles, Book 1

For all historical fiction fans. I can't believe these books have been in publication way before I was even born and having developed a love of historical fiction over the past 15 years or so, I am only now discovering this author and his highly addictive and informative books. They not only cover American history but that of England owing to the colonial relationship that existed between these countries prior to and following American independence. I have already started reading the second book in this series and as with this book, have been hooked from the first chapter.

We've been having a clear out at home, a load of books and things that I'd put aside for car boot sale etc have all been turfed but some books that were among them and I saved were the first four books in the Kent Family Chronicles by John Jakes. I'm not kidding when I say I bought these YEARS ago, I really mean years and years and so many times I've put them with the charity pile and hooked them back out again. I think maybe it was because the entire Kent Family Chronicles is a series of eight books, all of about 600 pages and the thought of beginning such an epic series was quite daunting. Nevertheless I really DID want to read them, so bit the bullet and started reading the first book, The Bastard.This first book in the series begins in 18th Century France where Philippe Charboneau lives with his mother at a remote Inn. There is some question over his parentage and it is revealed to him when he is 18 that his father is an English Lord, The Earl of Kentland, who has recognised his son with a letter and instructed that Philippe should receive a part of his estate should the Earl die. Upon hearing word that the Earl is ill, Philippe and his mother travel to England the claim the inheritance. When they arrive they find that the Earl's wife and son are determined that Philippe will not claim the inheritance and thus threaten his life on several occasions. Philippe decides that it would be better to abandon his claim to any estate and try and make his own way across the Atlantic in the exciting colonies of America.After arriving in America Philippe - now having named himself Philip Kent - finds himself involved with the American rebels and tries to make a life for himself just as America is going to war.I've already read some of John Jakes' books, having loved the North and South mini-series, and that trilogy was a very easy read despite each book being a similar 600-odd pages long. One I actually determined to pick up this book it was also a very quick read. I really enjoyed the historical aspect, as I don't know a great deal about the American revolution. Jakes seamlessly weaves his characters among the real-life revolutionaries and although he builds in a lot of historical details, but it is not too much that they become boring. This novel necessarily builds the foundation of the series so, perhaps doesn't have as much action until it gets near to the end, but this is understandable with this being the first book.The Bastard is a good beginning to what I hope will continue to be a gripping series, taking the Kent family right up to the US Bicentennial and I'd definitely recommend it if you have the time...

As someone who loves history, I loved the way John Jake's wove a fictional character into a factual account. I've learnt more in this book than in any history book in an enjoyable way, It just was a thrilling read and am going to read all books in the series. I've already read his north and south trilogy. Amazing author.

I read the complete Kent Family Chronicles when I was in my twenties and absolutely loved them. Now, in my fifties I have started to read them again, this time on my Kindle. Times may have changed but the novels are still the same - brilliant.

I hope that this series of books give me an incite into American history.in a readable way. I don't want a crusty history book, readingthesenovels I hope will give me a good read and some.knowledge

Love the historical side,learned more about the colonisation of America than all the history books I have read. Am now on book 2 of the series 'The Rebels' hope it is as good.

Just what I wanted. The book looks like new.Thank you

have as not finished reading this item which is on my kindle, and have since picked up a book, so may be some time before I finish item

Read the whole series on hard cover many years ago. Loved them. Downloaded this time in error.

Forgive the unoriginal title of this review, but I am definitely not a professional reviewer. I am, however, a semi-professional reader and this book is an amazing amazing amazing read! And so is the series, which I'm currently on book 3.Brian Lee Durfee HIGHLY recommended this book and series - The Kent Family Chronicles - from his YouTube channel and it prompted me to read it.First off, these books are quite hard to come by. Especially books 4 and on which need to be purchased used online as far as I can tell. Sadly, these books aren't stocked anywhere! And from what I understand they were EVERYWHERE in the 70s as the book and series blew up on the Times' bestseller list over and over. It saddens me that demand no longer seems to exist for this series, especially given how incredible it is. I do believe if people knew more about it it would grow in popularity and perhaps the publisher would once again make them available.This book hooks you FAST! It's got a great premise, great characters and is a real page turner. So much so I immediately began reading book #2. It falls under historical fiction and trust me, even if you're not a fan of historical fiction, you'd love this. Same as with Ken Follett's Pillars of the Earth. Anyway, I give it 5 stars, I'd give more if I could. You can watch a movie from the 70s and quickly feel how dated it is. However, in my opinion, you can't with books and this one certainly stands the test of time as far as story quality goes.

Este es el primer tomo de una saga que narra, en forma novelada, la historia de Estados Unidos desde 1769. Empieza en Francia, tierra de La Fayette. Es fascinante y muy bien escrita y documentada! Entiendo el exito que tuvo cuando se publicó en los 70's!!! Muy recomendable.

It's many years since I read The Kent Family Chronicles and I've just bought them all so that I can enjoy them all over again. The way the fictional characters are woven into history and interact with the historical characters is excellent even though some poetic licence may be employed from time to time, If you like American history and a good yarn you should like these books.

John Jakes hat einen tollen erfindungsreichen Erzaehlstil und bewegt sich dabei sehr genau an den historischen Tatsachen entlang. Wenn die Geschichten auch etwas fantastisch werden, da der Held fast alle historischen Personen persönlich kennenlernt, so ist es trotzdem spannend, sehr gut lesbar und man erfährt lebendig die amerikanische Geschichte.