VALLEY FORGE

Author: David Garland ISBN: 0312327226 12/2006 HISTORICAL FICTION Publisher: ST. MARTIN'S PRESS
Time Period: American Revolution 1777-1778

After a sound defeat and humiliating surrender at Saratoga, Captain Jamie Skoyles and the rest of the surviving members of his British regiment are sequestered in Cambridge, prisoners of war living under the watchful gaze of the rebel army. Frustration is mounting due to both their mistreatment at rebel hands and the indignity of their thrashing on the battlefield. What’s more, Skoyles remains a man divided; while he’s been loyal to the crown for decades, his allegiance is increasingly pulled in the direction of the courageous and steadfast American forces and their noble cause. Though he’s bound by the accords signed upon the surrender to remain with his men and await shipment back to London, a restless Skoyles escapes and makes his way as a double-agent toward Valley Forge, where the rebel commander General George Washington puts his trust in him. As Skoyles skillfully plays both sides against each other, he is soon faced with a tremendous choice: Will he fulfill his mission and bring down the rebel leader, perhaps turning momentum toward his British countrymen? Or will Skoyles allow his rebel sympathies to control his actions, and squander Britain’s best chance to bring the rebellion to its knees?

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

VALLEY FORGE is the second installment of the series revolving around the English soldier, Captain Jamie Skoyles, and his involvement in the fight for America's independence. I read and reviewed the first book of this series, SARATOGA, a short while ago, and was looking forward to reading and finding out what was next in store for this heroic soldier and his lady love, Elizabeth. I'm sure glad I didn't have that long to wait!

This installment begins with Jamie and Elizabeth being held captive by the rebel army in Cambridge. The action begins almost immediately, as Jamie plots their escape back into Red Coat territory. It's not an easy escape road to travel and takes them through a multitude of trials before they're finally successful. Once back in the good graces of the English army, and with Elizabeth under the comfortable protection of a fellow English officer's family, Jamie soon finds himself playing the role of a double spy under the direction of General Howe. What ensues as Jamie works one side against the other and meets up once again with his old friend, the rebel engraver Ezekiel Proudfoot, as well as confronts his nemesis, English Major Harry Featherstone, makes for several hours of engrossing adventure and entertaining reading.

There's just so much historical detail in these books—from the events, the places they take place in, and in the people that participated in this fight for America's freedom—that David Garland makes it almost impossible for you to not want to learn more about this particular time in our nation's history. If you love historical fiction as much as I do, set in a period that's not that commonly featured, then David Garland's American Revolution series is one set of books you won't want to miss out on. I highly recommend them and can hardly wait for the next one.

Nancy Davis