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Writer's pictureChristina Boyd

Guest Review: THE TURNCOAT by T.J. London



ABOUT THE BOOK After Captain John Carlisle’s dance with death, he’s retreated to the serenity of the Oneida village with his beloved Dellis McKesson to hide from the inevitable truth that war is coming to the Mohawk River Valley. But when duty calls, and John’s expertise is needed to negotiate a treaty with the Six Nations of the Iroquois and the Crown, he’ll once again be forced to decide between his conscience and his king.But many secrets have yet to be revealed, and a deal with the Devil made in desperation threatens to ruin Dellis and John’s love. As ghosts of the past resurface and a bitter family rivalry exposes betrayal from those closest to her, Dellis is dragged down a devastating path to the truth of her parent’s murders. The die is cast as St. Leger and his native allies lay siege to Fort Stanwix. The British are planning a secret attack that will force the Rebels and the Oneida into a bloody battle at Oriskany, further dividing John’s loyalties and leaving him on the precipice of a decision: Rebel or Redcoat?

 

Opening Lines:

June 1777, Fort Stanwix, New York Colony
“Karma, the gun…justice, the bullet…judgments passed, transgressions exposed—
You get what you deserve.”

GUEST REVIEW by Sophia Rose

Rich in historical detail and true to this volatile and bloody period in history, the opening notes of the Revolutionary War, the gritty and intense "Rebels and Redcoats Saga" has many intriguing characters, but the spotlight has mostly been on British soldier and spy, John Carlisle.   

John and Dellis’ story has always been a struggle not only of their own making, but there are plenty of people surrounding them, like her evil uncle James McKesson, shady cousin, and the grasping woman who wants John Carlisle for herself, Celeste Allen, who all work to maneuver the pair.  T.J. London can dazzle with her complex villain characters as much (or more so) with her heroes and heroines.

 

John has managed to keep his status as spy from Dellis until now, and I was on bated breath for when she and the others knew all.  I’ve enjoyed seeing John’s personal strength and character grow throughout the series so that he’s dealing with his previous choices and mistakes against a greater situation. This was the finale of John and Dellis’s part of the story as the main pairing, so things crescendo to a series of big moments saturated with brutal and tragic loss but also a hot and tempestuous romance.  


And, when I say brutal, I will warn future readers/listeners that there are dark notes when London pulls no punches and paints a stark reality all through this series (some related to war and others to people are just evil toward one another.)

 

As to the full cast, the former narrator for John’s voice was replaced, but I’ve already enjoyed Kale Williams’s work, so I had no doubts with him coming on board. He is joined by the rest of the familiar and fabulous cast: Tara Langella, Patrick Zeller, Marnye Young, John Hartley, James Cheatham, Nicholas Boulton, Shayna Small, Samantha Brentmoor, Adam Gold, Connor Crais, and Dane Anderson, who make a sensational story more sensual and riveting. I wouldn’t miss the audio version for the world.

 

The Turncoat had me in its grip and left me emotionally wrung out. I can’t praise these enough. If you love a deep, tumultuous historical fiction, snap up the "Rebels and Redcoats Saga" in audio.


The Turncoat by TJ London, narrated by full cast

#4 "Rebels and Redcoats Saga"

Historical Fiction

Publisher:  TJ London

Published:  7.28.23

Time:  22 hours 50 minutes

Rating:  5 stars

Narrator Rating: 5 stars

Source:  Author and Caffeinated PR

 

 


Smiling white woman with shirt dark hair, dark eyes, wearing hoop earrings, beige top.
T.J. London, author

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

T.J. London is a rebel, liberal, lover, fighter, diehard punk, medical professional, and author who loves history. Her favorite time period to write is the American Revolutionary War (is there any other time period?). Her passions are traveling, writing, reading, cycling, and sharing a martini with friends while collecting experiences in this drama called life. Native of Metropolitan Detroit (but secretly dreams of being a Londoner) and resides there with her husband, Fred, and her COVID-19 rescue kitten, Hamilton. Connect with London via WEBSITE.



Animated illustration, white female with brown eyes and brown hair
Sophia Rose

ABOUT SOPHIA ROSE, REVIEWER

Sophia is a quiet though curious gal who dabbles in cooking, book reviewing, piano-playing, and gardening. Road trips and campouts, museums and monuments, restaurants and theaters are her jam. Encouraged and supported by an incredible man and loving family. A Northern Californian transplant to the Great Lakes region of the US. Lover of Jane Austen, baseball, cats, Scooby Doo, and chocolate.


As a lifelong reader, it was inevitable that Sophia would discover book blogs and the joy of blog reviewing. In 2012, she submitted her first book review and is currently an associate reviewer.


Sophia is a prolific reader and audiobook listener which allows her to experience many wonderful books, authors, and narrators. Few genres are outside her reading tastes, but her true love is fiction particularly history, mystery, sci-fi, and romance. Sorry, no horror...or she will run like Shaggy and Scooby.


Connect with Sophia via FACEBOOK GOODREADS TWITTER 



4 Comments


Guest
Nov 20, 2023

Definitely eager for this one here! I would like to try this series in 2024. Very intrigued about it, as long as it has some good romance haha


Renee@Addicted to Romance

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Sophia Rose
Sophia Rose
Nov 22, 2023
Replying to

Oh yeah, the romance is prominent and sexy, Renee. Its a full force saga for the senses. :)

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Guest
Nov 16, 2023

I've seen a lot of praise for this author and series. It sounds pretty intense for me. I'd have to brace myself and prepare before tackling it. Wonderful review, Sophia!


Rachel @Waves of Fiction

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Sophia Rose
Sophia Rose
Nov 16, 2023
Replying to

Yeah, Rachel! I got queasy in parts of each from some of the brutal actions. With an all-star cast reading it, it's like seeing it at the movies so you do have to gear up your mind for it.

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