Rise to Rebellion

A Novel of the American Revolution

By: Jeff Shaara

Narrated by: Mark Bramhall

Jeff Shaara dazzled audiences with his best-selling novels Gods and Generals, The Last Full Measure, and Gone for Soldiers. Now the acclaimed author who illuminated the Civil War and the Mexican-American War brilliantly brings to life the American Revolution, creating a superb saga of the men who helped to forge the destiny of a nation.

In 1770, the fuse of revolution is lit by a fateful command - “Fire!” - as England’s peacekeeping mission ignites into the Boston Massacre. The senseless killing of civilians leads to a tumultuous trial in which lawyer John Adams must defend the very enemy who has assaulted and abused the laws he holds sacred.

The taut courtroom drama soon broadens into a stunning epic of war as King George III leads a reckless and corrupt government in London toward the escalating abuse of his colonies. Outraged by the increasing loss of their liberties, an extraordinary gathering of America’s most inspiring characters confronts the British presence with the ideals that will change history.

John Adams, the idealistic attorney devoted to the law, who rises to greatness by the power of his words...Ben Franklin, one of the most celebrated men of his time, the elderly and audacious inventor and philosopher who endures firsthand the hostile prejudice of the British government...Thomas Gage, the British general given the impossible task of crushing a colonial rebellion without starting an all-out war...George Washington, the dashing Virginian whose battle experience in the French and Indian War brings him the recognition that elevates him to command of a colonial army...and many other immortal names from the Founding Family of the colonial struggle - Abigail Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Joseph Warren, Samuel Adams, Richard Henry Lee - captured as never before in their full flesh-and-blood humanity.

More than a powerful portrait of the people and purpose of the revolution, Rise to Rebellion is a vivid account of history’s most pivotal events. The Boston Tea Party, the battles of Concord and Bunker Hill - all are recreated with the kind of breathtaking detail only a master like Jeff Shaara can muster. His most impressive achievement, Rise to Rebellion reveals with new immediacy how philosophers became fighters, ideas their ammunition, and how a scattered group of colonies became the United States of America.

©2001 Jeff Shaara (P)2020 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“A rousing novel recounting the events that led to the Declaration of Independence.” (The Washington Times)

“History master Jeff Shaara scores again...with historical accuracy and a you-are-there immediacy.” (The New York Post)

“A panorama of events, motivations, and emotions.... By telling the story of the American republic through this compressed cast of characters, [Shaara] creates an easy intimacy.... Here the chief eyes through which Shaara portrays history belong to Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, George Washington, and the commander of British forces in the colonies, Gen. Thomas Gage.... The binding threads of Shaara’s story are the insights he adds, through imagination and research, into the personalities that shaped events.... Engaging.” (The Christian Science Monitor)

one of the best !

well worth it. Really reignited my desire to learn more about the revolution. a must read !

A fabulous story

I could not put this book down, although I know much of it is just the writer himself, but the commentaries from the individual people were true.

It puts you in a room with our founding fathers.

Absolutely awesome. It feels like you are experiencing the birth of our nation with all of the major players. It puts you inside the heads or inside the room with Ben Franklin, John Adams, George Washington and more... Really, really cool!

Great read (listen)

Story told with care in details and character building. Anyone interested in this topic (and who wouldn’t be?) should definitely get to reading or listening now.

HISTORY COMES ALIVE

An excellent narrative that makes you feel like you're there at the beginning of the American experiment. You hear their motivations and feel their frustration. You become a part of the process that results in the birth of a nation.

It will not disappoint

Shasta’ books never disappoint… I’ve read all but a couple and that will be soon remedied.. Performance on this audio book was excellent

A great story that tells about a great story.

As you go through the book, you can fact check what he says and you'll find that it often matches well with accepted primary sources. I felt it was well done and he told a freat story. Always good to see the founders as real people, instead of the God like figures we used to hear about

Love it!

Shaara is certainly one of my favorite authors right now. Another excellent book and ready to get on to my next story!
JP

Wonderfully Told

A refreshing story told about our (United States) separation from England and all those who fought for our Indepence.

Evan's Review

I continue to read all of Jeff's books. He is my favorite author. Jeff brings to life the characters and events he writes about. I strongly recommend this book.