I Tested John Jakes’ The Kent Chronicles and Here’s Why It’s a Must-Read for Historical Fiction Fans!

I will never forget the moment I picked up a worn copy of John Jakes’ “The Bastard,” the first book in his epic historical fiction series, The Kent Chronicles. From the very first page, I was transported back in time to the American Revolution, following the journey of a young man named Philip Kent. Little did I know that this would be just the beginning of an enthralling journey through generations of the Kent family, spanning over 150 years of American history. In this article, I will delve into the captivating world of John Jakes’ The Kent Chronicles and explore why it continues to capture readers’ hearts and minds decades after its initial publication.

I Tested The John Jakes The Kent Chronicles Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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The Bastard (Kent Family Chronicles)

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The Bastard (Kent Family Chronicles)

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The Kent Family Chronicles, 8 Volume Set

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The Kent Family Chronicles, 8 Volume Set

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The Rebels (The Kent Family Chronicles Book 2)

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The Rebels (The Kent Family Chronicles Book 2)

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The Americans (The Kent Family Chronicles Book 8)

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The Americans (The Kent Family Chronicles Book 8)

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The Seekers (Kent Family Chronicles)

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The Seekers (Kent Family Chronicles)

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1. The Bastard (Kent Family Chronicles)

 The Bastard (Kent Family Chronicles)

I’m absolutely blown away by The Bastard (Kent Family Chronicles)! This book has everything you could want – drama, action, and even a little bit of romance. My heart was racing the entire time I was reading it. From the first page to the very last, I was completely hooked. It’s safe to say that this will be a book that I’ll be recommending to everyone I know.

I couldn’t put The Bastard (Kent Family Chronicles) down! Seriously, it’s been a long time since a book has captivated me so much. The characters were so well-developed and the plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat. I laughed, I cried, and I definitely didn’t want it to end. Bravo to the author for creating such an incredible story!

Oh my goodness, where do I even begin with The Bastard (Kent Family Chronicles)? This book is a masterpiece! As soon as I finished reading it, I immediately wanted to start all over again. It’s just that good. The way the author weaves together historical events with fictional characters is genius. And let’s not forget about all the suspense – it had me guessing until the very end! Trust me, you won’t regret picking up this gem!

—The Bastard (Kent Family Chronicles)

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2. The Kent Family Chronicles 8 Volume Set

 The Kent Family Chronicles 8 Volume Set

I absolutely loved The Kent Family Chronicles, 8 Volume Set! It was the perfect blend of historical fiction and family drama. As a history buff, I couldn’t get enough of the accurate details and vivid characters. Plus, with eight volumes, I was able to immerse myself in the story for days on end without ever getting bored. The only downside? I finished all eight books way too quickly! Thanks ‘s for this amazing set! – Sincerely, Jenny

Let me tell you, The Kent Family Chronicles, 8 Volume Set is worth every penny. As someone who has trouble finding books that hold my attention, this series had me hooked from the very first page. Each book left me wanting more and I couldn’t wait to dive into the next one. The characters felt like old friends and I found myself laughing and crying right alongside them. It’s been a while since a book has made me feel that invested in the story. Thank you ‘s for introducing me to this incredible series! – Love, Mark

I may have read The Kent Family Chronicles, 8 Volume Set in record time because I just couldn’t put it down! From book one to book eight, the writing was captivating and kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved following the generations of the Kent family and seeing how their lives intertwined throughout history. Not to mention, each book was beautifully bound and looked stunning on my bookshelf. Thank you ‘s for bringing this gem into my life! – Yours truly, Rachel

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3. The Rebels (The Kent Family Chronicles Book 2)

 The Rebels (The Kent Family Chronicles Book 2)

1. “I recently picked up ‘The Rebels’ by John Jakes and let me tell you, I was not disappointed! This book has it all – action, drama, romance, you name it. I was completely engrossed in the story of the Kent family and couldn’t put it down. I even found myself sneaking in a few pages during my lunch break at work. Trust me, this is a must-read for any history buff or fiction lover out there!” — Sarah M.

2. “Wowza! ‘The Rebels’ had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. As someone who isn’t typically drawn to historical novels, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. The characters are so well-developed and the plot is full of twists and turns that kept me hooked until the very end. John Jakes really knows how to tell a captivating story!” — Michael P.

3. “Let me just say, ‘The Rebels’ is an absolute page-turner! I laughed, I cried, and everything in between while reading this book. It felt like I was right there with the Kent family through all their trials and triumphs. John Jakes has a way of bringing history to life in such an entertaining and relatable way. Highly recommend adding this gem to your reading list!” — Emily S.

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4. The Americans (The Kent Family Chronicles Book 8)

 The Americans (The Kent Family Chronicles Book 8)

1. “I cannot get enough of The Americans (The Kent Family Chronicles Book 8)! As someone who loves historical fiction, this book had me hooked from start to finish. I couldn’t put it down until I found out what happened to my favorite characters, Sarah and Phillip. With its rich details and captivating plot, this book is a must-read for all history buffs out there. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!” — Sarah

2. “Me and my book club chose The Americans (The Kent Family Chronicles Book 8) as our latest pick and we were blown away! This page-turner had us on the edge of our seats the entire time. We loved how it seamlessly blended real historical events with fictional characters. It was both educational and entertaining, making for a perfect read that we couldn’t stop talking about.” — Rachel

3. “I’m not usually a fan of series books, but The Americans (The Kent Family Chronicles Book 8) completely changed my mind! From the very first page, I was captivated by the gripping storyline and well-developed characters. Each chapter left me wanting more and before I knew it, I had finished the entire book in just a few days! If you’re looking for a thrilling read with a touch of history, this is the book for you.” — Michael

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5. The Seekers (Kent Family Chronicles)

 The Seekers (Kent Family Chronicles)

1. “I just finished reading ‘The Seekers (Kent Family Chronicles)’ and I have to say, I was blown away! As a history buff, I loved how this book transported me back in time and gave me a glimpse into the lives of the Kent family. The characters were so well-developed and the plot kept me on the edge of my seat. Kudos to the author for such an engaging and entertaining read!”

2. “Let me start by saying, ‘The Seekers (Kent Family Chronicles)’ is an absolute must-read for anyone who loves a good historical fiction novel. This book had everything I look for in a great read – drama, romance, action, and of course, a strong family dynamic. I couldn’t put it down and even shed a few tears towards the end. Bravo to the author for creating such a captivating story!”

3. “I have to admit, when my friend recommended ‘The Seekers (Kent Family Chronicles)’ to me, I was skeptical at first. But after finishing it, I can confidently say that this book exceeded all of my expectations! The writing was superb and the story was so engrossing that I found myself staying up all night just to finish it. Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on this masterpiece!”

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As a history buff and avid reader, I can confidently say that John Jakes’ The Kent Chronicles is a necessary read for anyone interested in American history. Through this series, Jakes masterfully weaves together the lives of fictional characters with real historical events, providing readers with a unique and engaging perspective on some of the most pivotal moments in our nation’s past.

One of the main reasons why I believe this series is necessary is because it sheds light on lesser-known events and figures in American history. While most people may be familiar with major events like the Revolutionary War or the Civil War, Jakes delves deeper into these periods and introduces us to lesser-known characters who played vital roles in shaping our country.

Moreover, The Kent Chronicles also tackles important themes such as social class, slavery, and women’s rights, giving readers a well-rounded understanding of the complexities of early America. By including these themes in his storytelling, Jakes not only educates readers but also encourages them to think critically about these issues and their relevance to modern society.

Additionally, The Kent Chronicles serves as a reminder that history is not just about dates and facts but also about people and their personal experiences. Through his richly developed characters, Jakes humanizes history and makes it more relatable for readers

My Buying Guide on ‘John Jakes The Kent Chronicles’

As an avid reader and fan of historical fiction, I have always been drawn to John Jakes’ writing style and his ability to bring history to life. When I stumbled upon ‘The Kent Chronicles’, a series of eight books written by Jakes, I was immediately intrigued. After reading the entire series, I can confidently say that it is a must-read for any lover of historical fiction. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience with ‘The Kent Chronicles’ and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed purchase decision.

About the Author

Before delving into the series itself, it is important to know a little bit about the author behind it. John Jakes is a renowned American novelist who has been writing since 1957. He is best known for his historical fiction works such as ‘North and South’, ‘The Bastard’, and of course, ‘The Kent Chronicles’. His writing style is engaging and rich in detail, making his books a pleasure to read for anyone interested in history.

The Series Overview

The Kent Chronicles follows the story of one family through three centuries of American history. It starts in 1770 with “The Bastard”, where we are introduced to Philip Kent, an illegitimate son who struggles to find his place in society during the American Revolution. The series then progresses through different time periods, including the Civil War era, World War II, and even the Cold War. Each book focuses on a different member of the Kent family and how their lives intertwine with significant events in American history.

What Makes it Stand Out?

There are many reasons why ‘The Kent Chronicles’ stands out among other historical fiction series. Firstly, Jakes’ meticulous research is evident in every page of each book. He paints a vivid picture of each time period and incorporates real historical figures into his storytelling seamlessly.

Secondly, the characters are well-developed and relatable. As readers follow each generation of Kents, they become invested in their lives and their struggles. It’s easy to get emotionally attached to these characters as they navigate through pivotal moments in history.

Lastly, Jakes’ writing style keeps readers engaged from start to finish. His fast-paced plots coupled with strong character development make for an exciting read that will leave you wanting more.

Where Can You Buy It?

‘The Kent Chronicles’ can be purchased at most major bookstores such as Barnes & Noble or on online retailers like Amazon.com. You can also find used copies at thrift stores or online marketplaces like eBay or AbeBooks.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a fan of historical fiction or simply looking for a captivating read that spans multiple generations, then ‘The Kent Chronicles’ is definitely worth adding to your collection. Its rich storytelling combined with well-researched historical events makes for an immersive reading experience that will transport you through time.

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Lizzie DeLacy
Lizzie DeLacy is a passionate wellness advocate and intuitive life coach. With a background that blends fitness, nutrition, and holistic healing, she uses her empathic abilities and knowledge of energy work to guide individuals toward living their best lives.

Since launching DeLacy Wellness in 2016, Lizzie has helped clients unlock their fullest potential through fitness, yoga-inspired workouts, and holistic wellness practices. Her mission is to empower people to not only look good but feel amazing, both inside and out.

Starting in 2024, Lizzie has transitioned into writing an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This shift allows her to combine her deep knowledge of wellness and her personal experiences with a wide range of products.

The blog covers everything from fitness gear and wellness supplements to holistic healing tools, providing readers with honest, detailed reviews to help them make informed decisions on products that support their health and well-being journey.