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Fallon #1
The Fallon Blood: A Novel of the American Revolution
From phenomenally successful fantasy author Robert Jordan ( The Wheel of Time ), writing as Reagan O'Neal, comes The Fallon Blood, a splendid story of the American Revolution. Michael Fallon, bonded servant, with trouble in Ireland just behind him, comes to the New World with one desire―to found a dynasty that need bend the knee to none. In Charleston, South Carolina, Fallon begins. From bondsman to rice planter, from planter to privateer; from the beautiful, disturbingly sensual Elizabeth Carver to the lovely and loving Gabrielle Fourrier; from peace to the greatest Revolution the world had ever seen―a novel beating with the passion of The Fallon Blood .
480 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1980
25 people are currently reading
945 people want to read
About the author
Robert Jordan
681 books17.2k followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Robert Jordan was the pen name of James Oliver Rigney, Jr., under which he was best known as the author of the bestselling The Wheel of Time fantasy series. He also wrote under the names Reagan O'Neal and Jackson O'Reilly.
Jordan was born in Charleston, South Carolina. He served two tours in Vietnam (from 1968 to 1970) with the United States Army as a helicopter gunner. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with bronze oak leaf cluster, the Bronze Star with "V" and bronze oak leaf cluster, and two Vietnamese Gallantry Crosses with palm. After returning from Vietnam he attended The Citadel where he received an undergraduate degree in physics. After graduating he was employed by the United States Navy as a nuclear engineer. He began writing in 1977. He was a history buff and enjoyed hunting, fishing, sailing, poker, chess, pool, and pipe collecting.
He described himself as a "High Church" Episcopalian and received communion more than once a week. He lived with his wife Harriet McDougal, who works as a book editor (currently with Tor Books; she was also Jordan's editor) in a house built in 1797.
Responding to queries on the similarity of some of the concepts in his Wheel of Time books with Freemasonry concepts, Jordan admitted that he was a Freemason. However, "like his father and grandfather," he preferred not to advertise, possibly because of the negative propaganda against Freemasonry. In his own words, "no man in this country should feel in danger because of his beliefs."
On March 23, 2006, Jordan disclosed in a statement that he had been diagnosed with cardiac amyloidosis, and that with treatment, his median life expectancy was four years, though he said he intended to beat the statistics. He later posted on his Dragonmount blog to encourage his fans not to worry about him and that he intended to have a long and fully creative life.
He began chemotherapy treatment at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, in early April 2006. Jordan was enrolled in a study using the drug Revlimid just approved for multiple myeloma but not yet tested on primary amyloidosis.
Jordan died at approximately 2:45 p.m. EDT on September 16, 2007, and a funeral service was held for him on Wednesday, September 19, 2007. Jordan was cremated and his ashes buried in the churchyard of St. James Church in Goose Creek, outside Charleston.
Robert Jordan was the pen name of James Oliver Rigney, Jr., under which he was best known as the author of the bestselling The Wheel of Time fantasy series. He also wrote under the names Reagan O'Neal and Jackson O'Reilly.
Jordan was born in Charleston, South Carolina. He served two tours in Vietnam (from 1968 to 1970) with the United States Army as a helicopter gunner. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with bronze oak leaf cluster, the Bronze Star with "V" and bronze oak leaf cluster, and two Vietnamese Gallantry Crosses with palm. After returning from Vietnam he attended The Citadel where he received an undergraduate degree in physics. After graduating he was employed by the United States Navy as a nuclear engineer. He began writing in 1977. He was a history buff and enjoyed hunting, fishing, sailing, poker, chess, pool, and pipe collecting.
He described himself as a "High Church" Episcopalian and received communion more than once a week. He lived with his wife Harriet McDougal, who works as a book editor (currently with Tor Books; she was also Jordan's editor) in a house built in 1797.
Responding to queries on the similarity of some of the concepts in his Wheel of Time books with Freemasonry concepts, Jordan admitted that he was a Freemason. However, "like his father and grandfather," he preferred not to advertise, possibly because of the negative propaganda against Freemasonry. In his own words, "no man in this country should feel in danger because of his beliefs."
On March 23, 2006, Jordan disclosed in a statement that he had been diagnosed with cardiac amyloidosis, and that with treatment, his median life expectancy was four years, though he said he intended to beat the statistics. He later posted on his Dragonmount blog to encourage his fans not to worry about him and that he intended to have a long and fully creative life.
He began chemotherapy treatment at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, in early April 2006. Jordan was enrolled in a study using the drug Revlimid just approved for multiple myeloma but not yet tested on primary amyloidosis.
Jordan died at approximately 2:45 p.m. EDT on September 16, 2007, and a funeral service was held for him on Wednesday, September 19, 2007. Jordan was cremated and his ashes buried in the churchyard of St. James Church in Goose Creek, outside Charleston.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
February 17, 2019
Despite Robert Jordan being one of my favorite authors, and The Wheel of Time probably being my all time favorite book series, I've never actually read anything else he's written. I don't really give much of a crap about Conan, so I've avoided those, and for a very long time the Fallon trilogy has been out of print and nearly impossible to find, even on digital, due to Jordan's widow not quite trusting the digital medium. But, luckily, Audible has recently done an audio version of the trilogy, and I can finally get to it. I've always been somewhat intrigued by this trilogy's premise, historical fiction of the Revolutionary War, one of my favorite historical periods, written by one of my favorite authors.
Welp, it was okay, but it's no Wheel of Time. I like that it focuses on aspects and events of the American Revolution that are not normally focused on. It's clear that the author had a passion for the history of his hometown, and the part that it played in the Revolution. It's also clear how much research he did on the events he includes in the book. But the characters and romances are pretty weak. Fallon is the only halfway decent character in the book, while most of the others are actively unlikable. It's an interesting look at the American Revolution, from a point of view that you wouldn't normally expect to see it all through, but on the whole it was a bit dull, mostly because of the unlikable characters. Had the characters had, well, more character, the events around them would have been far more enjoyable. I'll probably pick up the second book the next time I have a spare Audible credit I don't know what to do with, but I don't need to immediately go out and grab it to continue the story.
Welp, it was okay, but it's no Wheel of Time. I like that it focuses on aspects and events of the American Revolution that are not normally focused on. It's clear that the author had a passion for the history of his hometown, and the part that it played in the Revolution. It's also clear how much research he did on the events he includes in the book. But the characters and romances are pretty weak. Fallon is the only halfway decent character in the book, while most of the others are actively unlikable. It's an interesting look at the American Revolution, from a point of view that you wouldn't normally expect to see it all through, but on the whole it was a bit dull, mostly because of the unlikable characters. Had the characters had, well, more character, the events around them would have been far more enjoyable. I'll probably pick up the second book the next time I have a spare Audible credit I don't know what to do with, but I don't need to immediately go out and grab it to continue the story.
October 11, 2012
I was blown away by this book. After reading the Wheel of Time series I discovered this read. I usually don't become so emerged in historical fiction but I couldn't put this down. Te characters where built perfectly and their interactions were so natural. Robert Jordan has got talent that makes the best writers envious.
I give this 6 stars and a 21 gun salute.
I give this 6 stars and a 21 gun salute.
June 12, 2008
Ok, so normally I avoid books located in the "Romance" isle of the book store, but in my defense I read the first of this series before I knew it lived in that part of the book store. I picked it up because I heard Reagan O'Neal was another pen name for Robert Jordan (Wheel of Time series), and well I enjoyed the mix of historical fiction, drama, and well,.. let's say if made into a movie it wouldnt be able to get a R rating without a lot of editing..
October 8, 2013
Robert Jordan's 14 volume Wheel of Time series is one of my favorite stories ever. I've read "The Eye of the World" four times, and books 2-4 twice. I love the story, the characters, and especially the way it was told. The characters and the world are so 3D and real.
Which is one reason i picked up the Fallon trilogy to read. That and the fact that it is based in Charleston, where my kids live. Sadly, "The Fallon Blood" was a disappointment (it hurts to say it). The story concept, including the characters and setting, is very promising. But the story is not told well at all. It is somewhat random and flat (SO different than The Wheel of Time!) Jordan's writing style and technique improved greatly in the 10 years between writing this story and writing his classic "The Eye of the World".
I read this first book of the trilogy because i love Robert Jordan, but i probably will not finish this trilogy. It was a great story idea published a little too early in the career of RJ, before he was ready to tell it.
Which is one reason i picked up the Fallon trilogy to read. That and the fact that it is based in Charleston, where my kids live. Sadly, "The Fallon Blood" was a disappointment (it hurts to say it). The story concept, including the characters and setting, is very promising. But the story is not told well at all. It is somewhat random and flat (SO different than The Wheel of Time!) Jordan's writing style and technique improved greatly in the 10 years between writing this story and writing his classic "The Eye of the World".
I read this first book of the trilogy because i love Robert Jordan, but i probably will not finish this trilogy. It was a great story idea published a little too early in the career of RJ, before he was ready to tell it.
October 1, 2019
I don't get the negative reviews of the Fallon series. While waiting for more Wheel of Time books to come out back in 2003, I stumbled across these books and found them in a library. They have Jordan's writing style and I devoured them quickly. I had never read historical fiction and loved how he wove fiction through America's early years. Reading a history book can be boring and Jordan managed to make it interesting. There was a lot of romance which really wasn't my cup of tea but I found it an interesting departure from the Wheel of Time's rated G romance. It has been 15 years since I read these but I remember reading all three in less than 2 weeks and loving them. I think all Jordan fans should give them a chance.
December 31, 2016
Michael Fallon, in the Fallon Blood, is one of the most interesting and believable characters I have found. This book covers his trials and his successes over an extended period of time that covers the American Revolution. I found the book to be very exciting and dramatic, while at the same time historically accurate and educational. I would reccomend this book to anyone. A very enjoyable read. What is Robert Jordan's real name??
May 19, 2020
A great Historical Novel starting in the pre Revolutionary War period continuing thru the time period shortly after the adaptation of the Constitution and Washington's 2nd term ending. The book has lots of action,reads like a romance novel at times with Michael Fallon being pursued by two women at the same time.The book has you wondering what will happen next.
July 18, 2023
Revisiting this piece of historical fiction because I rather enjoy reading Robert Jordan. Jordan is my favorite storyteller. This book is a messy thing really, in that its pace is herky-jerky, scenes will follow one another but be 6 months or longer apart and the omni narration will be employed at odd times after long stretches in tight 3rd person. That said the messy-ness of it is actually fun. I really had no idea what would be happening next. I made a few guesses on where the story was going and was wrong each time. So this messy book is full of roguishness, tavern politicking, adventure on the seas, soldierly campaigning in the American Revolution, and romance. The first half of the book is stronger than the second half to be honest.
October 30, 2025
DNF at page 141 (37%)
Rating: 2 stars (which is being pretty generous)
I went into this book knowing fully well that I wasn't going to like it. It sounds like a strange way to read a book, considering reading is ideally meant to be for enjoyment. And I'm not one to read this week's popular YA novel out of spite just so I can rant about it, and feel some sort of vindication out of proving that I'm "not like other girls".
So why did I pick up The Fallon Blood? Well, because Robert Jordan (or James Rigney Jr. if you want to be politically correct). I didn't want to be one of those people who claim they absolutely love an author, having only read one series written by them. That's a love of the series, not the author. The argument could be made that a reader might love the writing style of an author after reading only a few of their books, but I digress. For instance, I love Rick Riordan, and have done for many years, but it's not just the Percy Jackson series that makes him a favourite of mine. I love everything he has ever written (I should know; I own at least one copy of everything he's published).
So now as I begin my second read through of Jordan's Wheel of Time (only a week after completing my first), I wanted to read more of his works and see if I could consider him a favourite author. I turned to his historical fiction Fallon series. My first reaction was how similar his writing style is, regardless on genre, and I subconsciously expected someone to come and balefire another in 19th century America.
As the story kicked off, I just got bored. But I can deal with bored. I just really wanted to finish. Then I got annoyed. If people complain about the lack of agency given to men in The Wheel of Time, then boy would they get mad at The Fallon Blood. The best way I can describe what was happening was that everyone acted like other characters were pawns on a chess board to be moved and manipulated in order to achieve whatever they needed, and they themselves were also one to another character. No one, man or woman, had any kind of free will and choice. And on top of it all, it was more romance than historical fiction, and we all know how "well" Jordan handles romance.
I don't think I'll be continuing on with the series, or even finish the first book. Perhaps, as my first Jordan work outside Wheel of Time, I will give Warrior of the Altaii a go (which I actually read last year, but don't remember much of) or even try his Conan the Barbarian books. Blood and ashes, what have I got myself into?
Rating: 2 stars (which is being pretty generous)
I went into this book knowing fully well that I wasn't going to like it. It sounds like a strange way to read a book, considering reading is ideally meant to be for enjoyment. And I'm not one to read this week's popular YA novel out of spite just so I can rant about it, and feel some sort of vindication out of proving that I'm "not like other girls".
So why did I pick up The Fallon Blood? Well, because Robert Jordan (or James Rigney Jr. if you want to be politically correct). I didn't want to be one of those people who claim they absolutely love an author, having only read one series written by them. That's a love of the series, not the author. The argument could be made that a reader might love the writing style of an author after reading only a few of their books, but I digress. For instance, I love Rick Riordan, and have done for many years, but it's not just the Percy Jackson series that makes him a favourite of mine. I love everything he has ever written (I should know; I own at least one copy of everything he's published).
So now as I begin my second read through of Jordan's Wheel of Time (only a week after completing my first), I wanted to read more of his works and see if I could consider him a favourite author. I turned to his historical fiction Fallon series. My first reaction was how similar his writing style is, regardless on genre, and I subconsciously expected someone to come and balefire another in 19th century America.
As the story kicked off, I just got bored. But I can deal with bored. I just really wanted to finish. Then I got annoyed. If people complain about the lack of agency given to men in The Wheel of Time, then boy would they get mad at The Fallon Blood. The best way I can describe what was happening was that everyone acted like other characters were pawns on a chess board to be moved and manipulated in order to achieve whatever they needed, and they themselves were also one to another character. No one, man or woman, had any kind of free will and choice. And on top of it all, it was more romance than historical fiction, and we all know how "well" Jordan handles romance.
I don't think I'll be continuing on with the series, or even finish the first book. Perhaps, as my first Jordan work outside Wheel of Time, I will give Warrior of the Altaii a go (which I actually read last year, but don't remember much of) or even try his Conan the Barbarian books. Blood and ashes, what have I got myself into?
March 22, 2021
I didn't think this book was historically accurate, or along the lines of anything I'd ever read by Robert Jordan before. It is what I'd call a "man's beach read" - historical fiction with some semi-raunchy sections. Don't know if it was good enough for me to continue with the series, though...
June 22, 2021
Strikingly similar to Gone with the Wind.
February 26, 2023
I picked this up because I'm a huge Wheel of Time fan, and I never would have gotten through it without constantly giving Robert Jordan excessive benefit of the doubt. In the end, I chalk it up to his having been a young writer early in his career, and also acknowledge that this book was *maybe* a self-aware cringeworthy romance, but even assuming this, two stars is a generous rating.
The thing that bothered me the most about this book was some of the weird moral virtue signalling around slavery (set as it is the American Revolution-era colony of South Carolina). Early chapters include descriptions of slaves appearing "content" and "fulfilled" by the meaningful work they're doing... yikes. At this point I thought maybe the author is luring us in to later subvert our expectations but alas, nope. The main character -- a chiseled, handsome, babe-magnet of impeccable moral character feeling wrongful persecution back home in Ireland -- early sets himself apart as a quirky guy by gratuitously announcing that he's going to hire a bunch of black folks as indentured servants rather than slaves, to be set free after 8 years of service, and people in the community just sort of shrug and think he's a weirdo. Setting aside the abysmal lack of nuance here, the thing that drives me crazy is that towards the end of the story, as we're approaching happily-ever-after, he and his wife just casually decide that, oh gosh, they would *really* love to free these guys but, damn, that would mean they'd go out of business, so... sorry guess y'all just gotta stay slaves, you get it though right??
I in no way think that literature needs to be censored for offensiveness to modern sensibilities, that books should be 'cancelled' because they're not woke enough, but this book is just one long series of wtf moments. All the women are just mindless peons attached to jiggling boobies, black characters are cringey stereotypes, and lack of social awareness aside, the writing just was not good: bad dialogue, weird pacing, and really weird takes on morality.
As a Wheel of Time fan, I'm glad I read this book, because it gave me a glimpse into Robert Jordan's progression as a writer and particularly how his views of and ability to write about women evolved over time. As a standalone book this would be a one star (or zero, would've never finished it), but Jordan lovers might get something out of a very patient read with low expectations.
The thing that bothered me the most about this book was some of the weird moral virtue signalling around slavery (set as it is the American Revolution-era colony of South Carolina). Early chapters include descriptions of slaves appearing "content" and "fulfilled" by the meaningful work they're doing... yikes. At this point I thought maybe the author is luring us in to later subvert our expectations but alas, nope. The main character -- a chiseled, handsome, babe-magnet of impeccable moral character feeling wrongful persecution back home in Ireland -- early sets himself apart as a quirky guy by gratuitously announcing that he's going to hire a bunch of black folks as indentured servants rather than slaves, to be set free after 8 years of service, and people in the community just sort of shrug and think he's a weirdo. Setting aside the abysmal lack of nuance here, the thing that drives me crazy is that towards the end of the story, as we're approaching happily-ever-after, he and his wife just casually decide that, oh gosh, they would *really* love to free these guys but, damn, that would mean they'd go out of business, so... sorry guess y'all just gotta stay slaves, you get it though right??
I in no way think that literature needs to be censored for offensiveness to modern sensibilities, that books should be 'cancelled' because they're not woke enough, but this book is just one long series of wtf moments. All the women are just mindless peons attached to jiggling boobies, black characters are cringey stereotypes, and lack of social awareness aside, the writing just was not good: bad dialogue, weird pacing, and really weird takes on morality.
As a Wheel of Time fan, I'm glad I read this book, because it gave me a glimpse into Robert Jordan's progression as a writer and particularly how his views of and ability to write about women evolved over time. As a standalone book this would be a one star (or zero, would've never finished it), but Jordan lovers might get something out of a very patient read with low expectations.
May 3, 2021
I was given this book (and the two books to complete the trilogy) by my sister, not because she had read it, but because we were both fans of Robert Jordan's "The Wheel of Time" novels, and she wanted to know how it read.
I was wondering if there would be similarities to the Wheel of Time with how the book was laid out with setting, and character development, with the exception of some form of accurate cultural reference to the rise of the American Revolution.
Let me tell you EXACTLY what I told her, since we are both pretty good judges of books:
" "Review of Book 1:
(Insert Benedict Cumberbatch Sherlock GIF that says "Hm. Not interested. Moving on."
Literally just began skimming like no other book I've ever skimmed. How to describe it?
A Mary Sue book with characters of little to no agency AND events of American importance inserted. Like a rough version of "Titanic"...but with the "American way".
I AM willing to give the next books a try though.
Oh, it also has plenty of Bond girls, with a bit over the top "romance" scenes.
And DON'T get me started about the pacing!
The shifting was insane! One page you are here, another paragraph you are here,...blegh.
AND FINALLY, THE CHERRY ON TOP: Omniscient story telling LIKE DUNE!!!!!!
(GIF of Simon Cowell shaking his head saying, "It's a no from me."
(Due to the fact I waited so long to start this series, I am at least {going to} see if the sequels are better). Overall....a GENEROUS 2/10." "
That was my first review, but I have some more to emphasize.
The main character's placement was in places where he saw everything of some historical importance and hardly had ANY obstacles.
Ladies were nothing more than objects and the "romance" was nothing more than sentences depicting lust. Egh.
This is the VERY FIRST BOOK I literally WAS SO BORED WITH, I COULDN'T FINISH IT BY READING IT.
And this is coming from someone who had to read DR. ZHIVAGO!
In conclusion, it's a book, but not for me (though, if this book helped Robert Jordan in his writing process for TWoT, I'll give it that much credit).
I was wondering if there would be similarities to the Wheel of Time with how the book was laid out with setting, and character development, with the exception of some form of accurate cultural reference to the rise of the American Revolution.
Let me tell you EXACTLY what I told her, since we are both pretty good judges of books:
" "Review of Book 1:
(Insert Benedict Cumberbatch Sherlock GIF that says "Hm. Not interested. Moving on."
Literally just began skimming like no other book I've ever skimmed. How to describe it?
A Mary Sue book with characters of little to no agency AND events of American importance inserted. Like a rough version of "Titanic"...but with the "American way".
I AM willing to give the next books a try though.
Oh, it also has plenty of Bond girls, with a bit over the top "romance" scenes.
And DON'T get me started about the pacing!
The shifting was insane! One page you are here, another paragraph you are here,...blegh.
AND FINALLY, THE CHERRY ON TOP: Omniscient story telling LIKE DUNE!!!!!!
(GIF of Simon Cowell shaking his head saying, "It's a no from me."
(Due to the fact I waited so long to start this series, I am at least {going to} see if the sequels are better). Overall....a GENEROUS 2/10." "
That was my first review, but I have some more to emphasize.
The main character's placement was in places where he saw everything of some historical importance and hardly had ANY obstacles.
Ladies were nothing more than objects and the "romance" was nothing more than sentences depicting lust. Egh.
This is the VERY FIRST BOOK I literally WAS SO BORED WITH, I COULDN'T FINISH IT BY READING IT.
And this is coming from someone who had to read DR. ZHIVAGO!
In conclusion, it's a book, but not for me (though, if this book helped Robert Jordan in his writing process for TWoT, I'll give it that much credit).
August 22, 2023
The Fallon Blood was okay. It had potential to be great, but most of the writing was dry and flat. The romances were… problematic… (not surprising) maybe Jordan just fell instantly in love with his wife I’m not really sure, but it’s just not like that in real life. At least maybe it was back then. It’s written in the timeframe of the American Revolution. I rated this a bit higher only because of Jordan’s passion in writing historical events. I did enjoy that aspect. The twists and turn of events was intriguing as well. It was hard to read though because it contains slavery, and rape. Michael Fallon, the main character was the only character was really fleshed out in terms of character depth and development. I’ll still read the rest of the trilogy only because I want to find out what happens to the rest of the Fallons and because I bought the whole trilogy on my kindle. Maybe I would’ve enjoyed this more had I read it before I read The Wheel of Time series ? Although saying that I did see glimpses of elements Jordan included in The Wheel of Time from this story.
August 22, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The main character Michael Fallon arrives in Charleston during the early stages of the American Revolution. He in indentured as a book keeper to Mr. Carver who does exporting and importing. Michael's story evolves from there due to his hard working habits. The numerous personal connections that he makes greatly add to the story and make it very believable. I greatly valued the recurrent pieces of history that get interspersed throughout the story. The conflict with England is of course central. His involvement in the Revolutionary War is quite noteworthy. Who knows where the history ends and the fiction begins. It is a wonderful blending. It would be very interesting to see a study of these two thread.
I am a long time fan of the author Robert Jordon. I am so glad that I found this early book by him. The elements of American history make this an excellent read. The story is so believable and closely tied to the many characters.
I am a long time fan of the author Robert Jordon. I am so glad that I found this early book by him. The elements of American history make this an excellent read. The story is so believable and closely tied to the many characters.
November 20, 2025
I started this book about 25 years ago. I got part way and put it down. I’ve picked it up a couple of times over the years and never finished it. Until now.
I first picked it up because it was my favorite author writing a different genre.
Its genre is officially a “Historical Romance”, and while there are certainly scenes that are surprising to a 14-15 year old boy, I would say it leans more to the historical fiction side than a “bodice ripper”.
I actually learned quite a bit about American History from this book as a teenager, as the dramatization of history made certain concepts stick a lot more than a dry textbook.
The story is pretty good, though it’s certainly a lot faster paced than the Wheel of Time series the author is famous for.
As an adult, I couldn’t help but draw comparisons for this story to the story of Ross Poldark, which my wife and I watched the BBC show of a few years ago.
I first picked it up because it was my favorite author writing a different genre.
Its genre is officially a “Historical Romance”, and while there are certainly scenes that are surprising to a 14-15 year old boy, I would say it leans more to the historical fiction side than a “bodice ripper”.
I actually learned quite a bit about American History from this book as a teenager, as the dramatization of history made certain concepts stick a lot more than a dry textbook.
The story is pretty good, though it’s certainly a lot faster paced than the Wheel of Time series the author is famous for.
As an adult, I couldn’t help but draw comparisons for this story to the story of Ross Poldark, which my wife and I watched the BBC show of a few years ago.
April 4, 2023
While taking a class on the American Revolutionary War, I was told about this historical fiction book that takes place in Charleston, SC during the 1780 and 90s. The book starts off very intriguing with our protagonist, Michael Fallon, sailing to America as an indentured servant and working his way as a clerk to own his own land. As he adapts and learns about life in the South, the war between the British and Americans is beginning and Fallon has to decide if he wants to support the Rebel cause. I enjoyed the characters and historical events, but there was a little too much romance and the drama between the two women in Fallon’s life. Also there were many inaccuracies dealing with American History.
August 9, 2024
I really can’t believe I’m saying this but fantasy might not have been Jordan’s true calling. While I adore and hold the wheel of time to high high regards in my heart, the amount of books it takes to truly rip my heart out or anguish for change. But this delivers all that and more in literally one novel, I’m not sure how the masterful trilogy will unravel with this itself being a near perfect American historical fiction novel in my opinions, and one so layered with layers of heart pounding but also not completely untrue events make for just such a thrilling ride of a book. Long live Mr. Fallon!
July 3, 2024
I’d to give this book a solid 3 1/2 stars. Prior to this, the only Robert Jordan books I had read were his fabulous Wheel of Time series, so reading this was a bit of a shock for me. Honestly, I almost gave up after just a few chapters, because it felt more like a bad romance novel written by a man than the historical fiction it turned out to be. But I trudged on, and I think I did enjoy it to some extent. I will read the second book only because I had already purchased it… Whether I read third book depends on how the second book goes.
February 21, 2024
i tried to like it, i really did. i could not get over the fact that i don't think Robert Jordan... knows how to write women. like, at all. almost every thought the women in this book had was basically about the men and/or their bosoms, which i just found distasteful. i can appreciate some of the historical accuracy, and i'm not saying this is a BAD book objectively, i just really did not enjoy it.
July 5, 2019
not really my cup of tea;
just wanted an insight to robert jordan's early work;
got one as well for the american revolution
it's just sad that i don't have access to the rest
p176: "...i'd like to met the great man in person."
p394: "...if you're retaken they'll thrown you in a cell...."
just wanted an insight to robert jordan's early work;
got one as well for the american revolution
it's just sad that i don't have access to the rest
p176: "...i'd like to met the great man in person."
p394: "...if you're retaken they'll thrown you in a cell...."
October 26, 2019
说的是RJ家乡的事儿，也不知道角色有没有原型，但故事狗血得不得了。男主角是除了反派人见人爱，是个女的都喜欢他，女主角开始单恋，两个人心心相印了，就变得很RJ女角色了，以管理的艺术掌握着丈夫。结尾倒是挺出人意料的，还以为要来个父子情仇，那就来个兄弟情仇吧，结果男主角最后从悲痛中走出来认为至少自己的家庭充满希望，总之就像好几季上世纪电视剧，中间还有演员罢演杀死角色之类的事儿。
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January 8, 2021I liked because, in my strange mind, it was a Forrest Gump kind of a book regarding the Civil War..It took me away on a great adventure and didn't hit me in the face with brutality. I know that it's softened, but, it is all I can handle..Based on this fact, I will read more of this author.
December 8, 2023
I adore The Wheel of Time series; I honour this book bc it must have been practice before the WHEEL of TIME…
Whoever published this gave the writer the encouragement to grow and produce the AMAZING Wheel of Time Series!!!
THIS BOOK DID get me to want to read more about American Revolution!
Whoever published this gave the writer the encouragement to grow and produce the AMAZING Wheel of Time Series!!!
THIS BOOK DID get me to want to read more about American Revolution!
January 19, 2024
Fun read. I'll be honest it was my first "romance" novel.
The Revolutionary historical aspects were neat but shoehorned a bit much at times.
Loved the sailing, mercantile, agricultural, and fighting accuracies. Jordan gave those as much detail and energy as the, ahem, romance.
The Revolutionary historical aspects were neat but shoehorned a bit much at times.
Loved the sailing, mercantile, agricultural, and fighting accuracies. Jordan gave those as much detail and energy as the, ahem, romance.
May 15, 2025
I do not recommend this book. It begins with a sex scene that is overly descriptive. Perhaps less than it could be, but after that, I didn't even feel like finishing the first chapter, much less the rest of the book.
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August 19, 2023I'll say, I was rather disappointed. 50 pages into the book and we've had two gratuitous sex scenes and that's enough for me I'm out.
July 11, 2024
Am I giving this such a high rating simply because Robert Jordan wrote it? Why, yes, I am.
January 8, 2025
A fun period romance/adventure. The characters are easy to love (and hate in some cases).
January 27, 2025
I knocked off many a Lobstah Back in imaginary battles in and around the New England countryside during my youth after we read and did a theatrical version of Johnny Tremain in 5th grade. Im only half way through this novel, but it is interesting to read it from the point of view of someone who resided in the south. I say resided because the protagonist is an Irishman who came to America after a Redcoat stationed in his own country made unwelcome advances towards a local lady and Michael Fallon accidentally killed him. He was an indentured servant upon arrival in Charleston SC who has risen to become a land owner. He owns slaves but they are freed after 8 years of service much like he was. Currently he is a Colonel who leads a cavalry regiment against the British. Good stuff!
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