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Counter Currents: A Story of Smugglers, River Pirates, Love, War and Freedom Fighters in 1838
Counter Currents is the 2013 Silver Medal Winner for Historical Literature Fiction - Modern (set 1500-1940 AD) awarded by Dan Poynter's Global Ebook Awards.
Ryan, 19, arrives in colonial Canada at the outbreak of the 1838 Patriot War. Cast out, he becomes a smuggler amid the grandeur of the Thousand Islands. He falls for Kate, daughter of local legend, smuggler, rebel and pirate, Bill Johnston. Ryan strives to win Kate's heart with the help of her older cousin Ada. Ada develops feelings for Ryan and he in turn grapples with his attraction to Ada. Circumstances drive Ryan into a deadly web of adventure, piracy and rebellion. Tugged by the opposing currents of romance and war, Ryan struggles to reconcile his tragic family history, his duty and his heart.
Counter Currents is a story of smugglers, river pirates, rebels, love, war, and freedom fighters. Spanning 1837 to 1845, most scenes are set against the beauty and grandeur of the Thousand Islands during the drama of the Patriot War in 1838. That year, rebels attacked Canada 12 times from the USA. Among the raiders was the legendary Bill Johnston.
Bill Johnston schools Ryan in the smuggler's ways in the lawless archipelago of the Thousand Islands. Ryan's first taste of violence is a midnight raid on a private steamer, the Sir Robert Peel. Johnston, Ryan, and a dozen others attack the ship, remove the passengers and crew, and then loot and burn it.
Johnston spends the summer hiding from a massive US and British force sent to find him. Ryan continues smuggling, while Johnston's 18-year-old daughter, Kate, runs supplies to her fugitive father. Independent, fearless and beautiful, locals called Kate the Queen of the Thousand Islands.
That summer, Kate and Ryan fall in love. Ryan is coached by Kate's older cousin Ada on how to best capture Kate's heart. Over time, Ada develops feelings for Ryan. Ryan, in turn, struggles with his attraction to Ada.
Bill coaxes Ryan to join the Hunters Lodge, a militant secret society dedicated to the overthrow of the British in Canada.
Captured after a raid on Canada, Ryan uses every guile, trick and hard-learned lesson to extricate himself from prison, so that he can return to Kate. The gallows or a trip to the Tasmanian penal colony awaits him if he fails.
The story builds on real events surrounding the Patriot War and stays close to historic facts. Over 30 non-fiction characters play small to major rolls, including a young John A. Macdonald, later to become Canada's first prime minister, and Daniel D. Heustis, an extraordinary but unsung American hero.
Ryan, 19, arrives in colonial Canada at the outbreak of the 1838 Patriot War. Cast out, he becomes a smuggler amid the grandeur of the Thousand Islands. He falls for Kate, daughter of local legend, smuggler, rebel and pirate, Bill Johnston. Ryan strives to win Kate's heart with the help of her older cousin Ada. Ada develops feelings for Ryan and he in turn grapples with his attraction to Ada. Circumstances drive Ryan into a deadly web of adventure, piracy and rebellion. Tugged by the opposing currents of romance and war, Ryan struggles to reconcile his tragic family history, his duty and his heart.
Counter Currents is a story of smugglers, river pirates, rebels, love, war, and freedom fighters. Spanning 1837 to 1845, most scenes are set against the beauty and grandeur of the Thousand Islands during the drama of the Patriot War in 1838. That year, rebels attacked Canada 12 times from the USA. Among the raiders was the legendary Bill Johnston.
Bill Johnston schools Ryan in the smuggler's ways in the lawless archipelago of the Thousand Islands. Ryan's first taste of violence is a midnight raid on a private steamer, the Sir Robert Peel. Johnston, Ryan, and a dozen others attack the ship, remove the passengers and crew, and then loot and burn it.
Johnston spends the summer hiding from a massive US and British force sent to find him. Ryan continues smuggling, while Johnston's 18-year-old daughter, Kate, runs supplies to her fugitive father. Independent, fearless and beautiful, locals called Kate the Queen of the Thousand Islands.
That summer, Kate and Ryan fall in love. Ryan is coached by Kate's older cousin Ada on how to best capture Kate's heart. Over time, Ada develops feelings for Ryan. Ryan, in turn, struggles with his attraction to Ada.
Bill coaxes Ryan to join the Hunters Lodge, a militant secret society dedicated to the overthrow of the British in Canada.
Captured after a raid on Canada, Ryan uses every guile, trick and hard-learned lesson to extricate himself from prison, so that he can return to Kate. The gallows or a trip to the Tasmanian penal colony awaits him if he fails.
The story builds on real events surrounding the Patriot War and stays close to historic facts. Over 30 non-fiction characters play small to major rolls, including a young John A. Macdonald, later to become Canada's first prime minister, and Daniel D. Heustis, an extraordinary but unsung American hero.
290 pages, Paperback and ebook
First published February 12, 2012
7 people want to read
About the author
Shaun J. McLaughlin
11 books3 followersI maintain two history blogs: one on the Patriot War (www.raidersandrebels.com); and, one on William Johnston, the Thousand Islands legend (www.piratebilljohnston.com). Soon this legend will be available in book form.
I have completed a biography of "Pirate" Bill Johnston and have signed a publishing agreement with the Beacon Publishing Group. The release date is pending.
In 2012, I published two books:
- the "Patriot War Along the New York-Canada Border" (a history book)
- and "Counter Currents" (a historical novel). It received the 2013 silver medal for Historical Literature Fiction from Global Ebook Awards.
Both tell the story of the Patriot War along the St. Lawrence River in 1838.
In 2013, I published a second history book, the "Patriot War Along the Michigan Canada Border." It was a finalist in the 2014 Next Generation Indie Book Awards in the historical non-fiction category.
In December 2014, I published a sequel to Counter Currents, Dark Southern Sun.
I have begun writing a new novel, my first contemporary fiction work.
I wrote and published a series of sci-fi novelettes. I have unpublished them. I was not happy with the writing. I plan to rework the series into a single novel someday.
A researcher, journalist and technical writer for over thirty years, with a master’s degree in journalism, I live on a hobby farm in Eastern Ontario.
You can get more info at: www.raidersandrebelspress.com.
I have completed a biography of "Pirate" Bill Johnston and have signed a publishing agreement with the Beacon Publishing Group. The release date is pending.
In 2012, I published two books:
- the "Patriot War Along the New York-Canada Border" (a history book)
- and "Counter Currents" (a historical novel). It received the 2013 silver medal for Historical Literature Fiction from Global Ebook Awards.
Both tell the story of the Patriot War along the St. Lawrence River in 1838.
In 2013, I published a second history book, the "Patriot War Along the Michigan Canada Border." It was a finalist in the 2014 Next Generation Indie Book Awards in the historical non-fiction category.
In December 2014, I published a sequel to Counter Currents, Dark Southern Sun.
I have begun writing a new novel, my first contemporary fiction work.
I wrote and published a series of sci-fi novelettes. I have unpublished them. I was not happy with the writing. I plan to rework the series into a single novel someday.
A researcher, journalist and technical writer for over thirty years, with a master’s degree in journalism, I live on a hobby farm in Eastern Ontario.
You can get more info at: www.raidersandrebelspress.com.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 7, 2013
Ryan Lone Pine, much like his beloved pet and constant companion raven Zak, isn't meant to settle down. He is most at home under the stars sleeping on moss in the woods than he is in a comfy bed in a warm house. Like his bird, he is meant to be un-tethered, wild and free.
Ryan has an adventurous life that most young men would dream of... For starters, he was born in Ireland, and then immigrated to Canada. We never learn much about his family, other than about his grandfather who he emulates. Later on in life, Ryan lived a summer with an Algonquin tribe where he was given his last name, and taught by them how to live off the land which comes in handy in the future. He's hiked 12 miles in the bitter cold after being arrested, and lived to tell the story mostly unharmed, (minus having to self amputate the tip of his finger). He's smuggled tea and burned down the Sir Robert Peel with the legendary pirate Bill Johnston. He's fell in love with a young woman named Kate, also Bill Johnston's daughter. He loses his virginity to a beautiful older woman, interestingly enough, the cousin of the woman he is truly in love with. Last but not least, he fought the British army, faced the horrors of war, and tended to the wounded, for which he was later arrested and nearly hung for. All in 21 years of life!
Ryan, although a traitor and pirate, is a very likable character. Everything he does, he does for his fellow man. Unfortunately for him, he can't seem to keep himself out of trouble, (which repels the one woman he would settle down for). When he asks her to marry him, she replies "maybe", as long as he can stay out of the things that may bring them both problems.
Sadly, they do not ever marry, as the Lieutenant-Governor rescinded everyone's release warrants. Years later Ryan is finally released, only to find out that Kate has accepted someone else's marriage proposal.
All is not sad because Ryan does what he does best, and he sails out to live another life and undoubtedly to come across new adventures.
What I immediately enjoyed about this story is Ryan's constant companion Zak the raven. I enjoyed reading about how Zak saved Ryan many a time when enemies approached, and even assisted during the war. I was happy to learn that Zak eventually met a female raven and they made a family together. That was a real heartwarming moment.
While I wished Kate and Ryan to be together, I think in keeping with his character it was best that Ryan Lone Pine stayed solitary. At least Zak the raven found love. :)
Counter Currents by Shaun J. McLaughlin is a silver medal winning historical fiction about a young man and his adventures before, during, and after the Patriot War. I enjoyed this story and I believe this novel would be perfect for an adolescent boy with a taste for adventure, and war fiction fans alike. There is some adult content, but not to the point throughout that it would be inappropriate for a boy aged 12 up to read.
So if you are interested in the Patriot war, pirates, smugglers, and lots of misadventure, this may be the book for you!
***I was provided with an E-Book of Counter Currents by the Author for a fair and honest review.
Ryan has an adventurous life that most young men would dream of... For starters, he was born in Ireland, and then immigrated to Canada. We never learn much about his family, other than about his grandfather who he emulates. Later on in life, Ryan lived a summer with an Algonquin tribe where he was given his last name, and taught by them how to live off the land which comes in handy in the future. He's hiked 12 miles in the bitter cold after being arrested, and lived to tell the story mostly unharmed, (minus having to self amputate the tip of his finger). He's smuggled tea and burned down the Sir Robert Peel with the legendary pirate Bill Johnston. He's fell in love with a young woman named Kate, also Bill Johnston's daughter. He loses his virginity to a beautiful older woman, interestingly enough, the cousin of the woman he is truly in love with. Last but not least, he fought the British army, faced the horrors of war, and tended to the wounded, for which he was later arrested and nearly hung for. All in 21 years of life!
Ryan, although a traitor and pirate, is a very likable character. Everything he does, he does for his fellow man. Unfortunately for him, he can't seem to keep himself out of trouble, (which repels the one woman he would settle down for). When he asks her to marry him, she replies "maybe", as long as he can stay out of the things that may bring them both problems.
Sadly, they do not ever marry, as the Lieutenant-Governor rescinded everyone's release warrants. Years later Ryan is finally released, only to find out that Kate has accepted someone else's marriage proposal.
All is not sad because Ryan does what he does best, and he sails out to live another life and undoubtedly to come across new adventures.
What I immediately enjoyed about this story is Ryan's constant companion Zak the raven. I enjoyed reading about how Zak saved Ryan many a time when enemies approached, and even assisted during the war. I was happy to learn that Zak eventually met a female raven and they made a family together. That was a real heartwarming moment.
While I wished Kate and Ryan to be together, I think in keeping with his character it was best that Ryan Lone Pine stayed solitary. At least Zak the raven found love. :)
Counter Currents by Shaun J. McLaughlin is a silver medal winning historical fiction about a young man and his adventures before, during, and after the Patriot War. I enjoyed this story and I believe this novel would be perfect for an adolescent boy with a taste for adventure, and war fiction fans alike. There is some adult content, but not to the point throughout that it would be inappropriate for a boy aged 12 up to read.
So if you are interested in the Patriot war, pirates, smugglers, and lots of misadventure, this may be the book for you!
***I was provided with an E-Book of Counter Currents by the Author for a fair and honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2017
Dressed in buckskins, 19-year-old Ryan Long Pine sends his canoe into Canada’s busy Kingston harbor. It is 1837 and he stands out: “Not yet an anachronism, he was a curiosity”. Alone in the world except for the raven who accompanies him, Ryan is not looking for adventure; he is looking for a job. Armed with good carpentry skills learned from his father and trapping skills learned from a stint with a family of Algonquins, he can fend for himself. His work ethic quickly endears him to the shipbuilder where he first applies.
Full of adventure, this story covers the period of the Patriot War, in which rebels attacked Canada eleven times, attempting to liberate it from British rule. The Patriots were a grass-roots organization of Canadians who had run afoul of the British and sympathetic Americans who wanted to extend their republican ideals to their neighbors.
Although he suffered injustice in his native Ireland and on arriving in Canada, Ryan has buried his resentment. His only goal is the quite ordinary one of wanting to find work and make a life for himself. As an Irishman, he refuses to fight for or take orders from the British who still run the colony, but he’s not a fire-breathing revolutionary either. He just wants to be left alone. That’s all he asks for.
McLaughlin’s prose is smart and competent. Backstory is parceled out neatly, and there is a good mix of narrative and scenes. Dialect is used sparingly, with just enough to give the flavor of speech without being overdone.
One thing that would enhance this story is a little more complexity to the characters. Ryan is all good. He doesn’t drink or smoke. He’s honest and hard-working, trustworthy, loyal, brave, clean and reverent, as the oath goes. On the other hand, the bully he encounters is all bad: dishonest, mean, and vengeful. And ugly to boot: “an unkempt and overweight hunter. . . his jowls shook as his teeth mangled a plug of tobacco. . . his narrow eyes pits of hatred”. Vivid writing, to be sure, but some character shading would make the story more interesting.
This is a good example of a plot-driven story, as opposed to a character-driven story. And it’s a terrific plot. Ryan falls in with Bill Johnston, the famous smuggler and river pirate in the Thousand Islands and begins helping with his smuggling operations. Johnston, like many other characters, are actual historical persons; McLaughlin’s research is impressive. Ryan also gets involved with the Patriots and participates in some of their daring operations.
It’s an exciting tale, tempered by scenes of celebration and solitude. Ryan falls in love with Johnston’s daughter, Kate, and is torn between the undertakings of war and the joys of domesticity. Unfortunately, the ending rather trickled away without the expected climax, historically accurate but a bit disappointing. Still, I liked the way it echoed the beginning.
I knew nothing of the Patriot War before reading this novel and am grateful for the opportunity to expand my understanding of U.S./Canada relations. What historical novels have you enjoyed?
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a digital copy of this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Full of adventure, this story covers the period of the Patriot War, in which rebels attacked Canada eleven times, attempting to liberate it from British rule. The Patriots were a grass-roots organization of Canadians who had run afoul of the British and sympathetic Americans who wanted to extend their republican ideals to their neighbors.
Although he suffered injustice in his native Ireland and on arriving in Canada, Ryan has buried his resentment. His only goal is the quite ordinary one of wanting to find work and make a life for himself. As an Irishman, he refuses to fight for or take orders from the British who still run the colony, but he’s not a fire-breathing revolutionary either. He just wants to be left alone. That’s all he asks for.
McLaughlin’s prose is smart and competent. Backstory is parceled out neatly, and there is a good mix of narrative and scenes. Dialect is used sparingly, with just enough to give the flavor of speech without being overdone.
One thing that would enhance this story is a little more complexity to the characters. Ryan is all good. He doesn’t drink or smoke. He’s honest and hard-working, trustworthy, loyal, brave, clean and reverent, as the oath goes. On the other hand, the bully he encounters is all bad: dishonest, mean, and vengeful. And ugly to boot: “an unkempt and overweight hunter. . . his jowls shook as his teeth mangled a plug of tobacco. . . his narrow eyes pits of hatred”. Vivid writing, to be sure, but some character shading would make the story more interesting.
This is a good example of a plot-driven story, as opposed to a character-driven story. And it’s a terrific plot. Ryan falls in with Bill Johnston, the famous smuggler and river pirate in the Thousand Islands and begins helping with his smuggling operations. Johnston, like many other characters, are actual historical persons; McLaughlin’s research is impressive. Ryan also gets involved with the Patriots and participates in some of their daring operations.
It’s an exciting tale, tempered by scenes of celebration and solitude. Ryan falls in love with Johnston’s daughter, Kate, and is torn between the undertakings of war and the joys of domesticity. Unfortunately, the ending rather trickled away without the expected climax, historically accurate but a bit disappointing. Still, I liked the way it echoed the beginning.
I knew nothing of the Patriot War before reading this novel and am grateful for the opportunity to expand my understanding of U.S./Canada relations. What historical novels have you enjoyed?
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a digital copy of this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
March 1, 2014
This book is an engaging look back to a time of America's early history, and our battles with Canada. I'd never read anything written specifically about these battles before, and this was an informative as well as entertaining story. Much of the story is based on true historical facts. It is mainly the story of one young man's journey from Ireland to a very young and developing America by way of Canada. Along the way, he gets involved in all kinds of misadventures, but manages to escape peril for the most part.
He falls in love with a young woman who promises to wait for him when he is arrested and sent to serve out his sentence on the infamous Van Dieman's Land.
While I did lose interest slightly during all the descriptions of the battle scenes, I realize they are a crucial part of the story and, therefore, necessary. All in all, I think it is a very well-researched and well-written story. The characters and situations are very realistic and well-developed. If you are a history buff, as I am, then I think you will very much enjoy this book.
He falls in love with a young woman who promises to wait for him when he is arrested and sent to serve out his sentence on the infamous Van Dieman's Land.
While I did lose interest slightly during all the descriptions of the battle scenes, I realize they are a crucial part of the story and, therefore, necessary. All in all, I think it is a very well-researched and well-written story. The characters and situations are very realistic and well-developed. If you are a history buff, as I am, then I think you will very much enjoy this book.
April 29, 2013
"Counter Currents" is the story of Irish immigrant Ryan Lone Pine, who is caught up in Canada's Wars of Independence in the early 19th century.
Author Shaun J. McLaughlin has peopled his book with both historical figures and fictional characters. By telling Ryan's story, he tells the stories of both the United States' early years and Canada's struggle for independence from the British. His characters are well-drawn and interesting, and his book is informative without being didactic.
As we read about Ryan's involvement with smugglers, patriots (on both sides of the argument) and his growing love for an infamous man's daughter, we see the history of the North American continent growing and changing.
I enjoyed the book a great deal and would recommend it without hesitation to historical fiction fans.
Author Shaun J. McLaughlin has peopled his book with both historical figures and fictional characters. By telling Ryan's story, he tells the stories of both the United States' early years and Canada's struggle for independence from the British. His characters are well-drawn and interesting, and his book is informative without being didactic.
As we read about Ryan's involvement with smugglers, patriots (on both sides of the argument) and his growing love for an infamous man's daughter, we see the history of the North American continent growing and changing.
I enjoyed the book a great deal and would recommend it without hesitation to historical fiction fans.
February 19, 2016
Well written historical fiction
I loved this story. Woven around the 1000 island area of the St Lawrence this book kept me rooting for our hero Ryan and his famous mentor Bill Johnston. I felt the cold of the snowy winters and the solitude of the island hideouts. The language of the characters is spoken in the vernacular of the times and adds an authenticity to the story. Shaun McLaughlin is a fine writer who obviously knows his subject...in this case the history of the time and place. Full of lovable and not so loveable rogues this book will keep you turning pages to see what happens next. Can't wait to start the sequel. Highly recommended.
I loved this story. Woven around the 1000 island area of the St Lawrence this book kept me rooting for our hero Ryan and his famous mentor Bill Johnston. I felt the cold of the snowy winters and the solitude of the island hideouts. The language of the characters is spoken in the vernacular of the times and adds an authenticity to the story. Shaun McLaughlin is a fine writer who obviously knows his subject...in this case the history of the time and place. Full of lovable and not so loveable rogues this book will keep you turning pages to see what happens next. Can't wait to start the sequel. Highly recommended.
February 1, 2017
A vivid, readable and enjoyable episode in Canadian History. Whosoever repeats the "Canadian history is boring" myth hasn't read Shaun's Counter Currents!
August 20, 2021
Awesome Indies Book Awards is pleased to include COUNTER CURRENTS by SHAUN J. MCLAUGHLIN in the library of Awesome Indies'
Badge of Approval
recipients.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews