What do you think?
Rate this book
Jack Absolute #2
The Blooding of Jack Absolute
London, 1759: Life is easy for Jack Absolute, a dashing young man, loved by the ladies and envied by his schoolmates. With a place secured in college at Cambridge and a baronetcy at hand, his future seems bright. But one night of revelry , and a duel over a woman destroys Jack’s fortune instantly. He is forced to flee the country and seek a new fate as a soldier in the dangerous New World during the ruthless French and Indian Wars. There, amid hostile natives, fierce colonial rivalries, and the brutal wilds of North America, he struggles for something far more vital than riches: his survival. But to survive, Jack must be blooded for life. He must learn to kill.
The gripping start to a riveting historical series, The Blooding of Jack Absolute tracks the stunning transformation of a young dreamer into a daring, larger-than-life hero.
The gripping start to a riveting historical series, The Blooding of Jack Absolute tracks the stunning transformation of a young dreamer into a daring, larger-than-life hero.
311 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2007
76 people are currently reading
331 people want to read
About the author
C.C. Humphreys
29 books427 followersaka Chris Humphreys
Chris (C.C.) Humphreys was born in Toronto, lived till he was seven in Los Angeles, then grew up in the UK. All four grandparents were actors, and since his father was an actor as well, it was inevitable he would follow the bloodline.
Chris (C.C.) Humphreys has played Hamlet in Calgary, a gladiator in Tunisia, waltzed in London’s West End, conned the landlord of the Rovers Return in Coronation Street, commanded a starfleet in Andromeda, voiced Salem the cat in the original Sabrina, and is a dead immortal in Highlander. He has written eleven adult novels including The French Executioner, runner-up for the CWA Steel Dagger for Thrillers; Chasing the Wind; The Jack Absolute Trilogy; Vlad – The Last Confession; A Place Called Armageddon and Shakespeare’s Rebel – which he adapted into a play and which premiered at Bard on the Beach, Vancouver, in 2015. Plague won the Arthur Ellis Award for Best Crime Novel in Canada in 2015. He has an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia. His epic fantasy series the Immortals’ Blood Trilogy, beginning with Smoke in the Glass' has just been published by Gollancz. He also published his other fantasy series, The Tapestry Trilogy, beginning in August 2020 with ‘The Hunt of the Unicorn’. His foray into modern crime, 'One London Day' was published in 2021. Hie new novel, the World War Two epic romance, 'Someday I'll Find You' is published by Doubleday in Canada on June 6, 2023.
Several of his novels are available as Audiobooks - read by himself! Find him here:
https://www.authorchrishumphreys.com/...
He is translated into thirteen languages. In 2015 he earned his Masters in Fine Arts (Creative Writing) from the University of British Columbia.
Check out his website: http://authorchrishumphreys.com
Chris (C.C.) Humphreys was born in Toronto, lived till he was seven in Los Angeles, then grew up in the UK. All four grandparents were actors, and since his father was an actor as well, it was inevitable he would follow the bloodline.
Chris (C.C.) Humphreys has played Hamlet in Calgary, a gladiator in Tunisia, waltzed in London’s West End, conned the landlord of the Rovers Return in Coronation Street, commanded a starfleet in Andromeda, voiced Salem the cat in the original Sabrina, and is a dead immortal in Highlander. He has written eleven adult novels including The French Executioner, runner-up for the CWA Steel Dagger for Thrillers; Chasing the Wind; The Jack Absolute Trilogy; Vlad – The Last Confession; A Place Called Armageddon and Shakespeare’s Rebel – which he adapted into a play and which premiered at Bard on the Beach, Vancouver, in 2015. Plague won the Arthur Ellis Award for Best Crime Novel in Canada in 2015. He has an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia. His epic fantasy series the Immortals’ Blood Trilogy, beginning with Smoke in the Glass' has just been published by Gollancz. He also published his other fantasy series, The Tapestry Trilogy, beginning in August 2020 with ‘The Hunt of the Unicorn’. His foray into modern crime, 'One London Day' was published in 2021. Hie new novel, the World War Two epic romance, 'Someday I'll Find You' is published by Doubleday in Canada on June 6, 2023.
Several of his novels are available as Audiobooks - read by himself! Find him here:
https://www.authorchrishumphreys.com/...
He is translated into thirteen languages. In 2015 he earned his Masters in Fine Arts (Creative Writing) from the University of British Columbia.
Check out his website: http://authorchrishumphreys.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
December 8, 2013
Originally published at Reading Reality
The Blooding of Jack Absolute could be called “the portrait of the spy as a young man”, or even as a “young sybarite” or even simply as a young fool. Although the man that Jack has become by the time we read of him in the first book in this series, Jack Absolute, would probably be willing to admit that nearly 20 years later he has yet to outgrow being a fool.
What fascinates in this “biography” of the fictional character of Jack is that we first saw the man he has become in the absolutely enthralling Jack Absolute (reviewed here) and now we start to see the making of that man in The Blooding of Jack Absolute, set against the backdrop of Britain’s conquest of Canada, and consequent loss of those colonies that became these United States.
Jack starts out not unlike Tom Jones (the one by Henry Fielding, not the 20th century singer!) and finds himself in a career that resembles an 18th century James Bond.
This book is labeled both as book 2 in the series and as a prequel, and it works either way.
If you’ve already read the first book in the series, and wondered how Jack acquired all of his various skills and rather unique worldview, this story provides both fascinating backstory for the character and a compelling view of mid-18th century London and her Colonies.
If this is your first introduction to the series, then you have a marvelous coming-of-age story, featuring a character who is both fascinating in his own right but is also a witness to, and occasionally an actor in, some of the events that shaped what became our future.
Escape Rating A-: As with the first book in the series, The Blooding of Jack Absolute definitely has a “you are there” quality in the historical aspects that often brings the sights, sounds, and occasionally smells of the 18th century to the reader with the force of a punch. We are with Jack all the way, sometimes to the point of wanting to shake him when he’s being the young fool that is a necessary part of his blooding.
Having read the first book, the part of this story that I was happiest to see was the explanation in full of how and where Jack met his blood brother Até of the Mohawks. It is clear from the first book that they must have shared a life-altering experience as equals, but not how that experience came about. Now we know.
There is definitely a comparison to be made between the Jack Absolute series and Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander and Lord John Grey series. Not in the romance department, because while Jack falls in love, he does not have the luck of Jamie Fraser, but in the depth of the historical research and in the author’s ability to bring that research to vivid life for the reader. The series also overlap in time period, sometimes covering the same campaigns from different perspectives.
Anyone who enjoys well-written historical fiction will adore Jack Absolute.
The Blooding of Jack Absolute could be called “the portrait of the spy as a young man”, or even as a “young sybarite” or even simply as a young fool. Although the man that Jack has become by the time we read of him in the first book in this series, Jack Absolute, would probably be willing to admit that nearly 20 years later he has yet to outgrow being a fool.
What fascinates in this “biography” of the fictional character of Jack is that we first saw the man he has become in the absolutely enthralling Jack Absolute (reviewed here) and now we start to see the making of that man in The Blooding of Jack Absolute, set against the backdrop of Britain’s conquest of Canada, and consequent loss of those colonies that became these United States.
Jack starts out not unlike Tom Jones (the one by Henry Fielding, not the 20th century singer!) and finds himself in a career that resembles an 18th century James Bond.
This book is labeled both as book 2 in the series and as a prequel, and it works either way.
If you’ve already read the first book in the series, and wondered how Jack acquired all of his various skills and rather unique worldview, this story provides both fascinating backstory for the character and a compelling view of mid-18th century London and her Colonies.
If this is your first introduction to the series, then you have a marvelous coming-of-age story, featuring a character who is both fascinating in his own right but is also a witness to, and occasionally an actor in, some of the events that shaped what became our future.
Escape Rating A-: As with the first book in the series, The Blooding of Jack Absolute definitely has a “you are there” quality in the historical aspects that often brings the sights, sounds, and occasionally smells of the 18th century to the reader with the force of a punch. We are with Jack all the way, sometimes to the point of wanting to shake him when he’s being the young fool that is a necessary part of his blooding.
Having read the first book, the part of this story that I was happiest to see was the explanation in full of how and where Jack met his blood brother Até of the Mohawks. It is clear from the first book that they must have shared a life-altering experience as equals, but not how that experience came about. Now we know.
There is definitely a comparison to be made between the Jack Absolute series and Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander and Lord John Grey series. Not in the romance department, because while Jack falls in love, he does not have the luck of Jamie Fraser, but in the depth of the historical research and in the author’s ability to bring that research to vivid life for the reader. The series also overlap in time period, sometimes covering the same campaigns from different perspectives.
Anyone who enjoys well-written historical fiction will adore Jack Absolute.
June 11, 2018
This is actually the first Jack Absolute book.
Starting in 1752 when Jack was a boy in Cornwall, England, moving to London when his father became a Lord.
He was forever in trouble and it was this that made him flee England to fight in the British Army in Canada at the Plains of Abraham.
Captured by the native Indians, an escape to spend a winter in the wilderness was only made possible by an unusual friendship.
This bond was tested, on his return to England, after first becoming a spy in Montreal.
I actually read the last book, in the series, first so it through me off a little, but I still found this book to be interesting and knowledgeable.
Jack will be a character you love or will be deemed too much of a carnal lout.
Starting in 1752 when Jack was a boy in Cornwall, England, moving to London when his father became a Lord.
He was forever in trouble and it was this that made him flee England to fight in the British Army in Canada at the Plains of Abraham.
Captured by the native Indians, an escape to spend a winter in the wilderness was only made possible by an unusual friendship.
This bond was tested, on his return to England, after first becoming a spy in Montreal.
I actually read the last book, in the series, first so it through me off a little, but I still found this book to be interesting and knowledgeable.
Jack will be a character you love or will be deemed too much of a carnal lout.
November 11, 2013
Not long ago, I had the pleasure of reading C.C. Humphries novel, Jack Absolute. In this first volume of a trilogy, the titular character is introduced as a roguish, nearly fearless warrior who could charm the ladies and outfox his opponents in battle as well. I fancied him an 18th century James Bond, although his personality is a bit more mischievous than Ian Fleming’s modern spy. Jack Absolute was great fun, and I eagerly welcomed the arrival of The Blooding of Jack Absolute. This review will make the assumption that the reader is familiar with volume one, and I will discuss particular plot points from volume two. To avoid spoiler material, you may want to skip down to the portion below the dividing asterisks.
The second volume is a prequel, going back to years well before Jack became a soldier. Even as a child, he is precocious and must endure hardship within his familial relationships. Seeing how he was treated as a boy, it’s no wonder that he grew into the young man that he did. The bulk of the first half of the novel covers his early adulthood, around the ages of 18-20. Even at such a young age, Jack shows much maturity and ingenuity in his life. He also displays the recklessness of youth, getting in over his head with adversaries and seducing more than one woman at a time. As was seen in Jack Absolute, he often finds himself in perilous situations, some of which are of his own making, circumstances from which he must escape with ingenious and sometimes treacherous tactics.
The first half of the novel centers on the formative years before his military service, characterizing who he is as a person, and introducing us to a truly despicable villain, his cousin Caster Absolute. The contentious relationship between Caster and Jack builds, and at the same time another enemy of Jack’s is made in an influential Lord. By the conclusion of the eleventh chapter, Jack is very motivated to skip town, and he finds his passage out of the country by joining the military.
The second half focuses on Jack’s first tour in North America, specifically in Canada. Once again C.C. Humpries presents historically accurate battle scenes, although in The Blooding of Jack Absolute, there seemed to be fewer chapters devoted to this venue, which I appreciated. I enjoy plot development off the battlefield, although I can appreciate the importance of these warring moments within this particular story. Jack must make his first kill, or “blooding” as a young soldier, and this moment is critical in his life and is referenced more than once later in the novel. The kills on the battlefield are not taken lightly, and Jack never forgets that first, difficult time when he must take the life of another human being.
In addition to becoming an initiated soldier, Jack is forced to learn the ways of the Iroquois Indian, as he becomes a captive with the Iroquois man we come to know as Até. This amazing warrior is presented as Jack’s right hand man in the first novel, and I loved seeing how these two future partners met and became friends. Até is a serious, strong individual, prone to unintentional humorous lines. On more than one occasion, I found myself laughing aloud to some of his statements. The development of this relationship between Jack and Até was probably the most enjoyable portion of Blooding. I have purposefully kept my eyes away from plot points of the third novel, Absolute Honour, and I truly hope that we see more of Até spending time with his blood-brother Jack.
Once again, C.C. Humphries has done his homework with historical details, and some of the more enjoyable facts that were shared had more to do with the wilderness survival techniques that Até used while stranded in the woods throughout an entire winter. I learned so much about how the native North Americans utilized the resources around them, giving themselves nourishment, shelter and personal protection. Até not only mentored Jack in the ways of the Iroquois, but he taught me as well. If found it entertaining as well as educational.
* * *
As much as I enjoyed Jack Absolute, I think I may have enjoyed its prequel even more. There seems to be fewer battle scenes and more character development. Jack works his way out of all manner of predicaments, using his knowledge, cunning and sometimes sheer luck to survive. He is a loveable scoundrel, and I thoroughly enjoyed the prologue to what came later in his life. His relationship with Até is compelling and full of excitement.
I highly recommend The Blooding of Jack Absolute, but I must inform conservative readers that the content of the novel is decidedly PG-13. Jack enjoys a robust love life, so there is a bit of adult material as he pursues his women. The men have understandably salty language, as we are spending significant portions of the story on the battlefield. Author C.C. Humphries easily could have made things more colorful and retained a sense of realism, so I appreciate the relative low level of coarse language throughout the book. As there are many conflicts and battles, including those with the native Indians, there are moments that detail exactly what is happening to these men. However, I found this amount of material to be less than the first book, and Humphries could have gone much farther with his detail without being gratuitous.
The Blooding of Jack Absolute was a wonderful follow-up (or preview, as the case may be) to Jack Absolute. The entire cast of characters are colorful and interesting, from Jack to the miscreants we encounter along the way. The heroes are strong and admirable, and the villains are corrupt to the core. This makes for highly enjoyable storytelling. I was so pleased to learn of Jack’s history, and I thoroughly look forward to the concluding novel of the trilogy, Absolute Honour.
The second volume is a prequel, going back to years well before Jack became a soldier. Even as a child, he is precocious and must endure hardship within his familial relationships. Seeing how he was treated as a boy, it’s no wonder that he grew into the young man that he did. The bulk of the first half of the novel covers his early adulthood, around the ages of 18-20. Even at such a young age, Jack shows much maturity and ingenuity in his life. He also displays the recklessness of youth, getting in over his head with adversaries and seducing more than one woman at a time. As was seen in Jack Absolute, he often finds himself in perilous situations, some of which are of his own making, circumstances from which he must escape with ingenious and sometimes treacherous tactics.
The first half of the novel centers on the formative years before his military service, characterizing who he is as a person, and introducing us to a truly despicable villain, his cousin Caster Absolute. The contentious relationship between Caster and Jack builds, and at the same time another enemy of Jack’s is made in an influential Lord. By the conclusion of the eleventh chapter, Jack is very motivated to skip town, and he finds his passage out of the country by joining the military.
The second half focuses on Jack’s first tour in North America, specifically in Canada. Once again C.C. Humpries presents historically accurate battle scenes, although in The Blooding of Jack Absolute, there seemed to be fewer chapters devoted to this venue, which I appreciated. I enjoy plot development off the battlefield, although I can appreciate the importance of these warring moments within this particular story. Jack must make his first kill, or “blooding” as a young soldier, and this moment is critical in his life and is referenced more than once later in the novel. The kills on the battlefield are not taken lightly, and Jack never forgets that first, difficult time when he must take the life of another human being.
In addition to becoming an initiated soldier, Jack is forced to learn the ways of the Iroquois Indian, as he becomes a captive with the Iroquois man we come to know as Até. This amazing warrior is presented as Jack’s right hand man in the first novel, and I loved seeing how these two future partners met and became friends. Até is a serious, strong individual, prone to unintentional humorous lines. On more than one occasion, I found myself laughing aloud to some of his statements. The development of this relationship between Jack and Até was probably the most enjoyable portion of Blooding. I have purposefully kept my eyes away from plot points of the third novel, Absolute Honour, and I truly hope that we see more of Até spending time with his blood-brother Jack.
Once again, C.C. Humphries has done his homework with historical details, and some of the more enjoyable facts that were shared had more to do with the wilderness survival techniques that Até used while stranded in the woods throughout an entire winter. I learned so much about how the native North Americans utilized the resources around them, giving themselves nourishment, shelter and personal protection. Até not only mentored Jack in the ways of the Iroquois, but he taught me as well. If found it entertaining as well as educational.
* * *
As much as I enjoyed Jack Absolute, I think I may have enjoyed its prequel even more. There seems to be fewer battle scenes and more character development. Jack works his way out of all manner of predicaments, using his knowledge, cunning and sometimes sheer luck to survive. He is a loveable scoundrel, and I thoroughly enjoyed the prologue to what came later in his life. His relationship with Até is compelling and full of excitement.
I highly recommend The Blooding of Jack Absolute, but I must inform conservative readers that the content of the novel is decidedly PG-13. Jack enjoys a robust love life, so there is a bit of adult material as he pursues his women. The men have understandably salty language, as we are spending significant portions of the story on the battlefield. Author C.C. Humphries easily could have made things more colorful and retained a sense of realism, so I appreciate the relative low level of coarse language throughout the book. As there are many conflicts and battles, including those with the native Indians, there are moments that detail exactly what is happening to these men. However, I found this amount of material to be less than the first book, and Humphries could have gone much farther with his detail without being gratuitous.
The Blooding of Jack Absolute was a wonderful follow-up (or preview, as the case may be) to Jack Absolute. The entire cast of characters are colorful and interesting, from Jack to the miscreants we encounter along the way. The heroes are strong and admirable, and the villains are corrupt to the core. This makes for highly enjoyable storytelling. I was so pleased to learn of Jack’s history, and I thoroughly look forward to the concluding novel of the trilogy, Absolute Honour.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2014
If, like me, you devoured Humphreys' rip-roaring historical adventure, Jack Absolute, this prequel is a welcome extension of the saga. Having plucked the rakish Captain Absolute out of Richard Brinsley Sheridan's classic stage comedy, The Rivals, for the first book, here Humphreys imagines the character's youth—as a neglected, but resourceful and good-hearted Cornish lad, too clever for his own good; as a cheeky and precocious young sportsman/scholar at a private London school who unwisely allows himself to become the plaything of a powerful lord's mistress; as a young officer hastily shipped off to the New World as a soldier in the French and Indian Wars.
Readers will delight in finding out how Jack meets his Mohawk Indian blood-brother, Até. How the two of them survive enslavement by an enemy tribe, an angry bear, and a Canadian winter with nothing but a playscript of Hamlet and each other for company gives the tale an extra kick. Not to mention how their spying wins the Battle of Quebec for the British. (Although one has to wade through a bit much on the intricacies of cricket and billiards to get there.)
Another charming aspect of the story is young Jack's relationship with his blustery soldier father, Sir James, and his beloved, barely-respectable actress mother, Lady Jane. An actor and fight choreographer himself, from a family of actors, Humphreys' obvious love of the stage and all who tread the boards permeates the scenes of the Absolute family together, and gives this installment its heart.
Readers will delight in finding out how Jack meets his Mohawk Indian blood-brother, Até. How the two of them survive enslavement by an enemy tribe, an angry bear, and a Canadian winter with nothing but a playscript of Hamlet and each other for company gives the tale an extra kick. Not to mention how their spying wins the Battle of Quebec for the British. (Although one has to wade through a bit much on the intricacies of cricket and billiards to get there.)
Another charming aspect of the story is young Jack's relationship with his blustery soldier father, Sir James, and his beloved, barely-respectable actress mother, Lady Jane. An actor and fight choreographer himself, from a family of actors, Humphreys' obvious love of the stage and all who tread the boards permeates the scenes of the Absolute family together, and gives this installment its heart.
December 28, 2022
C.C. Humphreys’ 2005 prequel to Jack Absolute (2004) The Blooding of Jack Absolute is enlightening and as enjoyable as the first novel, which I read in its year of publication. I’m rather late in reading this next book, which has been on my shelf all this time! I’m glad I’ve finally got round to it.
The book begins in Cornwall in 1752, where young Jack is constantly subjected to beatings and whipping from his bullying cousin Craster and Crater’s father Duncan Absolute. Jack’s father and mother’s appearance turns on the fateful demise of Duncan and their unexpected good fortune, and so Jack is taken off to London to live with his once-impoverished parents, soldier and retired actress. We then leap to 1759 and Jack, when not drinking, carousing and gambling, is studying – including French with the beautiful Clothilde.
There’s plenty of humour to be had in the various situations Jack finds himself in: ‘As his mother said, these days every man styled himself a critic’ (p70).And Jack and his fellow students embark on a risky mission, availing themselves of the Whores’ Directory, Harris’s List of Ladies. On meeting Mr Harris, ‘Jack kept any distaste from his voice, ever the actress’s child’ (p89).
While Jack is in love with Clothilde, it is with Fanny Harper, the kept woman of Lord Melbury, that he indulges his sexual appetite. There’s an amusing scene where Jack is hiding beneath the hooped skirts of Fanny as Melbury unexpectedly enters the room; farce but with the promise of threat and danger to follow.
Throughout we’re entertained with acute descriptions. John Burgoyne, for example: His eyes were ‘deep-set, of a grey that pushed to blue, his hair a brown that stopped just short of black. It was exquisitely unostentatiously styled, making Jack wish to run his fingers through his own ill-laid hedgerow. Burgoyne's clothes were of an equally simple elegance, rich material precisely cut, brilliantly dyed… (he) was ancient, thirty-five if he was a day’ (p91).
In the previous book Jack fought a duel; he does so in this earlier escapade – but not with weapons but on the green baize of a snooker table!
For certain reasons, Jack is helped by Burgoyne to join the dragoons and is shipped off to Canada in 1759. Here he is involved in the assault on Quebec by scaling the heights of Abraham.
Jack is captured by Natives who do not look kindly upon him. ‘Suddenly, the little curiosities shop in Knaves Acre (London) came into his head. He could not understand why, until he remembered that it was full of body parts that he had ogled and pawed and wondered at. Now, in the way that they were looking at him, he felt he was about to become an exhibit himself’ (p230).
Here, too, he finally kills his first enemy – the ‘blooding’. If you’ve read the earlier book, you’ll be aware that he has a Native blood-brother, Até. Here it is explained how Até began as a foe and ended up fighting alongside Jack – and not least learning all of Hamlet and quoting from it often: ‘Até’s propensity for applying Hamlet to any and every situation was starting to annoy Jack’ (p282).
Humphreys is adept at describing scenes of battle. But he is also good at describing flora, fauna – and the weather, for example when he wakes to find a fresh fall of snow: ‘… a rush of excitement, memories of childhood, waking like this not to sound but to its absence, to the silence of a world wrapped and muffled… Soft, separate flakes, huge as cherry petals, were still drifting down from a sky showing a hint of dawn’ (p233).
There is a third Jack Absolute book, Absolute Honour (2006); I won’t be taking so long to get round reading that one! And there’s a prequel short story (about 37 pages), only available on Kindle, The Birth of Jack Absolute, relating the adventures of Jack’s mother and father!
The book begins in Cornwall in 1752, where young Jack is constantly subjected to beatings and whipping from his bullying cousin Craster and Crater’s father Duncan Absolute. Jack’s father and mother’s appearance turns on the fateful demise of Duncan and their unexpected good fortune, and so Jack is taken off to London to live with his once-impoverished parents, soldier and retired actress. We then leap to 1759 and Jack, when not drinking, carousing and gambling, is studying – including French with the beautiful Clothilde.
There’s plenty of humour to be had in the various situations Jack finds himself in: ‘As his mother said, these days every man styled himself a critic’ (p70).And Jack and his fellow students embark on a risky mission, availing themselves of the Whores’ Directory, Harris’s List of Ladies. On meeting Mr Harris, ‘Jack kept any distaste from his voice, ever the actress’s child’ (p89).
While Jack is in love with Clothilde, it is with Fanny Harper, the kept woman of Lord Melbury, that he indulges his sexual appetite. There’s an amusing scene where Jack is hiding beneath the hooped skirts of Fanny as Melbury unexpectedly enters the room; farce but with the promise of threat and danger to follow.
Throughout we’re entertained with acute descriptions. John Burgoyne, for example: His eyes were ‘deep-set, of a grey that pushed to blue, his hair a brown that stopped just short of black. It was exquisitely unostentatiously styled, making Jack wish to run his fingers through his own ill-laid hedgerow. Burgoyne's clothes were of an equally simple elegance, rich material precisely cut, brilliantly dyed… (he) was ancient, thirty-five if he was a day’ (p91).
In the previous book Jack fought a duel; he does so in this earlier escapade – but not with weapons but on the green baize of a snooker table!
For certain reasons, Jack is helped by Burgoyne to join the dragoons and is shipped off to Canada in 1759. Here he is involved in the assault on Quebec by scaling the heights of Abraham.
Jack is captured by Natives who do not look kindly upon him. ‘Suddenly, the little curiosities shop in Knaves Acre (London) came into his head. He could not understand why, until he remembered that it was full of body parts that he had ogled and pawed and wondered at. Now, in the way that they were looking at him, he felt he was about to become an exhibit himself’ (p230).
Here, too, he finally kills his first enemy – the ‘blooding’. If you’ve read the earlier book, you’ll be aware that he has a Native blood-brother, Até. Here it is explained how Até began as a foe and ended up fighting alongside Jack – and not least learning all of Hamlet and quoting from it often: ‘Até’s propensity for applying Hamlet to any and every situation was starting to annoy Jack’ (p282).
Humphreys is adept at describing scenes of battle. But he is also good at describing flora, fauna – and the weather, for example when he wakes to find a fresh fall of snow: ‘… a rush of excitement, memories of childhood, waking like this not to sound but to its absence, to the silence of a world wrapped and muffled… Soft, separate flakes, huge as cherry petals, were still drifting down from a sky showing a hint of dawn’ (p233).
There is a third Jack Absolute book, Absolute Honour (2006); I won’t be taking so long to get round reading that one! And there’s a prequel short story (about 37 pages), only available on Kindle, The Birth of Jack Absolute, relating the adventures of Jack’s mother and father!
September 10, 2023
I think C.C. Humphreys does not get nearly enough attention. I love his historical action stories and this is a beaut--the first in a series about Jack Absolute, written later but a prequel, so I thought I'd start with it. I loved it because so much of it was set in Canada--in Quebec City and environs, where I just happened to be this spring. My friend even drove me by the spot where the British climbed up to the Plains of Abraham and surprised the French, so I could picture the description in the book perfectly. Nice to know that Humphreys takes his research seriously and actually climbed it himself. Jack is an updated version of Tom Jones, a rascal of the first order, but he gets into serious trouble when he is captured by the Iroquois. It's a rollicking good read.
Want to read
July 28, 2022Yes, I know the book is fiction. Not true. Made up. But this is the first time that I have seen a full-page map of a real place with a big error front and center. The 180 or so miles that they added to the Mohawk River is not an insignificant error because the Mohawk was an important transportation route at that time. Where the river didn't flow was critical to military strategy in the era in which the book is set and after.
I have the 2007 hardcover so I don't know if the map has been corrected in the paperback.
I'm not ready to review the whole book -- the map is prominently displayed right in the very front of the book before getting to the text.
I have the 2007 hardcover so I don't know if the map has been corrected in the paperback.
I'm not ready to review the whole book -- the map is prominently displayed right in the very front of the book before getting to the text.
August 13, 2020
The author explores the era of the mid 1700's via a raffish character, Jack Absolute, in a suitably 'swords and boots' adventure through London, and then on to North America and French Canada during Britain's international expansion with a major cross reference with the native American culture.
January 17, 2023
Great read for lovers of late 18th century historical fiction
The fascinating development of Jack Absolute's character is matched only by the fast-moving and hard-hitting storyline. Looking forward to the next in the series!
The fascinating development of Jack Absolute's character is matched only by the fast-moving and hard-hitting storyline. Looking forward to the next in the series!
February 28, 2018
Very fun read, good historical fiction. Looking forward to reading the next in the series.
April 4, 2018
exciting introduction to the character. looking forward to future adventures.
May 11, 2021
Another dry, dreary and boring book that should be used as toilet paper
January 13, 2023
Change of setting (continent) from the first book was fun. Still exciting.
January 14, 2024
Great historical read, fast moving, well written, great character development. Fam: read this and we'll discuss
November 12, 2024
Very entertaining and lots of historical details. I loved the shenanigans that Jack got up to with his school pals.
October 22, 2025
I found this to be absolutely fantastic
November 20, 2013
The Blooding of Jack Absolute is a the prequel to C.C. Humphrey's book, Jack Absolute and the second book in the series. Humphrey's played the character of Jack Absolute in Sheridan's play, The Rivals in the 1980's and fell in love with him. This series chronicles the adventures of Jack Absolute, a man that ladies love, men respect and trouble follows. In this installment of the series, readers learn about Jack's childhood, how he became a spy and how he ended up with Ate, his Indian sidekick. A great adventure story in the wilds of North America, as well as, a tale about the perils of war.
C.C. Humphreys has created such a wonderful character in Jack Absolute. Jack is one of those over-the-top characters that readers are just drawn to. Humphreys portrays him as just about 'perfect in every way'. He is strong and courageous, serving his country and leading himself to success and heroism. But how did such a man become who he was? The Blooding of Jack Absolute takes readers back in time to Cornwall in the late 1700's, where Jack is living a less than perfect life, in the care of his drunken uncle, Duncan and abusive cousin, Craster. Readers get to see Jack as a child, forced to survive the rigors of growing up in an abusive situation. It lends a lot to how he became so persistent and reckless.
A large part of the book details Jack's adventures at Westminster school in London, where he gets an education in more than reading and math. His pursuits include, drinking, gambling and wenching. Which eventually gets him in trouble when he is caught with the mistress of a Lord and must escape England or face the consequences. Humphreys does a fantastic job of showing Jack's reckless personality. He isn't afraid of doing or trying anything. He believes he can survive no matter the circumstances. His time in North America is certainly a testament to his versatility and perseverance. I liked the fact that Humphreys shows the reader again and again, how Jack thinks, what his motivations are and where his heart is.
I learned a lot about survival and the skills of the Native Americans in this novel. As Jack is forced to survive a long winter in seclusion with a Indian we later find out, is his trusted sidekick, Ate. Humphrey's goes into detail about the survival techniques that Ate employs to help Jack and about their relationship. I liked the fact that we get to see how they met and what drove them to the friendship they eventually have. It was a great look back into just how Jack became the man he was.
Jack is in America during the French and Indian War. It was a desperate time and the battle scenes that Humphrey's depicts in this tale are accurate and well written. It is obvious that Humphrey's has done his research for this one and gives the reader a glimpse into the kind of brutality and ruthlessness that goes on in war times. I thought his descriptions, though very graphic were a necessary part of the book for readers to see what this character goes through.
A part of the book that I found very interesting was the humor that Humphrey's includes. It isn't overly funny or out of place in the narrative. It flows naturally and engages the reader. It's nice to have some moments in the story where adventure takes a back seat to a good old fashion belly laugh. I thought Humphrey's used humor to his advantage and it helped give the book just the right amount of comic relief.
Overall this is a great adventure story. Fans of Jack Absolute will love learning more about him as a boy and how he became the hero. I found it interesting from a military perspective and from a historical viewpoint. A very enjoyable book!
C.C. Humphreys has created such a wonderful character in Jack Absolute. Jack is one of those over-the-top characters that readers are just drawn to. Humphreys portrays him as just about 'perfect in every way'. He is strong and courageous, serving his country and leading himself to success and heroism. But how did such a man become who he was? The Blooding of Jack Absolute takes readers back in time to Cornwall in the late 1700's, where Jack is living a less than perfect life, in the care of his drunken uncle, Duncan and abusive cousin, Craster. Readers get to see Jack as a child, forced to survive the rigors of growing up in an abusive situation. It lends a lot to how he became so persistent and reckless.
A large part of the book details Jack's adventures at Westminster school in London, where he gets an education in more than reading and math. His pursuits include, drinking, gambling and wenching. Which eventually gets him in trouble when he is caught with the mistress of a Lord and must escape England or face the consequences. Humphreys does a fantastic job of showing Jack's reckless personality. He isn't afraid of doing or trying anything. He believes he can survive no matter the circumstances. His time in North America is certainly a testament to his versatility and perseverance. I liked the fact that Humphreys shows the reader again and again, how Jack thinks, what his motivations are and where his heart is.
I learned a lot about survival and the skills of the Native Americans in this novel. As Jack is forced to survive a long winter in seclusion with a Indian we later find out, is his trusted sidekick, Ate. Humphrey's goes into detail about the survival techniques that Ate employs to help Jack and about their relationship. I liked the fact that we get to see how they met and what drove them to the friendship they eventually have. It was a great look back into just how Jack became the man he was.
Jack is in America during the French and Indian War. It was a desperate time and the battle scenes that Humphrey's depicts in this tale are accurate and well written. It is obvious that Humphrey's has done his research for this one and gives the reader a glimpse into the kind of brutality and ruthlessness that goes on in war times. I thought his descriptions, though very graphic were a necessary part of the book for readers to see what this character goes through.
A part of the book that I found very interesting was the humor that Humphrey's includes. It isn't overly funny or out of place in the narrative. It flows naturally and engages the reader. It's nice to have some moments in the story where adventure takes a back seat to a good old fashion belly laugh. I thought Humphrey's used humor to his advantage and it helped give the book just the right amount of comic relief.
Overall this is a great adventure story. Fans of Jack Absolute will love learning more about him as a boy and how he became the hero. I found it interesting from a military perspective and from a historical viewpoint. A very enjoyable book!
January 29, 2014
Jack Absolute fans, rejoice! Jack is back with all his charm and bravery. In this novel, we get the back story of Jack and how he came to be the man he is. It starts with his early years, when he thought he was the bastard son of a second son of the Absolute family; an outcast who was treated badly by the elder son who he lived with. When his father came into the title instead, Jack finds out that his parents were actually married and he is no bastard. He is the heir apparent to the Absolute fortune, and moves from being a thick country lad to London, where he is raised as one would expect from his position, with boarding school, trips to the theatre and a gang of friends.
Jack also gets his education in love. In a pivotal point of his life, he is balancing three women. Clothilde is the daughter of his French tutor, and he has a pure love for her. His love for Fanny is sensual but secret as she is the mistress of a powerful man. Then there is the actress who always has time and a bed for Jack when he needs one. When Jack becomes the target of both Fanny's protector and his childhood enemy, his luck runs out. He finds himself in a situation that his father must help him avoid, and afterwards, both of them must leave England.
Jack finds himself in the British army and then quickly sent to the colonies to help in the conquest of Canada. The enemy are the French and their Indian allies. Only sixteen, Jack soon is immersed in the business of war, and his blooding is soon accomplished. After a battle, he is separated, and we then find out how he meets his Mohawk friend, Ate. They spend a winter together and after that, are brothers of the heart for life.
C.C. Humphries has created a character that is so lovable, so brave and so full of life that it is a delight to read about him. The history is well-researched, and the reader is transported to another age, where life was cheap and honor was everything. Jack is that scamp whose charm and well intentions lead one to forgive him any trespass. This book is recommended for readers of historical fiction and anyone interested in a wonderful read. It is one of my favorite series and I can't wait to read the next Absolute tale.
January 14, 2014
I received an advance copy of this book via NetGalley from Sourcebooks – Landmark.
This is a prequel to the historical adventure novel Jack Absolute. It’s a coming of age story about the title character and the twists and turns, some accidental and some conscious choices, that transform him from a dissolute young man into a vetted army officer.
When we first meet Jack, he’s living off wits and luck as a rebellious boy in his abusive uncle’s house. He has been raised as if he were the lowest of servants (so he has the manners and the attitude to match!), but everything changes when Jack’s parents reappear in his life and whisk him off to London. The rough-and-tumble country boy has to conform to the life of a scholar at Westminster, and after a few years of adjusting to this new role, fate changes his path again. Jack is sent to Canada to fight the French under General Wolfe. In Canada, Jack will have to leave behind the juvenile amusements and petty rivalries of his schoolboy days. Because in the heat of battle and the biting cold of a Canadian winter, there is no one left to make Jack’s problems disappear. He has to learn to face them like a man.
Personally, I enjoyed the portion of the book that is set in Canada the most. This was much more interesting to me than the sections where he is drinking and whoring with his Cambridge friends – but I guess you have to understand Jack’s background to truly appreciate the man that he becomes.
I haven’t read Jack Absolute, but I would definitely be willing to try it.
This is a prequel to the historical adventure novel Jack Absolute. It’s a coming of age story about the title character and the twists and turns, some accidental and some conscious choices, that transform him from a dissolute young man into a vetted army officer.
When we first meet Jack, he’s living off wits and luck as a rebellious boy in his abusive uncle’s house. He has been raised as if he were the lowest of servants (so he has the manners and the attitude to match!), but everything changes when Jack’s parents reappear in his life and whisk him off to London. The rough-and-tumble country boy has to conform to the life of a scholar at Westminster, and after a few years of adjusting to this new role, fate changes his path again. Jack is sent to Canada to fight the French under General Wolfe. In Canada, Jack will have to leave behind the juvenile amusements and petty rivalries of his schoolboy days. Because in the heat of battle and the biting cold of a Canadian winter, there is no one left to make Jack’s problems disappear. He has to learn to face them like a man.
Personally, I enjoyed the portion of the book that is set in Canada the most. This was much more interesting to me than the sections where he is drinking and whoring with his Cambridge friends – but I guess you have to understand Jack’s background to truly appreciate the man that he becomes.
I haven’t read Jack Absolute, but I would definitely be willing to try it.
December 30, 2013
‘The Blooding of Jack Absolute’ is a prequel to ‘Jack Absolute’ and the second book in the series.
I just loved this story. I may have even loved it more than the sequel, ‘Jack Absolute’ and the reason for it is Young Jack and what he lived through at such a young age.
It so reminded me of ‘Tom Jones’ by Henry Fielding. It was packed by action and reaction and many very fascinating characters. It was always moving, never letting me catch my breath.
I thought grown up Jack was complex and following the life of young Jack, I now see how his character was formed from an early age. He was impulsive, reckless and adventuress.
Once more the author pulls me in Jack’s life, making me a part of this fascinating and very personal journey. So much a part of it that I honestly wanted to reread the book as soon as I was done, just to make sure that in all my excitement of this story, I didn’t miss anything.
I enjoyed and envied this boy, and later man. I was entertained by following him all over the world. I watched him become a spy and blood brother to Ate.
Talk about living a full life!
He’s done everything a young man did in his time: drinking, gambling and whoring. He’s fearless and that gets him in hot water more times than even he can count or remember, but once he ends up in North America, the reckless boy is poised to become a man.
There’s a lot to recommend this novel: the author is well versed in history and it shows throughout the novel, but what I loved the most was the pace. I was on a roller-coaster ride and I’m not a fan of them, but this ride was exciting, and I knew I was in no danger of falling off!
I’m highly recommending it to all that love a good, solid adventure with romance, rogues and scoundrels, but especially to those that love history.
Melanie for b2b
*Book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
I just loved this story. I may have even loved it more than the sequel, ‘Jack Absolute’ and the reason for it is Young Jack and what he lived through at such a young age.
It so reminded me of ‘Tom Jones’ by Henry Fielding. It was packed by action and reaction and many very fascinating characters. It was always moving, never letting me catch my breath.
I thought grown up Jack was complex and following the life of young Jack, I now see how his character was formed from an early age. He was impulsive, reckless and adventuress.
Once more the author pulls me in Jack’s life, making me a part of this fascinating and very personal journey. So much a part of it that I honestly wanted to reread the book as soon as I was done, just to make sure that in all my excitement of this story, I didn’t miss anything.
I enjoyed and envied this boy, and later man. I was entertained by following him all over the world. I watched him become a spy and blood brother to Ate.
Talk about living a full life!
He’s done everything a young man did in his time: drinking, gambling and whoring. He’s fearless and that gets him in hot water more times than even he can count or remember, but once he ends up in North America, the reckless boy is poised to become a man.
There’s a lot to recommend this novel: the author is well versed in history and it shows throughout the novel, but what I loved the most was the pace. I was on a roller-coaster ride and I’m not a fan of them, but this ride was exciting, and I knew I was in no danger of falling off!
I’m highly recommending it to all that love a good, solid adventure with romance, rogues and scoundrels, but especially to those that love history.
Melanie for b2b
*Book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
March 31, 2025
I've read some other books by this author and absolutely loved them (A place called Armageddon particularly springs to mind which was simply superb) but this one I just couldn't get into. Maybe it was because it was a period of history I have little knowledge of, I don't know. I'm sure many other people have loved this series, but sadly it just wasn't for me.
November 11, 2013
THE BROODING OF JACK ABSOLUTE by C.C. Humphreys is an exciting Historical Fiction. Prequel to "Jack Absolute". James Bond meet Jack Absolute of the American Revolution. Author C.C. Humphreys has created a combination of historical detail with a real-life hero in Jack Absolute. Filled with interesting plots, a bit of violence, imminent death, swordplay,adventure, mixed with a bit of romance and intriguing characters. Jack is transformed from a dashing, rambunctious, dreamer to a bigger than life hero all while trying to stay alive. Jack MUST learn to kill, among hostile Indians, rivalries, and the brutal land of North America during the French and Indian War if he intends to survive. A great tale of sacrifice, and learning to be a man could never be harder,especially in a New World far from his England home. If you enjoy history, war, and a grand adventure than, "The Brooding of Jack Absolute" is the story for you to read. I can hardly wait to see what Jack gets into next. A daring story from beginning to end. Fast paced! Well written! Received for an honest review from the publisher and Net Galley.
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: MILD
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: MILD
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
June 22, 2013
Prequel to Jack Absolute that takes up Jack's story as a young boy and then young man and lays the foundation for one of the more memorable characters in historical action fiction. C.C. Humphreys can keep company with the best writers in this genre and frankly can outwrite many of the authors taking up shelf space in the historical fiction sections in bookstores. This novel takes Jack from his Cornish farm home to school at Westminster, the taverns, theatres and bawdy houses of London and onto to the wilderness of Canada where he will more fully develop his fighting skills and form his lasting friendship with his Mohawk companion. Humphreys' talent with words really comes thru when he makes a billiard contest damn near as exciting a read as any major bloodly conflict on a battlefield. There's plenty of action of every kind. Readers of this genre need to put the Jack Absolute novels on their next up to read lists.
November 6, 2012
I am growing more fond of Jack Absolute. The second book in this series develops the background of the story, and sets up the character with some terrific details that add credibility to the setting and to the sense of place. Jack is from England, and fights rather unwillingly in the British war against the french for Canada. He is not an idealogue, but rather has developed a stronger appreciation for his father " Mad James", to whom honor is a sacred trust. Jack has more strength, and makes more sense in this second book in the series and I found it more satisfying to read. The military setting includes many details that are lightly enough covered that I didn't feel as though I was reading a military campaign. The book is a nice, light romp.
October 31, 2013
Well-written action-packed historical fiction.
I hadn't read any of the other books in the series before I read this book but I was intrigued by the blurb so I requested a free advanced copy from NetGalley. Then, I bought the second book in the series because I enjoyed this one so much.
The problem with a prequel is that there's no real threat - you know who survives because of the next book, but there's enough action here to not make that an issue.
There may be panic-triggers for some women in this book. Wannabe-Men have made me afraid of men, but it's Real-Men who keep reminding me that not every guy is a Wannabe. Jack, despite his youth, acts like he will be a Real-Man when he grows up.
I hadn't read any of the other books in the series before I read this book but I was intrigued by the blurb so I requested a free advanced copy from NetGalley. Then, I bought the second book in the series because I enjoyed this one so much.
The problem with a prequel is that there's no real threat - you know who survives because of the next book, but there's enough action here to not make that an issue.
There may be panic-triggers for some women in this book. Wannabe-Men have made me afraid of men, but it's Real-Men who keep reminding me that not every guy is a Wannabe. Jack, despite his youth, acts like he will be a Real-Man when he grows up.
March 29, 2015
What a good tale! Jack Absolute lives with his uncle Duncan & Duncan's illegitimate son Craster (who Duncan tries to pass off as his heir). Jack believes he also is a bastard. Uncle & son treat Jack horribly. After Duncan dies in a terrible accident (that Craster blames on Jack), his parents show up. As a teen Jack is always trying to get himself out of trouble. After a duel, Jack has to join the British Army to get out of town. He is sent to Canada. Where he arrives just in time for a battle. Long story short, he gets captured by the Abenaki tribe. Made a slave. Escapes with a fellow slave who is a Mohawk. Then the true adventure begins! CC Humphreys writes another spellbinding tale. Can't wait to read his other books about Jack Absolute!
February 7, 2017
Poor mistreated boy becomes wealthy hedonistic scholar with a heart of, well silver at least, gets in over his head and is summarily enlisted to remove him from possibly repercussions by the law. In the wilds of Canada Jack encounters the sobering facts of survival and possibly matures a little. Possibly. Yet to be seen in the next book of the series (which is Jack Absolute #1, surprisingly).
August 16, 2009
Picked up this one for the F&I War content and figured since it was a prequel it was a good place to start. The book was touted as appealing to fans of Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe books and while not as smooth-reading and vivid a character as Sharpe it was quite good.
I could have done with a little less of Jack's drunken youthful shenanigans but it was a lively picture of Georgian England at various levels of society and had a good feel for Indian ways in the colonies. The battle stuff was not over-long. I hope to get around to reading more of this series one day.
I could have done with a little less of Jack's drunken youthful shenanigans but it was a lively picture of Georgian England at various levels of society and had a good feel for Indian ways in the colonies. The battle stuff was not over-long. I hope to get around to reading more of this series one day.
December 9, 2013
This second book about the unusual jack Absolute tells the story from youth to his first blooding in a foreign war taking place in Canada. He is foolish and full of excuses, never on time and such a lucky guy. He has knack for,trouble but seems to work his way out in the nick of time. In this novel he becomes a real man. He learns to be native and forges his best ever friend who begins as an enemy.
A must read, well written. I love that the English language can be used so beautifully and brilliantly.
A must read, well written. I love that the English language can be used so beautifully and brilliantly.
April 26, 2015
Jack Absolute was a swashbuckling good read, but this prequel beats it hands down. By turns hilarious, tragic, dramatic and joyous, this story tells the tale of how young Jack becomes the man of the first book. Although written second, this one should almost be read first, but either way Jack is a character to love. Through Jack's young eyes, the Battle of the Plains of Abraham comes to life. If only history class could have been so exciting. For lovers of history and realistic heroes, the series is a must read. Salut!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews