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Kent Family Chronicles #6
The Warriors
Jakes, John, Warriors, The
688 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1977
756 people are currently reading
2103 people want to read
About the author
John Jakes
411 books963 followersJohn William Jakes, the author of more than a dozen novels, is regarded as one of today’s most distinguished writers of historical fiction. His work includes the highly acclaimed Kent Family Chronicles series and the North and South Trilogy. Jakes’s commitment to historical accuracy and evocative storytelling earned him the title of “the godfather of historical novelists” from the Los Angeles Times and led to a streak of sixteen consecutive New York Times bestsellers. Jakes has received several awards for his work and is a member of the Authors Guild and the PEN American Center. He and his wife, Rachel, live on the west coast of Florida.
Also writes under pseudonyms Jay Scotland, Alan Payne, Rachel Ann Payne, Robert Hart Davis, Darius John Granger, John Lee Gray. Has ghost written as William Ard.
Also writes under pseudonyms Jay Scotland, Alan Payne, Rachel Ann Payne, Robert Hart Davis, Darius John Granger, John Lee Gray. Has ghost written as William Ard.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
December 26, 2012
As the sixth volume of the Kent Family Chronicles, The Warriors doesn’t lose any of the passion and action of the preceding five books. One of the great things about this series (in my opinion) is that it is difficult to say that one was so much superior to another. The books relate the times in which they were written and history unfolds in all of its glory. The Warriors is set in a continuation of the Civil War and its aftermath. The horrors inflicted upon the civilian population in Georgia and South Carolina by Sherman’s infamous “March to the Sea” is vividly portrayed. As the United States licks its wounds and reconstruction begins, the movement west again gains momentum and the country grows once more with the Kent families playing a vital role. The seemingly impossible task of constructing a transcendental railroad is explored and serves as a tribute to immigrant Americans. The saga continues in a well written, interesting and colorful book. I have now re-read this book thirty years after my first read and have now given it another star. I can only attribute it to my age as that is the only thing that has changed in all those years as the book has stayed the same. Re-reads, especially after a long period of time often offer the reader another insight. I would still recommend this book (and in fact the whole series) to everyone that loves a great story and a gripping read.
January 26, 2011
Book #6 in the Kent Family Chronicles. It deals with the Civil War and exposes the death and destruction that war brings. I'm reading my way through this entire series. One thing I want to mention to potential readers is that these books were written right after the end of the Viet Nam war (mid 1970's). This was a period in American society when the U.S. (who lost the war and quickly vacated the country) was figuratively "licking its wounds". Thousands of young people had died during the Viet Nam war and the author repeatedly drives home the utter waste and brutality of war. He eviscerates the belief that war is ennobling and glorious. His characters mourn the fact that rational people didn't discuss the problems leading up to the Civil War and attempt to PREVENT a war at all costs (as they should do with ANY potential conflict). The "flag waving" evidenced in these books prior to the Civil War is indicative of the political rhetoric that Americans were exposed to prior to the Iraq invasion in 2003. Those in power who want war, who make a profit from war, will always advocate it as a necessary thing. Those who understand the destruction that war brings will always strive for peace and diplomacy. It's a profound message and I believe the author has done an excellent job weaving it into these books.
January 20, 2022
It was pretty good, but I probably should have started at the beginning of the Kent family.
October 11, 2016
The Kent Family saga continues in this 6th book of the series. I reread this one in anticipation of finishing the series. I was reminded how these books truly bring our nation's history to a lifelike retelling. He has created great characters. Jeremiah Kent fights for the Rebels in the dying days of war and risks life and limb to get to the wife and daughter of his heroic colonel who has died only to endure the wrath of Sherman's army sweeping through Georgia. Michael Boyle, a Kent in all but name, flees the death and destruction of war after being wounded in the Battle of the Wilderness to work on the construction of the railroad across America only to further encounter battles of another kind. Gideon Kent after enduring years of torture in a prisoner of war camp and loss of an eye tries to find his way supporting his family by working on the railroads only to see his role as an organizer of labor, hated though he may be for that. And Jeptha Kent leaves the newspaper business to return to the pulpit. Louis Kent who sees himself as the rightful head of the Kent empire worms his way into any business deal that may add to his empire and more importantly to his power hungry ego, but he sides with men who are equally power grabbing maniacs.
All of this is set in the last years of the Civil War and in the years afterwards when the nation was in utter turmoil. Jakes addresses all of that head on and also addresses the Erie Canal sandal, the building of the transcontinental railroad, the impeachment proceedings for President Johnson, etc. Loved it.
All of this is set in the last years of the Civil War and in the years afterwards when the nation was in utter turmoil. Jakes addresses all of that head on and also addresses the Erie Canal sandal, the building of the transcontinental railroad, the impeachment proceedings for President Johnson, etc. Loved it.
December 17, 2018
Once again a great addition to this great family saga! The Kent family is scattered in this entry, some off fighting the war!
The Warriors starts out during the final days of the Civil War, opening with the death of General Stonewall Jackson (one of the Confederate Army's finest generals). In the battle with Jackson is Gideon Kent. Later on Gideon is captured and tortured by the enemy, which comes into play later on.
Jerimiah Kent who is also fighting in the War is given one final order from his commanding officer after being shot in battle, to reach his family and protect them should the North ever invade the South. Jerimiah arrives at his CO's home, to his wife Catherine, and he falls for his beautiful but mysterious daughter Serena, who attempts to draw him into a web of lust and murder.
Michael Boyle off in another part fighting the war, shortly after falling in love with Hannah, an immigrant girl from Germany, and later becoming a worker for the Transcontinental Railroad.
We don't hear too much about Matthew Kent (Fay and Jephtha's 3rd child), but I have a feeling that will change in the next book.
And last but not least, Louis Kent (Grrrrrrr)! Louis is now divorced from his estranged wife Julia, which I also have a feeling will come into play later on. Louis is slowly making his way to the top, becoming partners with Robber Barons, James Fisk, and Jay Gould, hoping to use his firm to make more money than any Kent ever dreamed of, but karma will soon catch up to Louis.
Too bad I didn't come across this series when I was in High School taking History Class, I could have used it for many History projects I did, (but I still managed to ace them HAHA)! It was interesting learning about the Transcontinental Railroad, about the Sioux and the Cheyenne Indian Tribes, and also a little info about former President Andrew Johnson, (who I did a report on in History Class, and my Mom still to this day gets him confused with Andrew Jackson, HAHA)!
Great and informative from beginning to end!
The Warriors starts out during the final days of the Civil War, opening with the death of General Stonewall Jackson (one of the Confederate Army's finest generals). In the battle with Jackson is Gideon Kent. Later on Gideon is captured and tortured by the enemy, which comes into play later on.
Jerimiah Kent who is also fighting in the War is given one final order from his commanding officer after being shot in battle, to reach his family and protect them should the North ever invade the South. Jerimiah arrives at his CO's home, to his wife Catherine, and he falls for his beautiful but mysterious daughter Serena, who attempts to draw him into a web of lust and murder.
Michael Boyle off in another part fighting the war, shortly after falling in love with Hannah, an immigrant girl from Germany, and later becoming a worker for the Transcontinental Railroad.
We don't hear too much about Matthew Kent (Fay and Jephtha's 3rd child), but I have a feeling that will change in the next book.
And last but not least, Louis Kent (Grrrrrrr)! Louis is now divorced from his estranged wife Julia, which I also have a feeling will come into play later on. Louis is slowly making his way to the top, becoming partners with Robber Barons, James Fisk, and Jay Gould, hoping to use his firm to make more money than any Kent ever dreamed of, but karma will soon catch up to Louis.
Too bad I didn't come across this series when I was in High School taking History Class, I could have used it for many History projects I did, (but I still managed to ace them HAHA)! It was interesting learning about the Transcontinental Railroad, about the Sioux and the Cheyenne Indian Tribes, and also a little info about former President Andrew Johnson, (who I did a report on in History Class, and my Mom still to this day gets him confused with Andrew Jackson, HAHA)!
Great and informative from beginning to end!
March 26, 2023
I was starting to lose steam with these series of books. This was probably the slowest of them all. Maybe it has to do with the time period it is set in or maybe just the same old characters each generation .... however, I do feel like I need to finish the final book. May just take me a while.
March 20, 2010
Volume 6 of the Kent Family Chronicles covers the end of the Civil War and those first few years after. So what's up with the Kent family?
Jerimiah Kent brings a message to his deceased commanding officer's wife and helps her and her daughter prepare for the Union troops under Sherman to come through. He then heads west and becomes an outlaw with an Indian partner.
Michale Kent Boyle helps lay track for the railroad. You get a glimpse of what it was like with the Indians and the traveling town that went with the group.
No much from Mathew Kent. Artist in Paris.
Gideon Kent is tortured as a prisoner of war and after the he helps develope a union to attempt to right the wrongs employees suffer.
Louis Kent is running with the big financial dogs in an attempt to gain control of the Erie RR. He ends up hurt and Jephtha Kent regains control of Kentland.
Good read. Not much time is covered. Hard to believe Jakes originally was going to take the Kent family from the Revolutionary War to the bi-centenial. He didn't quite make it by Volume 9. Maybe he will take it up again.
Jerimiah Kent brings a message to his deceased commanding officer's wife and helps her and her daughter prepare for the Union troops under Sherman to come through. He then heads west and becomes an outlaw with an Indian partner.
Michale Kent Boyle helps lay track for the railroad. You get a glimpse of what it was like with the Indians and the traveling town that went with the group.
No much from Mathew Kent. Artist in Paris.
Gideon Kent is tortured as a prisoner of war and after the he helps develope a union to attempt to right the wrongs employees suffer.
Louis Kent is running with the big financial dogs in an attempt to gain control of the Erie RR. He ends up hurt and Jephtha Kent regains control of Kentland.
Good read. Not much time is covered. Hard to believe Jakes originally was going to take the Kent family from the Revolutionary War to the bi-centenial. He didn't quite make it by Volume 9. Maybe he will take it up again.
October 20, 2011
Shortly after I finished the fifth book in John Jakes' Bicentennial Series, The Warriors. This book focuses on Gideon Kent, a former Confederate soldier now struggling in the dangerous rail yards in New England, as well as honorary Kent family member Michael Boyle, worked on the transcontinental railroad. Gideon's younger brother Jeremiah also makes an auspicious appearance. Notably (or perhaps not *g*), this is the second Jakes book I will have to replace after reading it to the point of it literally falling apart. Yep, love my John Jakes!
October 15, 2024
While still entertaining, I think this was the weakest of the Kent Family Chronicles for me so far. I felt it was overly long and I found myself drifting along for long stretches. I did enjoy parts of Jeremiah's story in the first quarter and really enjoyed his return later in the book. Gideon's story was alright, though not as compelling as I'd hoped. Louis Kent was as despicable as ever, but the outcome of his story felt oddly rushed. I am interested to see where Michael Boyle ends up, but the journey to get to where he is now was long and a bot tedious.
Maybe Jakes is running out of steam or ideas as we close the sixth chapter of the Kent Family Chronicles. I hope not as I have greatly enjoyed this series so far and I look forward to the next installment.
Maybe Jakes is running out of steam or ideas as we close the sixth chapter of the Kent Family Chronicles. I hope not as I have greatly enjoyed this series so far and I look forward to the next installment.
April 4, 2021
This is my first novel by John Jakes and it was the sixth novel in the series but it can be read as a 'stand alone'.It is voluminous and justifiable so.The author spent a lot of time on research of the American Civil War and half of the book take you through how the war was fought and on what side the negroes were on and an end to slavery.
It was an interesting tale with no dull moments.The author is in the class of James Mischener, James Clavell and a few others.Perharps this book is a justification of why people referred to John Jake as "The Godfather Of Historical Fiction".
I give it 4 solid stars and I will be reading more of John Jake soon.
It was an interesting tale with no dull moments.The author is in the class of James Mischener, James Clavell and a few others.Perharps this book is a justification of why people referred to John Jake as "The Godfather Of Historical Fiction".
I give it 4 solid stars and I will be reading more of John Jake soon.
August 28, 2012
The Civil War is finished but not in everyone's minds. The struggle's of the Kent family continue as the book meanders through American History in the late 1860's.
We are now following more parts of the family tree in parallel and essentially running out of ideas and ideals.
We are now following more parts of the family tree in parallel and essentially running out of ideas and ideals.
October 3, 2025
This was a really long book at 688 pages(I love big books) and I have to admit that there were times when it made my brain hurt because I don’t have a mind for business and when it came to Louis Kent, it was all business. No surprises there. Louis is a businessman, but not the good kind. He’s an underhanded, greedy, slimy cretin with zero morals and no conscience. There’s nothing good about him and I disliked him intensely. However, I got no satisfaction in how he ended up.
Thankfully, that was just a portion of this immense novel, but it’s important and has direct ties to Gideon Kent. That’s a story unto itself and is included in the book.
The majority of the book deals with Michael Boyle, Amanda Kent's assistant who left the employ of Louis and got a job working for Union Pacific Railroad laying track to the 100th Meridian during westward expansion. His was an interesting and exciting story that kept me turning the pages. He was a tormented soul and needed peace. He deserved it, just as Gideon did. I'm not sure either of them got it, but there are two more books to go in the series, so we’ll see.
I’m all about Jephtha Kent and I was happy to see him again. He didn’t have a major part of the story, but he was still significant. There was a part where Gideon thought he was old when he was just 50. That gave me a little laugh.
This was a wonderful history come to life story with realistic characters that seemed to jump from the pages, grab me by the collar, and scream "Read me!” In my face. There were some tense moments and a few surprises that kept me reading.
Solid five stars!
This is a part of a series that should be read in order
1. The Bastard
2. The Rebels
3. The Seekers
4. The Furies
5. The Titans
6. The Warriors
7. The Lawless is next
Thankfully, that was just a portion of this immense novel, but it’s important and has direct ties to Gideon Kent. That’s a story unto itself and is included in the book.
The majority of the book deals with Michael Boyle, Amanda Kent's assistant who left the employ of Louis and got a job working for Union Pacific Railroad laying track to the 100th Meridian during westward expansion. His was an interesting and exciting story that kept me turning the pages. He was a tormented soul and needed peace. He deserved it, just as Gideon did. I'm not sure either of them got it, but there are two more books to go in the series, so we’ll see.
I’m all about Jephtha Kent and I was happy to see him again. He didn’t have a major part of the story, but he was still significant. There was a part where Gideon thought he was old when he was just 50. That gave me a little laugh.
This was a wonderful history come to life story with realistic characters that seemed to jump from the pages, grab me by the collar, and scream "Read me!” In my face. There were some tense moments and a few surprises that kept me reading.
Solid five stars!
This is a part of a series that should be read in order
1. The Bastard
2. The Rebels
3. The Seekers
4. The Furies
5. The Titans
6. The Warriors
7. The Lawless is next
December 9, 2017
Opening up with the battle of Chancellorsville, this novel picks up the Kent family as the Civil War is nearing its end. Jeptha’s sons are fighting for the Confederacy – each their own way. Gideon has joined General Stuart’s cavalry, Matt has joined a boat crew and is busy smuggling goods, and Jeremiah is busy trying to figure out how he can best serve his homeland. Meanwhile in New York City, Louis has married a woman from a very influential family and is busy expanding the Kent family assets. And Whatever happened to Michael Boyle after he was done following Amanda’s decree to raise Louis? How will the end of the ware effect the remaining Kent family members? Will the two different sides ever reconcile?
This, the 6th book in the Kent Family Chronicles covers a very bloody and dissident chapter in American history. This is a very well-researched novel and it does an incredible job at portraying the effects the war had on families. It is an interesting read in how it portrays the end of the war and what the various populations did after it had ended. This novel also covers the railroad race to the Pacific and the challenges it endured. Very well-written and developed; I would highly recommend it.
This, the 6th book in the Kent Family Chronicles covers a very bloody and dissident chapter in American history. This is a very well-researched novel and it does an incredible job at portraying the effects the war had on families. It is an interesting read in how it portrays the end of the war and what the various populations did after it had ended. This novel also covers the railroad race to the Pacific and the challenges it endured. Very well-written and developed; I would highly recommend it.
June 14, 2017
Vol. 6 in the Kent Family Chronicles follows Jeremiah Kent at the end of the Civil War and life out West as a buffalo hunter with "Kola" his Sioux Indian friend. It follows Michael Kent Boyle as he works laying track for the push to get the railroad out West. It also follows Gideon Kent who sees the injustice in workers vs. management. Then there is Jephtha who is trying to restore the name of Kent and get the family artifacts away from Louis Kent.
I love the family dynamic and seeing each generation of Kent develop.
Though I realize this book is based during a very violent time in our country's history and I'm sure John Jakes's research is correct, I really didn't enjoy reading of all the bloodshed and the violence that man forces on his fellow men and women without any sense of guilt or shame. But I'm not doubting that this was on the mark. So many lives were wasted over men's greed, contempt for the Indians and no respect for women. But those were the times.
I do enjoy this series by John Jakes and am hoping for a little less violence in book #7.
I love the family dynamic and seeing each generation of Kent develop.
Though I realize this book is based during a very violent time in our country's history and I'm sure John Jakes's research is correct, I really didn't enjoy reading of all the bloodshed and the violence that man forces on his fellow men and women without any sense of guilt or shame. But I'm not doubting that this was on the mark. So many lives were wasted over men's greed, contempt for the Indians and no respect for women. But those were the times.
I do enjoy this series by John Jakes and am hoping for a little less violence in book #7.
April 12, 2019
My husband, his aunt and I read this whole series during the 1970's when they first came out - all three of us would read them in less then a weekend and couldn't wait for the next one to come out. They were so very good you felt like you were right there living the story with them! 'A family builds an empire amid murder, betrayal, and the Civil War, in this saga by the #1 New York Times–bestselling author of North and South. With the Civil War reaching its gory climax, the divided Kent family is pushed to the edge of complete destruction. With the advent of the transcontinental Union Pacific Railroad, the Kents continue to fight for their foothold among America’s wealthy founding families. While their private, insular war rages, young Jeremiah Kent is tempted by a calculating Southern belle into a trap of deceit, lust, and murder. There’s no turning back as the Kents’ destiny is set on an irreversible course alongside the great rebirth of America.'
February 14, 2018
This volume details the lives of Jephtha Kent’s sons Gideon, Jeremiah and Matthew during and after the Civil War. We also meet again Michael Boyle, longtime friend of the northern Kents as he helps the Union Pacific Railroad advance their tracks toward the Pacific coast. This part was particularly interesting for me as the storyline takes the reader to Nebraska between Omaha, Grand Island and Kearney. Louis Kent, Amanda’s son, continues his scheming to get richer though his greed gets to him in the end.
August 1, 2018
Wonderful series of books
When the series of Kent books were published many years ago I read then and I enjoyed them very much. Reading the books again after nearly 35 years I've enjoyed them even more. Covering all the major stages of the growth of America experienced through the lives of one family is so fascinating. For lovers of historical fiction you'll enjoy John Jake's attention to details of all the important stages of the development of America. It's well researched and for the most part accuratee.
When the series of Kent books were published many years ago I read then and I enjoyed them very much. Reading the books again after nearly 35 years I've enjoyed them even more. Covering all the major stages of the growth of America experienced through the lives of one family is so fascinating. For lovers of historical fiction you'll enjoy John Jake's attention to details of all the important stages of the development of America. It's well researched and for the most part accuratee.
October 1, 2019
Even though we’ve come to the end of the Civil War, hostilities remain, and the Kent’s continue to fight and struggle. We believe a lot of injustice and inequality remains currently, they’re nothing compared to what went on back then. The chasm between the haves and have-nots was so wide and unbearably unjust, it’s a wonder anyone could have made a go of their lives.
And again, the author combined history and fiction in a spellbinding manner.
And again, the author combined history and fiction in a spellbinding manner.
August 11, 2020
The Warriors is a great read. One will really enjoy the story of Michael Boyle and his adventures building the railroad. Really enjoyed finding out about Jeremiah and what happened to him and how the storylines connect. Seems like Jephtha found some peace in New York. The interaction that Louis has with the Robber Barons is very tense and cant wait to find out what happens next.
This is a great series to read during this challenging covid 19 time.
This is a great series to read during this challenging covid 19 time.
July 13, 2017
The usual great historical novel by Jakes
Like all of John Jakes historical novel, although fiction, it contain historical fact. This story holds the reader where the reader can't put the book aside easily. Great reading, JAKES paints a picture of an important era of American history.
Like all of John Jakes historical novel, although fiction, it contain historical fact. This story holds the reader where the reader can't put the book aside easily. Great reading, JAKES paints a picture of an important era of American history.
July 2, 2019
The Kent Family Moves Forward
The Warriors covers several things that were happening in America; the war was ending, the tracks for the railroad were being laid and people were trying to start over again. Any history fan should enjoy this book as well as the other books in The Kent Family Chronicles.
The Warriors covers several things that were happening in America; the war was ending, the tracks for the railroad were being laid and people were trying to start over again. Any history fan should enjoy this book as well as the other books in The Kent Family Chronicles.
January 1, 2021
3.5 stars. Book Six in the Kent Family Chronicles series, which covers the end of the Civil War and the establishment of a coast-to-coast rail line. Another well-crafted tale by Jakes in which historical fact harmonizes perfectly with quality fiction. Once again, I would recommend this series to those who enjoy epic novels or history, while warning of the violent aspects of the story.
March 16, 2021
I've enjoyed all of the Kent novels. This one was no exception, but I found it a bit more fragmented than most. I appreciated the narrative surrounding the building of the transcontinental railroad and growth of Michael following the war. However, I felt like some of the ideas were really undeveloped, particularly the Louis storyline.
July 6, 2017
A family can survive when they are a true family.
Another great book about a fictional family and actual historical events. The author has worked his magic once again and brought history to life again. I highly recommend the reading of all books by the author John Jakes.
Another great book about a fictional family and actual historical events. The author has worked his magic once again and brought history to life again. I highly recommend the reading of all books by the author John Jakes.
July 21, 2017
This volume finishes the Civil War and encounters both the builders and financiers of the Railroads. Again there are members of the Kent family in many parts of the country fighting various types of battles.
August 29, 2017
Slogged through this one.
Not my favorite book of the series. I did learn what "Hell on wheels" actually means.
It was slower than the rest . Not deterred from finishing the series however.
Not my favorite book of the series. I did learn what "Hell on wheels" actually means.
It was slower than the rest . Not deterred from finishing the series however.
November 6, 2021
Sprawling and rather epic novel within a series. There were some lows, some of the railway story and Louis’s story were a little slow but each character in the Kent family received a lot of space to grow and be told. Still so much story to go!
September 30, 2022
Book 6 of 8. I'm glad I took this journey with John Jakes again. A sweeping saga of the American experience. Jakes is not a great writer, but he is a great storyteller. Well worth the time and effort to pursue. I should read some other of his series.
February 4, 2023
Love the highlights of Michael Boyle in this book — his journey to becoming a bona fide Kent is remarkable. The development and ultimate decisions from Jeremiah, the total collapse of Louis Kent. It’s all so good.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews