The Sins of Men: An American Revolutionary War Drama

by Danny J. Bradbury

Can an impoverished boy overcome his humble beginnings, abduction, and mistreatment to participate in a series of pivotal events in world history? Raised in poverty and hopelessness on the streets of Portsmouth, Peter Beale is forced into a life of crime just to survive. This lifestyle leaves him vulnerable, and he is snatched by an uncaring Naval officer against his will. He is pressed into service aboard the HMS Progress, a British man of war, which quickly becomes his prison.

Peter learns to cope with his new environment, becoming hardened against his constant abuses. He vows to endure and find a way out of this life he didn’t ask for. His ultimate goal is to seek revenge against his abuser.

When the ship docks in Boston, Peter seizes the chance to escape and takes refuge with a local couple. As the winds of war sweep across the colonies, he finds himself drawn into the fight on the side of the Americans. Fate presents him with a thrilling opportunity for revenge when an epic sea battle brings him face-to-face with his tormentor, but will he seize his lifelong goal or die trying?

The Sins of War is the exciting first novel in The Peter Smith Chronicles series. If you like historical battles, rich characters, and non-stop action, you’ll love Danny J. Bradbury’s enthralling novel.

Get your copy today.

Genres: Historical Fiction

Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2024

About the author

I have been writing historical fiction novels since I retired from the Insurance industry. I have a lifelong love of history and enjoy sharing my accumulated knowledge. I was born and raised in Colorado and Wyoming. I served in the US Navy. My wife and I have three grown daughters and two grandsons. I have published 6 novels. My most recent is a Western Mystery, Railway to Murder.

Get a copy of my books at:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Danny-J...

Reviews

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every nuanced thread is woven into this historical war time tale set around the Seven Years War that is multi layered and intriguing.
Peter is taken from as a captive in a darker, harsher life of one man’s depravities, a life of punishment and sexual torment aboard a British warship. Escaping this horror, he is taken in and given a life that is nothing like his past a place to learn and grow. When his past is once again in the forefront he must decide if it is revenge, he desires or a consequence of war.
Danny has not only given us a story but a war well-worn history lesson as well. He highlights the actions, the struggles, the oppression, and the challenges of that time and our MC.
I am not usually one for War time fiction, but I found The Sins of Men: An American Revolutionary War Drama to be interesting.

[S.S. Saywack · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hugely enjoyable historical drama, this book centers around the American Revolution taking in the occupation of Boston, the first shots fired at Concorde, and the Battle of Bunker Hill. Events seen through several eyes occupy the text, the main one starting with the young Phillip Beale, arrested for theft and sent to prison before being pressed into the Royal Navy in Portsmouth, England. No spoilers, but after a harsh life he finds himself in America and events of the revolution eventually unfold around him. Short chapters and constant changes of POV make for an easy and enjoyable read. It is very much one of those books that’s difficult to put down. I enjoyed it and learned some history along the way.

[Terry M · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-written, in-depth story that pulled on my heart strings. The resilience and strength of Peter throughout is uplifting. Highly Recommended.

[Lucas W Mayberry · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Intriguing Coming of Age War Drama - Told against the backdrop of the birth of America and the infancy of the War of Independence this tells the story of 10 year old Peter from Portsmouth, England. He is kidnapped and forced to work on a British warship where the Captain makes his life very unpleasant. After three years at sea they are docked at Boston, America and Peter sees his chance to escape. He soon finds a kind family who take him in helping him evade capture from British sailors. The new family adopts Peter where they grow to love him apart from his adoptive brother Robert. As he grows up he is educated at Harvard and soon after as restlessness grows in the American colonies he joins the new militia where eventually he crosses paths again with the British captain who made his life hell all those years ago and a spectacular battle ensues. This was an intriguing and exciting read that kept me entertained throughout. I really felt for Peter’s plight and I was really invested in his story. The only criticism I have and the reason I gave this 4 stars is Peter’s accent at the beginning of the story. As a Brit who went to university in Portsmouth I know for a fact that natural citizens don’t speak cockney there, it’s not part of London and besides that isn’t how cockney is written. It was a bit off putting.

[Michael Daigle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Danny J. Bradbury’s “The Sins of Men” offers an entertaining romp through the tail end of the Seven Years’ War between France and England (1754 to 1763; known in the British Colonies as the French and Indian War) and the early stages of the American Revolution.
Ten-year-old street urchin Peter Beale is taken from an English jail as a conscript to serve on a British warship, the HMS Progress, whose orders take it to North America.
On the ship, Peter is subject to the “sins of men” as he is sexually assaulted by aptly-named Captain Auger.
A battle or two later, Peter escapes the ship into the fiery streets of Boston and into his new life in the city growing with revolutionary resentment against the British crown.
Taken in by merchant Robert Smith and his wife Amanda, Peter is offered education, a job, training and an entry into the forces of revolution, which culminated in his service as a Colonial Navy officer.
The rising war is both a backdrop and a plot device for Peter to learn, grow and display his true strengths.
There is a tangle themes -- overcoming one’s past (even evil Captain Auger as a shot at that), the rise of human freedom and spirit, taking chances, the triumph of good over evil – all wrapped in a revolutionary package.
Readers of a certain age may recall the Newberry Award winning book, “Johnny Tremain” by Edith Forbes (and the subsequent Disney movie), that has a similar young hero theme.
Others may ask who is the audience?
This surely is a story with a light brush of history (well researched, indeed, but lightly presented), and could be intended for a younger reader.
For older readers what is missing a deeper sense of the horrors of war and illegal servitude. Not that what was needed was a story bathed in blood and anguish, but an occasional personal scene that showed desperation would have made the triumph more telling. The reader is told how bad it was, but not shown.
The lack of such grabbing details instead transforms this worthy, well-told tale into a bit of a fairy tale: Bad is too bad, and good is too good.
Still, a fun, quick read.
And, if the title is a give-away, part one of a series.

[Roxsanne Lesieur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warning contains some content which could trigger trauma.

Peter Beale is a young boy of 10 who lives in Portsmouth with his mother and six brothers and sisters, their dad died when he was young and now Peter feels responsible for his younger siblings and so he hangs around with some bits around his age who do some questionable things to provide for their families as well. One morning they decide to pick pocket in the local market, but unfortunately for Peter, he is caught and ends up in prison.

This is where his troubles really begin as he behind to understand the predatory nature of the incarcerated and real life, but he does find a protector, although not for long. Just as he is beginning to develop a routine, some naval officers enter the prison and pick Peter along with several others to go to war and fight the french on a ship in the naval fleet and so the next stage of his life begins .

Unfortunately for Peter, this life at sea isn't all it's cracked up to be with cramped quarters, unfriendly crew mates and the worst abuses by the captain which he can think of. As Peter begins to learn the worst things life can throw at him, he carries out his duties and whatever the captain dreams up all while dreaming of escape and when his chance arises in Boston where a giant fire breaks out, he takes it and lands somewhere where his luck may just change.

He is taken in by a wealthy family and hidden away until the ship leaves port and from there is given an education and a chance to become a member of society, all while hiding his past. This opportunity continues to bring him favour as he grows and integrates himself in American society, including going to war for th and getting his chance for revenge, but will he take it? This is a historical story of overcoming adversity and using a traumatic past to create a hopeful future as opportunities around and chance decides your fate.

[Kerry carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in The Peter Smith Chronicles. It is a historical war time story which has adventure, danger, a child's torment, growth and revenge all wrapped around war time.
This sort of story isn't something I would usually pick to read however the authors attention to detail and the story that was woven around Peter and his life was so moving and captivating that I could help being dragged into the story.
In this book we follow Peter as he finds his way in life. This story is hard to read at first as when we meet Peter he is a street urchin struggling to survive, then things go from back to worse when he is put in prison for stealing before being sent to work as a cabin boy on the warship Progress. All of this while he is only 10 years old.
The torture and abuse he suffers while being a cabin boy to the Captain is heartbreaking and something no child should ever have to go through.
When he finally makes his escape he gets a chance to heal, learn and grow and when the opportunity for revenge presents itself he has a choice.
Does he side with America when they go to war? Or does he do it just to get revenge on the evil people that tried to destroy his future.
This is a really emotional story for me. Having a 10 year old myself I was heartbroken reading what Peter went through as a child. The author has created a great start to this series and I can't wait to read more.

[Carrie Cross · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Sins of Men: An American Revolutionary War Drama” by Danny J. Bradbury is an engaging historical fiction novel that takes readers on a thrilling journey through pivotal events during the Seven Years’ War and the early stages of the American Revolution.
The story follows Peter Beale, an impoverished boy who grows up on the streets of Portsmouth. Forced into a life of crime just to survive, Peter’s fate takes a dramatic turn when he is abducted by an uncaring Naval officer and pressed into service aboard the HMS Progress—a British man-of-war that becomes his prison. As Peter copes with the harsh environment and constant abuses, he vows to endure and seeks revenge against his abuser. When the ship docks in Boston, he seizes the chance to escape and finds refuge with a local couple. As war sweeps across the American colonies, Peter becomes entangled in the fight on the side of the Americans. His ultimate opportunity for revenge arises during an epic sea battle, where he faces his tormentor head-on.
Peter Beale’s transformation—from a desperate street kid to a participant in world-changing events—is compelling. His resilience and determination resonate with readers.
Bradbury’s writing style makes the historical context accessible and engaging. Whether you’re a history buff or simply love a good adventure, “The Sins of Men” delivers.

[Craig Hipkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of historical fiction and enjoyed reading this Revolutionary War novel. This was a fascinating period in history and Danny J. Bradbury makes it come to life. The story is told through the voices of various characters. The main character is Peter Beale who is impressed on a British warship during the Seven Years War.
I found the beginning of the story interesting as it detailed the horrid conditions of English prisons in the 18th century and how convicts, including small children were roughly treated. The author has a good understanding of the time period that he is writing. His description of life on a British warship is spot on, from what I have read elsewhere. The story rolls along at a fast pace after Beale escapes and ends up being taken in by a kind family who adopts him. The rest of the novel relates Beale’s involvement in various episodes of history, including the Boston Tea Party and battles including Bunker Hill. Eventually the story culminates with an epic sea battle and confrontation between Beale and his former tormentor, the despicable Captain Auger.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 - 4 Stars

The Sins of Men is the first book in The Peter Smith Chronicles by Danny J. Bradbury. It is a fascinating but moving historical fiction story set amid the final stages of the Seven Years’ War, that then leads into the American Revolution.
We follow Peter Beale, an English 10-year-old street urchin who ends up forced into service on a British warship enroute to America. The Sins of Men gives a heart-wrenching account of the torment he endures aboard the ship, before he finally manages to escape to Boston where his new life begins when he is offered a home and taken in by a local merchant Robert Smith…. and so Peter’s adventures ensue.
With action, dramatic developments, intrigue, risk, danger, overcoming, the strength of the human spirit, challenges, survival, good vs evil, revolution, action, history, and more made for an interesting read.
As this was my first book by Mr. Bradbury, I really didn’t know what to expect from his storytelling, but I am glad I took a chance on this book and will definitely be continuing the chronicles- so bring on Book #2.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Danny J. Bradbury!

[Katie Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sins of Men: An American Revolutionary War Drama, by Danny J. Bradbury, is a tale weaved of historical fiction where we meet of a young boy named Peter. Peter is living in poverty as a young boy, and if his life wasn't hard enough already, he makes a decision out of desperation to help his family and his young little life suddenly becomes darker and hopeless. At ten years old, he is thrown into prison and has to struggle to survive and stay safe. Then he is forced to join the war to fight against the French and the hopelessness settles in. But when he finally escapes the shadows that shackle him, he finds purpose again.

While there were definitely many parts of this story that made my heart shatter for Peter, his ability to dig deep and find courage and resilience within himself during the harshest of times really captured the strength of the human spirit passionate to live, wanting to find a purpose to keep going. This story was heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time. This story had just the right amount of intricate detail and clearly knows this era well. The characters were not all likeable, but they were perfect in order to tell this tale.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This epic war drama set during the American Revolution had me gripped throughout. Young Peter Beale is being raised in poverty on the streets of Portsmouth, and is forced into crime to survive. He is then abducted by an uncaring Naval Officer and finds himself pressed into service. Once aboard the HMS Progress he learns to cope and harden himself against the constant abuse. When the ship docks in Boston, Peter escapes taking refuge with a local couple. However, his goal is to seek revenge against his abuser. As the war sweeps across the colonies Peter finds himself fighting on the side of the Americans.
A fierce sea battle brings him face-to-face with his tormentor, a perfect opportunity to carry out his goal of revenge. I thoroughly enjoyed this well written and researched American Revolution historical novel. I loved the likeable Peter who from humble beginnings participated in pivotal events in history. It was an exciting read but also an emotional one, with regard to Peter’s life and the awful suffering he endured. The historical battles in particular came vividly to life through the descriptive narrative. I look forward to book two!

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sins of Men: An American Revolutionary War Drama
By Danny J. Bradbury

This is the first historical fiction that I have read and the first book for me by Danny J. Bradbury. I would not normally read this type of book. How ever I did enjoy the book and I would recommend it to those who like historical drama fiction. There are 83 short chapters to this book which are easy to follow. Danny J. Bradbury developed his characters well. I feel there were a couple of areas of this book that didn’t need to be as drawn out as they were, but overall the book was well written. So this book is about a 10 year old boy who in an attempt to feed his brothers and sisters picks the wrong person to try and rob. Because of this he is caught and sent before the magistrate and is sent to prison for ninety days. From there he is then made to serve the military. As I previously said this is not a book I would normally read, but because of the story line, character development I am rating this book 4 stars

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sins of Men: An American Revolutionary War Drama
By Danny J. Bradbury

This is the first historical fiction that I have read and the first book for me by Danny J. Bradbury. I would not normally read this type of book. How ever I did enjoy the book and I would recommend it to those who like historical drama fiction. There are 83 short chapters to this book which are easy to follow. Danny J. Bradbury developed his characters well. I feel there were a couple of areas of this book that didn’t need to be as drawn out as they were, but overall the book was well written. So this book is about a 10 year old boy who in an attempt to feed his brothers and sisters picks the wrong person to try and rob. Because of this he is caught and sent before the magistrate and is sent to prison for ninety days. From there he is then made to serve the military. As I previously said this is not a book I would normally read, but because of the story
line, character development I am rating this book 4 stars

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sins of Men is a fascinating read that shadows the unbridled life of an underprivileged boy. His humble beginnings, capture, and sexual abuse present overwhelming trials. Written in the spirit of John Jake's acclaimed saga, "The Bastard," this book chronicles the boy's trials as he embarks on a significant quest to master his past and shape world history.

The story is one heck of a ride back to the wild times before the American Revolution and immerses you in the era, with all its historical nitty-gritty and the intense social hurdles people had to face. Our main character, a tough and gutsy young boy, is up against some serious challenges that could make or break him. Danny J. Bradbury does a great job weaving together the boy's personal struggles with the crazy events of the time, blurring the line between fiction and what actually went down in history. Hang on tight for this thrilling adventure!

[Tausha Treadway · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sins of Men: An American Revolutionary War Drama (The Peter Smith Chronicles-American Revolution Historical Fiction series) by Danny J Bradbury. This is such a good book. Its written so well that I felt like I was in the middle of the Revolutionary War! The story begins with Peter Beale who is a from a very poor family in England. Peter ends up stealing food for his large family and ends up in jail. Thru prison he is put in His Majesty's Navy as a cabin boy under Captain Auger on the HMS Progress. This prison was horrible but Peter's not too sure this is any better. Peter is assigned to assist the cook, clean the deck and personally bring the Captain his food. When alone with the Captain bad things happen and not just to Peter but all young boys. He eventually escapes from the boat and arrives in America and is adopted by a wealthy family. This book was written so well that I didn't want to put it down and I zoomed thru it. Such a great historical fictional read!

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danny J. Bradbury is a first time author for me, but I really enjoy historical fiction. The Sins of Men, the first book in the Peter Smith Chronicles, was no exception. This story follows a young Peter Beale through his impoverished childhood, life of crime and subsequent prison sentence in 18th century England. He is forcefully conscripted into the British Navy and finds himself in the midst of even more horrific circumstances. His service takes him to America, where he escapes, is adopted into the Smith family, and begins a journey of self-discovery and growth. There are so many things going on in this book, but it is well-written with great world building and is easy to follow. Through reading, I was transported on board a naval man of war, I could smell the cannon and rifle smoke, and feel the anxiety of battle. The characters are realistic, believable, and lovable (even the ones I loved to hate). I cannot wait to read the next book in this series!

[Mark Lance · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sins of Men: An American Revolutionary War Drama, by Danny J. Bradbury, is an enjoyable read. Told from several characters' perspectives, the main figure is Peter Beale whom we meet as an impoverished boy in Portsmouth, England. Peter is arrested for petty crime, jailed and them impressed into the Royal navy. Abused by a sadistic captain, the boy eventually escapes in pre-Revolutionary Boston and is taken in by a loving, supportive and prosperous family. Peter attends Harvard and in due course is swept into the revolutionary fervor. We witness the Boston Massacre, the Tea Party, Lexington and Concord and Peter's eventual enlistment in the upstart navy.

I especially enjoyed the process of deciding to join the rebellion. Often, one assumes that "I'd have been with you, George" as the colonists took on the most powerful military in the world. The Sins of Men reveals that the decision was not alway so simple.

A good yarn, well told.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an historically written fiction. Peter Beale does what he has to to survive and help his family. As he becomes a man he must continue to do what he can. This book is well written and filled with great knowledge from the author. It touches on many important facts of our history.The Boston Tea Party, Bunker Hill and so many more.The story is fast paced and loaded with great information.
While this is not a book for me, many of you will enjoy it. I know many of my history readers who would enjoy the facts that are shared. As this author has done his research before writing this book. The characters are realistic and also share so much of what life was like for them. This is definitely a series for all history buff's. Having read the book I know you will enjoy it so much more than I would.

[James Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sins of Men begins with a heart-wrenching depiction of a ten-year-old boy, Peter, taken captive and abused on a British war ship during the time of the American Revolution. However, that dramatic beginning to Peter’s story takes an unusual and uplifting turn as he escapes once the ship arrives in the colonies and he comes under the protection of a loving family.
Peter is afforded the opportunities and higher education any son of a successful business owner would have, and this gives Peter the tools to become a driving force in the Revolutionary War.
Although the novel is certainly a stand-alone story, the author ended the saga with the hint of more to come from Peter’s world. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and recommend the book, even to those not normally historical fiction fans.

[Karen Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical fiction that takes the reader from England to the American revolution. The story follows the young life of a poverty stricken boy who finds himself imprisoned before ten years of age in 18th Century England.
Prison was terrible but then young Peter finds himself pulled onto a Royal navy vessel and assigned the duty of cabin boy. A fate that may have been one of the worse he experienced in his lifetime and certainly a role that haunted him for decades. The sins of this captain propelled Peter to risk everything when his ship was docked in America and a fire provided opportunity and cover for him to run away.
This historical saga of fiction does a great job of highlighting the struggle of the American revolution and Peter's own personal demons side by side.

[Shannen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn’t typically a genre that I look for and I hadn’t heard of this author before, but the cover and synopsis drew me in. There is a ton of action throughout this entire book which gripped me from beginning to end. I couldn’t put this book down which surprised me as I thought I would be able to read this leisurely throughout the week. The detailed and vivid imagery captured by this author was unnerving but seemed to accurately portray that period of time in history. The abuse (SA) of a minor was difficult for me especially the first one early on and took me by complete surprise. This is an intense and emotional book that seems well researched. If you enjoy historical fiction then you will likely want to pick this one up.

[Celia Martin]

The Sins of Men: A Tragic Sage of the Cabin Boy by Dan Bradbury take Peter from the slums of London, to prison as a ten year old, to being impressed by the navy to serve as a cabin boy, to his escape in Boston, and his rescue by the kind Smith family. Though thanks to the Smiths, Peter prospers in Boston, he is still haunted by the abuse he suffered as a cabin boy. As the colonies go to war with England, Peter finds himself again aboard a ship, and American ship, and he is the officer in charge of the cannons. A battle at sea helps Peter rid himself of his demons. The battle is the climax of the story. It is exciting and well depicted.

Celia Martin

[Progress Wings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

This story is about a young boy named Peter Beale who goes through a lot of tough times. He was poor and then taken away by a mean sea captain to fight in a big war. He manages to escape and starts a new life in Boston, America. When a big war starts there, Peter decides to fight for America.

His story is very moving because he faces many challenges but keeps going. In the end, he even gets to face the mean sea captain again. This story is good for people who like stories about the past, especially about big wars like the American Revolutionary War.

It's about not giving up, even when things are really hard.

[Kerry Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical fiction is a genre I read quite a bit of, and yet I don’t think this era is one I have read much in the region of. I loved the navy angle that the story was initially portrayed from, looking through the perspective of a young boy who is forced into a life he didn’t choose. I thought the author did a great job od developing not only his story but the story overall.
The historic detail in the book was fascinating to read about. It really caught my attention and drew me into the events we were reading about. This is a great start to a new series and I am looking forward to discovering more.

[Callie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sins of Men is an American Revolution War drama. The main character, Peter, starts as a 10 year old boy that is an alley rat stealing for his family. Unfortunately for him he is caught and thrown in prison. Peter is then selected for duty on a Navy ship heading for the Americas. This book is set during the American Revolution and has key points in history that are a great tie in. There is so much growth for Peter in this book that it blew me away. I've never read a historical drama before but this defiantly will not be my last. If you want a truly gripping tale that will leave you wanting more this book is for you.

[Lisa Deerwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is set during the American Revolution and the author captures the moral complexity of a nation at war and the personal cost of divided loyalties well. The characters feel authentic and deeply human, especially Peter Beale, whose struggles with duty, fear, and conscience drive the story forward. The historical detail is vivid without overwhelming the narrative, making the era feel real and immediate and it shows an engaging portrayal of choices and consequences during turbulent times. I think it's a must-read for anyone who is a fan of Revolutionary War and character-driven historical fiction.

[Marisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much that happens to the young protagonist in this work! I found this book unputdownable as I just had to see would he make it through the numerous crucibles he is forced through! I found the historical events this book was set in to be well researched and I was immersed in the time and right there in the action. (For the record, I don't normally care for historical fiction- but I really enjoyed this one!). This is a novel of abuse and perseverance and at times is very realistic and dark. But overall, well done! I will be looking for more from this author!

[Finn Cunningham · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sins of Men: An American Revolutionary War Drama by Danny J Bradbury is the first book in The Peter Smith Chronicles. An absorbing historical drama centering around the era of the American Revolutions occupation in Boston, Concorde, and Bunker Hill. I'm a sucker for anything history based so I grabbed this as soon as I was given the chance. This book is wonderfully written, from several POV's that make it easy to keep yourself on track and invested. Such a moving work of historical fiction, I can't wait to see what else is in store!

[Sarah Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page turner!

What a ride! This story was gripping from beginning to end, and extremely well written. The journey this book took me on kept me engrossed, and the pages turning. The historical points in the story seemed to be very well researched, I thoroughly enjoyed the read and this is from someone who avoids historical fiction. Well done, I see myself reading more from this author 👏