Children of Saturn

by John Neeleman

"A well-researched, true-life drama that makes history—and the players in it—feel utterly alive."—Kirkus Reviews

Ambition. Idealism. Corruption. Blood.

An epic historical novel of the French Revolution and the men and women who shaped it, Children of Saturn vividly chronicles the dramatic conflict of social unrest that haunts France—and the world—to this day.

Rooted in deep research and told through the fates of three real-life historical figures including the English American political activist Thomas Paine, the French Revolution's leading radical journalist Camille Desmoulins, the Machiavellian politician Joseph Fouché, and the women who stirred these radicals, Children of Saturn continues the literary tradition advanced by Hilary Mantel, promising readers a thrilling ride and an all-encompassing understanding of one of the most important watershed events in world history.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical

457 pages, Paperback

Published October 14, 2024

About the author

My second novel, CHILDREN OF SATURN, wrapped its award season with a strong showing:

IPPY Bronze – Audiobook: Mystery/Thriller
Hoffer Grand Prize Shortlist
Hoffer Montaigne Medal Shortlist

These are juried, competitive independent publisher awards. Like most major prizes—including the Pulitzer, NBA, and Booker—they require submission.

Past IPPY winners include Ferrante, Atwood, Eggers, McSweeney’s, Graywolf, and university presses like Stanford and Princeton. This year’s Montaigne winner came from University of Chicago Press; the Hoffer Grand Prize went to Rose Metal Press.

Bridesmaid—but in a very competitive wedding. The IPPYs have only three audiobook slots and no “historical” or “literary fiction” categories.

CHILDREN OF SATURN didn’t win the Utah Book Award, as much debut LOGOS did, but only because the rules changed to require in-state residency.

One twist: CHILDREN OF SATURN made the Hoffer Grand Prize shortlist while the Montaigne Medal winners did not.

Grateful to Charles Leggett for voicing the audiobook with such depth and power.

The novel is set during the French Revolution and told through Thomas Paine, Camille Desmoulins, and Joseph Fouché—a story of idealism, betrayal, and how revolutions devour their children.

Although a work of fiction, CHILDREN OF SATURN is rooted in the stranger-than-fiction truth of the French Revolution. The novel's background springs from the written historical record; everything actually happened or is plausible. The characters—women and men prominent in the French Revolution, including the English/American radical Thomas Paine—actually lived. The politically charged trials, the monumental scope of organized crime, the dystopian horror, and the rampant social injustice, all intermixed with romance and the highest humanist aspirations, speak to the important issues that challenge us today.

I am proud of my work and eagerly anticipate your journey into CHILDREN OF SATURN's world of political and personal tumult. I hope you join me on this complex and rewarding exploration of the French Revolution. Visit my publisher's website for more information and updates. https://open-bks.com/library/moderns/... I would be grateful if you would pre-order CHILDREN OF SATURN.

Thank you,

John Neeleman, author of LOGOS

- 2016 Utah State Book Award, Fiction Book of The Year
- 2016 Gold Medal Winner, Independent Publisher Book Awards (for Religious Fiction)
- 2016 Foreword Review of Books Gold Medal Finalist for Book of the Year (for Religious, War, and Military Fiction)

Reviews

[Kellie Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I live for historical fiction. Reading the lived experiences of the characters caught in monumental events is how history truly embeds itself in my mind. And let me tell you, Children of Saturn absolutely nailed it. Offering such an intimate look at the lives of those directly embroiled in the French Revolution that the past suddenly felt undeniably real.
John Neeleman doesn't just chronicle events, he fleshes out characters and their personalities. Their intricate friendships, burgeoning relationships, harrowing struggles, and burning passions are depicted with such clarity and depth that the history truly clicked into place within my mind. It's a stark contrast to the bullet point summaries we often [try to] absorb in school, transforming historical figures into tangible, relatable people.
What truly shocked me was how relevant this tale feels today. In our current political climate, Children of Saturn “hit different" in a way that forced me to stop and truly digest what I was reading. Anyone looking at what’s happening in the world right now is going to feel a profound connection to the very sentiments Thomas Paine was experiencing centuries ago.
The writing is simply superb, drawing you in and holding you captive until the very end. I'm thoroughly impressed and cannot wait to discover what historical landscapes John Neeleman chooses to explore next. Highly, highly recommend.

[Sean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Children of Saturn, a historical novel about events leading up to and just after the French Revolution. The author uses historical figures such as Thomas Paine, Robespierre, King Louis XVI, Camille Desmoulins, etc. to tell a fascinating story about the Reign of terror that ensued leading up to and after the killing of King Louis XVI and hist family during the supposed enlightenment era of late 18th century France.

I especially enjoyed the emphasis the author placed on the power of writers such as Thomas Paine and Camille Desmoulins to not only effect political change but public sentiment concerning morality and goodwill in general. This novel underlined the saying; the pen is mightier than the sword. The propensity of violent political revolutions to spin out of control and turn inwards on the very individuals who organized the revolution in the first place was also emphasized very well by the author. There are so many parallels between the events depicted in this novel to events throughout history as they relate to politics and human nature. An awesome read all around!

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must have learned about the French Revolution in school, but didn’t remember too much about it. At first I couldn’t keep track of the characters; I even looked each one up online so that I had a picture of them in my head. (Which was easy to do since they are all real people). I considered abandoning this book because it was dense and very political, but as I read further, I got more and more invested. Towards the end, I was holding my breath in suspense over what will happen to these characters (since I didn’t really recall any of it from school). Spoiler Alert - for most, it didn’t end well. The life of Thomas Payne was especially fascinating. This book shows how the fates of England, the US, and France were connected. The lessons about how power corrupts, and how any form of government can turn oppressive and violent, are relevant today. All in all I would not have guessed that a book about the French Revolution would be one that I couldn’t put down, but this was. thanks to Goodreads for this review copy.

[Neil McCrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me ages to finish this book, and even longer before I wrote a review. I'm not sure why this is.

As a historian of sorts myself, I had some misgivings about this novel, but I need not have worried on that point. I appreciated telling the story largely from Thomas Paine's perspective, and I greatly enjoyed the depiction of Marat. Somehow, it still didn't work for me although I'm sure it may do far more for others. The great difficulty in historical fiction is finding a balance between writing enough exposition to catch up readers unfamiliar with the historical events depicted and letting the events speak entirely for themselves. The balance was off for me, but I suspect I may be a minority case.

[Deepika Sharma · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title intrigued me to pick up this book. Having read about French Revolution in school, and hating to remember it all for the exam, I wanted to go back to it in a different way. And the book did not disappoint. The details are amazing. It feels like an interesting play being aired in front of you. Character journeys are worthy the pages they spawn over, both men and women. It is hard to not categorize it as non-fiction with all characters and event even written with high accuracy. The bloodshed, the betrayal, the happiness, the victory, all seem exhilarating. At the end of it you kind of get why French revolution was indeed a turning point in the world as we see it now.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew nothing about the French Revolution before I read this book. I was hoping that I could learn more, as it is written as a novel. It succeeded. I found the characters and conversations believable. The book is well researched and was an interesting look into 1790s France. I also didn't know much about the life of Thomas Paine. This book followed his life in Europe. Overall, I enjoyed the book and learned from it.

[B · Rating 5 out of 5]

What goes around, comes around. History certainly does repeat itself! People in power want more power. Is there even the possibility of a republic? Seems unlikely in most places. Ah, but the dramas, the liaisons, the horrors that we all cause. John Neeleman, I never knew about the French Revolution. I hated it and I loved it! I want more!!

[Aida Flick · Rating 4 out of 5]

the author does an incredible job painting pictures with words. a canvas of the era and rich history is brought to life. several interesting characters take us on a journey. my wish was for a deeper connection with some of the characters.