Nate Donovan: Revolutionary Spy

Crimson Cross #1

by Peter J. Marshall, David Manuel, Sheldon Maxwell

During the War for Independence, Nate Donovan, the younger brother in an Irish Quaker family in British-occupied Philadelphia, becomes the youngest member of General George Washington's spy network.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Young Adult, American Revolutionary War, Childrens, Adventure

201 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2007

About the author

The Rev. Peter John Marshall was the son of Rev. Peter and Catherine Marshall. He often wrote as Peter Marshall.

From 1977 until his death, he had devoted himself to a nationwide ministry of preaching, teaching and writing.

Reviews

[Elizabeth Newton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Not only is it an exciting adventure tale for young readers, but so researched, providing an excellent piece of history for young people (and myself) to learn about. This era and topic in history is one I was not that familiar with before and I found it to be a great way to learn about it. About the hardships suffered by the American soldiers and civilians, about the spy network, the cruelty that went on in the name of war and the faith and endurance of the Christians of the time.

It strengtherned my faith in the living God and made me smile often at how faithful and awesome He is.

The characters were all well written. I take my hat off to the research that has gone into writing this. I got a sense that the author has stayed very true to as much history as they could, while still making it an entertaining, suspensful, sorrowful, humorous and gripping read.

I bought the other two books in the series at the same time as I bought this one, and so I am looking forward to reading those others.

[Eddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written, interesting and really giving a feel for some of the hardships of our revolutionary ancestors. I read this hoping that it would be interesting enough for my kids. I was pleasantly surprised at how well done it was. I expected just a spy story, but this provided a realistic look at the hardship of war, the atrocities the British were committing and the budding faith of a young man of principle. The book doesn’t shy away from dealing with some pretty gritty subjects, but does it in such a way that it isn’t gruesome or crass. The heroes are all men and women of character who stick by their principles. And there was a refreshing injection of faith as the General Washington and his generals look to our creator for deliverance.

Overall, a good read, and I look forward to reading others in the series.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A few uses of the Lord's name in vain (so it seemed), and mention of "omens" and "ghosts."

There is a bit of romance, even a kiss, though quickly passed over. Disobedience/dishonor to parents, and deceit. Some of the dialogue & attitudes seemed a bit too modern to me, as well, but George Washington was quite good.

Overall (if you ignore the negatives) an entertaining and informative read that young people would likely enjoy. I learned a few things about the Revolution.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trevin had to read this for a school assignment, so I figured maybe I should read it too...that way I could thoroughly harrass (I mean, assist) him with helpful ideas for his book report! And it was really a good book! Go G.W. :)

[Noah.boender]

Main Characters- Nate, Rachel, William, Nathaniel, Sally, Luke, Charles.

Plot line- Revolutionary war.

Theme- Nate goes as a spy for the revolutionary war.

Conflict- Nate has been spotted by the British.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there were ten stars it would get them all. I LOVE this book!! It keeps you in suspense and yet its very exciting.

[Colonialreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the first books I have ever read.

I love spies and the colonial time period, this is a great read if you want an adventure!!!! :D

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great kid's book.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm teaching my second grade son about American History this year in homeschool and have enjoyed reading lots of books for myself to fill in some gaps that I've discovered in my own understanding of our country's founding. I listened to Marshall's "The Light and the Glory" a couple months ago and really enjoyed it, so I thought maybe the Crimson Cross series would be fun for us to listen to. We started it together, but because it's geared more towards teens, he didn't seem interested. I also decided to switch to listening by myself when the English officer started making suggestive comments about Nate's sister. There's also a hanging early on in the book that took me by surprise and some other gory deaths that made me realize anew that I should screen books before enjoying them with my kids. Despite those flaws, I did personally enjoy this book and might suggest it as something my son might also enjoy when we study U.S. history again in 6th grade.