“Young adventurers headline an entertaining SF tale.” — Kirkus Reviews
When you’re thirteen. A time traveler. And trapped in 1777 on the eve of the Second Battle of Saratoga…
“Just follow orders” doesn’t cut it.
Kep Westguard thought surviving a British prison camp and blowing up a bridge was the worst these Saratoga missions could throw at him.
Turns out, that was just the starting gun.
Now there’s talk of a traitor inside the American ranks. Worse? Max—Kep’s ten-year-old genius of a brother—drops a brain the traitor might be at the very top of the American command.
With battle lines forming and the clock ticking, Kep and his team—Tela the sharpshooter, Max the cipher-whiz, and TJ the fearless actor—must unmask the double-crosser before he destroys the Continental Army from within.
If they fail, America’s greatest Revolutionary War victory could flip into a crushing defeat—and the United States will never be born.
Fast-paced, full of twists, and packed with historical intrigue, Kep The Second Battle of Saratoga catapults readers into a legendary battle with a time-travel twist.
Perfect for fans of Percy Jackson, Ranger’s Apprentice, and anyone who believes kids can rewrite the future—by knowing the past.
Eileen Schnabel is the author of the Kep Westguard Adventures, a time-travel historical fiction series where three teens—and one fiercely determined 10-year-old younger brother—are sent back to pivotal moments in the American Revolution to stop a rogue time traveler from rewriting history and helping the British win.
When Paul Revere is kidnapped, their first mission—taking his famous midnight ride, lighting the lanterns, and warning the countryside—launches One If By Land, Two If By Submarine. From there, the team moves on to blowing up bridges, infiltrating British camps, and saving an ancestor accused of spying in Kep Westguard: Rebel Spy and Kep Westguard: The Great Escape.
Book four—The Second Battle of Saratoga—launches Fall 2025.
Praised by Kirkus Reviews as “a page-turner that young history buffs will enjoy,” and described as “rambunctious YA educational entertainment that reimagines the American Revolution as a time-travel escapade,” the series has also been called “a deftly crafted and simply riveting read” by Midwest Book Review. With suspense, humor, and little-known history, these fast-paced missions are beloved by readers who want Percy Jackson with muskets.
Eileen holds an MA in journalism from Stanford and a JD from the University of Iowa. She lives in Wisconsin with her family and their golden doodle, Piper—who has yet to time travel, but isn’t ruling it out.
If you’re searching for a book that delivers non-stop excitement, clever twists, and unforgettable characters, look no further than Kep Westguard: The Second Battle of Saratoga by Eileen Schnabel. This books is the conclusion of the Battle of Saratoga saga of the Kep Westguard series, This book is a fast-paced, high-stakes adventure that will keep readers—young and old—turning pages late into the night.
Schnabel’s writing is brisk and energetic, propelling the reader from one twist to the next. The time-travel element adds a layer of urgency and unpredictability—just when you think the heroes have solved one problem, another challenge explodes onto the scene. The story’s momentum never falters.
The development of Kep, Max, TJ, Tela and friends continues to be good. Beyond the thrills, the book explores what it means to do the right thing when the odds are stacked against you. Kep and his friends face betrayal, doubt, and danger, but their determination to protect history and each other is inspiring. The story doesn’t shy away from tough choices, and the characters’ growth feels earned and authentic.
Whether you’re a history buff, a fan of time-travel stories, or just love a good adventure, this book is highly recommended. It’s educational without ever feeling like a lesson, weaving real historical figures and events into a gripping narrative that makes the past come alive. I especially recommend it for teachers who are trying to make the American Revolution come alive for their students.
Schnabel’s latest book is a thrilling, fast-paced adventure with heart, humor, and unforgettable characters. Schnabel has crafted a story that’s as smart as it is exciting—a true standout in middle-grade fiction. Highly recommended!
In the newest adventure with the time-traveling team, Kep, Max, Tela, and TJ have important information for the American side, but they can’t figure out whom to trust with it. Working together is an even bigger challenge this time, because each member of the team has a different take on “who is the hero?” and “who is the traitor?” Hmm. These questions repeat in history, don't they. . .
Top Secret Mission Notes include quick portraits about historical figures—Daniel Morgan’s sharpshooters, Benedict Arnold, General Horatio Gates, Agrippa Hull, Tadeusz Kosciuszko—and reveal how history actually played out, helping readers to keep track of the action and personalities without slowing the breakneck pace!
If you are looking for an exciting read that makes history come alive—here it is! I gulped down the second half of this book in a single reading.