1756: SEEDS OF FREEDOM

by Matthew Bayan

JULY 4, 2026 IS THE 250TH BIRTHDAY OF THE UNITED STATES.

How did it all begin? How did farmers, merchants, and hunters suddenly revolt against the most powerful military on earth?

Maybe it wasn’t so sudden. Maybe the process began two decades before 1776 when France and England fought a bloody war for control of North America.

Born on the Pennsylvania frontier, young Connor Hode has all the skills of an experienced woodsman. Skills which are tested to the utmost as he navigates the chaos of war. Morality or obedience? Sedition or justice? He must make difficult choices as the greed of kings ravages colonial America.

1756: SEEDS OF FREEDOM is an historical adventure thriller that chronicles the exploits of Connor Hode while shedding light on the origins of the American Revolution.

Genres: Fiction

250 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 17, 2025

Reviews

[Holden Wunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got an ARC of this baby and man it has stayed with me, I’m so excited for people to get to take part.

A coming of age story, an action packed historical thriller that pulls absolutely no punches. Although Connor is young, don’t get it twisted, the themes are VERY adult.

The ending had me gasping out loud, screaming, crying and it was so unbelievably satisfying. Part love story, part war story, this book transcends genre.

[Phil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Matthew Bryan’s work of historical fiction achieved a Grandmaster Semi-Finalist Award in the Adventure Writers Competition. As the title says, the setting is 20 years prior to the American Revolution, and the story shows early signs of why residents of England’s American colonies wanted independence.

The protagonist is a 17-year-old boy, Connor Hode, who returns home from a hunting trip and finds his parents and sisters dead in bed, overcome by some disease. Suddenly, he’s on his own with the few tools and various lessons he has inherited. He becomes a scout for the colonial army during the French and Indian War.

Connor’s adventures include the challenges of French soldiers, Huron warriors, a British officer with royal ties, and a dangerous brave from a friendly tribe. His sometime benefactor is Benjamin Franklin, who at this stage presides over his Philadelphia library.

Inevitably, it seems, Connor must kill other human beings. After the first time, he says, “I could never feel innocent again.” (p. 87) However, an older soldier, Bob, tells Connor, “Big difference between killin’ and murderin’.” (p. 88) Later, Benjamin Franklin, a Quaker, convinces him that self-defense as well as the defense of an innocent person may justify killing in a way that distinguishes it from murder.

A story such as this one affects me much like an historical drama presented on a stage. I don’t interpret it literally. I may not agree with the justifications for killing. Nevertheless, I can identify with young Connor in his fight for survival and admire his resourcefulness and overall character. I can see how this book might appeal to many young men, in particular.

[Kelli Heitstuman-Tomko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn. I've gotten nothing done today.

This is a fantastic frontier coming-of-age book that just sucks you into the story. I spent my most impressionable teen years devouring Louis L'Amour and Don Coldsmith, and this book is everything I'd expect from a pre-Revolutionary War historical novel.

Conor Hode embodies the frontier spirit as he has to start making decisions at a young age in a world that is about to boil over. He is an incredible character with his flaws, weaknesses, and strengths. The action in the books is intense and keeps you wide-eyed and wanting more. The attention to detail is phenomenal.

This is my second Matt Bayan book. He does not disappoint.

[Rodney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked when the main character gets in trouble in the first chapters and decides the best course of action is to run. The author has written a book filled with action on the frontier between a colonist and the French, British, and Indians he meets. The character even gets to meet one of the founding fathers of the American Revolution. I enjoyed the many details the author includes regarding scouting skills to include tracking and marksmanship. I rarely give 5 stars but felt this book deserves it .

[Walter Critz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a riveting tale that follows a young man abruptly coming of age during the French and Indian war. The horrors he encounters during that conflict show him the flaws of both French and British excess that are exposed in that war, especially as he encounters others with similar feelings. The characters and their development are well described, and the action scenes and place settings vivid and believable. I could not set this book down!

[Mark A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Adventure Story

I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. I read it all in one day without stopping. While reading, I felt like I was transported back to the time of the tale. I am going to be looking for more books by Matthew Bayan. Thank you, Matthew.

[Steve Martucio · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful tale

A very fast read, a real page turner full of action, some sadness and special comrade between very interesting characters. I very much enjoyed it and will be watching for another book to follow on.

[J.D. Schechter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding!

The characters are larger than life and the plot just a tad bit beyond belief, but the writing makes you almost a participant in the action. Hopefully the start of a long series

[Matthew Shelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprised how good

The action starts right away and doesn't stop. This is quite a bit edgier than your typical novel of this era, but that's a good thing.

[GW · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was slightly “convenient” but still a good read. It flowed well and kept this reader engaged. Kudos to the author.

[Wilda Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Tells a lot about that time period. Very interesting.

[Jamie George · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this bad boy free for an honest review. I usually don't care of story's like this but this book was awesome.