What do you think?
Rate this book
The Rifleman
#1 New York Times bestselling author and decorated war veteran Oliver North captures the grueling reality of the Revolutionary War in this action-packed historical thriller.
The man who has “been there, done that” in other wars immerses you in a ripping saga of courage, tenacity, and intrigue torn from the pages of a Revolutionary War soldier’s journal. Nathaniel Newman is a volunteer with Morgan’s Riflemen, an elite infantry unit of Virginia sharpshooters who fought with the cutting-edge military technology of the day: long rifles. As North turns the pages of Nathaniel’s captivating diary, he reveals how the struggle to forge a new, independent nation was nearly lost by traitors, cowards, and the faint of heart.
Brother against brother, friend against friend, neighbor against neighbor, this sweeping and meticulously researched novel of our nation’s fight for liberty explores the bravery and perseverance of those who fought and won the bloody battles—and how treachery and betrayal threatened victory in a brutal test of arms.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published December 10, 2019
204 people are currently reading
273 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
December 29, 2019
This is my first experience reading a book by Oliver North. The book is a historical novel. It is a story about the Revolutionary War. I recognized many of the heroes of the war such as George Washington, Daniel Morgan and General Arnold Knox. Our protagonist is Nathaniel Newman. The story ranges over the East Coast from Pennsylvania and Virginia to the New England States.
The book is well written and researched. There is action and lots excitement. It was hard to put the book down. Also, included in the story is a good dose of history. I am impressed with the writing skills of North and recommend this book.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is nine hours and nine minutes. Pater Bradbury and Jonathan Todd Ross do a good job narrating the book. Bradbury is an actor and audiobook narrator and Ross is a voice actor and audiobook narrator.
The book is well written and researched. There is action and lots excitement. It was hard to put the book down. Also, included in the story is a good dose of history. I am impressed with the writing skills of North and recommend this book.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is nine hours and nine minutes. Pater Bradbury and Jonathan Todd Ross do a good job narrating the book. Bradbury is an actor and audiobook narrator and Ross is a voice actor and audiobook narrator.
October 20, 2021
I always enjoy Oliver North and his fiction books. This takes place during the Revolutionary war against England. There is really not a lot written about the war as much as recent wars. I believe you really get a taste of the hardships and problems the Americans face fighting the most powerful country in the world at that time.
February 18, 2020
I've never read a book quite like this: a historical fiction so heavily researched and steeped in history as to feel like a nonfiction read, complete with endnotes. If I was judging this purely as a historical fiction, I probably would have rated it lower, since it's almost as dry as a textbook, however, because it was, I want to say 80% true, I couldn't help but be impressed. It's written with a journalist's voice, and it's full of recognizable place names for anyone who lives in the Winchester area of VA or the Machias area of Maine--I happen to have lived in both, so this book felt personal. I had a lot of fun reading it with my Dad.
Read
February 8, 2020Oliver North’s Riflemen grabs our attention immediately because of its format: a 17-year old Virginian, Nathanial Newman, tells the history of his pre-Revolutionary War actions through the journal he was asked to write by his captain. Through the narrator we learn about the Newman family’s sacrifices as they worked for liberty. As the Virginian riflemen join with other groups, including Colonel Benedict Arnold’s, to journey in October to defeat the British at Quebec, we are impressed by the perseverance of the army faced with spoiled food, harsh conditions, etc. The Riflemen enhances our knowledge of America’s heritage while entertaining us.
February 19, 2020
Just not good. I believe a fair amount of research went into this, but it is not put together well or told in an engaging manner. It's almost like a bunch of facts were dropped on a timeline and minimal effort went into tying them together or building a story.
It's an easy read and the author/publisher tried to stretch it into 260 pages by enlarging the font and double-spacing between every paragraph. Also, several hymns and biblical passages are included verbatim to stretch out the length. I made it a little over half way through the book when I just had to give it up. This is not even close to good historical fiction. Look elsewhere.
It's an easy read and the author/publisher tried to stretch it into 260 pages by enlarging the font and double-spacing between every paragraph. Also, several hymns and biblical passages are included verbatim to stretch out the length. I made it a little over half way through the book when I just had to give it up. This is not even close to good historical fiction. Look elsewhere.
January 8, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed
I loved this book. After 27 years serving the US military I consider myself a Patriot, but even this book reignited a deep sense of pride and patriotism in me that I havent felt in a while. I wish all young Americans would read this book and get a sense of the sacrifice made by our founding fathers to give birth to the greatest Nation ever! Thanks for the excellent read...
I loved this book. After 27 years serving the US military I consider myself a Patriot, but even this book reignited a deep sense of pride and patriotism in me that I havent felt in a while. I wish all young Americans would read this book and get a sense of the sacrifice made by our founding fathers to give birth to the greatest Nation ever! Thanks for the excellent read...
July 19, 2020
Wish he had a sequel.... ends with so many loose ends!
December 31, 2024
Technically a fiction book, The Rifleman is a very detailed non-fiction-like account of Daniel Morgan’s ill-fated assault on Quebec during the early days of the American Revolution. I had seen that one of my favorite authors was using this book for research, so I added it to my Goodreads list. Unable to check it out from the library, I was able to find it for free on Audible. Since then, The Rifleman has kept me company while baking and on long car rides.
Nathaniel Newman is a young man when he receives the news that his older brother is among the militia killed in the battles of Lexington and Concord. As part of a prominent Virginia family, Nathaniel’s backwoods skills and advanced education make him a sought-after recruit in Captain Daniel Morgan’s famed rifle company. Though he joins with a rifle, he fights with a pen, becoming the records keeper for the company. The narrative follows Morgan’s Riflemen, through Nathaniel’s diary, as they train, march north, and join Benedict Arnold’s men on the doomed campaign to capture Quebec from the British.
Pros: I loved learning about the American Revolution and the people involved. The fortitude of the Patriots in the face of extreme adversity is incredible. I’m also a nerd when it comes to geography and military strategy, and this book delivered. The Quebec Campaign was frustrating to study, but also necessary. We often pick and choose our Revolutionary War facts, sticking to the big things like Lexington and Concord, Washington Crossing the Delaware, and Yorktown, forgetting what a miracle it was that the Americans won the war. Stories like this illustrate the resilience of America, the courageous characters of our heroes, - and our history of squabbles and infighting.
Cons: If you’re reading this as a straight-up fiction book, you’ll probably fail to finish. It’s long and dry, full of minute details that would only interest a military history aficionado or an absolute American Revolution geek. There were times when I was even bored - but I was driving and committed or my hands were too full of flour to switch to something else. After 80% of slogging through each day of the campaign, the last 20% of the book, (mostly fiction by this point) took off like a horse that sees home. My other, minor critique, was the intentional modernized language that occasionally pulled me out of the story - just when it was getting interesting.
Bottom Line: A detailed account of a relatively unknown tragedy in the American Revolution - perfect for educational readers, not perfect for escapist readers.
Nathaniel Newman is a young man when he receives the news that his older brother is among the militia killed in the battles of Lexington and Concord. As part of a prominent Virginia family, Nathaniel’s backwoods skills and advanced education make him a sought-after recruit in Captain Daniel Morgan’s famed rifle company. Though he joins with a rifle, he fights with a pen, becoming the records keeper for the company. The narrative follows Morgan’s Riflemen, through Nathaniel’s diary, as they train, march north, and join Benedict Arnold’s men on the doomed campaign to capture Quebec from the British.
Pros: I loved learning about the American Revolution and the people involved. The fortitude of the Patriots in the face of extreme adversity is incredible. I’m also a nerd when it comes to geography and military strategy, and this book delivered. The Quebec Campaign was frustrating to study, but also necessary. We often pick and choose our Revolutionary War facts, sticking to the big things like Lexington and Concord, Washington Crossing the Delaware, and Yorktown, forgetting what a miracle it was that the Americans won the war. Stories like this illustrate the resilience of America, the courageous characters of our heroes, - and our history of squabbles and infighting.
Cons: If you’re reading this as a straight-up fiction book, you’ll probably fail to finish. It’s long and dry, full of minute details that would only interest a military history aficionado or an absolute American Revolution geek. There were times when I was even bored - but I was driving and committed or my hands were too full of flour to switch to something else. After 80% of slogging through each day of the campaign, the last 20% of the book, (mostly fiction by this point) took off like a horse that sees home. My other, minor critique, was the intentional modernized language that occasionally pulled me out of the story - just when it was getting interesting.
Bottom Line: A detailed account of a relatively unknown tragedy in the American Revolution - perfect for educational readers, not perfect for escapist readers.
Read
March 7, 2020The sweet fruits of patriotism
Lt Col. Oliver North, US Marine Corp, Ret. stands proud as one of the greatest patriots of my generation. Much maligned and vilified be the enemies of freedom and democracy, Col North, like so many of the patriots he writes about, as stationed himself steadfastly in the gap fighting for the survival and prosperity of our great nation.
The many stories of courage, sacrifice and victory over unimaginable hardship by The Rifleman and their supporters fill my heart with gratitude and humility. Their stories demonstrate that our young nation was in strong and capable hands from the very beginning.
I fear the United States and her ideals will remain under siege for many generations. Thanks to the love of country and tireless efforts of patriots like Ole North, I am retain hope that our humble vessel of freedom and opportunity will remain a beacon to all those the wish to "Live free or die"
Thanks again Ole for telling the important stories of our nation. And thank you Daniel Morgan. "Liberty or Death"
Respectfully,
Steven M
Boise, Idaho
Lt Col. Oliver North, US Marine Corp, Ret. stands proud as one of the greatest patriots of my generation. Much maligned and vilified be the enemies of freedom and democracy, Col North, like so many of the patriots he writes about, as stationed himself steadfastly in the gap fighting for the survival and prosperity of our great nation.
The many stories of courage, sacrifice and victory over unimaginable hardship by The Rifleman and their supporters fill my heart with gratitude and humility. Their stories demonstrate that our young nation was in strong and capable hands from the very beginning.
I fear the United States and her ideals will remain under siege for many generations. Thanks to the love of country and tireless efforts of patriots like Ole North, I am retain hope that our humble vessel of freedom and opportunity will remain a beacon to all those the wish to "Live free or die"
Thanks again Ole for telling the important stories of our nation. And thank you Daniel Morgan. "Liberty or Death"
Respectfully,
Steven M
Boise, Idaho
February 2, 2022
I cut my adult reading teeth on Oliver North's militarily drama, but it's been a few years since I have read him.
This book has some really interesting history and a deep look into the culture of Colonial America.
I think this book would have been better as a nonfiction read.
It is written as a type of epistolary (or journal entry)fiction story.
For me there were a ton of info dumps in the dialogue that didn't seem to flow. And we don't get to see the main character really grow as a person, we just see him going through events.
So this book has interesting history, but it isn't an engaging from a storytelling point of view.
Part of me knows this because my brother and I say Reading an Oliver North book is like reading a militarily report.
This book has some really interesting history and a deep look into the culture of Colonial America.
I think this book would have been better as a nonfiction read.
It is written as a type of epistolary (or journal entry)fiction story.
For me there were a ton of info dumps in the dialogue that didn't seem to flow. And we don't get to see the main character really grow as a person, we just see him going through events.
So this book has interesting history, but it isn't an engaging from a storytelling point of view.
Part of me knows this because my brother and I say Reading an Oliver North book is like reading a militarily report.
July 26, 2020
When the book was about the travel north to Quebec the history was amazing. It was good to be reminded of the physical efforts the early patriots endured in the battle for independence. The days were unorganized in the style of a rifleman’s journal, which was an excellent choice so the reader could get an accurate timeline and help the flow of the story. Once he added a love interest at the end, I wasn’t sure if it was historical or faith through that and to appease his female readers. Good book if you like history and the nitty-gritty details of adventure or war, because there’s plenty of that.
October 13, 2022
If you are an avid fan of History then this is THE BOOK for you.
The book, authored by Col. Oliver North takes you through the days of Patriots in the Revolutionary War in their attempt to remove the British from Canada.
The Journal is written by the son of a prominent architect who loses his oldest son in the war.
His youngest signs decides that he wants to fight for Liberty and Freedom from the British.
The story is intriguing and the the struggles the Patriots went through in the name of Freedom.
Seriously, it is totally unbelievable what our forefathers endured, almost super human effort by very brave men.
The book, authored by Col. Oliver North takes you through the days of Patriots in the Revolutionary War in their attempt to remove the British from Canada.
The Journal is written by the son of a prominent architect who loses his oldest son in the war.
His youngest signs decides that he wants to fight for Liberty and Freedom from the British.
The story is intriguing and the the struggles the Patriots went through in the name of Freedom.
Seriously, it is totally unbelievable what our forefathers endured, almost super human effort by very brave men.
February 16, 2021
Interesting. Great detail of historical facts.
I know a fair amount of history. But not as much of American Revolution. I remember all the high points but not as much small details. Seems well researched and done. I like the way Oliver North did the story and made it an enjoyable way for anyone to like the story and material.
This particular performance put me to sleep though as an audiobook. At night I can listen for a bit before bed. This performance put me to sleep within 15 minutes every time I tried. Had to listen during the day. Thus, I advise the physical book.
I know a fair amount of history. But not as much of American Revolution. I remember all the high points but not as much small details. Seems well researched and done. I like the way Oliver North did the story and made it an enjoyable way for anyone to like the story and material.
This particular performance put me to sleep though as an audiobook. At night I can listen for a bit before bed. This performance put me to sleep within 15 minutes every time I tried. Had to listen during the day. Thus, I advise the physical book.
October 11, 2022
On 14 June 1775, the Continental Congress appointed George Washington Commander-in Chief-of the Continental Army and granted his request for “ten companies of expert Riflemen. “Daniel Morgan’s Rifle Company was the first to arrive in Boston to confront British troops.
They wore hunting shirts, Linsey-woolsey legging’s and moccasins. Each had a tomahawk and a scalping knife in their belts and carried “long-rifles” in their hands. Every rifleman was a Patriot volunteer, a tracker, and a hunter. And they could kill a Redcoat at 250 yards.
They wore hunting shirts, Linsey-woolsey legging’s and moccasins. Each had a tomahawk and a scalping knife in their belts and carried “long-rifles” in their hands. Every rifleman was a Patriot volunteer, a tracker, and a hunter. And they could kill a Redcoat at 250 yards.
October 19, 2022
Historical fiction of the highest quality! Oliver North’s 2019 book on American Revolutionary fighter Daniel Morgan and his courageous men enabled George Washington toward eventual victory. The story begins in 1775 and through the war and chronicles actions of the likes of Washington, Patrick Henry, Generals Arnold, Knox, Greene, Lee, Gates and others. Daniel Morgan’s leadership, bravery and legacy helped forge our great nation and I look forward to North speaking about this book at next February’s George Washington Birthday Dinner hosted by the Virginia Sons of the Revolution.
March 20, 2021
The book was low getting started through about half of the book which was mostly written as a journal history by Ensign (Adjutant) Nathaniel Newman of the Virginia Riflemen commanded by Captain Daniel Morgan under Colonel Benedict Arnold. It became more engaging as the true story of the Army's trek through the wilderness toward the goal of a British defeat in Quebec. I appreciated the inclusion of maps which helped me understand the territory and its hardships.
December 18, 2019
You are There
The book makes me feel like I am Nathaneal Newman. I live in Pennsylvania but have traveled extensively throughout Virginia, the mid Atlantic states and my beloved New England where I grew up. I also feel akin to Ollie as I spent 5 years in the Marines with NSG. All Marines are Riflemen.
The book makes me feel like I am Nathaneal Newman. I live in Pennsylvania but have traveled extensively throughout Virginia, the mid Atlantic states and my beloved New England where I grew up. I also feel akin to Ollie as I spent 5 years in the Marines with NSG. All Marines are Riflemen.
January 8, 2020
Very well written and footnoted memoir of one campaign in the War of American Independence campaign to capture Montreal and Quebec. Captured the misery and intensity of conflict of that period as well as gave some background to the orgins of the conflict. Went into a bit more detail about the Boston Tea Party than I had read before. It is an easy read and very informative.
March 16, 2020
I read most of it, but honestly I didn't quite finish it because it was SO boring! I was drawn to this book because of the subject matter and the author. But it honestly was just painfully slow/boring for me. I kept thinking it would get better, but it never did. But I see that there are 96 reviews (it's a brand new book) with an average rating of 4.09 stars, so maybe it's just me.....
May 17, 2020
Enjoyed the book immensely as I love that time in our countries fight for freedom. I thought the book was well written, and easy to read. Although, ancestry comes from the famous, or some would say infamous Lee family, one must realize our freedom came from ordinary men and women, and I believe this book points that out.
January 22, 2022
I was originally excited to get the chance to read this book. However during it I became less disenchanted with it. I really enjoyed his first few books in the series of the Newman‘s. But this read more as a historical context and history book it simply just mentioned things that they were doing and really didn’t die into a storyline or plot line.
August 18, 2023
This books gives a step by step detail of the Quebec attack in the Revolution but the story is weak with few characters to care about until the last chapter. A much better read is the classic book "Arundel" by Kenneth Roberts. It is exciting from beginning to end and really helps you to understand the hardships of the journey to Quebec.
December 27, 2019
Sacrifice
Know your history for the rights enjoyed today. Brave patriots served the cause, and none served more ably than the Virginia long rifles. We enjoyed our time living in the Shenandoah Valley!
Know your history for the rights enjoyed today. Brave patriots served the cause, and none served more ably than the Virginia long rifles. We enjoyed our time living in the Shenandoah Valley!
January 16, 2020
Hardships endured for Freedom
It was an amazing struggle that needs to be known to those who enjoy the rewards of freedom. The efforts, dedication, and sacrifice were worthwhile. Having the pleasure of reading these words in comfort given us by others sacrifice is heartwarming.
It was an amazing struggle that needs to be known to those who enjoy the rewards of freedom. The efforts, dedication, and sacrifice were worthwhile. Having the pleasure of reading these words in comfort given us by others sacrifice is heartwarming.
February 20, 2020
The everyday lives of the soldiers is the big takeaway from this book. A young Ensign gets a prominent post among the leaders during the war. His job is to document , inventory, and keep the Generals abreast of their assets, ets. Washington, Arnold, and Knox are a few.
March 22, 2020
A war story and a love story
Some of the book was rather dry, just quoting the journals but also very informative. I personally enjoyed the relationships in the latter part of the book.
Some of the book was rather dry, just quoting the journals but also very informative. I personally enjoyed the relationships in the latter part of the book.
April 17, 2020
Rebellion
What a great saga,the attention to detail and hearing those names and how they all started out ,knowing already how many would end. Colonel North you sir keep the fire burning ,this should be required reading
What a great saga,the attention to detail and hearing those names and how they all started out ,knowing already how many would end. Colonel North you sir keep the fire burning ,this should be required reading
Read
October 20, 2020American Hero
I grew up in upstate NY and lived in VA for several years, so it was easy to learn about the American Revolution. Anyone who wants to learn more about our country should read this book & twach our children the importance of liberty and freedom.
I grew up in upstate NY and lived in VA for several years, so it was easy to learn about the American Revolution. Anyone who wants to learn more about our country should read this book & twach our children the importance of liberty and freedom.
December 6, 2020
A Revolutionary War first person narrative from the ranks.
Good character development but somewhat forced by the dependency on the premise of a discovered long lost and concealed file. Entertaining light reading hardly notable for serious analysts.
Good character development but somewhat forced by the dependency on the premise of a discovered long lost and concealed file. Entertaining light reading hardly notable for serious analysts.
January 28, 2022
I picked up this book because of the subject matter and the author. It took 200+ pages for any real action. The author did a bunch of research this, but minimal effort went into the story. I kept hoping it would get better, but it never did.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews