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A determined officer who would not give up on the cause for American independence. A man besieged by betrayal and heart-breaking loss. A spymaster whose ingenuity for doing the impossible earned him Washington's trust.
But this is not only Tallmadge's story to tell. His story is shared with his fellow brothers-in-arms, the 2nd Continental Light Dragoons. Conceived to be mounted infantry in lightning quick attacks, they embodied what it meant to be a dragoon in the American Revolution; fearlessly charging the enemy both mounted, dismounted, and even afloat.
This is their story.
But this is not only Tallmadge's story to tell. His story is shared with his fellow brothers-in-arms, the 2nd Continental Light Dragoons. Conceived to be mounted infantry in lightning quick attacks, they embodied what it meant to be a dragoon in the American Revolution; fearlessly charging the enemy both mounted, dismounted, and even afloat.
This is their story.
496 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 30, 2018
About the author
Sandra Chen
4 books8 followersSandra Chen is a lifetime member of the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History (formerly Connecticut Historical Society), Colonial Williamsburg Donor Society and Historical Novel Society member. She currently lives in Connecticut.
She will never use Generative AI or any other AI tools to write or edit her works.
She will never use Generative AI or any other AI tools to write or edit her works.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 6, 2024
As a big fan of TURN: Washington's Spies, this book was suggested to me by a friend. Although I never found any proof that Chen is also a fan, I feel she must've at least checked it out due to little character nods, like Caleb Brewster referring to Benjamin Tallmadge as "Tall-boy," and Abraham Woodhull as "Woody." I chuckled at the one part where Caleb called Abe a "rat-faced bastard," because the rat thing is kind of a common fandom joke.
All in all, I'd say this is what TURN would've been like if it had more historical accuracy. The amount of time and effort Chen must've put into the research alone must be INSANE. It's a pretty long book (probably could've been condensed more, IMO), but I loved all the attention to detail with the battles and everyday routine of a Continental officer. I was also delighted to see the "country girl" from Tallmadge's memoirs brought to life here. I've always been really interested about that little tidbit, and the fictionalized account here didn't disappoint.
The actual members of the Culper Ring (aside from Tallmadge) aren't really mentioned much in this novel, but the ending promises we'll be getting plenty of cameos in the following book. There are also plenty of big key players throughout, such as George Washington and Nathan Hale -- I enjoyed seeing Tallmadge's friendship with Hale briefly depicted in the beginning.
The American Revolution is one of my favorite historical eras, so if any fans of the period come across this book, I'd say give it a read! I feel not many know about the Culper Ring, so this has (so far) given a really in depth insight. I've already bought the other books in the series, so I'm hoping to check them out soon.
All in all, I'd say this is what TURN would've been like if it had more historical accuracy. The amount of time and effort Chen must've put into the research alone must be INSANE. It's a pretty long book (probably could've been condensed more, IMO), but I loved all the attention to detail with the battles and everyday routine of a Continental officer. I was also delighted to see the "country girl" from Tallmadge's memoirs brought to life here. I've always been really interested about that little tidbit, and the fictionalized account here didn't disappoint.
The actual members of the Culper Ring (aside from Tallmadge) aren't really mentioned much in this novel, but the ending promises we'll be getting plenty of cameos in the following book. There are also plenty of big key players throughout, such as George Washington and Nathan Hale -- I enjoyed seeing Tallmadge's friendship with Hale briefly depicted in the beginning.
The American Revolution is one of my favorite historical eras, so if any fans of the period come across this book, I'd say give it a read! I feel not many know about the Culper Ring, so this has (so far) given a really in depth insight. I've already bought the other books in the series, so I'm hoping to check them out soon.
May 26, 2026
This novel concerns Benjamin Tallmadge, a real person who rose through the ranks to become a Major in the 2nd Light Dragoons. It takes place from 1775 to 1778 and is the first of two books in a series. It is author Sandra Chen's first non-fiction work.
On the plus side, Patriots offers excellent insight into the Revolutionary War situation in New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut. Of particular interest is the constant sniping at George Washington, including attempts to have him dismissed as Commander-in-Chief. I was also surprised by how much disdain was shown toward spying, with spies held in great contempt.
On the negative side, there are no maps, no list of individuals (crucial for this book, as a multitude of characters are introduced into the story), and annoying typos that the Editor didn't catch. These elements make the Patriots tedious to read, but they could be remedied in the next version of this series.
On the plus side, Patriots offers excellent insight into the Revolutionary War situation in New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut. Of particular interest is the constant sniping at George Washington, including attempts to have him dismissed as Commander-in-Chief. I was also surprised by how much disdain was shown toward spying, with spies held in great contempt.
On the negative side, there are no maps, no list of individuals (crucial for this book, as a multitude of characters are introduced into the story), and annoying typos that the Editor didn't catch. These elements make the Patriots tedious to read, but they could be remedied in the next version of this series.
January 3, 2023
I'm about half-way through this book. Love Revolutionary War era fiction and non-fiction. Ms Chen has researched her story very well. And has brought characters to life.
Too bad she didn't proofread it as well as she researched it. The frequency of typos, missing words and poor grammar make the reading fatiguing and a little embarrassing -- a simple spellcheck would find most of these errors. Ms Chen's excessive use of pronouns makes some scenes and dialogue confusing. If everyone is "he", how does the reader know who is doing or saying what?
I'll see this one through, but it's a slow read, and not sure I'll bother with the next no matter how much I enjoy the story.
I'm also losing faith and interest in self-publishing. Too many of them have sloppy typos and grammatical errors that make the reading laborious in spite of the plot.
Too bad she didn't proofread it as well as she researched it. The frequency of typos, missing words and poor grammar make the reading fatiguing and a little embarrassing -- a simple spellcheck would find most of these errors. Ms Chen's excessive use of pronouns makes some scenes and dialogue confusing. If everyone is "he", how does the reader know who is doing or saying what?
I'll see this one through, but it's a slow read, and not sure I'll bother with the next no matter how much I enjoy the story.
I'm also losing faith and interest in self-publishing. Too many of them have sloppy typos and grammatical errors that make the reading laborious in spite of the plot.
July 1, 2025
Loved this story about Benjamin Tallmadge...a distant cousin
This book had a surprisingly intimate feel as the normal citizens allowed themselves to be shaped into a force for independence. The portraits drawn of the military hierarchy gave a rare glimpse into the shaping of what was to become AMERICA. The characters of Washington, his loyal followers and his detractors made for a fascinating and authentic read. A lot of research made this book possible and I'm grateful for the insights this author has provided.
This book had a surprisingly intimate feel as the normal citizens allowed themselves to be shaped into a force for independence. The portraits drawn of the military hierarchy gave a rare glimpse into the shaping of what was to become AMERICA. The characters of Washington, his loyal followers and his detractors made for a fascinating and authentic read. A lot of research made this book possible and I'm grateful for the insights this author has provided.
May 25, 2026
Early tales of a young hero of the American Revolution
Mr Talmadge a Long Islander by birth, as an early 1973 graduate of Yale University, rises to the challenges of his rank and establishment of the first Calvary unit from New England. The author cleverly weaves several well known heroes and future founding fathers of the Revolution into the story giving these individuals a personal face and personality rarely told by other historians.
Mr Talmadge a Long Islander by birth, as an early 1973 graduate of Yale University, rises to the challenges of his rank and establishment of the first Calvary unit from New England. The author cleverly weaves several well known heroes and future founding fathers of the Revolution into the story giving these individuals a personal face and personality rarely told by other historians.
February 21, 2023
Dragged out in some parts, but definitely a great historical fiction weaved into the history surrounding the man behind the Culper Ring. It's a book deserving of Ben Tallmadge and any fan of his wanting more!!!
January 9, 2026
Written History at its Best!
An Excellent book on the Revolutionary War and the origins of the Culper Ring from the perspective of Benjamin Tallmadge.
An Excellent book on the Revolutionary War and the origins of the Culper Ring from the perspective of Benjamin Tallmadge.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews