Review copy was received from Publicity team. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Tory by TJ London Narrator: Shane East, Tara Langella, Patrick Zeller, Marnye Young
Series: The Rebels and Redcoats Saga #1
Published by Self-Published on August 30, 2020
Genres: Historical Romance
Length: 15 hours, 15 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publicity team
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It is the winter of 1776, and Captain John Carlisle, one of His Majesty’s not-so-finest, has gone back to the scene of the crime to right a wrong so dark it left a permanent stain on what was once an illustrious career and left a man broken, defeated, in search of justice…
In an effort to win back his commission, he must discover the true nature of the relationship between the Six Nations of the Iroquois and the Colonial Army. Undercover as a war profiteer, John travels to the treacherous Mohawk River Valley and infiltrates local society, making friends with those he’s come to betray.
But a chance meeting with a beautiful half Oneida innkeeper, whose tragic history is integrally linked to his own, will provide him with the intelligence he needs to complete his mission—and devastate her people.
Now, as the flames of war threaten to consume the Mohawk Valley, John has the chance to not only serve King and country, but to clear his name. When the truth he uncovers ties his own secrets to those in the highest positions of the British military and threatens the very life of the woman he’s come to love, he will be forced to make a choice…
I don’t read much historical fiction other than fantasy. Often times with historical fiction, I then want to know what really happened. The Tory is easier in that the Revolutionary War is one of my favorite time periods to read and most of the characters are not real people other than the leaders of the armies. However, I do wonder about who the native Americans supported and what happened to them. Obviously, the Americans won and did not treat natives well.
I liked the main couple. John has had a tough go of things. He did work hard and ended up in a bad situation. It was heartbreaking to see everything go wrong at every turn for him. While he is not perfect, he tried to do the right thing in the past and now, but others use him.
Dellis has an even worse situation. With her parents dead, she has no one looking out for her. Her brother is a burden rather than a help.  Her native relatives are more respectful and caring to her, but it seems as though her father’s Scotch relatives are not only not helping but likely cheating her. I hate how her Uncle James treats her and steals from her. Dellis is kind, a healer, and compassionate to others. She does not want her native community to get involved with the war between the Americans and the British. She is the most honest and hardworking person in the story and in a most precarious position.
I am worried about so many of my favorite characters. John and Dellis are in such danger and there is so much to hurt them and make their lives worse.  It feels like the liars and thieves get too much of their way.  Who is the Tory? It’s not John, as he is a British national, not an American colonist. I was more caught up in the relationships than the politics. There are so many liars and secret keepers, including John and Dellis.  I want John to succeed but I can’t be an advocate of the British. So maybe John can support the natives? But will Dellis accept his part in the sad events two years earlier?
The Tory is excellent in its harsh and violent story, jerking my emotions in all ways. I am afraid to have any hope as I go forward reading The Traitor, which is next in the Rebels & Redcoats Saga.
Narration:
I really enjoyed all the narration. Shane East is a favorite narrator. Luckily for me, he narrates a large portion of the book. The other narrators are new to me. The performance is very well done. The voices seem fitting for the different regions and accents. I was able to listen at my normal 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
About TJ London
T.J. London is a rebel, liberal, lover, fighter, diehard punk, medical professional, and author who loves history. As a storyteller, her goal is to fill in the gaps about missing history, those little places that are so interesting yet sadly forgotten. Her favorite time period to write is, of course, the American Revolutionary War (is there any other time period?). She also enjoys researching the French Revolution, the French and Indian War, the Russian Revolution, and the Victorian Era. Her passions are traveling, writing, reading, cycling, and sharing a martini (no more wine, I’m a migraineur) with her friends while she collects experiences in this drama called life. She’s a native of Metropolitan Detroit (but secretly dreams of being a Londoner) and resides there with her husband, Fred, and her COVID-19 rescue kitten, Hamilton.
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- C21-Spring
Yes!!! I love this saga on audio Anne and want to tell everyone about it.
I understand that feeling. (The audio clip on soundcloud was removed so I replaced it with a link to Audible for a sample listen.)
Oh man, I got so stressed over what was going on near the end. This is so good.
I was stressed throughout both books. It’s a heartbreaking story which kept me on edge all the time.
This was such a fantastic book! The narrators do an amazing job of bringing this story to life. I am so glad that you enjoyed it Anne!
Thanks Carole. It is a great story with lots of interesting characters.
Definitely going to check this series out. Excellent review, Anne?
I think you would love it and definitely do the incredible audio.
I’ve been reading a lot of praise for this. Got it on my list now and thanks for the great review!
Thank you Laura. The narration is superb and it a complex story.
Sounds like a story that would keep you on the edge of your seat. It can be stressful worrying about beloved characteres and what’s going to happen to them. Hope it all worked out well, or as well as can be expected in this time period and situation. It’s a long audiobook! Fab review, Anne!
Thank you Rachel. I don’t read a lot in this genre but this was stellar.