Review copy was received from Publicity team. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Turncoat by TJ London Narrator: Tara Langella, Patrick Zeller, Marnye Young, John Hartley, James Cheatham, Nicholas Boulton, Shayna Small, Kale Williams, Samantha Brentmoor, Adam Gold, Connor Crais, Dane Anderson
Series: The Rebels and Redcoats Saga #3
Published by Self-Published on July 30, 2023
Genres: Historical Romance
Length: 22 hours, 50 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publicity team
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After Captain John Carlisleās dance with death, heās retreated to the serenity of the Oneida village with his beloved Dellis McKesson to hide from the inevitable truth that war is coming to the Mohawk River Valley. But when duty calls, and Johnās expertise is needed to negotiate a treaty with the Six Nations of the Iroquois and the Crown, heāll once again be forced to decide between his conscience and his king.
But many secrets have yet to be revealed, and a deal with the Devil made in desperation threatens to ruin Dellis and Johnās love. As ghosts of the past resurface and a bitter family rivalry exposes betrayal from those closest to her, Dellis is dragged down a devastating path to the truth of her parentās murders.
The die is cast as St. Leger and his native allies lay siege to Fort Stanwix. The British are planning a secret attack that will force the Rebels and the Oneida into a bloody battle at Oriskany, further dividing Johnās loyalties and leaving him on the precipice of a decision: Rebel or Redcoat?
I am always excited to get a new audio from this author.Ā It’s weird because I don’t read much historical fiction other than fantasy. So far I have avoided looking up what really happened with this series but after this one I couldn’t resist.Ā I think The Turncoat takes place during the summer of 1777.Ā The actual battle at Fort Stanwix happened the first days of August 1777.Ā Ā 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.Ā However, I do wonder about who the native Americans supported and what happened to them.Ā Obviously, the Americans won eventually and did not treat natives well.
The previous books have focused on John Carlisle, a captain in the British army.Ā He is estranged from his family.Ā He is not perfect but works and tries so hard to do the right things.Ā It is heartbreaking to see how others use him and how often he is injured.Ā Ā His wife, Dellis is in the Oneida tribe, and he joins when he marries her.Ā She runs hot and cold on John which is another stress for him.Ā Her tribe decides to fight with the Americans (against the British) as her cousin, Alexei has been doing.
Alexei’s father, James McKesson has long been stealing from Dellis and really anyone he can cheat.Ā He wants to see his brother, Dane dead.Ā He’s not a fan of his son, Alexei either.Ā I hate James with a passion and I’ve not been overly fond of Alexei.Ā Another horrid character is Mrs. Allen who wants John in her bed and as an investor in her brothel again.Ā John has no interest.Ā She courts many different British gentlemen and officers, including McKesson.Ā She manipulates everyone for information to find investors and information she can sell or trade.
There were many horrific fights and battles which it is shocking people survived with the medicine in that time period.Ā I was so afraid my loved characters would not survive.Ā And there are those who don’t survive.
An emotional story with lots of action, military strategy, and some very hot and steamy interludes,Ā The Turncoat is an excellent addition to theĀ Rebels & Redcoats Saga. At the end of this audio, was a brief clip from the next audio, The Rebel being released in 2024.Ā It features Alexei’s story and begins in April 1777 about four months before the end of this book.
Ā Narration:
I really enjoyed all the narration of a full cast.Ā I do know that one of my favorite narrators, Steve West, was replaced here by Kale Williams. I was a little apprehensive because I don’t always do well when that happen.Ā Kale Williams did an excellent job and I really appreciated his performance.Ā The narrator for Mrs. Allen, Maryne Young,Ā is also perfect and I hate her with all my passion.Ā I was able to listen at my usual 1.5x speed.
THE CAST
Kale Williams-John Carlisle
Tara Langella-Dellis McKesson
Patrick Zeller-James McKesson, Roger DeLancie
Marnye Young-Celeste Allen
John Hartley-Major Tomlinson, Gavin Carlisle Jr
James Cheatham- Joseph and various voices
Nicholas Boulton-Dane McKesson
Shayna Small-Agnes
Samantha Brentmoor-Lady Wilhelmina Tomlinson
Adam Gold-Alexei McKesson
Connor Crais-Eagle Eyees
Dane Anderson- Patrick Armstrong
Listen to a clip: HERE
Giveaway:
Enter to win a signed paperback copy of THE TORY, book one in the Rebel & Redcoats Saga. Open to US residents. Ends August 9, 2023.
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, Iām a migraineur) with her friends while she collects experiences in this drama called life. Sheās 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:
- 23-COYER
I can imagine having a full cast narration for this story had to be a wonderful listening experience. Outstanding review, Anneš
Thank you Jonetta. This whole series is outstanding. If you haven’t tried it, you should. I cant recall how I got started with it since it’s not my usual genre, but I love it.
Yes.. I love this series and get so caught up in the characters. Wonderful review.
yes it’s an amazing series and I’m sure I wouldn’t have tried it without you. Thanks so much!
He is a man we know very little about. In the next three books, we will learn his story and what he knew and why he is who he is. Like John’s story, it is one of Redemption. Hope that helps.
LOl. this was meant for your reply about Alexei below. Sorry.
I have been holding myself back from snatching the ebooks to read ahead of audio production b/c I love the cast narration so much. Oooh, I already like Kale Williams so if there had to be a trade, I’m glad it was him. This is poking at me from my listening pile. I know I’ll cry at parts and get so angry at some people. This series makes me feel it. š
yes Sophia, this is so so emotional for me. It seems like every book we get rid of at least one villain thankfully but there’s still plenty despicable behavior. I feel for John struggling to hurt the least people in a time of war and division.
Thanks Anne! I cannot wait for the Rebel!
I know. But since there was an excerpt it is happening. I have not been a fan of Alexei so we will see how it goes. I mean didn’t he realize how his father was cheating Dellis?
I know I am missing out. I listened to the prequel and enjoyed it.
I feel that way often. There are just so many things I want to read. This series is truly outstanding.
I’ve seen a lot of praise for this series. Glad to hear the change in narrators didn’t lessen your enjoyment and it worked out. Someday!
yes Rachel. I don’t read historical fiction and I love this. That tells you something.
I thought that this was such a wonderful book! The full cast of narrators really brings the story to life and I didn’t mind the change of narrator at all. I am so glad that you enjoyed this one.
Thanks Carole. I really love this series. I was happy to have adapted to the narrator change. Full cast is amazing.
I really liked this book. š
It was really a great read.