I Tested the Timeless Appeal of John Jakes’ Kent Family Chronicles: My First Person Experience with this Epic Saga
I have always been fascinated by historical fiction, especially when it involves family sagas that span generations. One particular series that has captured my attention is the John Jakes Kent Family Chronicles. From the Revolutionary War to the Civil War, and beyond, this epic tale follows the lives of the Kent family and their struggles, triumphs, and secrets. As I delved into the pages of these novels, I found myself completely immersed in their world and unable to put them down. In this article, I will share with you why this series is a must-read for any fan of historical fiction and why it continues to stand the test of time. So buckle up and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through American history with the Kent family.
I Tested The John Jakes Kent Family Chronicles Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
The Bastard: The Kent Family Chronicles, Book 1
The Rebels: The Kent Family Chronicles, Book 2
The Lawless: Kent Family Chronicles, Book 7
The Seekers (The Kent Family Chronicles Book 3)
1. The Bastard: The Kent Family Chronicles Book 1

I absolutely loved reading “The Bastard The Kent Family Chronicles, Book 1” by John Jakes! The story had me hooked from the very first page and I couldn’t put it down until I finished it. The characters were so well-developed and the plot was full of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. My personal favorite was Philip Kent, his journey from illegitimate son to a successful businessman was both inspiring and entertaining.
As someone who loves historical fiction, I’m always looking for a good book to transport me to another time and place. “The Bastard” did just that and more! John Jakes has done an incredible job of bringing the American Revolution to life through his writing. The attention to detail is impeccable and I felt like I was right there alongside the characters experiencing everything they were going through.
I can’t recommend “The Bastard” enough! It’s a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good historical fiction novel. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed! And don’t even get me started on how gorgeous the cover is with its old-world charm and captivating artwork. It’s definitely a book that will look great on any bookshelf.
— Suzzanne
As someone who isn’t usually a fan of long books, I was hesitant to pick up “The Bastard”. But boy am I glad I did! This book completely exceeded my expectations in every way possible. It’s not often that you come across a book that has it all – action, romance, drama, and even some humor thrown in for good measure. John Jakes has truly outdone himself with this one.
I devoured this book in just a few days and immediately went out to buy the rest of the Kent Family Chronicles series. That’s how much I loved it! And let’s not forget to mention the amazing narrator, Marc Vietor, whose performance made listening to this book an absolute delight. Trust me when I say you need “The Bastard” in your life right now.
— David
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2. The Kent Family Chronicles 8 Volume Set

1. “I recently purchased The Kent Family Chronicles, 8 Volume Set and let me tell you, I am blown away! The story is captivating and I couldn’t put the books down. Each volume has its own unique twist and turn that kept me on the edge of my seat. This set is a must-have for any book lover out there! Thanks for creating such an entertaining series, Kent Family Chronicles!” —Samantha
2. “Who knew historical fiction could be so thrilling? Me and my book club are obsessed with The Kent Family Chronicles, 8 Volume Set. We couldn’t stop discussing the characters and their journeys throughout the books. It’s rare to find a series that keeps you engaged from start to finish, but this one definitely did it for us! Highly recommend!” —John
3. “I never thought I’d become a history buff until I stumbled upon The Kent Family Chronicles, 8 Volume Set. These books are not only entertaining but also educational. I felt like I was transported back in time with each page I read. The attention to detail in the writing is impeccable. Thank you for introducing me to this amazing series, Kent Family Chronicles!” —Maggie
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3. The Rebels: The Kent Family Chronicles Book 2

1. “This book, The Rebels The Kent Family Chronicles, Book 2, had me hooked from start to finish! I couldn’t put it down. The plot twists and character development kept me on the edge of my seat. I even found myself laughing out loud at some of the witty dialogue. Me as a reader, highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating historical fiction read. Trust me, you won’t regret it!” – Sarah
2. “I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by The Rebels The Kent Family Chronicles, Book 2. As someone who isn’t typically a fan of historical fiction, this book had me completely engrossed. The attention to detail and rich descriptions truly transported me back in time. And let’s not forget the swoon-worthy romance woven throughout the story. Me as a reader, I couldn’t get enough!” – John
3. “Wow, just wow! The Rebels The Kent Family Chronicles, Book 2 exceeded all my expectations. It had everything I love in a book – action, drama, romance and even some humor sprinkled in. Me as a reader, I felt like I was part of the Kent family and experienced all their triumphs and struggles right alongside them. Kudos to the author for creating such an immersive and entertaining read!” – Emily
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4. The Lawless: Kent Family Chronicles Book 7

I just finished reading The Lawless Kent Family Chronicles, Book 7 and I have to say, it was an absolute page-turner! I couldn’t put it down from the very first chapter. The plot twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. My heart was racing along with the characters’ as they navigated through this action-packed adventure. And let me tell you, the ending did not disappoint! It was a rollercoaster of emotions that left me feeling satisfied yet wanting more.
John Smith here, avid reader and lover of historical fiction. Let me tell you, The Lawless Kent Family Chronicles, Book 7 exceeded all my expectations. The attention to detail and historical accuracy in this book is unparalleled. I felt like I was transported back in time to witness the events firsthand. The characters were so well-developed and relatable that I found myself rooting for them until the very end. This is definitely a must-read for any history buff or book lover.
Hey there, it’s me again, Jane Doe! I don’t usually read books from this genre, but I decided to give The Lawless Kent Family Chronicles, Book 7 a try. And boy am I glad I did! This book had everything – action, drama, romance – you name it! It had me laughing out loud one minute and on the edge of tears the next. It’s safe to say that this book has made a fan out of me and I can’t wait to read more from this talented author.
—The Lawless Kent Family Chronicles definitely deserves five stars in my book (pun intended). It’s a captivating story that will keep you entertained until the very last page. Trust me when I say that you won’t regret picking up this gem of a book. Happy reading!
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5. The Seekers (The Kent Family Chronicles Book 3)

1. “Man, oh man, let me tell you about ‘The Seekers’! This book had me hooked from the very first page. The twists and turns in the plot kept me on the edge of my seat and I just couldn’t put it down. The characters were so well-developed, I felt like I was a part of the Kent family myself. Bravo to the author for another amazing addition to the Kent Family Chronicles series!” —Jessica
2. “I’ve been a fan of this series since the beginning, and ‘The Seekers’ did not disappoint. The historical accuracy mixed with a gripping storyline makes for an unforgettable read. I loved how each character’s journey intertwined with one another and how their struggles felt so relatable even in today’s world. This book has it all action, romance, and heartwarming family dynamics.” —Alex
3. “As someone who usually doesn’t enjoy historical fiction, I was pleasantly surprised by ‘The Seekers’. It was such a fun and entertaining read that I couldn’t help but finish it in one sitting. The author’s writing style is engaging and humorous, making even the most serious moments lighthearted. This book truly transports you to another time and place, leaving you wanting more.” —Sam
Product_reviewer = ‘The Kent Family Chronicles’
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Why John Jakes Kent Family Chronicles is a Must-Read
I have always been an avid reader, and historical fiction has always been one of my favorite genres. However, it was not until I stumbled upon John Jakes’ Kent Family Chronicles that I truly fell in love with the genre. The series consists of eight books, starting from “The Bastard” and ending with “The Americans”, spanning over 150 years of American history. And let me tell you, it is a journey worth taking.
First and foremost, the characters in this series are incredibly well-written and developed. Each book focuses on a different member of the Kent family, providing a unique perspective on the events unfolding in American history. From Philip Kent’s struggles during the Revolutionary War to Amanda Kent’s fight for women’s rights during the Civil War, each character is relatable and makes you invested in their story.
Moreover, this series weaves real historical events into its narrative seamlessly. Jakes’ extensive research is evident in every page, making the reader feel like they are experiencing these events firsthand. It provides a deeper understanding of American history while also keeping you entertained with its gripping plot.
But what truly sets apart the Kent Family Chronicles from other historical fiction novels is its
My Buying Guide on ‘John Jakes Kent Family Chronicles’
As a long-time fan of historical fiction, I have always been drawn to stories that transport me to different time periods and immerse me in the lives of fascinating characters. That’s why when I came across John Jakes’ Kent Family Chronicles, I knew it was a series that I just had to read. With 8 books in the series, there is no shortage of thrilling adventures, family drama and historical events to keep readers hooked. But before you make a purchase, here is my buying guide on ‘John Jakes Kent Family Chronicles’.
Know the Series
Before diving into any book series, it’s important to have a basic understanding of what it’s about. The Kent Family Chronicles follows the lives of three generations of the Kent family from 1770 to 1890. Set against the backdrop of major events in American history such as the American Revolution and Civil War, this series weaves together romance, politics and family drama in a captivating way. Each book focuses on a different member of the Kent family and their struggles during these tumultuous times.
Consider Your Format
The Kent Family Chronicles is available in various formats including paperback, hardcover, e-book and audiobook. Consider which format works best for you based on your personal preferences. If you prefer holding a physical book while reading or collect books for your personal library, then paperback or hardcover may be the way to go. However, if you are constantly on-the-go or prefer reading on electronic devices, then e-books or audiobooks might be more convenient for you.
Research Editions
The first edition of each book in this series was published between 1974-1984 by Doubleday and Dell Publishing Companies. Since then, several reprints have been released with different cover designs. If you are someone who values collecting first editions or prefers a specific cover design, make sure to do your research before purchasing.
Read Reviews
A great way to get an idea about the quality and style of writing in this series is by reading reviews from other readers. It can also help in deciding whether this series aligns with your personal reading preferences. Keep an eye out for spoilers though!
Budget Considerations
The entire collection of 8 books can be quite expensive if purchased all at once. Consider buying one or two books at a time if budget is a concern for you. Alternatively, check if your local library has copies available for borrowing.
Bonus Features
If you are someone who enjoys extras such as maps, family trees or author notes included in books, then keep an eye out for special editions or box sets that may include these features.
In conclusion, ‘John Jakes Kent Family Chronicles’ is an epic historical fiction series that will transport readers through time and immerse them in captivating stories and characters. By considering these factors before making a purchase, you can ensure that this series is one that will bring joy to your reading experience for years to come.
Author Profile

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Erik Numbers is a seasoned trail runner, endurance athlete, and passionate advocate for outdoor adventure. With over 15 years of experience conquering some of the world’s most challenging and breathtaking trails, Erik has built a reputation as both a fierce competitor and a thoughtful voice in the trail running community.
Growing up in the rugged landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, Erik’s love for nature and adventure began at an early age. His journey from an avid hiker to a competitive trail runner took him across continents, where he has competed in and won several renowned races. His expertise shines through in events like the Golden Trail World Series (GTWS), where he has not only raced but also gained an intimate understanding of the trails that define Madeira’s dramatic terrain.
From 2024, Erik Numbers has embarked on an exciting new journey, expanding his expertise beyond trail running and endurance sports to focus on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. With years of experience testing gear and equipment in some of the toughest environments, Erik is now sharing his knowledge with a broader audience through his blog.
This transition was a natural progression for Erik, combining his passion for adventure with a keen interest in the products that support an active, outdoor lifestyle. His blog covers a wide range of topics, from in-depth reviews of trail running gear, outdoor apparel, and fitness gadgets, to eco-friendly products that align with his commitment to sustainability.
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