- Very, very, very good. It’s not often that I start reading a book and it consumes me right away and forces me to re-prioritize my life for a little while (like who needs sleep? haha). “The Colonials” by Tom Durwood is *not* a quick read …. There are too many important events and experiences here to gloss over so the author takes his time in carefully developing the various storylines so that we the readers are thoroughly invested the whole way through, from Amsterdam, to Constantinople, to the Hudson Valley and beyond. This is the second book I’ve read now by this author (The other being “King James’ Seventh Company” – check it out!!) and I like his writing style very much—I found myself completely lost in this exciting, treacherous and history-changing world he recanted night after night (this is all loosely based on a true events and people which makes it even more fun). Was almost disappointed when I was done, but the ending gave the emotional satisfaction I look for in a great book, and I like how we see how they each played their crucial part in the Revolutionary War from different corners of the world. Like in his other book there are a LOT of characters here, and plenty of interweaving complex plotlines to keep you actively engaged. Almost every chapter/section comes at you from a different angle or character view, so some people may not like that but I feel it gave it a wider, more epic feel. This is an edgy, powerful ride through one of the most interesting eras in American and World history and Durwood brings his characters to life in a way that makes us really believe in what we are reading. Well done. Recommend to fans of historical fiction, or anyone who just enjoys an entertaining, well-written story with lots of passion, action, betrayal, drama, and impeccable writing. Best suited for mature teens and older. Would be interested in reading more from Durwood anytime. (5 stars)
- So. Much. Fun! Who ever said that history is ‘boring” certainly never read books by Tom Durood before! “The Colonials” is hands down one of the most original and solidly-crafted and beautifully written novels I’ve read in a long time! I was completely drawn in from the intriguing opening pages, and absolutely loved the Durwood’s use of description of the different scenery and locales around the world, and his excruciatingly careful attention to detail. We feel transported not only into the various character’s head—from a young Dutch school boy to a Muslim Prince, and more—but the places they go and their experiences connecting to the Revolutionary War. It was an interesting… and at times quite fascinating look at this stage in history from some very unique perspectives that are way more interesting than just what you read in the history books. Almost felt like a sordid soap opera at times! (I mean that in a good way). Super intense and complex – this book will force you to pay attention as it felt like I was reading several slices of real life and history and the ravages of war as told by cast of characters who are relatable and believable. Its weird because obviously we all know how the war ends, and who wins, but I liked how I still felt the intensity and an uncertainty how it would all play out. Even though I did feel like the ending was a little anticlimactic and abrupt, the epilogue smoothed it out for me and I appreciated the overall experience. Recommend for teens and older who enjoy historical fiction, action, adventure, literary thrillers. (4-5 stars)
- Tom Durwood really knows how to give history a shot of adrenaline! First, I have to say that I don’t normally read books like this, but I was looking for something a little out of my comfort zone and this book sounded intriguing. Well, I am most certainly glad I took the chance on “The Colonials”! This was a captivating novel and very impressive for a book that could have easily ended up feeling like some recycled schoolbook lecture. Far from it! There is such strong, vivid writing, and the characters are all compelling and genuine, and going through their own transitions and finding their place and purpose in the world and their contribution to the war in America, from wherever they are and whatever their station in life. GREAT character development throughout, and everything just felt “authentic” for lack of a better word. Dialogue, interactions, scenes, descriptions…In all honestly this is a very different type of book that I think people will be surprised how much it can touch you on different levels – because you really open your eyes to see the bigger picture of this time period from a more human, global perspective, and I think that is important. This book is literary, but there is also plenty of action and intense, high-stakes conflict so younger readers are sure to stay interested. Some tough scenes (mild violence), but all in all I found it to be a very good read that I’d recommend even to those who don’t normally read this sort of thing…try it, you’ll be pleasantly surprised! (4 stars)
- This book, “The Colonials” by Tom Durwood seems to have something of everything… seriously. Political and social upheaval, personal struggles, religious faith, friends and family relationships, life and death danger and situations, deep issues that people face, but I thought the background of the American Revolution as it affected people in different parts of the world gave it a unique angle, and tied together nicely in such realistic way, and instead of just relaying “facts’ and commonly known elements about the War, Durwood infuses a creative take that puts the readers right in the action in a more personal way. There are a lot of characters here vying for screen time and wanting to be heard, and I was impressed by the seamless narrative transitions, and while I’m not usually a fan of dense prose with little dialogue for stretches, it didn’t bother me here much as I enjoyed Mr. Durwood’s beautiful writing. Always found myself reading for longer than I planned to, as there was never a good place to just “stop”. This is good too (especially towards the end). This novel will probably appeal mostly to anyone, teens through adults, who enjoy a complex, visionary and entertaining adventure set against a pivotal period of world history. (4-5 stars)
- I confess I am of somewhat mixed feelings on this novel, “The Colonials” by Tom Durwood. On one hand it is brilliantly written with some of the most interesting and compelling characters I’ve read in a long time, and I liked how each of them had their own unique set of circumstances and roles to play, especially young Will, (who I thought would be more of the lead focus, but his time was more limited than I would have liked) But to me I felt like this book was trying to be too much at once, and seemed to lose focus of the central point and kept going off in different directions. I feel like it would have been better if it were shorter and more focused, with fewer subplots and less characters bouncing into the mix, one after the other. I thought the beginning was way too slow – not enough conflict or inciting incident to really ‘hook’ us and make me invested where I just had to keep reading. It does get better, however, and it’s just my opinion – other people may disagree. I just like to feel like I’m reading 1 book at a time, and with this one I often felt like I was reading 3 or 5. I put it down for any period of time I found myself having to re-read the section before to figure out what was going on. At times the prose is lovely, other times it is overwritten and feels unnecessary. So an interesting and unforgettable read, just not without its issues for me. (3 stars)
- This book was surprisingly good! Once I started reading I didn’t want to stop until I’d finished the whole thing, but obviously that was impossible because this is one dense, epic tale! It was all I could do though not to rush it… this definitely isn’t a ‘fluffy light beach read”, but more like something you sink back with for a while and let it take over your mind and soul and escape to the past for awhile, reliving it with some fascinating characters who will open your eyes in a whole new way. I enjoyed Tom Durwood’s literary “voice” and style of writing. The various interweaving character plotlines were intelligent, well-developed and not predictable, and gave me new appreciation to what people went through back then, with the fate of the future of the world at their feet. The characters were all genuine and interesting in their own right and well-written, and my only real complaint was at times the pacing was too slow and I found myself yearning for more conflict. But this was more toward the beginning and things definitely change and we are swept up in the action. I still enjoyed this book more than I was expecting to, mostly due to the lush, lyrical writing style, the realistic plotlines and the solid character development. I’d certainly love to read more from Mr. Durwood soon! Recommend for older teens on up. Oh and I loved the pictures! (4 stars)
Reviews for THE COLONIALS by Tom Durwood
