• The Rebels

  • The Kent Family Chronicles, Book 2
  • By: John Jakes
  • Narrated by: Marc Vietor
  • Length: 16 hrs and 46 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (722 ratings)

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The Rebels  By  cover art

The Rebels

By: John Jakes
Narrated by: Marc Vietor
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Publisher's summary

A patriot soldier in the ragtag Continental army, Philip Kent defies the rule of the British crown, fighting for the future of his adopted American homeland and the future of his wife and newborn son. And when Philip's heroism draws the attention of General George Washington, he is sent on an overwhelmingly risky mission vital to the success of the Revolution. But no sacrifice is too great for freedom.

©1975 John Jakes (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

What listeners say about The Rebels

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    424
  • 4 Stars
    198
  • 3 Stars
    73
  • 2 Stars
    19
  • 1 Stars
    8
Performance
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    420
  • 4 Stars
    155
  • 3 Stars
    46
  • 2 Stars
    8
  • 1 Stars
    4
Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    380
  • 4 Stars
    167
  • 3 Stars
    63
  • 2 Stars
    17
  • 1 Stars
    8

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

Compelled to express strong contrary opinion!

What disappointed you about The Rebels?

I've never submitted a review before - I admit that I'm a bit selfish in that I like to read them, but don't take the time to share with others. But I just had to take the time after listening to The Rebels. I loved John Jakes' North and South trilogy. And I had been so disappointed when I couldn't find more John Jakes on Audible, that I sent a request for Audible to sell the other John Jakes books (many of which were a part of long series -wonderful when you find an author whose books captivate you the way North and South captivated me). Then it was time to move on.

I found some other terrific historical fiction authors and books. Then, as I was exploring the genre for my next listen and John Jakes' Kent Chronicles popped up as a recommendation for me, I couldn't wait to start Book 1! Unfortunately, I found I wasn't as intrigued as I'd hoped to be. Even so, I convinced myself to try again with Book 2... Maybe my anticipations had set my expectations too high? But with only 45 minutes to go, it's become painfully obvious that my opinion is not going to change.

So now I'm back on Audible looking for my next book. And again, the Kent Chronicles pop up as a recommendation for me. I was so surprised when I noticed the high average customer review ratings for Book 2, that I just had to read the comments. Now I'm wondering, did I just listen to the same book as everyone else? And if so, was I in some sort of weird trance when I did? My opinion seems so out of whack with everybody else's that I'm even thinking about giving Book 3 a try simply to test my sanity.

For now though, I'm going to simply recommend to those considering this book to explore other options in the genre (e.g. Courtenay, recent Archer and Follett, Rutherford, for starters), while I go back to searching for my own next listen!

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

A little disappointing

What did you like best about The Rebels? What did you like least?

A riveting piece of historical literature.
A story about a useless, good for nothing drunk, which drove me nuts.
Anne's story shocked me and made me sad.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Talk more about the historical significance of the war and how it affected society as a whole instead of just a few people.

Have you listened to any of Marc Vietor’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

The same high performance as the last time I listened to him.

Do you think The Rebels needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No I think author struggled with the material as it is.

Any additional comments?

About 65% of the book focussed on the daily nightmare that was life of a common drunk and how he tortured himself and the people around him, I got really fed up with the whole thing- I hope the next book is better.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

The Rebels

A great piece of historical fiction. I was a little annoyed by the mispronunciation of the name von Steuben (it is FON SHTOY-BEN rather than VON STU-BEN) hence four stars instead of five. The only flaw in an otherwise great performance.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Phillipe Kent Book 2

If you could sum up The Rebels in three words, what would they be?

BOOK: (Amazon Summary) The rousing Kent family saga continues as Philip Kent fights for his new country alongside the greatest figures of the Revolutionary War

The engrossing follow-up to The Bastard finds Philip Kent standing as a Continental solider at the Battle of Bunker Hill. In a bold move, Kent has taken up arms for the future of his new family. Spirited and unwavering in his dedication to his adopted homeland, Kent fights in the most violent battles in America’s early history. As the Revolution rages, Kent’s story interweaves with the trials of a vivid cast of characters, both famous and unknown. The result is a tautly plotted epic novel that transports the reader into the thrilling adventure of a man’s fight for a new life.

NARRATION: Marc Vietor narrates the entire series which is a plus. I like the consistency of hearing the same voice throughout the story line. The voices are well done, female and male are easily distinguishable.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

Regret and hopelessness

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

The series is largely dark, with disappointment, failure and character weaknesses. The series is not uplifting and the many that enter the timeline breed hopelessness. The worst tragedies possible happen on a frequent scale that leaves one frustrated. When the listener just starts so admire a character, the story line trashes them into bleak shamefulness.

Has The Rebels turned you off from other books in this genre?

The historical context is good.

What about Marc Vietor’s performance did you like?

Very good.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

Not much.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

Don't waste your time.

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

Really don't know.

Would you ever listen to anything by John Jakes again?

Yes

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

Had no problem with the Narration.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Disappointment.

Any additional comments?

Don't know why he added some of the characters just to treat them the way he did.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Loved it

I actually loved this book. War is hell, so I am not sure why people complain about this book being dark and depressing. It should be. I am excited to see what book three brings and it was set up perfectly for you to want more.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

excellent story with abundant historical accuracy

excellent story with abundant historical accuracy woven throughout. Narration was perfect...even though this book was written over 40 years ago..it's overview of history and character development makes it a must read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Historical fiction at its best!

I love being completely entertained and educated about American History at the same time! I can’t get enough of The Kent Family Chronicles. On the Book 3

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

Even worse than the first in series.

Would you try another book from John Jakes and/or Marc Vietor?

I'm not sure why I continue to listen. The characters are simple and boring. The plot is going nowhere and the characters play no important part in history like great historical fiction by those like O'Brien.

The heroes are no heroes and take way to long to do anything.

I also don't really like the narrator. He reads everything with suspense.

Has The Rebels turned you off from other books in this genre?

I'm going to be more careful in my selection historical fiction by an author others praise.

What character would you cut from The Rebels?

Judson

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