The Ride

Paul Revere and the Night That Saved America

By: Kostya Kennedy

Narrated by: Johnny Heller

“Audiobook narrator Johnny Heller has a brisk, ardent manner, moving through events at a spirited trot, conveying the urgency and high stakes of Revere’s mission.”—The Washington Post

Timed for the 250th anniversary of one of America’s most famous founding events: Paul Revere’s legendary ride, newly told with fresh research into little-known aspects of the story Americans have heard since childhood but hardly understood

On April 18, 1775, a Boston-based silversmith, engraver, and anti-British political operative named Paul Revere set out on a borrowed horse to fulfill a dangerous but crucial mission: to alert American colonists of advancing British troops, which would seek to crush their nascent revolt.

Revere was not the only rider that night, and indeed, he had completed at least 18 previous rides across New England and other colonies, disseminating intelligence about British movements. But this ride was like no other, and its consequences in the months and years to come—as the American Revolution morphed from isolated skirmishes to a full-fledged war—became one of our founding legends.

In The Ride, Kostya Kennedy presents a dramatic new narrative of the events of April 18 and 19, 1775, informed by fresh primary and secondary source research into archives, family letters and diaries, contemporary accounts, and more. Kennedy reveals Revere’s ride to be more complex than it is usually portrayed—a loosely coordinated series of rides by numerous men, near-disaster, capture by British forces, and finally success. While Revere was central to the ride and its plotting, Kennedy reveals the other men (and, perhaps, a woman with information about the movement of British forces) who helped to set in motion the events that would lead to America’s independence.

Thrillingly written in a dramatic, unstoppable narrative, The Ride retells an essential American story for a new generation of listeners.

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin’s Press.

©2025 Kostya Kennedy (P)2025 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"As recognizable as the name is, we did not know the real Paul Revere until Kostya Kennedy revealed the man in full in The Ride. Thanks to a fascinating, detailed narrative, we discover not only Revere's heroism but also the larger and dangerous role Revere played with other famous patriots in creating a new republic."—Tom Clavin, New York Times bestselling author of Bandit Heaven

"Fascinating...dramatic...a skillful separation of truth, legend, and what lies between in a canonical American story."—Kirkus Reviews

"An important book for readers seeking a deeper understanding of a crucial moment in American history. It will captivate history scholars, students, and enthusiasts from start to finish."—Library Journal

Interesting Tidbits of History

Really enjoyed learning things about Paul Revere that I never knew, and what a fantastic American patriot/entrepreneur he was. I felt the Audible performance was a bit lacking, but I can’t quite put my finger on why it sounded a bit flat.  Still, it was a nice, interesting little book.

Fascinating

Narrator was excellent and I enjoyed the multidimensional way this true story was told. Excellent writing.

Great read on Paul Revere

Great read just in time for the 250 year anniversary of Paul Reveres ride, that rallied the Militia and set the tone for the American Revolution.

Unsung hero

It highlights the importances of Paul and what he did to help the revolution would really recommend this if you want to learn about this history

Breathtaking, poetic, and scholarly

Kennedy puts Revere's ride into context. I hadn't known that Revere had a side gig as a dentist or the first copper roller in the new United States. As readable as history gets.

Re-packaged History

While professionally produced, The Ride is re-packaged history in a slick production. It is okay for the novice but less than satisfying for history buffs.