• The Bastard

  • The Kent Family Chronicles, Book 1
  • By: John Jakes
  • Narrated by: Marc Vietor
  • Length: 19 hrs and 8 mins
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (1,158 ratings)

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The Bastard  By  cover art

The Bastard

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

Set against the colorful tumult of events that gave rise to our fledgling nation, this novel of romance and adventure introduces Phillipe Charboneau.

The illegitimate son of an English nobleman, Phillipe flees Europe and, as Philip Kent, joins the men who set our course for freedom.

The Bastard is the first volume in the Kent Family Chronicles, a series of novels that details one family's journey in the early years of the American nation.

©1974 John Jakes (P)2013 Audible Inc.
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What listeners say about The Bastard

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

excellent read

keeps you into the story from beginning to end. well read with good voice. moving on to the next book in the series

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1 person found this helpful

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

Phillipe Kent Book 1

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

BOOK: (Amazon Summary) Meet Phillipe Charboneau: the illegitimate son and unrecognized heir of the Duke of Kentland. Upon the Duke’s death, Phillipe is denied his birthright and left to build a life of his own. Seeking all that the New World promises, he leaves London for America, shedding his past and preparing for the future by changing his name to Philip Kent. He arrives at the brink of the American Revolution, which tests his allegiances in ways he never imagined.

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

If you want a saga...

I think if I knew more about American History, I would have liked this book a little more. I like historical fiction, but tend to lean more towards the history of Europe rather than North America… I never really found it compelling, but when presented in this format the details worm their way into my brain without me knowing it – and it is interesting!

As it was I did not dislike the story, I was in the mood for a sweeping multi-generational family saga and this story does certainly tick all those boxes.

I am committed to Books 1 (The Bastard) and 2 (The Rebels) and plan to read them back to back… we’ll see if I am still hooked on the series after that. If I am, I’m in for a treat since there are 8 books in the series!

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4 people found this helpful

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

Well worth the money.

Beautifully narrated. Very well written, truly deserving of the 5 star rating. Will surely look for the authors other books.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

So interesting

Jake's is an amazing story teller. He keeps you wanting more more of the story.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Loved it!

What's not to love? If you haven't read it, you're missing out on a fun adventure!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Great start to a series

great story with plenty of action. The book kept me listening. l can't wait to download the 2nd
book in the series

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Once you've started..

Great listen, helps one to understand the times in the eyes of a Kent! It is not high speed but not slow either. The romance is a bit over the top at times but it helps drive the plot and maybe American history.

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1 person found this helpful

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

Enjoyable

Historical fiction is my favorite genre, and the American Revolution is my favorite non-fiction subject so the two combined is right up my alley. This book did not disappoint and I am looking forward to the rest of the series.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

loved it.

read this over thirty years ago and loved the audio version. narrator was very good.

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