• 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.

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

Great story great narration!

I thoroughly enjoyed the entire production the story was amazing and the narration was fantastic. Highly recommend this one

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

A man's novel

When men write about history it's full of action, adventure and willing women who don't get pregnant until it's convenient for the guy. Being a woman in my 40's, I didn't love this book, but I do like history, so I hung in there and I didn't hate it, but I won't be listening to the rest of the series, I'm sure it's full of the stuff.

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

John Jakes at His Best!

This novel is fun, exciting, and perfect for those who love historical fiction. It has it all, danger, suspense, and romance. This is a must read for John Jakes fans and those new to the genre. Hats off to the audio production team and narrator. Great job!

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

Pleasantly surprised

A pleasant surprise with action, suspense, romance and interesting twists and turns entwined in real history that keeps you engaged…..also a good narration. I’m happy to know I have many more to read.

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

wonderful!

Where does The Bastard rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

In the top 10!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Well the bastard himself of course! His struggles are so real, any young man would be confused and hurt is his shoes. He does not give up!

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

I have not. I like an audiobook where you can hear differences, making the people come to life.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Many! Most of all when the Bastard finally realizes he is not alone!

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15 people found this helpful

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

Entertaining story but too coincidental.

Jakes did a good job of making the main characters in this story enjoyable and memorable. Character development was good and I think Jakes excels at it. I would really like to meet these characters again in the next story. But I have not bought another as of yet. What keeps me from listening to another one of these is the line of events. The story line is too coincidental. Our hero and antagonist seemed forced into meeting again. The events are too contrived and unnatural. Never the less, I did give it a 4 and I enjoyed it. I was even a little moved by the romance in the story. Something that I usually don't get caught up in. As for narration, I thought it was good and characters were very distinguishable. This listen was not a waste of time.

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1 person found this helpful

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

great read! I'm looking forward to the series

well read and well narrated. great historical accounts told while following the life of a single man.

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

Excellent!

It started out a bit slow and sometimes the author was a bit to detailed on parts I considered boring but as the book went on the character matured. The author did well showing the immature decisions of the young and how they learn as time goes on. The history and fiction combine to make an excellent book

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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

Suspence

John Jakes is one of my favorite authors. The start with action and ends with a bang. I cheered and cried. Great prologue to the Revolution.

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

Love this series, Love John Jakes

This is the first book of the Kent Family Chronicle’s. This is my third time to start this series. It’s sooooo good. Don’t miss !

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