Ronald E. Gaffney Livres

In this tale of the American Revolution, Bryan Hawkins sees his quiet existence as a farmer at Chignecto, Nova Scotia shattered by a rebellion against the British Authorities. Staying true to his Oath to King George III, Hawkins reprises his role from the French and Indian War as a ranger, now battling the revolutionaries, attempting to prevent a possible First Nations revolt and thwarting plots by the French Crown. Rooted in the colonial history of Eastern Canada and mid-coast Maine, this story details many of the actual land and sea battles that rocked Nova Scotia in the late 18th Century.

Focusing on the historic roots of the Treaty of 1725, this novel weaves together fictional and historical characters to depict the conflict between the English and First Nations, particularly during "Father Rale's War." It delves into the Treaty’s implications for Nova Scotia and Massachusetts, exploring its diplomatic origins and the challenges it faced during "King George's War" and the French and Indian War. The narrative highlights the Treaty’s enduring significance in contemporary discussions surrounding Mi'kmaq and Maliseet rights, land claims, and resource management in the Maritime Provinces.

Set against the backdrop of eighteenth-century Ireland, the story unfolds a gripping tale of rebellion and resistance. Through vivid characters and rich historical detail, it explores themes of freedom, identity, and the struggle against oppression. The narrative captures the intensity of the era, highlighting the personal and societal conflicts that arise in the pursuit of justice and autonomy. As tensions rise, the characters are forced to confront their beliefs and the cost of their desires in a tumultuous landscape.

Bryan Hawkins has managed to become an experienced seaman by just eighteen years of age, so when his ship is taken by privateers and his captain and crew taken hostage by the French, his captain entrusts him to deliver a message to the nearest British governor in the hope of a prisoner exchange. Message delivered, Bryan is released from his duty and falls in with the local rangers, fighting skirmishes against the French and the Indians who are loyal to them. As he grows in experience and the fighting grows in ferocity, survival and the hope of a happy future are in the balance. Set against the backdrop of the French and Indian War (part of the Seven Years War), this tale of a young man becoming a seasoned soldier tracks through some of the actual battles and struggles of the period.