From Kingdom to Colony

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

34232

Title

From Kingdom to Colony

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in colonial America, this historical novel follows the Devereux family as they navigate the transition from English nobility to American settlers. Blending romance, adventure, and patriotic duty, the story highlights the bravery of Marblehead fishermen during the Revolutionary War and explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the founding of a new nation.

Summary up to 500 words

Mary Devereux's *From Kingdom to Colony* chronicles the Devereux family's journey from the Norman Conquest of England to their pioneering life in colonial America. The narrative begins in 1639 with Robert Devereux, a descendant of William the Conqueror, and follows his lineage to his grandson, John Devereux, who establishes a home in Marblehead. The story centers on John's spirited daughter, Dorothy, and her friend Mary Broughton, whose lives are deeply intertwined with the local Indigenous population and the escalating tensions of the Revolutionary War. Through the eyes of these women, the novel captures the domestic costs of war, the dangers of espionage, and the personal sacrifices required to build a new nation. The plot unfolds against the backdrop of a changing world, where the Devereux family transitions from the feudal security of Bromwich Castle to the rugged independence of the New World. In Marblehead, the family faces threats from pirates, hostile Indigenous tribes, and the looming British conflict. The narrative highlights the resilience of the settlers, particularly the women who maintain the household and community spirit amidst chaos. As the war intensifies, the family endures personal loss and the perilous realities of spying and imprisonment. The story culminates in the historic crossing of the Delaware River. Here, the men of Marblehead, including the Devereux sons, demonstrate unflinching courage by answering General Washington's call to lead his army across the icy river. This act of bravery secures a vital victory for the Continental cause. The novel concludes with the dawn of peace, celebrating the sacrifices made by the people of Marblehead. Their loyalty and devotion are portrayed as the foundation upon which the American nation rests, honoring the true heroes who built the country through sacrifice and unwavering patriotism.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/34232.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg34232.epub

Removed after upload

Downloaded at

2026-07-01 17:36 UTC

Categories

• History
• Fiction