Jeff Shaara's Rise to Rebellion is praised for its detailed historical accuracy and dynamic character development, bringing figures from the American Revolution to life. However, some readers find the pacing slow and the narrative style somewhat dry. Overall, it is a compelling read for history enthusiasts seeking a deep dive into the events leading up to the war.

Readers who enjoy Rise To Rebellion by Jeff Shaara typically appreciate meticulously researched historical fiction, particularly about the American Revolution. Similar to those who favor David McCullough's 1776 or Bernard Cornwell's The Fort, they are drawn to vivid character portrayals and immersive period details.

Rise to Rebellion by Jeff Shaara portrays the American colonies' struggle for independence from Britain, focusing on key figures such as John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and George Washington, as well as British leaders Thomas Gage and William Howe. The novel explores the escalating tension that leads to rebellion, highlighting events like the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, and the formation of the Continental Congress. The story culminates in the colonies' unified push for independence, setting the stage for the Revolutionary War. The source material depicts violence and death.

Informative / Challenging / Contemplative

- Rise to Rebellion is historically significant for its portrayal of key figures and events leading up to the American Revolution, capturing the tension and drama of the era with vivid detail. 
- Author Jeff Shaara is well-known for writing historical novels, continuing the tradition of his father, Michael Shaara, who wrote the Pulitzer Prize-winning The Killer Angels. 
- The novel is part of a two-book series, with its sequel, The Glorious Cause, continuing to explore the dramatic events of the American fight for independence.

**John Adams**  
An attorney and farmer caught in the tides of rebellion who initially seeks peaceful resolution with England but evolves to support independence, recognized for his legal mind and oratorical skills.

**Benjamin Franklin**  
A transatlantic celebrity known for his wit and knowledge, whose initial Anglophilia shifts toward empathy for colonial grievances, playing a role as elder statesman in the quest for independence.

**Samuel Adams**  
John Adams’s cousin and a radical advocate for independence, known for his speeches and organizing protests, pushing colonial discontent against British rule.

**George Washington**  
Initially a colonel in the Virginia militia, he is appointed commander of the colonial armed forces, bringing strategic insight and leadership shaped by self-doubt.

**Thomas Gage**  
The British commander tasked with suppressing rebellion in the colonies, hindered by his reliance on direct orders from London, facing ethical dilemmas within his military duties.

**Joseph Warren**  
A surgeon and member of the Sons of Liberty who works behind the scenes in organizing protest actions, demonstrating leadership in the colonial resistance.

**Abigail Adams**  
John Adams’s wife, responsible for managing the farm and family in his absence, providing emotional support and acting as a voice of conscience for her husband.

**Thomas Hutchinson**  
The royal governor of Massachusetts, representing loyalist views and the conservative belief in fealty to the crown, challenged by the growing colonial unrest.

**John Dickinson**  
A Pennsylvanian loyalist strongly advocating for reconciliation with England, known for his logical arguments against independence but ultimately committed to his country's future.

Jeff Shaara

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Rise To Rebellion reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Rise To Rebellion | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Rise To Rebellion and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Rise To Rebellion Summary and Study Guide

Background

Rise To Rebellion Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “The Right and the Power”

Introduction-Part 1, Chapter 5

Rise To Rebellion Introduction-Part 1, Chapter 5 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 6-11

Rise To Rebellion Part 1, Chapters 6-11 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 12-17

Rise To Rebellion Part 1, Chapters 12-17 Summary & Analysis

Part 1: “The Right and the Power” - Part 2: “Lions and Lambs”

Part 1, Chapter 18-Part 2, Chapter 23

Rise To Rebellion Part 1, Chapter 18-Part 2, Chapter 23 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Lions and Lambs”

Part 2, Chapters 24-29

Rise To Rebellion Part 2, Chapters 24-29 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Lions and Lambs” - Part 3: “The Flag Unfurled”

Part 2, Chapter 30-Part 3, Chapter 35

Rise To Rebellion Part 2, Chapter 30-Part 3, Chapter 35 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “The Flag Unfurled”

Part 3, Chapters 36-45

Rise To Rebellion Part 3, Chapters 36-45 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Rise To Rebellion Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Rise To Rebellion Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Rise To Rebellion Symbols & Motifs

Index of Terms

Rise To Rebellion Index of Terms

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Rise To Rebellion Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Rise To Rebellion Essay Topics

Rise To Rebellion: A Novel of the American Revolution

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Rise To Rebellion?

Reading Age

Book Details