The American war of independence is entering a new phase. Gone are the days when the British forces could assume an easy victory followed by a heroic return to their homeland. The rebels have established themselves as a scrappy and resilient bunch who will not roll over for the highly trained but incompetently led redcoats. nbsp; After a sound defeat and humiliating surrender at Saratoga, Captain Jamie Skoyles and the rest of the surviving members of his British regiment are sequestered in Cambridge, prisoners of war living under the watchful gaze of the rebel army. Frustration is mounting due to both their mistreatment at rebel hands and the indignity of their thrashing on the battlefield. What s more, Skoyles remains a man divided; while he s been loyal to the crown for decades, his allegiance is increasingly pulled in the direction of the courageous and steadfast American forces and their noble cause. Though he s bound by the accords signed upon the surrender to remain with his men and await shipment back to London, a restless Skoyles escapes and makes his way as a double-agent toward Valley Forge, where the rebel commander General George Washington puts his trust in him. As Skoyles skillfully plays both sides against each other, he is soon faced with a tremendous choice: Will he fulfill his mission and bring down the rebel leader, perhaps turning momentum toward his British countrymen? Or will Skoyles allow his rebel sympathies to control his actions, and squander Britain s best chance to bring the rebellion to its knees? Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

Garland picks up where Saratoga (2005) left off, with his British Revolutionary War soldier heroes, Capt. Jamie Skoyles and Sgt. Tom Caffrey, imprisoned after being captured at the British defeat at Saratoga in 1777. They quickly escape and, with girlfriends in tow, head toward the British stronghold in New York City, but split up along the way. Once back with the British Army, Skoyles is ordered to infiltrate Gen. George Washington's headquarters at Valley Forge. Skoyles may be loyal to the king, but he also sympathizes with men who fight for freedom. Tormented by his conflicting feelings, he misleads both sides to protect a friend and American spy from discovery. Adding to Skoyles's dilemma is an old enemy, Maj. Harry Featherstone, who, furious that Skoyles has stolen his fianc?e, is out for revenge. Ambushes, skirmishes, romance, treachery and betrayal dominate this colorful if not fully satisfying adventure tale; the cliffhanger conclusion is lacking and the suspense isn't as taut as it could be. However, the descriptions of colonial warfare and spy games are convincing. (Dec.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information