John Jakes Books

At the turn of the century, failing health makes Gideon Kent fear for the future of his family dynasty, for his daughter Eleanor, an actress, and his sons, Carter, a con man, and Will, who was scarred by his mother's breakdown.

Post-Civil War prosperity has transformed the nation as well and the Kents.

California, the land of promise, has been a magnet for over a century and a half, attracting speculators, poets, the hungry, the greedy, and adventurers. Their goal is the realization of the American Dream, seeking wealth, power, and prestige in the shortest time possible. Entering this world is 18-year-old James Macklin Chance, who leaves Pennsylvania in 1866 completely penniless to journey across the American continent to California, determined to make his fortune.

John Jakes' towering American epic continues! The magnificant saga of families swept into the fires of passion, battle, and undying dreams in a desperately divided nation.

Set against the backdrop of the Civil War, the narrative follows Confederate Corporal Jeremiah Kent as he fulfills his commander's last wish amidst the turmoil of the Union Army's advance through Georgia. The story explores themes of duty, loyalty, and the personal struggles faced by soldiers during this turbulent period in American history.

Set against a backdrop of historical events, this novel follows the Kent family as they navigate romance and adventure during pivotal moments in American history. John Jakes introduces readers to a richly crafted narrative that intertwines personal and national struggles, marking the beginning of an epic eight-volume saga. The story promises to explore themes of love, loyalty, and the quest for identity amidst the turmoil of a developing nation.

Exploring the complexities of family loyalty and moral conflict, this installment of the Kent family saga centers on abolitionist Jeptha Kent and his sons, who are torn apart by the Civil War. As they navigate their differing beliefs, the narrative delves into themes of sacrifice and the personal impact of historical events. The book also features a new Introduction by the author, enhancing its depth and context within the broader saga.

The glittering saga of our America -- and the people who made her great.Beginning with a rag-tag group of Continental soldiers awaiting the British charge on Breed's Hill, and sweeping across the luminous fabric of our Nation's earliest, war-torn years. THE REBELS continues the passionate chronicle of Philip Kent, patriot soldier, and the colorful array of men and women. both famous and unknown, whose destiny propelled them into the epic struggle for American independence.THE REBELS captures for all time the valor and turmoil of the Revolution, as seen through the eyes of young Philip Kent -- and the reader shares his struggles, his courage, and his loves in this tempestuous saga of American heroism, spirited romance, and rousing adventure.

Set against a backdrop of national turmoil, the story follows Amanda Kent, a courageous woman grappling with the trauma of the Alamo massacre. As she returns to Boston, she faces the challenge of rebuilding her family's legacy amidst the struggles of a new generation. The narrative delves into themes of resilience and survival, highlighting the complexities of familial duty and the impact of historical events on personal lives.

Set against the backdrop of the untamed Western frontier, Abraham Kent embarks on a journey to forge a new life for himself and his family. The narrative explores themes of perseverance and the challenges of settling in a harsh, uncharted land. As he navigates the trials of frontier life, the story delves into the dynamics of family loyalty and the pursuit of the American Dream amidst adversity.

At the dawn of a new century, from the uncontrolled chaos of Chicago's infamous Pullman Strike, to the birth of the moving picture, and the bloody carnage of the Spanish-American War, the immigrant Crown family raced with the currents of a changing world and their own desires, to claim America as their own.

The last days of the Civil War bring no peace for the Main and Hazard families. As the Mains’ South smolders in the ruins of defeat, the Hazards’ North pushes blindly for relentless industrial progress. Both the nation and the families’ long-standing bond hover on the brink of destruction. In the series’ epic conclusion, Jakes expertly blends personal conflict with historical events, crafting a haunting page-turner about America’s constant change and unyielding hope.

From the "New York Times" bestselling author who "makes history come brilliantly alive" ("The Washington Post Book World") comes a novel that spans decades and generations--from the American Revolution through the downfall of the Confederacy--in Jakes's most ambitious work yet.

Set against the backdrop of Georgia during the Civil War, the story follows Sara and her spirited daughter Hattie as they fight to protect their rice plantation in Savannah from Sherman's advancing army. As the city faces impending conquest, an unexpected encounter between Hattie and General Sherman leads to a surprising and transformative confrontation. This tale intertwines themes of resilience, family bonds, and the harsh realities of war, culminating in a pivotal moment that challenges both Hattie and the general.

A Rebel sympathizer’s affection for a former Pinkerton detective turned Union agent cannot save him from the horrors of a Richmond prison. A Confederate officer sacrifices his rank to save an actress taken captive while posing as a Union soldier. Overshadowing them all is an actor’s outspoken hatred of Abraham Lincoln—and a date with destiny that will shock a nation and change the course of history...

In the tenth age of the star kings of II Galaxy...in that far off day of a far off future when mankind has spread beyond the Home Cluster, there was a man called Dragonard. Dragonard the Beast some called this fallen warrior of the immortal Lords of the Exchange who ruled and owned a million worlds. But Dragonard the Last Hope thought others when the terrible rumor spread that the star kings were finally dying. Dragonard did not know what to believe until he found himself torn from his prison, turned loose on a strange planet as a human weapon to be plunged into the heart of a cosmic mystery. But whose weapon was he? And what was his real mission? And above all how could he free himself to act for the real good of the people?

Set in a rich, fantastical world, the story follows Conan, a legendary hero known for his fierce prowess in battle and cunning intelligence. As he navigates through treacherous landscapes filled with magic and monstrous foes, Conan's adventures reveal themes of bravery, survival, and the quest for power. His journey not only showcases epic battles but also delves into the complexities of heroism and the darker sides of humanity, making it a timeless tale of sword-and-sorcery.

Sean war in der Mars-Kolonie geboren worden. Er hatte die Erde noch nie gesehen. Als er sie zum erstenmal betritt, sucht er Hilfe für seine Kolonie. Invasoren vom Saturn bedrohen den Planeten und wollen ihn vernichten. Doch auf Terra will niemand mit dem Besucher vom Mars verhandeln, denn die Terraner haben ihre eigenen Probleme und brauchen ihre Waffen, um sich selbst zu vernichten. Deutsche Erstveröffentlichung SCIENCE FICTION-ACTION

Fackeln im Sturm - Die Erben Kains - Das Buch zur TV-Serie - bk1126; Heyne Verlag; John Jakes; pocket_book; 1987

Das Epos erzählt von den Hazards, einem Industriellenclan in Pennsylvania, und den Mains, Plantagenbesitzern in South Carolina. Ihre Söhne, die auf der Militärakademie von West Point Freunde werden, ahnen nicht, dass ein Krieg sie zu Todfeinden machen wird.

Ein junger Franzose, illegitimer Sohn eines englischen Adeligen, kämpft um das Erbe seines Vaters und flieht schliesslich nach Neuengland. Historischer Familienroman aus der Zeit des amerikanischen Unabhängigkeitskriegs (1775)

In den Jahren vor dem Bürgerkrieg verkörpert eine beständige Freundschaft die Spannungen einer Nation. Orry Main aus South Carolina und George Hazard aus Pennsylvania schmieden eine dauerhafte Bindung während ihrer Ausbildung an der United States Military Academy in West Point. Gemeinsam kämpfen sie im Mexikanisch-Amerikanischen Krieg, doch ihre Nähe wird auf die Probe gestellt, als sich ihre regionalen Politiken unterscheiden. Als die ersten Schüsse auf Fort Sumter fallen, finden sich Orry und George auf unterschiedlichen Seiten des bevorstehenden Konflikts. In John Jakes’ unvergleichlichem Stil beginnt North and South eine Trilogie, die die leidenschaftlichen Emotionen eines Landes am Rande der Katastrophe einfängt.

Johnny Havoc, der witzigste Privatdetektiv, hat feuerrotes Haar und ein loses Mundwerk. Trotz seiner kleinen Statur löst er in drei spannenden Romanen knifflige Kriminalfälle.

Der Bastard/Das Komplott - Zwei Romane - bk416; Goldmann Verlag; John Jakes; pocket_book; 1987

Die Geschichte der Amanda Kent, die - als Waise aufgewachsen, dem Tod in Alamo knapp entronnen und in Kalifornien reich geworden - unbeirrt ihr Lebensziel verfolgt, sich an Stovall zu rächen und den Kent'schen Familienbesitz an der Ostküste zurückzugewinnen.

Bevor Jakes mit seinen historischen Romanen (zuletzt BA 11/88; 1/89) Erfolge erzielte, schrieb er Science-fiction-Romane. Im vorliegenden, der in deutsch schon 1976 in gekürzter Fassung u.d.T. "Im Banne des Feuervogels" (nicht im Besprechungsdienst) erschien, wird aus dem Amerika des 21. Jahrhunderts erzählt. 10% der Menschen leben als Strassenleute in komfortabelsten Fahrzeugen, sind auf gigantischen Autobahnen beheimatet und ständig unterwegs. Doch was als grosse Freiheit erscheint, ist in Wirklichkeit die Zwangsmassnahme eines Staates, in dem die Automobilkonzerne die Macht übernommen haben, der diese Strassenleute von den total übervölkerten, nahezu kollabierenden Städten fernhalten will. Leider werden diese bedenkenswerten Ansätze erst auf den letzten 10 Seiten abgehandelt - vorher wechseln sich mörderische Autojagden, unglückliche Liebe und skrupellose Clan-Zwistigkeiten ab. - Lesefutter, zum schnellen Verbrauch

Gewaltig ist das Land - Geschichten aus Amerikas wildester Zeit - bk1154; Bastei Lübbe; John Jakes; pocket_book; 1994

Part One Of Two Parts The Hazards and the Mains -- the first fatal shot fired at Fort Sumter divided them irrevocably with loyalties more powerful than family ties. The young would clash on the bloody battlefields of Bull Run and Fredericksburg, while in intrigue-ridden Washington and Richmond strong-willed men and beautiful women would defend their principles with their lives...or satisfy illicit cravings with schemes that could destroy friends and enemies alike. This surging drama is the second part of the trilogy that includes NORTH AND SOUTH and HEAVEN AND HELL. "Craftsmanship nears artistry....A coherent and penetrating vision of the seamy underside of war." (Richmond Times-Dispatch)