The Demon Redcoat

by C.C. Finlay

Book Overview

The third and final novel in the inventive new fantasy/historical-adventure trilogy continuing the adventures of Proctor Brown, a young colonial caught up in the Revolutionary War, and the secret... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0345503929
• ISBN13: 9780345503923
• Release Date: June 2009
• Publisher: Del Rey Books
• Length: 391 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 4.2" x 6.9"

Customer Reviews

Quite enjoyable, especially for alternative history fans

The Demon Redcoat caps off C.C. Finlay's American Revolution secret history series Traitor to the Crown that started out very strongly with The Patriot Witch followed by A Spell for the Revolution. With The Demon Redcoat, Finlay again sets the proper tone enmeshing the reader in what daily life was like during revolutionary times yet making it all feel natural. The customs and dialogue are like something straight out of a historical novel. Proctor is back to his saving ways as he attempts to finally put a stop to the terror The Covenant has wrought upon the Americas. Only this time he is not only doing it to defend his country, but to protect his daughter with Deborah. To do so Proctor must travel to England to cut off the threat at its source. Lydia travels with Proctor which certainly expands the view of how freed slaves were treated in Europe. This also gives Lydia's character a lot more depth, which she desperately needed after being trod upon so much. As Proctor makes his way from America to England he travels on the same boat with John Adams, which was quite an infamous voyage that nearly didn't make it. Adams was a colorful character, whose dialogue was pitch-perfect and I wonder if it was drawn directly from historical sources. As always it is interesting to see how Finlay weaves the use of magic to explain oddities of historical records. We are also entreated to a stay with Benjamin Franklin who opens the doors of Europe to Proctor, although I felt Finlay's portrayal of Franklin was a bit on the kind side given some of the dubious actions attributed to him during this period. But Franklin was instrumental in establishing good relations with the French and other underground happenings. Proctor stumbles around England for a bit too long as Finlay tries to ensnare him in nearly every major event of the time. Yet the history lesson learned is perhaps done better than my professors ever accomplished. I wonder how this series would be treated in high school as supplemental text for those who have trouble with text book learning? Part of the story is told from the view point of Banastre Tarleton who is a British loyalist responsible for keeping the American forces on their toes during this period. Many atrocities were committed by him and his men that are explained away by the demon of the title, which made for a nice twist on the narrative. I could have done with a few more section from Tarleton's point of view, but I can understand why Finlay refrained as some things done in his chapters are quite horrible. The Covenant illustrious membership is finally revealed, which I'll refrain from going into detail about because it is too good to spoil. Let's just say it is a bit of a who's who of infamous European magical celebrities. Although, I do think Finlay colored one of the leaders much darker than history traditionally paints him. Overall, it took a bit long to get to the ending, especially with the turnabout Proctor has to under

Excellent series, inventive and fast-paced

The Traitor to the Crown series is a lot of fun, and a must-read for fantasy and historical fiction fans alike. I found the conclusion (which I will not ruin here) to be very satisfying and a great story in and of itself. I look forward to reading more from Finlay!

R-H

The plot is very interesting. The subject of wichcraft is presented in a very different way. The reader should get all three books to get a better flavour from the plot. I hope the author is planning in continuing with the story line at least thru the period of the WAR of Independance. Good read.

terrific alternate historical fantasy

In 1779 the American War of Independence continues unabated. Having helped General Washington by using his magical skills, Proctor Brown decides it is enough as all he sees is blood flowing on both sides of the dispute. He, his wife Deborah the witch and a few friends relocate to a New England farm although the General pleads with him to help them in Europe. Even if he wanted to get back involved, he will not leave his nine month pregnant spouse. Deborah goes into labor, but as she gives birth to a daughter, the powerful Balfri the demon enters through an unguarded chimney. Proctor with the help of Abigail, Lydia and Magdalena force the demon outside, but the elderly Magdalena died doing it. Proctor knows now he has no choice but to take the fight to those who summoned Balfri, the European witches of the Covenant. Proctor heads by sea to Europe with black freewoman Lydia pretending to be his slave. On the ocean, he meets John Adams and in France, he meets Benjamin Franklin, but the Covenant uses minor mages and witches to destroy him while in the States Balfri attacks Deborah and her daughter Maggie as there is power in possessing an infant This is a terrific alternate historical fantasy that continues the saga of Proctor Brown who is considered a "Traitor to the Crown" for helping the American rebels along with his loved ones, during the American Revolution in which magic plays a key role in the outcome. The story line is action packed from the moment that Balfri attacks the house and never slows down crossing the Atlantic or in France and England. Fans of alternate histories will want to read the entire series (see THE PATRIOT WITCH and A SPELL FOR THE REVOLUTION) as well as this thriller as the magic seems genuine and real persona like Adams and Franklin play major roles, but the audience will wonder whether Cornwallis or Washington will surrender at Yorktown as the magic is flying on both sides of the big pond. Harriet Klausner