Official Review: The Devil Take Tomorrow

LivreAmour217 · Post by **LivreAmour217** » 06 Aug 2015, 12:50

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Devil Take Tomorrow" by Gretchen Jeannette.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Filled with action, intrigue, and romance, The Devil Take Tomorrow transports the reader to a defining moment of the American Revolution. Ethan Matlock is a Continental soldier charged with a perilous mission: infiltrating the British Army to foil an assassination attempt upon General George Washington. Using his quick wit and irresistible charms, Matlock immediately plants himself within the social circle of the masterminds behind the attempt, but soon becomes distracted by the beautiful (and fiercely patriotic) Maddie Graves, the niece of a British Loyalist. As Ethan becomes entrenched in his double life, time is running out to save George Washington, and the fate of a nation hangs in the balance.

The Devil Take Tomorrow is a captivating novel that will please lovers of historical fiction, especially those with an interest in the Revolutionary War. According to her biography, the author is an enthusiast of eighteenth-century American history, and did extensive research into the period to deliver a story that is as accurate as it is entertaining. While I am no expert on the American Revolution, some of the details of the novel prompted me to conduct my own research via the Internet, and I was impressed with my findings. In addition, I learned some things about the Revolutionary War that I did not know prior to reading this book.

The plot moves at a breakneck pace, and is combined with a writing style that provides vivid mental pictures of the characters and settings without being overly tedious. As I read, the story unfolded before me as though I was watching a movie. In my mind's eye, I could clearly see the blood-red uniforms of the British officers, elegant ladies in their voluminous gowns, and the stately mansion in which Ethan stays as a guest.

The character development is no less superb. Ethan is a multi-layered protagonist, charming and extremely loyal to his cause, but also not without his share of inner demons. Maddy is fiery, intelligent, and utterly defiant of the expectations of a woman of her station. The villains are thoroughly detestable, but the author avoids painting all British soldiers in a negative light, as so many stories about this period are wont to do. On the contrary, it's made very clear that there are good and bad people on both sides of the conflict.

I don't have any actual criticisms of this book, although I feel the need to warn readers about some of the content. There are some depictions of violence toward women, as well as references to rape. Nothing is graphic, but those who are easily upset by this material might want to avoid this book.

I enjoyed reading The Devil Take Tomorrow and rate it 4 out of 4 stars. Although I have already recommended this book to history lovers, I believe that it has diverse appeal and would be appreciated by a wide range of readers.

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The Devil Take Tomorrow
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Post by **bookowlie** » 07 Aug 2015, 22:34

Great review. I almost chose this book for review so it's a particular treat to read your opinions. It's always nice to learn some factual information while enjoying a meaty story. Good point about the violent content!

bluemel4 · Post by **bluemel4** » 07 Aug 2015, 22:41

Wonderfully well written review! I really enjoyed reading it.

Levi · Post by **Levi** » 08 Aug 2015, 01:14

I will add this to my list, thank you for a great review!! It appears you are a great book picker

@LivreAmour217
The story sounds intriguing!

LivreAmour217 · Post by **LivreAmour217** » 08 Aug 2015, 11:00

Bookowlie, Blueme14, and Escapeartist, thank you all for the kind words!

zeldas_lullaby · Post by **zeldas_lullaby** » 08 Aug 2015, 19:21

Great review! This book seems compelling. The Revolutionary War is an interesting time period, but it is indeed too gritty for me--I had a bad experience as a kid with the movie Johnny Tremain!! I still shudder.

Congrats to the author. And to Livre, your enjoyment of this book is coming through really well!

LivreAmour217 · Post by **LivreAmour217** » 09 Aug 2015, 16:43

zeldas_lullaby wrote:Great review! This book seems compelling. The Revolutionary War is an interesting time period, but it is indeed too gritty for me--I had a bad experience as a kid with the movie Johnny Tremain!! I still shudder.

Congrats to the author. And to Livre, your enjoyment of this book is coming through really well!

Thanks, Zelda! I understand your reservations about the book. War stories can be really intense!!!

miss_argyle · Post by **miss_argyle** » 10 Aug 2015, 18:11

I'll be checking this book out based on your review. Very well written.

LivreAmour217 · Post by **LivreAmour217** » 11 Aug 2015, 08:33

miss_argyle wrote:I'll be checking this book out based on your review. Very well written.

Thanks! I hope you enjoy it!

Tanaya · Post by **Tanaya** » 11 Aug 2015, 09:40

As I read, the story unfolded before me as though I was watching a movie. In my mind's eye, I could clearly see the blood-red uniforms of the British officers, elegant ladies in their voluminous gowns, and the stately mansion in which Ethan stays as a guest.

I love feeling connected to a book like this. You've highlighted one of my favorite parts of reading. Awesome review!

LivreAmour217 · Post by **LivreAmour217** » 11 Aug 2015, 12:32

Tanaya wrote:
As I read, the story unfolded before me as though I was watching a movie. In my mind's eye, I could clearly see the blood-red uniforms of the British officers, elegant ladies in their voluminous gowns, and the stately mansion in which Ethan stays as a guest.
I love feeling connected to a book like this. You've highlighted one of my favorite parts of reading. Awesome review!

Thank you so much!!!

Jesska6029 · Post by **Jesska6029** » 11 Aug 2015, 21:01

Loved the review! I try not to judge books by their titles, but this title of this book stands out to me. I'll put this on my list!

LivreAmour217 · Post by **LivreAmour217** » 12 Aug 2015, 08:50

Jesska6029 wrote:Loved the review! I try not to judge books by their titles, but this title of this book stands out to me. I'll put this on my list!

Great, I hope you enjoy it! Thanks for the feedback!

26mada26daddy · Post by **26mada26daddy** » 13 Aug 2015, 09:08

Livre Amour 217 I have read your 'Official Review' of 'The Devil Take Tomorrow'. I'm very impressed with how you reported your findings. You simply described your experience but managed to avoid getting personally involved in the 'frame of reference' without judgment. Like the professional you appear to be. you had the discipline, poise and the humility to state only what you learnt from your observations and experience. I find it refreshing to know that significant reviewers like you are available to authors. Two quotes confirm your 'ace reporting style' review which highlights my admiration for this particular style of reviewing. (A) "... a writing style that provides vivid mental pictures of the characters and settings . . . " (B) ". . . the villans are thoroughly detestable . . . ". Your review is simple and to the point.