Book Review: Transcendent Loyalties by S.D. Banks!

(Image: Cover of "Transcendent Loyalties" by S.D. Banks)

As promised I have another nerdy, Revolutionary-War related post for you this week: A review of S.D. Banks' Transcendent Loyalties. Man, I didn't plan to have so much to drop on here this week but I didn't have time to write this review last week like I planned, and I didn't want to wait any longer to get this review out, because, frankly, this is one of the greatest novels I've read in years. In fact, as I type this, I think this is my favorite novel since I read The Book Thief!

Obviously I am a sucker for all things historical and the American Revolution is one of my favorite time periods. But the best part of this book wasn't even the way the well-researched setting made my nerdy heart sing. It was how relatable Banks made that setting feel to our own, turbulent times.

There are so many levels on which to love this story: the adventure, the contrast between England and the Colonies, the lifelike characters and how different (and sometimes dark) they are, and most of all, the dynamic relationships they have with each other. Banks masterfully crafts a snapshot of pre-Revolutionary America where people were just as polarized in their views, beliefs, and hopes as they are now, and shows how they could in many instances still be friends despite those views, while other relationships foundered.

Never boring, Banks' novel has something for everyone, from battles of wits to battles with blades and musket balls, from the historical details to the harrowing subplots, and a touch of romance and something more sinister, for fans of the sensational.

Be prepared to read a book you can't put down, and here's to hoping we'll get a sequel!