Book Review: "The General's Watch" by Kiersten Marcil
Follow Savannah as she tries to survive at West Point during the American Revolution
In revolution-era America, a young woman mysteriously appears, as if out of nowhere. Savannah Moore quickly adapts to the times and befriends a handsome but almost-otherworldly man named Captain Jonathan Wythe, a man whose existence belies his Continental appearance and allegiance. In The General’s Watch, Kiersten Marcil’s thrilling sequel to Witness to The Revolution, Savvy slowly pieces together the circumstances in which she finds herself, the darkness holding her hostage, and her connection to the dashing captain.
(Thank you so much to Kiersten for a copy of this novel in exchange for a review! All opinions are my own. ~AT)
Synopsis
In Witness to the Revolution, readers meet Savannah Moore, a young attorney who inexplicably travels back to the American Revolution. She finds herself embroiled in the violent conflict between the rebellious Continental armies and the opposing British and loyalist troops.
With the enigmatic Captain Wythe at her side, she braves skirmishes, traitors, and a horrifying darkness as she adjusts to her new surroundings. At the novel’s end, Savannah’s subjected to a terrible ordeal at the hands of the “witch” Anna - and learns that there’s more to her and Jonathan than meets the eye.
The sequel starts a half hour later. Savannah - also known as Savvy - still resides at a friend’s residence. However, the curse Anna subjected her to has completely changed the young woman. Savvy’s memories remain imprisoned inside her mind, and her very core, her soul, has been utterly scorched away. Horrifying dreams ensnare her at night - fire, darkness, death, murder at the hands of her beloved Jonathan. Any trust and camaraderie between the two is gone.
As Savvy struggles with this, the construction of the Great Hudson River Chain between West Point and Constitution Island in the Hudson Highlands continues. The Continentals forge the massive barrier to prevent British navigation on the river. Savvy witnesses this construction first-hand as she and Jonathan travel to West Point to progress the captain’s mission for Captain Thomas Machin.
The rest of the novel focuses on Savannah’s time at West Point among the garrison. She acquaints herself with the officers, including Colonel Thaddeus Kościuszko, General Alexander McDougall, and Brigadier-General Samuel Holden Parsons. As Savvy adjusts to life there, she very slowly, painstakingly, regains some memories with Jonathan’s help. But many questions still remain.
What, exactly, is the nature of Anna’s curse? Why did she fear Savvy? It’s clear that Jonathan isn’t entirely human - but what is he? Will Savvy and Jonathan repair their relationship and learn to trust each other again? And, how does one New York attorney fit into all of the supernatural happenings surrounding West Point?
Historical Context
For more historical context about the Great Hudson River Chain, please refer to my recent article: Issue #24: Of Chains & Continentals.
Review
The General’s Watch is a worthy sequel to Witness to the Revolution. From the immersion into life at West Point during the American Revolution to the diverse cast of new characters, Kiersten Marcil pens a remarkable new entry into The Enlightened series.
The story takes on a much darker tone than its predecessor, placing Savvy’s physical, mental, and emotional struggles at the novel’s forefront. Kiersten Marcil explores Savannah’s curse and internal turmoil through a deeply psychological lens, forming the foundation that underpins the rest of the story. As a result, the story moves slower, more methodically, more deliberately, but never in a way that feels like sloughing through river mud.
Expect plenty of tension within The General’s Watch. Savvy and Jonathan’s dichotomous relationship ebbs and flows, full of both intimacy and mistrust. Skirmishes swirl around those garrisoned at West Point. A “friend” from Jonathan’s past threatens both Savvy and those she cares about. And, most importantly, something sinister and evil manifests into a visceral, earthy form, something with the power to ignite chaos at West Point.
Kiersten’s depth of historical knowledge and detail combined with her impeccable storytelling make The General’s Watch a novel I can’t recommend enough.
Book Summary
Title: The General’s Watch
Author: Kiersten Marcil
Publisher: Vails Gate Publishing, LLC
Publication Year: April 2024
Page Count: 338pp