Reviewed on 07/07/2010 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Michelle Lichtenfels

Born into a wealthy family, Pedro Francisco had not a care in the world. Then one day in 1765 his life changed forever. Kidnapped by pirates at the young age of 5 and held for ransom until a horrific storm swept across the sea making his captors believe that Pedro, like Jonah out of the Bible, was causing the mighty storm. Ridding themselves of their stigma, they left Pedro alone and abandoned on a foreign dock, that turned out to be America. Found well dressed but filthy by the dock workers who were unable to understand the Portuguese that he was speaking. Renamed Peter by a noted merchant named James Durrell, he is then taken in by the docks night watchmen, Caleb. Fed and clothed by Edna Watkins, he soon starts to feel safe in this new land. Although Caleb is soon forced to hand Peter over to the workhouse. There Peter starts to learn English and is purchased as a slave by Judge Winston, who is baffled by the size of Peter believing him to be older than 5. Placed in the slave quarters with Petunia, who’s job it is to teach him to speak English. Soon Peter is working in the stables along side Arthur who becomes a father to young Peter. Growing into a strong, giant of a man standing over 6 feet tall, towering over the men of that era. Taking over Arthur’s duties as body guard and driver for Mr. Winston, Peter develops a relationship with the judge. Hearing Mr. Winston’s nephew, Patrick Henry delivering his Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death speech, Peter is instantly drawn to join the cause. After many disappointing discussions with the judge, he finally relents and allows Peter to join the army. Promising the girl who for years has held his heart, that he would come back to her, he embarks on his journey. Fighting harder than most other men for the freedom that has eluded him for so long, Peter hopes one day to win his freedom and the freedom of America. Meeting the Marquise Lafayette the two soon become more than just brothers in arms, they become lifelong friends. Peter’s enlistment soon comes to an end and he heads home after 3 years. Stopping by the Anderson’s plantation to see Susannah, he finds that their home has fallen into a state of disrepair during the war. He heads to tell judge Winston that he will be staying with the Anderson’s to help repair their home. Taken aback at the thought of losing such a strong worker, the judge tells Peter that he is ungrateful for all the thing the he has done for him. Telling Peter to leave his home and never return, Peter is shocked at this decision. From there things go down hill as Mr. Anderson tells Peter that at this point in Peter’s life he is unworthy to marry his daughter. Peter soon finds himself reenlisting in the army. Earning the title “Hercules of the Revolution”, from General George Washington, Peter once again prove his worth as America goes on to win the war and Peter wins his freedom. Will he marry the woman who holds his heart and will the judge have a change of heart and see the error of his ways?

With a cast of characters reading like a Revolutionary roll call, “Hercules of the Revolution”, is a true gem, that combines history and fiction. Wrote by a 6^th generation descendent of Peter Francisco, Travis Bowman who has painstakingly researched every aspect of Francisco’s life. Standing the same height as Peter Francisco the connect between the two becomes evident in his writing. “Hercules of the Revolution” is the perfect Revolutionary novel of freedom and independence that all should read

Reviewed on 11/15/2009 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Angela Simmons