Valley Forge — David Garland

The American war of independence is entering a new phase. Gone are the days when the British forces could assume an easy victory followed by a heroic return to their homeland. The rebels have established themselves as a scrappy and resilient bunch who will not roll over for the highly trained but incompetently led redcoats.

 

After a sound defeat and humiliating surrender at Saratoga, Captain Jamie Skoyles and the rest of the surviving members of his British regiment are sequestered in Cambridge, prisoners of war living under the watchful gaze of the rebel army. Frustration is mounting due to both their mistreatment at rebel hands and the indignity of their thrashing on the battlefield. What's more, Skoyles remains a man divided; while he's been loyal to the crown for decades, his allegiance is increasingly pulled in the direction of the courageous and steadfast American forces and their noble cause.


Though he's bound by the accords signed upon the surrender to remain with his men and await shipment back to London, a restless Skoyles escapes and makes his way as a double-agent toward Valley Forge, where the rebel commander General George Washington puts his trust in him. As Skoyles skillfully plays both sides against each other, he is soon faced with a tremendous choice: Will he fulfill his mission and bring down the rebel leader, perhaps turning momentum toward his British countrymen? Or will Skoyles allow his rebel sympathies to control his actions, and squander Britain's best chance to bring the rebellion to its knees?