Book Review: Kingdom of Wolves by Avellina Balestri Book 2 of the All Ye That Pass By Trilogy

Avellina Balestri’s Kingdom of Wolves plunges into the 1777 Saratoga Campaign, the decisive turning point of the American Revolutionary War, with haunting, atmospheric intensity. As the middle volume of her All Ye That Pass By trilogy, it follows young British officer Edmund “Ned” Southworth deeper into the moral wilderness of clashing armies, classes, loyalties, and consciences. Where the first book, Gone for a Soldier, introduced Ned’s reluctant enlistment in a scarlet coat and the quiet torment of his Catholic faith, this installment strips away the remaining illusions amid the literal and human “wolves” of war. 

Assigned to the staff of the charismatic Brigadier General Simon Fraser, Ned marches with British forces under “Gentleman Johnny” Burgoyne through the forests and rivers of upper New York. Patriotic bravado and a sense of imperial destiny cloak the expedition, yet tragedy shadows every step. Balestri renders the campaign with visceral immediacy and lyrical precision. 

Gentleman Johnny Burgoyne

Interwoven flashbacks offer poignant contrast: a warm English boyhood Christmas scented with gingerbread and holly, where family laughter briefly eclipses religious persecution. These golden memories fracture against frostbitten fingers, the rope’s rough bite, and wolves howling in the night—echoing the savagery men inflict on one another. Balestri’s prose sings with sensory detail that makes the cold seep into your bones and moral dilemmas burn in your chest.

The novel’s strength lies in its refusal of tidy heroism. This is truly a “kingdom of wolves,” where empires crumble, oaths shatter, and every side devours its own ideals. Ned grapples with blood on his hands from civilian deaths, the symbolic weight of his uniform, and the disease-ridden march under Burgoyne. Faith emerges not as abstract doctrine but as quiet acts of mercy piercing hatred—an Incarnational light entering fleshly suffering. Supporting characters pulse with authenticity. Dialogue crackles with period flavor yet feels urgently human.

After surviving pitched battles and skirmishes, Ned is caught between enraged rebel militias and treacherous Iroquois warriors. Friend and foe alike wear faces etched with grief and rage over British and Loyalist atrocities, which they have met with brutal vengeance. A zealous rebel preacher thunders for Ned’s hanging, while Captain Kirby wrestles with duty and doubt. Young Nancy—whose life Ned once spared—pleads with trembling hands. The only question facing Ned—will it be the noose or the musket?

Militias and Iroquois Struggle

Balestri, a Catholic writer steeped in history and poetry, favors a contemplative pace. Tactical grit—muddy roads, dysentery-ravaged camps, broken alliances, foraging raids, and fierce fighting alongside Fraser—grounds the narrative without overshadowing the intimate reckonings. The hardships of the Saratoga campaign test Ned’s divided loyalties as the British advance devolves into brutality and instability. 

The story builds inexorably toward the October 1777 climax at Freeman’s Farm and Bemis Heights, culminating in Burgoyne’s surrender. These battle scenes are close-up and brutal, as men give no quarter in a series of volleys, barrages, and bayonet charges. Hand-to-hand fighting results in a great deal of blood and gore, as Ned experiences nightmare after nightmare.

Simon Fraser struck

Somehow, Ned endures the campaign’s full brutality, witnessing fallen comrades and shattered loyalties. The mortal wounding and burial of his mentor, Fraser, lend poignant weight. The author offers no neat resolution or redemption; Ned’s arc remains raw—his conscience, loyalties, and wounds still open. This mirrors the historical tragedy and sets the stage for the trilogy’s finale, Blood of the Martyrs. The ending emphasizes loss, fragile mercy, and the long cost of war rather than victory or closure. 

Kingdom of Wolves weaves a vivid tapestry of frost and fire, savagery and sanctity. Balestri leaves readers chilled by war’s wolves yet warmed by mercy’s stubborn flame. Her deliberate rhythm rewards immersion and deepens reflection on forgiveness amid an empire’s collapse.

As the trilogy’s middle act, this volume cements Balestri’s standing as a luminous talent in faith-infused historical fiction. Rich in beauty, unflinching truth, and moral complexity, it is a must-read for those seeking depth beyond battlefield heroics. 

Highly recommended for fans of thoughtful Revolutionary War fiction that honors both the era’s grit and the human soul. The wolves feast, but grace endures.

Book Review: Gone for A Soldier

Avellina Balestri's "All Ye That Pass By: Book 1: Gone for a Soldier" is an important addition to historical fiction. It emphasizes not just facts, deeds, and battles but also the subtle interaction between faith, identity, and the chaos of war in the late 18th century. 

Historical Background

Against the backdrop of the French and Indian War and the American Revolution, "Gone for a Soldier" highlights the lesser-known stories of British Loyalists and Catholic recusants in England. The novel's main character, Edmund Southworth, is a Catholic during a time when his faith could lead to social ostracism or worse, offering a unique look at the struggle between personal beliefs and societal expectations. Balestri uses this setting to explore the complexities of identity during a period of upheaval, where loyalties were often divided among country, faith, and family. All of this takes place across the vast landscapes of Canada and New York during the failed British Saratoga campaign.

The Players

The fictional English Catholic Edmund Southworth is at the center of the story, embodying the conflicts of his time. His path from a boy fascinated by military life to a man wrestling with the contradictions between his Catholic faith and his duties as a soldier is depicted with depth and sensitivity. Balestri's character development reveals Edmund's internal struggles, moments of doubt, and his eventual growth into a morally strong figure. Generals John Burgoyne, Simon Fraser, and other key officers play significant roles across this broad narrative, and the author captures their personalities accurately. Gentleman Johnny Burgoyne has a special role as Edmund's mentor.

General John Burgoyne

Other characters, such as Edmund's Protestant friends, military figures from the British army, and even historical personalities like King George III, are made vivid, creating a grand and intimate narrative. Her characters serve not just as foils to Edmund but also as reflections of society's diverse views on religion, politics, and war.

A Tapestry of Conflict

The novel explores several themes, with faith and loyalty at the core. Balestri investigates how these ideas connect with personal identity and societal roles. Edmund's Catholic faith is a steady influence, shaping his decisions, interactions, and view of the war. This look at faith during conflict adds a philosophical layer to the story, questioning how one balances personal beliefs with the demands of war.

Death of Simon Fraser

Loyalty is another theme woven into the plot. Edmund's loyalty to his faith, king, and comrades in arms often conflicts, creating opportunities for character growth and ethical discussion. The novel also subtly questions the idea of loyalty to a nation or cause when that loyalty might oppose one's morals or spiritual beliefs.

A Bit of the Bard

Balestri's prose is both lyrical and precise, capturing the essence of the 18th-century setting while maintaining a pace that engages the reader. The narrative style is reflective, often pausing to consider the implications of actions and human effort, which fits the novel's introspective themes. Readers who enjoy rich historical detail along with engaging character interactions and plot development will appreciate this. As John Burgoyne was a playwright himself, there are many references to Shakespeare's work.

The Bard

Cultural and Educational Impact

"All Ye That Pass By: Book 1: Gone for a Soldier" does more than entertain; it also educates. Besides being an important Revolutionary War story, by emphasizing a Catholic perspective during a critical moment in British and American history, Balestri addresses a gap in historical fiction where the experiences of religious minorities during colonial conflicts are often ignored. This novel is a useful resource for teachers aiming to give students a more complete view of the historical period.

Burgoyne Surrenders at Saratoga

Why Read?

"All Ye That Pass By: Book 1: Gone for a Soldier" is a commendable piece of historical fiction that blends a passion for history with a deep understanding of the human condition. It prompts readers to reflect on loyalty, faith, and identity in ways that remain relevant today. This work offers readers a vivid portrayal of historical events through an intensely personal narrative, powerfully exploring human resilience, loyalty, and the search for spiritual and personal truth. 

This book is for anyone interested in the intersection of faith and war (and who isn't?) or readers looking for a different perspective on the Revolutionary War era. It showcases Balestri's skill in weaving history into a compelling story, making readers not just spectators but participants in Edmund Southworth's moral and spiritual journey. We look forward to a future book to see where his journey takes him.

The Winter War

“I shall constantly bear in Mind, that as the Sword was the last Resort for the preservation of our Liberties, so it ought to be the first thing laid aside, when those Liberties are firmly established.”

Letter from General George Washington to the Executive Committee of the Continental Congress, January 1, 1777

                                                Washington's pen was as mighty as his sword

January 1777

The Jerseys are aflame in a deep winter-war!

Backs against a frozen river and facing a column of crack redcoats intent on their destruction, George Washington’s army has a serious gut-check. They must outfight or outwit the British to preserve the faltering struggle for independence. With the help of the winter spy, General Washington intends to do both…

Back cover of The Winter Spy, June 2020

The Genesis

This is a book I never expected to write. But as I finished book two in the Yankee Doodle Spies series, my research and curiosity guided me to a straightforward question: what did Washington do AFTER crossing the Delaware? It turns out, quite a bit. I became so interested that I created a follow-up story to capture the feel and action of this important yet little-understood chapter in the American War for Independence.

                                       What did Washington do after he crossed the Delaware?

Winter Quarters

In the 18th century, armies typically fought from late April or early May through November. During the off-season, some soldiers and officers were sent home on furlough, but most simply tried to survive the winter while the armies were restocked and equipped for the next season of marching and fighting. The British had the advantage of quartering many of their forces in towns and cities, using stores, shops, stables, public buildings, and private homes.

                                         Gen Steuben drilling American troops at Valley Forge

 

For Americans, winter quarters were often a harsh experience of cold, disease, and starvation. For the British, it was a time of relative comfort between grueling military duties. Naturally, both sides had to keep guards and sentries posted. Some patrols were dispatched. During the 1778 Valley Forge encampment, winter quarters became a training ground with the arrival of General Steuben as Inspector-General and Drillmaster.

Winter Action

My readings for my second novel, The Cavalier Spy, opened my eyes to the actions General George Washington took after the Battle of Trenton: two major battles (2nd Trenton, Princeton), along with many skirmishes, marches, and hardships before his increasingly small army reached its final destination at Morristown, New Jersey. 

That decision was highly tactical. His actions compelled the British to withdraw most of their outposts in the Jerseys, leaving them in control of the area around Brunswick, Paulhus Hook (Jersey City), and their main strongholds in Staten Island, Long Island, and Manhattan. With the British in winter quarters, most armies would have hunkered down, recovered, and rearmed. The choice was tactical because Washington could monitor enemy movements with his forces safely behind the Watchung Hills, ready to move in any direction the British advanced in the spring. That was the original plan.

                                        Princeton was one of two actions fought in as many days

But as the British sent out foraging parties into New Jersey to buy or requisition foodstuffs, the Jersey militia responded. Small groups were ambushed, leading to larger foraging parties and bigger ambushes. The numbers grew until Washington authorized some of his Continental regiments, including those led by Generals Philemon Dickinson, William Alexander (Lord Stirling – an American who claimed a Scots peerage), and Ulster-born William “Scotch Willie” Maxwell. By the end of this winter of discontent, the British had lost roughly as many men killed or wounded during “winter quarters” as they did in the previous three pitched battles. Losses that British commander-in-chief, General William Howe, could not afford.

                                                     Gen William Alexander - Lord Stirling

The Plot

No spoiler alerts here – read the book! But needless to say, Lieutenant Jeremiah Creed and his White Knights are thrown into action once again, operating both within and outside the Continental Army. They clash again with the ruthless British dragoon, Major Sandy Drummond, who continues to use his intelligence network to break the rebellion. Along the way, a variety of soldiers and citizens clash, make friends, make enemies, fall in love, and struggle to stay sane during a time that tests men’s souls. Woven into the plot are two themes: the bonding of men in conflict and the war’s impact on families. And, there is always the weather—winds that can cut a man in two, frigid temperatures, and ice-covered roads and rivers play a significant role in a story that, after all, was named for them.

The Book

All three books in the Yankee Doodle Spies series are published by Lanyard Press.

The Winter Spy is available on Amazon in Paperback or Kindle.

https://www.amazon.com/Winter-Spy-Yankee-Doodle-Spies/dp/B08JVNPPKG/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

 

 

The Cavalier Spy

"1776: His army clinging to New York by a thread, a desperate General George Washington sends Lieutenant Jeremiah Creed behind British lines again. But even the audacity of Creed and his band of spies cannot stop the British juggernaut from driving the Americans from New York and chasing them across New Jersey in a blitzkrieg fashion. Realizing the imminent loss of one of the new nation's most important states to the enemy, Washington sends Creed into the war-torn Hackensack Valley. His mission: recruit and train a gang of rogues to work behind British lines."

As you can tell from the lead-in above, my second novel, The Cavalier Spy, is now out. I posted an entire page about The Cavalier Spy on this blog, but a post about it would be appropriate just a few weeks after its release. Those following me on Twitter (@SWOConnell) or on Facebook (S.W. O'Connell) have been bombarded with promos, nuggets, and tidbits. You may thank me later for all that. This work was much more challenging to produce than my first novel, The Patriot Spy. Going into it, I thought it would be easier. But I was wrong.

Writing The Patriot Spy was my first venture, so I had no idea what I was getting into. I had no timeline and only a vague idea of where it would go when I started. The Cavalier Spy, as a sequel, was more challenging. For one thing, I had to remember everything I wrote in the first book to avoid repeating anything unintentionally. Second, I had to repeat enough scenes from the first book. Why is that, you ask? Because I wanted The Cavalier Spy to be a "stand-alone" work. That way, readers who had not read The Patriot Spy would be up to speed. And, of course, I had to do that without giving away any nuggets from the first book. Ice cream headache time!

The other challenge was how to follow the largest battle of the war and all the excitement and intrigue that went with it. How do you make it more enjoyable? As it turns out, that became easier as I went along and got into the plot's rhythm. Things started to happen. I read several new works set in the period following the loss of New York, and before long, I had several interesting things to build the action around. And a new piece of the Revolutionary War struggles to be revealed. To juice things up, I have a multi-chapter flashback that provides more insight into the main protagonist, Lieutenant Jeremiah Creed. As I paced through it, new ideas and characters developed. A fictional town. A British plot. Political intrigue on both sides.

About halfway through the story, I knew how I would end it, with an iconic scene from American history. But you'll have to read the book to learn more about it.

Shameless plug:  The Cavalier Spy is available on Amazon at:

https://www.amazon.com/Cavalier-Spy-S-W-OConnell/dp/1737663651