The Declaration, the Sword and the Spy is a work of historical fiction featuring animal characters and was written for young adult audiences by author Jenny L. Cote. Forming the continuation of the Epic Order of the Seven series, in this novel we find ourselves exploring the war before Independence as Jefferson and the Founding Fathers come to pen their declaration. An elite animal team that moves unnoticed through the war will engage in espionage, subterfuge, and all-out adventure to assist in the revolution. Set over sixteen months from March 1775, this is a truly epic adventure that educates and excites at the same time.

Saga-length historical novels for young adult readers are rare, but the action and adventure qualities of Jenny L. Cote’s Revolutionary masterpiece gives it plenty of readability from cover to cover. From the younger end of the YA spectrum right up into adult readers who like a bit of fable, the adept and bold Order of the Seven will provide a hero to suit every taste as they combine their unique efforts to promote American Independence. Patriotic to its bones, but without being condescending or too grand, this is a realistic and heartfelt tale of the needs of the people and the struggles of war but told lightly and cleanly through an imaginative animal premise. What results is a novel that provides excellent historical atmosphere and solid research but also delivers on entertainment. Overall, The Declaration, the Sword and the Spy is a highly recommended read for history students and adventure fans of all ages.

The Declaration, The Sword and the Spy is the sixth book in The Epic Order of the Seven by Jenny L. Cote and a rollicking historical ride crafted for pure entertainment and reading pleasure with characters like nothing compared to anything I have read elsewhere. Young adult readers and adults will find themselves enmeshed in these pages, but animal lovers will discover the real thrill of an adventure. It is the eve of the American Revolution and while the Sons of Liberty met in a dimly lit upper room of the tavern, a spy lurked among them. But there is more trouble looming on the horizon, even if the Marquis de Lafayette swears to fight on the side of the Americans. George Washington has to oust the British from Boston, but how can he do so with no gun powder and how can he rely on a rag-tag army? But surprisingly, there is hope in the Epic Order of the Seven animal team who pledge their spying services to help the Founding Fathers win the war. And that is how this tale becomes the funniest read I have had in a while.

The Declaration, The Sword and the Spy is a historical novel that transports readers to the period of the American Revolution and explores the dynamics of the war. The author creates a cast of animal characters that are fun to follow. A Scottish terrier (Maximillian Braveheart the Bruce), the black French cat from Normandy (Lizette Brilliante Aloysius), the well-fed Irish cat, (Albert Aloysius), the jolly mouse Nigel P. Monaco and others draw the theme of espionage out beautifully through the narrative. The author’s skillful use of anthropomorphism is one of the strengths of the narrative. I found it easy to relate to Jenny L. Cote’s characters. This novel is intelligently plotted and the author skillfully weaves details of her research into a story with strong prose, great plot points, and an exciting setting. It is a fun, fun, fun read!

The Declaration, the Sword and the Spy, Volume 6 of The Epic Order of the Seven by Jenny L. Cote, is a tale of adventure, political drama and enough action to leave your heart racing even after you put the book down. The Founding Fathers have big plans for their nation. They never expected it to be easy, but they weren’t expecting it to be this hard. While George Washington is gearing up to chase the British out of Boston, Thomas Jefferson is trying to write the Declaration. While these two men are fighting in their own regard, Marquis de Lafayette pledges his allegiance to the patriots. France promises to help the Americans, but at what cost? The Founding Fathers have no idea who is an enemy and who is a foe. All they know is that this is a cause they are ready to die for. Will they really have to spill their blood to make it happen?

The author has done a fantastic job of describing the chaotic happenings between March of 1775 and July of 1776 in this book. Jenny L. Cote uses exceptionally well-developed characters, intense drama, and well-paced action. The story itself is very interesting. The way the author literally transports the reader into the lives of the Founding Fathers is remarkable. The descriptions and the imagery are so real that I had a hard time remembering I was in my own home. I also applaud the author for creating the Order of the Seven and making them believable. The Declaration, the Sword and the Spy is genius and really incredible. You will be invested in the story even if you are not interested in American history. You will love it and crave more.

The Declaration, the Sword and the Spy is the sixth volume in The Epic Order of the Seven by Jenny L. Cote. One of the rare narratives that are qualified by superlatives. The author ingeniously blends fable, history, and adventure to weave a political tale that entertains and provokes reflection in readers. In a dire moment in the shaping of the history of the American people, the Founding Fathers are faced with challenges they never thought about and the possibility of betrayal by a spy is high. But who is this spy? Meet George Washington in a fierce battle to oust the British from Boston. The Marquis de Lafayette pledges allegiance to the patriots and Thomas Jefferson is committed to writing the Declaration. But can any plans go as envisioned with a vicious enemy from within? But there is a solution: the order of seven animals whose gift for espionage beats the ruse of mortal men.

Set against the backdrop of the historical period from March 1775 to July 1776, this narrative retells history and transports the reader to a decisive moment in American history. But the twist will gleefully haunt the thoughts of the readers. The creation of the Order of the Seven is ingenious. Following the animals, from the Scottish terrier, Maximillian Braveheart the Bruce who is in love with Kate, another terrier, to the well-fed orange cat, Albert Aloysius a.k.a “Big Al,” to French petite black cat, Lizette Brillante, who captures Al’s heart, makes for a rollicking ride. While keeping their mannerisms and attitudes, these animals are endowed with intelligence and help to advance the theme of espionage in the story. The Declaration, the Sword and the Spy is absorbing, fast-paced and written to actually transport readers to another time and reality. A trailblazer!