Pawn to King's End - (Secrets of the Republic) by Douglas A Gosselin (Hardcover)

About the Book

Set against the 18th-century Acadian expulsion, this gripping historical novel follows Clément Gosselin as he navigates family loyalty, colonial upheaval, and a mysterious figure whose shadow stretches across empires.

Book Synopsis

He was just a farmer's son. The empire made him a fugitive. History made him a spy.

1755, Grand Pré, Acadia - British soldiers descend upon peaceful Acadian settlements, forcing families from their land in a wave of terror and betrayal. When Clément Gosselin witnesses a secret exchange between a terrified British courier and a mysterious stranger, he stumbles into a conspiracy far darker than war itself-and begins a journey that will transform him from a hunted boy into something far more dangerous.

As his family scatters and the Acadian resistance smolders beneath the surface, Clément must lead his brothers through burning villages, shadowed forests, and a widening net of imperial surveillance. But the deeper he travels, the more he realizes this fight isn't just about home-it's about truth, legacy, and the soul of a nation not yet born.

Haunted by a pale-faced stranger who manipulates events from the shadows, and guided by whispered alliances with Mi'kmaq warriors and French loyalists, Clément's path will take him far from the life he knew-into the inner workings of espionage, sabotage, and revolution. By the time he reaches New York, he won't just be a survivor.

He'll be a spy. A captain. And one of the earliest agents in the intelligence networks that shaped the American Revolution.

Pawn to King's End is a sweeping historical espionage thriller that blends the emotional weight of exile with the razor-edge tension of colonial resistance. Based on the true origins of a real-life Acadian patriot who became a key operative for General George Washington, this is the untold story of how one young man's loss became a nation's turning point.

Perfect for fans of Ken Follett, Kate Quinn, Alan Furst, and Turn: Washington's Spies.

Review Quotes

"Pawn to King's End will fast become a favorite of historical fiction fans. It is already a favorite of mine."

"Fans of historical fiction and Revolutionary War narratives will find Pawn to King's End both thrilling and enlightening, offering a fresh perspective on an unsung hero of America's fight for independence. This books was a joy to read.""A Storyteller's Dream One of the novel's greatest strengths is its intricate yet accessible storytelling. The prose flows effortlessly, weaving tension, mystery, and deeply human emotions into a masterful narrative."

"The author's ability to create multi-dimensional personalities makes for a deeply immersive experience."