The book started slowly, and is a bit rambling, but in the end, it gave me a good picture of the progression of the independence movement and the sentiment behind it. In short, the Americans thought of themselves as citizens of Great Britain who were loyal to the king but in all senses free and equal. The British, on the other hand, thought of the Americans as subjects, under the authority of Parliament and existing to serve Great Britain. As soon as this distinction became obvious, the rebellion began.

Phillbrick also did a good job of showing the progression of thought among individuals, particularly Washington, who began by forbidding Blacks in the army and ended by not only allowing them, but inviting them to visit him.

The book has good maps and a good (albeit occasionally redundant) manner of introducing characters in a way that makes them easy to remember.