The Voice, the Revolution and the Key (The Epic Order of the Seven) by Jenny L. Cote is the first of a Revolutionary trilogy. This book would appeal most to an audience of young adults with an interest in learning about history in an entertaining manner. The Order of the Seven is an animal team whose mission is to ensure the birth of a new nation through the protection of the children who will become the founding fathers and world leaders. Liz is assigned to Patrick Henry in order to help him discover that his true purpose in life is to work with the law and eventually become the Voice of the Revolution. Max’s assignment takes him to George Washington, whom Max has to protect, and Nigel is sent to Benjamin Franklin to make sure his experiment is a success. Kate goes to make sure the Marquis de Lafayette makes it to America, while Al stays in London to collect intel in the palace of King George III.

The Voice, the Revolution and the Key (The Epic Order of the Seven) by Jenny L. Cote was an enjoyable book. I loved how Jenny L. Cote stayed true to the time period while still creating a uniquely entertaining fictional story. The idea of these different animals working together to ensure that America became what it was destined to become was inspired. I do wish that I had read the previous books first as I felt that I missed out on some character development of the animals, but I was able to understand the plot just fine without having read the previous books. I really wish that I could have read this book when I was in middle school as it would have made me a lot more interested in the founding of America!

The Voice, the Revolution and the Key (The Epic Order of the Seven) by Jenny L. Cote is a historical novel with unusual characters, a brilliant story that features historical personages and very compelling characters who come in the form of lovely pets — Liz, the small, black French cat from Normandy; Al, the well-fed, Irish orange cat; Kate, the white Westie, and others — all united as a team to give a name to freedom. Will they succeed in setting the war in motion and protecting the icons of the new nation about to be born? This is an exceptional story that captures the soul and spirit of the American Revolution in March 1775, a tale of teamwork, extreme patriotism, freedom, and rare friendship.

Jenny L. Cote is an exceptionally gifted writer who makes history come alive in her fictional characters. I enjoyed the fact that the characters are pets, and that the author succeeds in making readers connect with them, exploring their sentiments and making them play roles that should have been ascribed to human beings, but they are very convincing and real. The writing is awesome, crisp and laced with rare descriptions; it has a unique fluidity and captures very strong images. For instance, hear how she describes a moment: “The black fur bristled along his stocky little body, his short tail was erect, and his triangular ears were pointed up, alert to the slightest hint of danger. A low growl entered his throat. 'I’ll be r-r-ready at all times.'" The story is complex, and where action slackens, the reader is carried into emotional insights and very intelligent dialogues. There is no point where the story stops being entertaining. The Voice, the Revolution and the Key (The Epic Order of the Seven) combines action, humor, and great writing to bring the best entertainment to readers. It’s the kind of book I want to watch as a movie.