Defending the Colonies
Book 1
A Novel of Alternate American History
The year is 1775, and Major Giles Finch, a British military engineer, finds his predicament troubling. The turmoil in colonial North America has begun to boil into revolution, and British governors and military leaders in the thirteen colonies struggle to maintain control of their disobedient charges. Finch and his family are endangered by the depredations of the Sons of Liberty when local skirmishes in New England soon unfold into all-out conflict.
As the revolution spreads, the engineer quickly finds himself serving as advisor to Military Governor Thomas Gage. First as a field observer, then later a military strategist, Finch must outwit the rebels on and off the battlefield, maintain the favor of his fellow officers, and keep his own family safe from the ravages of war.
“In Giles Finch, Daniel Lessin delivers a sympathetic hero. Give this book twenty minutes, and the story will sweep you along on an adventure. With vivid battle scenes full of action, Defending the Colonies is an alternate history which shows us what the American Revolution could have been with an idealistic commander like Finch leading the way.”
Sean Lowman, Historian, Educator, & Revolutionary War reenactor
The Southern Campaign
Book 2
A Novel of Alternate American History
It is late 1776, and the American War of Independence has been raging for over a year. British engineer Giles Finch, disgraced by his past failed ventures, is called upon by General Howe to develop the defensive works of Manhattan. He is content to stay safe behind friendly lines and enjoy the company of his family, but his peace and quiet is shattered when Sir Henry Clinton sweeps him into an expedition to the south.
Forced to match wits with the infamous Francis Marion—the Swamp Fox—and a host of other clever antagonists, Finch reaches out to Native allies and leads a diverse band of Loyalist, British, and German troops against the wily Rebellion militias.
In this sequel to Defending the Colonies, Finch confronts enormous military, diplomatic, and personal challenges as he strives to hold true to his ideals.
“"The adventures of Giles Finch are stories of social changes and riveting battles in the early days of the American War for Independence. Whereas historical fiction tends to favor the "underdog" American colonists, taking liberties with making the main character a major part of the action, Daniel’s main character is a man who wants to maintain peace in the colonies, but who will help fight if need be. [He] is a relatable character — a family man who wants to do well in the eyes of his children, wife, and mother country; who is a strong moral character while also recognizing he has much to learn and much to understand about war. Daniel’s descriptions are so vivid that you feel like you're a fly on the wall, watching the action unfold around you. I look forward to reading more from this author."”