A NEW FLAME KINDLES IN AMERICA
A historical adventure on the eve of the American Revolution.
Father betrayed. Family ruined on Saint Eustatius — the Golden Rock, richest of the West Indian trading islands. An orphaned son sails to America determined to recover what was lost. From the forests of the Adirondacks to the charged streets of colonial New York, he finds love and peril in equal measure and learns that neutrality is not an option when history demands a choice.
“David Brennan creates a pulsing historical world… This is a novel for those willing to walk back in time… A powerful debut novel.”
— Colum McCann
1754 • SAINT EUSTATIUS • THE FRENCH & INDIAN WAR • NEW YORK CITY
THE GOLDEN ROCK
Spanning the two decades before the American Revolution, A New Flame Kindles in America opens on Saint Eustatius — the Golden Rock, richest of the West Indian islands, a tax-free trading hub — where Warren Wright’s father is betrayed and his family ruined. Orphaned and penniless, Warren sails to America determined to recover what was lost.
“Orphaned and penniless, he sails toward a continent not yet born.”
ABANDONED IN WAR
Wounded and abandoned in the first battle of the French and Indian War, Warren is left for dead.
He is rescued by Patrick Sheridan, an Irish exile who has built a new life in the Adirondack wilderness.
THE COVERT PATH
Drawn to life in the forest yet intent on reclaiming his family’s fortune, Warren is directed by Patrick to Sir William Johnson, who reveals the betrayal and offers him a covert way to recover what was lost.
Sir William Johnson and a Mohawk leader, Chief Hendrick, emblematic of frontier diplomacy.
EMBERS SPARK
Parliament enforces the long-ignored Molasses Act.
Embers spark. Tensions rise.
Warren ascends among merchants and falls in love with Martha, a strong-willed woman haunted by her past, who creates salons in their bookshop where reason might prevail.
HISTORY DEMANDS A CHOICE
Rebellion or resignation.
Profit or principle.
Whatever course he chooses, Warren must risk everything.