Picking up where The Roman, the Twelve, and the King left off, with the 1743 London premiere of Handel's Messiah, the Order of the Seven animal team must split up for their next mission: the birth of a new nation. Team leader Gillamon tells them, "Each of us will be witness to a unique point in history because of a unique generation of world leaders. Most of them are just children now, or have not yet even been born. Take note of how important one generation of children can be. Marvel at each child and the power they have to change the history of the world for the good of all." Liz, Max, Nigel and Clarie sail for the colony of Virginia to deliver a letter that will impact Liz's assigned human: Patrick Henry. Liz must help young Patrick find his true purpose in life--to become the Voice of the Revolution. She begins her quest when he is a seven year-old boy who cares more about fishing and exploring the forest in Virginia than about school. Her task will take time, as Patrick Henry will fail at everything he tries. Liz eventually leads Patrick to take up law, and finally accomplishes her mission when he finds his powerful voice in a courtroom. Little does Patrick Henry or the colony of Virginia know that his voice will set the ball of the American Revolution in motion. Henry will be the only one bold enough to first speak out against the tyrannical King of England, calling for the colonies to rise up and fight for independence. "Liberty or death!" becomes the battle cry to unite thirteen solitary colonies as one nation under God to fight the mighty British lion. Meanwhile, Max must see to the protection of young George Washington, who inadvertently starts the French and Indian War. The enemy will mount continual assaults on Washington, from enemy snipers to treasonous members of his military staff. If he is lost, all is lost. Nigel goes on a high-flying kite assignment with Benjamin Franklin to ensure the success of an experiment that will impact the outcome of the war in ways no one could imagine. Al remains in London to live in the royal palace, gathering intelligence right under the nose of King George III. The simple-minded cat will be responsible for delivering some Common Sense to America. Kate is assigned to the richest orphan in France, the young Marquis de Lafayette, who is crucial to the entire quest for Independence. If he doesn't make it to America, the Declaration of Independence will lead not to liberty, but to death for America I wish I was articulate enough to convey how superbly crafted these chapters are. If good writing is meant to evoke thought and passion, then Jenny L. Cote has accomplished both. The real prize is stirring up a personal responsibility in the hearts of the next generation to be steadfast, to cherish liberty and do whatever is necessary to preserve it. Henry's eloquent words are as applicable today as they were when he spoke them, and under Cote's deft handling are now resurrected to new life. Oh how I pray that Cato's words, Patrick Henry's words, Cote's words will inspire young men and women to love God, live with integrity and fight for liberty.- Lisa Hockman, Advance Critique FIVE STAR Review By Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite The Voice, the Revolution and the Key (The Epic Order of the Seven) by Jenny L. Cote is a revolutionary novel, complex in its characters, beautiful in the atmosphere it evokes, and extraordinary in plot. Readers will revisit the 1775 American Revolution and get acquainted with fictional, fabled characters that will arrest their attention in an irresistible way. Seven characters (pets) from different countries and backgrounds are entrusted with the task to protect their heroes and ensure that the voice of the revolution be transformed into an act of chivalry. Watch the small, black French cat, the Scottish terrier, Max, and their companions in a breathless drama that sets the events that would change the course of history. Emotionally charged and hilarious, this novel is the kind you can't put down. This book is so unique and offers a very different perspective on historical novels. It is hard not to enjoy the fable, not to connect with the powerful emotions displayed by the characters that -- considering their species -- act, speak, and think like humans. Jenny L. Cote weaves great dialogues into a spellbinding story. The language is "sans pareille" and there is no way the reader won't feel intimately involved in the story. Whether it is Al shouting with glee at victory, or Liz wondering what her next move would be in a stream of consciousness, the drama feels so real that the reader is connected with the characters. I had wonderful moments with these characters like when: "Al sat up excitedly. 'I get to live with the KING?! Hooray, another palace!' he cheered, but then frowned. 'I'll miss me lass, though.' He enveloped Liz in a smothering hug." The Voice, the Revolution and the Key (The Epic Order of the Seven) is a classic, a fabl