His Majesty’s Envoy- Book 1 in the Neophyte Warrior Series

Richard Patton
Zumaya Publications (2002)
ISBN 1894869389
Reviewed by Ronald J. Martin for Reader Views (07/06)

The man: George Washington. The year: 1753. The Mission: Lead an expedition to the French forts in the Ohio Valley and tell them to leave the King’s Land. Sounds simple right?

Fortunately the leader of the expedition, a Virginia Militia man in his early twenties, isn’t naïve about the true nature of this quest. George Washington knows that while some of the etiquette and courtesies of the European battlefield may be nullified on the American Frontier, certain diplomatic customs must be continued. The mission is just a token effort. Tell the French to leave. They refuse. Justification to send more English troops to build forts is achieved!

In “His Majesty’s Envoy” we follow the adventures of George Washington and his small company as they attempt to fulfill their duty and risk death many times over, for a mission that they all know failure is the only outcome.

The book uses many characters to advance the plot, and is not told in a linear manner. This made it extremely interesting. We follow young Washington, clad in his comical blue militia uniform in an environment where anything but rawhide or buckskin is out of place, as he tries to “fake it till he makes it” as a military leader with no experience.

The trials and tribulations of Old Smoke, the Shawnee guide, are developed and offer wonderful insights and subplots.

Two young boys, Pariah West and Thomas Patton, have been assigned to Washington’s mission as a way of looking out for these two orphans, and to give them some real world experience. Their story is told as well, including the fact that young Pariah may have a dark side, which in the dangerous wilderness this character flaw can be fatal.

The author does a good job of writing a fictional novel in a fresh manner, and uses the familiar historical background to help the reader relate to the events. Even with the multiple story teller method, the book never becomes confusing to follow, and allows for in depth character development. I really felt like I knew what Old Smoke was going through as he debated the moral choices of his sadistic Chief or when George Washington lets his mind slip to the love of his life, Mrs. Fairfax, who is married and therefore unapproachable.

This book would be enjoyable to young adults and adults alike. I would highly recommend it, and you don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy the novel.

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