From Kingdom to Colony

by Mary Devereux

"From Kingdom to Colony" by Mary Devereux is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative seamlessly blends elements of adventure and romance against the backdrop of early American colonial life, likely spanning from the late 17th to the mid-18th century. The story revolves around the Devereux family, particularly focusing on Anne and John Devereux, as they navigate the challenges of colonization, the relationships with Native Americans, and the impending tensions leading to war with the British. The opening of the book introduces readers to a richly detailed historical setting starting in 1639, at Bromwich Castle in England, and transitions to John Devereux's new home in Marblehead, where he and his wife, Anne, prepare for their future in a land filled with unfamiliar dangers. As they settle in, they become aware of their responsibilities as the heads of their family and community, encountering both friendships and threats among the local Native American tribes. The tone shifts from pastoral and peaceful to a growing tension as outside threats loom, signaling a coming conflict that hints at the struggles to come in the chapters ahead. This opening establishes a vibrant world full of political strife and personal stakes, drawing readers into a pivotal moment in American history.