Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. This was an informative read about Paul Revere as well as the other riders that alerted the Minutemen that fateful night. The book delves more into Revere’s life as well. He was cool under pressure.

I received an advance reading copy (arc) of this book from the publisher and NetGalley.com in exchange for a fair review. One thing I learned from 'The Ride' is that there was a whole lot more to Paul Revere than his fateful ride to warn the colonists that the British were coming. Author Kostya Kennedy brought to life one of the most famous Revolutionary War heroes who was immortalized in a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Kennedy traced the Revere roots back to France where his father, Apollos Rivoire, came from. After arriving in the New World, he changed his name to Paul Revere. His young son and namesake learned the silver trade from him and also earned extra money as a bell ringer in Boston's Old North Church. Revere was a man of many trades, including dentistry, and was often tasked to deliver messages on horseback. He participated in the Boston Tea Party and then took the news via horseback first to New York and then on to Philadelphia, before returning to Boston--a December trip of more than 700 miles that took him a total of eleven days. If you have any interest in Revolutionary War times or what Paul Revere's contributions to the rebellion really were, I would highly recommend this book.

The Ride
By Kostya Kennedy

The ride of the title, of course, is the ride best known as Paul Revere's ride. It took place starting on April 18, 1775 through April 19, 1775. As you can imagine, an event taking place over 24 hours, no matter how historically significant, does not provide enough filler for even a 200 page book.

Instead, the author provides lots of background leading up to the event – and further information and anecdotes during the event and afterword right up until today. We learn about William Dawes and other express riders who participated. We learn about Sybil Luddington, the "female Paul Revere". We meet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow who gave us the poem that made Revere famous around the world. These and other stories fill out the book.

There is a lot of speculation here. What would have happened if…? It is an interesting read – but there is not enough here to sub-title it "Paul Revere and the Night That Saved America".

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.

Cool in thought, ardent in action. ~Paul Revere’s obituary, noted in The Ride by Kostya Kennedy

Everyone knows Longfellow’s 1860 poem on the midnight ride of Paul Revere. Kostya Kennedy tells how, on the floor of the senate, Senator Edward Kennedy recited the poem from memory to Senator Robert Byrd, who recited it back to him.

We know Revere as a hero of the American Revolution, and some of us know he was a silversmith, or that he engraved the famous picture of the Boston Massacre of the British firing on protesting patriots. But did you know that his April 18, 1775 ride was only one of many he made for the patriots? Or, that he also was a dentist? Or that after his ride, he was found by the British but let go? Or, that Revere was not the only person riding that night to spread the news, and one was a teenaged girl?

The Ride is filled with surprising details of Paul Revere’s life and service to his country. He was a first generation American without land, money, social standing, or education. He worked hard to support his family. He was a remarkable horseman, traveling from Boston to Philadelphia to bring news of the Boston Tea Party.

The British had confiscated the colonists’ arms and gunpowder and cannons to disarm them, shut down the port to trade, and were amassing ships and soldiers in Boston harbor. Samuel Adams and John Hancock fled town. But the patriots had secretly collected and hid armaments, prepared to defend their freedom.

Revere, as we all know, climbed the ladder to the tower of the Old North Church, lit two lanterns to warn the British were coming by sea, extinguished then, and climbed down, in the dark of night. He then rode from Boston to Lexington, warning patriots along the way while evading British soldiers.

The Ride is an accessible and entertaining history that finds the man in the legend, while affirming the remarkable achievements of the legend.

Thanks to the publisher for a free book through NetGalley

Even after reading this entire book, I’m still not really sure what it’s about. Some of it is Paul Revere’s life, some of it is American Revolutionary history, and some of it is ancillary facts. But there’s no real through-line, as far as I can tell. The book is too chaotic for me—I need an overarching story arc, or my mind wanders. This book reads more like a series of facts in no particular, with no organizing principle. The narrative is frequently interrupted by asides, without appropriate transitions, and I mostly had no idea where we were in time or how one event related to another.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

2.5 stars, rounded up. I seem to be in a minority with this book, which is a shame as I was really excited to read it. It's not a bad book, but I found the writing clunky as well as the way the story was laid out. Granted, unless you're writing historical fiction, it's pretty much impossible to build an entire book around one short horse ride, no matter how important that ride was. But we'd have a little of the linear timeline, then a plunge into some biographical or historical side story, then a lurch back to the linear timeline, then another digression. The flow was awkward and by the time we got to the actual riding part of Paul Revere's ride, I felt pretty checked out. I wonder if Kennedy should have given himself the free rein of writing this as a novel; his constant use of "could," "might," "perhaps," etc. grated on me. I did enjoy learning more details surrounding this slice of American history, especially since I've been to so many places in the story. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a digital review copy.

I found this book very informative. Although I consider myself a history buff, there is a lot of information here that I did not know. It gives a lot more background on the Revolutionary War than we would ever have learned in school. Well done!!

I grew up in New England, walked The Freedom Trail, visited Paul Revere’s home, and thought I had a good foundation of the role Paul Revere played in the winning of the Revolutionary War. However, The Ride added a deeper, richer understanding of this historic figure. I never thought I could be gripped by the events of that April night two and a half centuries ago, but I galloped through the story the way Revere must have pushed on to carry his messages. The cardboard figure I knew from reciting Longfellow’s poem became a flesh and blood man of determination and courage, a man of such leadership he galvanized those around him.
To be honest, the author plays a little loose with details he could not really know, but which make the events come alive on the page. In doing so, he turns a chapter of a dusty old textbook into a vibrant story of the early days of our country, a time about which we can all be proud.

I read David Hackett Fischer's excellent Paul Revere's Ride a few decades ago and loved it. In the past 20+ years, I've forgotten the details about Revere's ride. Kennedy's book is an enjoyable look, not only at the Ride itself, but also of the context. It's also quite short, with the body of the book being only around 150 pages. Slated for publication just before the 250th anniversary of the ride, Kennedy has written an accessible book that I'm sure many people will appreciate.

(I've actually read another book by Kennedy--a baseball book, so I was interested to read his take on American history!)

It's not perfect. It is a bit short, and it has quite a few digressions (that are, admittedly, interesting; the Somerset, a ship that was in Boston harbor, rowed past by Revere, merits its own chapter and numerous mentions). His language can be flowery and the book somehow manages to feel repetitive at times, despite its short length.

Still, it's a good read. Kennedy does a great job showing life in 18th century Massachusetts for Paul Revere, starting with a story of Revere as a bell-ringer in the Old North Church as a teenager. He goes a lot into Revere's work for the Patriot cause, detailing the number of times he had ridden before, spreading news and delivering messages, sometimes even going as far as Philadelphia. Kennedy shows the run-up to the American Revolution through the eyes of Paul Revere, giving the night of April 18 a tension I hadn't thought about previously. Kennedy also does a good job giving credit to numerous others, including William Dawes, the other rider on that night.

Another theme Kennedy returns to a few times is the symbolism and significance of the ride. "What if Paul Revere hadn't been successful that night? What would've happened?" A chapter is devoted to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and his poem, showing both how the locals in Massachusetts admired Revere but how the rest of the world largely forgot him.

Kennedy does also have a chapter on slavery that I found interesting but also a bit frustrating. He gives the history of slavery in Massachusetts and the development of anti-slavery feeling, as well as attitudes of some of the figures in the book toward the institution. He includes how slavery died out early in Massachusetts...but didn't include the implications of the Triangle Trade and how even if the population of enslaved persons was low or nonexistent, the slave trade was still integral to Massachusetts's economy.

Overall, I'd definitely recommend. This is a great book for people casually interested in the topic, and honestly made me want to open up my copy of Paul Revere's Ride to go a bit more in-depth.

Many thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the free review of copy in exchange for my honest review.

"The Ride: Paul Revere and the Night That Saved America" by Kostya Kennedy is a thrilling odyssey through the rich tapestry of colonial America, breathing vibrant new life into a tale we thought was etched indelibly in our collective memory. Kennedy's prose is nothing short of alchemical, transmuting what could have been a leaden historical account into literary gold that glimmers with fresh insights and pulsates with the raw energy of revolution.

For history enthusiasts seeking a fresh perspective on the crucible of our nation's birth, "The Ride" is an intellectual feast not to be missed. Kennedy's engaging narrative and meticulous eye for detail will not only deepen your appreciation for the intricacies of this pivotal moment but also challenge your preconceptions. As you turn the final page, you'll find yourself not merely informed, but profoundly enlightened about the night that irrevocably altered the trajectory of a fledgling nation, leaving you pondering the ripple effects of those fateful hours across the centuries.

Thank you, St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley, for my free book.

The Ride: Paul Revere and the Night That Saved America, written by Kostya Kennedy, delves into the heroic journey of Paul Revere with a fresh perspective. Through extensive research, Kennedy uncovers lesser-known details of this iconic event that has been ingrained in American history. This captivating narrative offers valuable insights and is meticulously researched, shedding new light on a story that has been passed down through generations.

The Ride by Kostya Kennedy is an engrossing retelling of the ride of Paul Revere, analyzing the historical events and people that were involved with this historical event.

I enjoyed reading this book. It is detailed and well told overall. There were a few aspects that seemed repetitive or was told out of order, and I would have liked a bit more detail on Revere’s life after the ride.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for access to an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book. It is an in depth commentary of the ride of Paul Revere and others that fateful April night. The insights into all the other people involved was excellent. Mr Kennedy does an excellent job of describing the world around this ride and all the people involved and patriots and British alike. Also there is great insight into Longfellow, who wrote the poem that immortalized the ride. Finally Kennedy brings us to present day and discussion with Paul Revere’s descendant about what knowledge has been handed down. A fantastic read!

This is a non fictional account of a Revolutionary War event. It details the ride that Paul Revere made to announce the arrival of British military. It is very informative and beautifully researched. I knew the basic story as is told in the history books but this was a view of the entire story of that night and what came before, during and after the event. I had no idea how many people were involved in this story. It was told in a very readable way that kept me involved in the action and taught me much that I did not know. This book opens up the reader to the entire story of Paul Revere’s family, life and what happened later after the war. It taught me so much I did not know and for that reason I do recommend this book to readers for all ages, book clubs and school groups.

I wish to thank Net Galley and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book. I have voluntarily read and reviewed this advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Kostya Kennedy’s The Ride takes one of the most well-known moments in American history—Paul Revere’s midnight ride—and gives it a fresh, engaging retelling. While Revere’s ride has been mythologized over the years, Kennedy works to separate fact from fiction while still capturing the urgency and significance of that fateful night in April 1775.

One of the book’s biggest strengths is how it places Revere’s actions in the broader context of the revolution’s opening moments. This isn’t just a straightforward biography—it’s a detailed look at the networks of spies, couriers, and resistance leaders who helped set the stage for Lexington and Concord. Kennedy does a great job bringing the tension of the ride to life, making it feel as thrilling as any historical fiction, even though it’s well-grounded in research.

That said, the book leans more into the dramatic storytelling side than pure academic history. If you're looking for an exhaustive analysis of Revere’s role versus other riders, this isn't quite that. But if you want a well-written, engaging account that makes history feel immediate and personal, The Ride delivers.

Overall, this is a solid read for those interested in the American Revolution, especially if you enjoy narrative-driven history. It’s a compelling look at how one night—and one man—helped set an entire revolution in motion.

“We are determined in a firm, virtuous, manly and joint way… to secure and defend our liberties, those liberties purchased for us by our ancestors, at the expense of so much blood and treasure. Before they are wrenched from us we will struggle hard, very hard for them, considering ourselves as the guardians of unborn millions…. In freedom we’re born, and in freedom we’ll die.” -leaders of Chelmsford MA, 1775

It’s quite a sobering experience reading an account of American resistance during this moment in time in which we find ourselves needing to resist once again. The parallels to those pre-revolutionary war acts of bravery and shrewdness in the face of immense oppression were impossible for me to ignore. These were my ancestors who fought for our democracy, and learning about them in this deeply descriptive and riveting account of Paul Revere and the good trouble that he and his friends found themselves getting into had me both fired up and in tears.

Impeccably researched and paced, with immensely atmospheric storytelling, like the many rides of Paul Revere himself, I tore through this book. It’s rare that a nonfiction historical account manages to read this much like a novel, but the author was gifted at setting an immersive and convincing narrative. My only gripe was when, mid ride, the sports writer couldn’t resist injecting random modern day cognitive theory into the scene. It was distracting enough that I knocked a star off the rating of an otherwise convincing and enrapturing tale.

Thank you, NetGalley, for this advance reader copy.

Fantastic information on a man who is generally known for only one thing. This gives a much fuller picture of Paul Revere, his motivations, and how "the ride" affected the rest of his life. At times, the writing was a bit tedious; there are several examples of asking five or so rhetorical questions, one after the other, to attempt to engage the reader in imagining a particular situation or perspective. Otherwise, I thought the book was well researched and I enjoyed reading it.

I was glad to take a rest from my usual mysteries and thrillers for this non-fiction thriller entitled “The Ride.” Kostya Kennedy has written about the most famous ride in American history—yes — Paul Revere’s adventure at the beginning of the American Revolution. I am of two minds about this book: firstly, I thoroughly enjoyed learning the details that undergird this epic event. I had NO IDEA about the preparation, the number of folks, and the sophisticated execution that went into this singular event. I always pictured this obscure lone wolf rider jumping on a nearby horse and frolicking through the night to the surprise of most local folks. Boy was I wrong.
Secondly, I was a bit put off by the volume of background information about the life and times at that beginning point in American history. Two things can be true at the same time: I found that the background information was quite educational but also too much . I wanted to get back to The Ride.
So I am grading “The Ride” 4 stars and recommending this book. I am grateful to NetGalley for the opportunity to read Mr. Kennedy’s great work.

Almost everyone who grew up in America knows of the Midnight Ride of Paul Revere. But there is so much more that we really don't. Kostya Kennedy dives into everything surrounding that night and opens it up. . This is sort of a biography of Revere, but it is not just that. It is the story of Revere and everyone and everything around that night and what it took to get there.

Kennedy looks at Revere, his family, his collaborators, the British, Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and all the other patriots. He explains how so many things had to happen properly for that ride to succeed. I'll not give them away here, but he does show how each one fell into place and it all came together.

This was a good read. Even though you know the outcome, the journey was pretty good.

Book: The Ride: Paul Revere and the Night That Saved America
Author: Kostya Kennedy
Rating: 3 Out of 5 Stars

I would like to thank the publisher, St. Martin’s Press, for sending me an ARC. While I did enjoy this one, it was not what I was expecting. I was expecting an in-depth look into Paul Revere’s famous ride, not a biography of Paul Revere. The background information was well done and well-researched, but it was not what I was expecting. A lot of the information on the ride and the debates after, I already knew.

On April 18, 1775, Paul Revere, a Boston silversmith, set off on a mission to warn American colonists of advancing British troops. Revere wasn’t alone in this task, having previously made at least eighteen rides to gather intelligence. However, this ride was pivotal, marking the start of the American Revolution. Kennedy uses new research from primary sources, diaries, family letters, and contemporary accounts to reveal a more complex story than the one typically told. Revere’s ride was part of a larger, coordinated effort involving multiple riders, near-disaster, his capture by British forces, and, ultimately, success. While Revere played a key role, the book highlights the contributions of other figures, including possibly a woman who provided critical intelligence.

It seems like may have suffered a bit from misaligned expectations due to its marketing. From the summary, one would expect the book to focus heavily on the dramatic events of April 18 and 19, 1775—when Revere set out on his iconic ride. And while those events are explored in detail, it sounds like the majority of the book dives deep into Paul Revere’s life leading up to that moment. There’s value in understanding Revere’s background, his role in the American Revolution, and the broader context of his political involvement, but it seems that this focus may overshadow the more immediate narrative of the ride itself. If the book was marketed primarily as a recounting of Revere’s famous ride, readers could understandably feel misled if they expected more of a concentrated account of that single night and its immediate aftermath.

The life details are well-done, but when the book presents itself as centred on the ride, the shift toward a broader biography might feel like it deviates from the core promise. While the historical context is important, it’s possible that the book would have been more effective if the balance between Revere’s personal history and the events of the ride were better aligned with what the marketing suggested. This tension between expectations set by the publisher and the book's actual content can lead to a sense of disappointment or frustration for readers who were anticipating a more focused exploration of the ride itself, rather than the broader historical context. It’s important to manage these expectations, as the content is likely rich and insightful, but might not deliver what some readers were hoping for based on the promotional materials.

Now, there is still value here despite the mismatch between expectations and content. The research seems to shine through in those moments when the focus shifts to figures like William Dawes and Sybil Livingston, who are often overlooked in traditional retellings of the American Revolution. Highlighting their roles gives the narrative a richer, more balanced perspective, showing that the story of the ride—and the revolution itself—isn't just about Paul Revere.
William Dawes, for instance, had a significant role in warning the colonists, but his contributions are often overshadowed by Revere's fame. It's refreshing that the book gives him and others like Livingston the attention they deserve. Livingston’s inclusion, as a woman involved in the effort, is also a meaningful addition, shedding light on the unsung heroes of the revolution—those who didn’t always get their due credit in history. This broader focus not only enriches the narrative but also presents a more nuanced view of how the revolution unfolded, revealing the interconnected roles of many individuals. It adds depth to the story and helps break down the myth of Revere as the sole figure responsible for the success of the ride. While some might expect the book to focus more directly on the events themselves, the inclusion of these lesser-known heroes enriches the overall historical understanding. So, in that sense, the book’s research contributes to a more well-rounded view of the past, even if it wasn’t exactly what I was expecting going in.


Overall, I am glad I read this one, but it was not what I was expecting. Had I been expecting more of a biography of Paul Revere, I may have enjoyed it a bit more.

This book comes out on March 25, 2025.