Though Alex has arrived as the bearer of bad news for the Schuylers, he can’t believe his luck-as an orphan, and a bastard one at that-to be in such esteemed company. Still, Eliza can barely contain her excitement when she hears of the arrival of one Alexander Hamilton, a mysterious, rakish young colonel and General George Washington’s right-hand man. Descended from two of the oldest and most distinguished bloodlines in New York, the Schuylers are proud to be one of their fledgling country’s founding families, and even prouder still of their three daughters-Angelica, with her razor-sharp wit Peggy, with her dazzling looks and Eliza, whose beauty and charm rival those of both her sisters, though she’d rather be aiding the colonists’ cause than dressing up for some silly ball.

For ages twelve and up.From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Witches of East End and the Descendants series comes the love story of young Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler.Īs battle cries of the American Revolution echo in the distance, servants flutter about preparing for one of New York society’s biggest events: the Schuylers’ grand ball.

Recommended for teens who are interested in a lively tale and one of history’s great love stories. De la Cruz’s writing is fluid, intelligent and beautiful, with spurts of humor and witty dialogue. The author admits to embellishing much of the private moments, since scant information is known of their courtship. The story focuses on Hamilton’s determination to rise in importance and win Eliza’s hand-even after she’s promised to a wealthy cad. Details of the American Revolution are worked in with the horrible conditions of the war for soldiers. This novel is a good introduction to Hamilton, one of our Founding Fathers, and Elizabeth Schuyler, a formidable woman and humanitarian. He’s penniless, with little hope of marrying one of Albany’s “princesses.” The Schuylers are a prestigious family, while Alex is an illegitimate child born in the West Indies to a Scottish aristocrat who abandoned him. An energetic, practical girl who is working for the rebel cause, she dislikes Alex at once. The Schuylers are throwing a party, and Alex reports his ugly mission as the general’s middle daughter, Eliza, overhears. Alex is sent to deliver news of a court-martial for General Schuyler after the loss of Fort Ticonderoga. Hamilton begs for a command of his own so he can fight the British during America’s Revolution, but Washington depends on Alex’s diplomatic skills.

Young Colonel Alexander Hamilton works as secretary to General George Washington in Albany, New York, in 1777.

Alex and eliza trilogy