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The Hammer Of Israel
They tried to take the only thing he had left, now he's going to take everything they have. Jacob Mitzak escaped from the Auschwitz concentration camp at fifteen, and soon became famous to every Nazi war criminal in the world as The Hammer of Israel. Most people decide to let the authorities take care of the criminals. Most people decide to let things go. Most people decide to get on with their lives. Jacob Mitzak isn't most people. in 1950's New York Jacob is pulled from his routine Nazi hunting duties by a ghost from his past. Former SS commander August Grosz is in New York City, but the obvious question is why? There had been rumors of a new Fourth Reich arising from the ashes of the shattered German-American Bund, and now Jacob knows these are more than just rumors. With the help of Mossad spymaster Saul Greenbaum and Jane Sutcliffe he will become the only man standing in the way of a new Nazi uprising. This is a newly edited and updated edition and contains the origin novella "Never Forget". This book is not available for free on other platforms.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 29, 2018
About the author
Jordan Vezina
27 books45 followersJordan Vezina is a writer of historical fiction living in Palo Alto California. In a past life Jordan was an infantry Marine serving in an anti/ counter-terror unit, a bodyguard, and a personal trainer. And a website designer. And a combatives teacher. And a corporate manager. And a singer and guitar player in a blues-metal band. And then an IT guy. And then blah blah blah I'm so cool. That's right. It's me writing this.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 13, 2018
A thought provoking short story that left me wanting to read the next book.
Very well written and highly recommended.
Very well written and highly recommended.
July 9, 2018
Quick read, not much substance
I was hoping for much more after reading the synopsis of the book. It was a quick read, but there was nothing plausible about this story. In addition, there were a lot of typographical errors and instances of poor grammar. This book did not seem to have been edited at all, which is a pet peeve of mine in this day of shortened words and grammatical errors.
I was hoping for much more after reading the synopsis of the book. It was a quick read, but there was nothing plausible about this story. In addition, there were a lot of typographical errors and instances of poor grammar. This book did not seem to have been edited at all, which is a pet peeve of mine in this day of shortened words and grammatical errors.
June 11, 2018
This was an excellent book. Very difficult to put down. Jacob did what he had too. I would enjoy more books like this. Very interested in that time period
January 30, 2019
The Jericho Black Universe: The following well written books are all part of this universe and take place in a timeline from 1910 until 1980, as of January, 2019. The third book Retribution starts in 1980. All the storylines are carried throughout this series of books. The storylines are intriguing, suspense filled and so mesmerizing it's hard for the reader to put down the book(s). I chain read all but Among Wolves, which I had already read and made me interested in reading the rest of the story. There are plenty of twists, kinks and surprises in all the additions. The pace is steady and fast, no bogging down with trivial fillers. The emotions range across the scale and even the harden reader goes "Oh my gosh." occasionally. Nothing graphic, you just forget how depraved the human race is, especially in the pack (or herd) formation.
The characters are interesting and believable, and their dialog realistic. The reader is drawn into the stories and the author's descriptions are clear and interesting. Most of the characters appear in all the stories or are mentioned for themselves or in past events. The characters run the gamut on personalities, frailties, strengths and levels of depravity and goodness. Nothing is graphic but everything is clear so the reader can make the violence as graphic as their imagination needs. History is a rich character that adds depth and understanding to the stories, which begins during WWII. I know a lot of this history and found the author did a great job with his historical presentation. Mr. Vezina did research his subject matter. After Among Wolves, the editing was much better with very few errors outside of comma usage, or lack of, in the others that I read. In a couple of the books, Mr. Vezina offers a PDF timeline for the JBU. There are more books than what I have read so far. Best to read in sequential order; keeps the excitement flowing and no spoilers that way. I purchased all but The Lion of Israel.
Never Forget, Prequel - The beginning of the JBU. Starting in Auschwitz, this introduction of Aleks Rosen, Saul Greenbaum and Jacob Mitzak. Along with some the rest of the characters that will come and go throughout the series. There are a couple of twists and surprises, along with an interesting showing of foresight, determination and survival through a horrible time and place in world history. 5*
The Hammer of Israel - This is my second favorite of this series; Among Wolves remains number one with me. Mainly about Jacob Mitzak and Jane Sutcliff and their metamorphoses from their experiences from WWII until 1952. There is a lot of violence, none graphic, but what their characters, their determination and their instincts for survival place upon them and the jobs they are able to perform. There's a special lady that will surprise the reader when she's spotlighted. 5*
Among Wolves #1 - This is my first read by this author and I liked the story. The well thought out story line follows a young boy through his discoveries about his grandfather's Nazi SS past and the causes of his mother's hatred. He's able to make his own decisions about the right way of life for him, earning him his grandfather's respect and costing him his mother's love. The young man contributes to the war of hatred after learning a secret about his father. Along his journey, he is supported by many surprising people. The characters are interesting and believable, and their dialog realistic. The reader is drawn into the story and the author's descriptions are clear and interesting. History is a rich character that adds depth and understanding to the story, which begins after WWII. I know a lot of this history and found the author did a great job with his historical presentation. Mr. Vezina did research his subject matter. This well written story could have been a five star if the author had only edited the story. Missing commas, lower case proper nouns and titles, inconsistencies and various other defects distracted the reader because there were so many. Many affected the meaning of the sentences. 4*
UPDATE: Among Wolves is updated and changed somewhat according to the author. The update hasn't made it to Amazon as of 01/30/2019.
Education #2 - A cliffhanger that continues in book #3 Retribution. The story is set in 1979 and picks up with Will and Susan and their future together. Playing heavy parts in this story are many of the characters from Never Forget and Among Wolves. Fast paced and filled with a few twists for everyone. Needs better editing. 5*
Danger Close (Btwn #2 & #3) - A short story set in 1979. More on Will Kessler and his transition from his past to his future. His life changes with the murders of his mother and grandfather and the shooting of his girlfriend. He does a job that gets him a shock of a lifetime and changes his future. 5*
The Lion of Israel (Btwn #2 & #3) - This short story introduction is for Ariel Sutcliffe and her contributions to the JBU. Her story, her strengths and her weaknesses, along with some of her jobs and where she is heading. A good, but flawed character that is tested with a special job. This book I found on Booksprout. 5*
The characters are interesting and believable, and their dialog realistic. The reader is drawn into the stories and the author's descriptions are clear and interesting. Most of the characters appear in all the stories or are mentioned for themselves or in past events. The characters run the gamut on personalities, frailties, strengths and levels of depravity and goodness. Nothing is graphic but everything is clear so the reader can make the violence as graphic as their imagination needs. History is a rich character that adds depth and understanding to the stories, which begins during WWII. I know a lot of this history and found the author did a great job with his historical presentation. Mr. Vezina did research his subject matter. After Among Wolves, the editing was much better with very few errors outside of comma usage, or lack of, in the others that I read. In a couple of the books, Mr. Vezina offers a PDF timeline for the JBU. There are more books than what I have read so far. Best to read in sequential order; keeps the excitement flowing and no spoilers that way. I purchased all but The Lion of Israel.
Never Forget, Prequel - The beginning of the JBU. Starting in Auschwitz, this introduction of Aleks Rosen, Saul Greenbaum and Jacob Mitzak. Along with some the rest of the characters that will come and go throughout the series. There are a couple of twists and surprises, along with an interesting showing of foresight, determination and survival through a horrible time and place in world history. 5*
The Hammer of Israel - This is my second favorite of this series; Among Wolves remains number one with me. Mainly about Jacob Mitzak and Jane Sutcliff and their metamorphoses from their experiences from WWII until 1952. There is a lot of violence, none graphic, but what their characters, their determination and their instincts for survival place upon them and the jobs they are able to perform. There's a special lady that will surprise the reader when she's spotlighted. 5*
Among Wolves #1 - This is my first read by this author and I liked the story. The well thought out story line follows a young boy through his discoveries about his grandfather's Nazi SS past and the causes of his mother's hatred. He's able to make his own decisions about the right way of life for him, earning him his grandfather's respect and costing him his mother's love. The young man contributes to the war of hatred after learning a secret about his father. Along his journey, he is supported by many surprising people. The characters are interesting and believable, and their dialog realistic. The reader is drawn into the story and the author's descriptions are clear and interesting. History is a rich character that adds depth and understanding to the story, which begins after WWII. I know a lot of this history and found the author did a great job with his historical presentation. Mr. Vezina did research his subject matter. This well written story could have been a five star if the author had only edited the story. Missing commas, lower case proper nouns and titles, inconsistencies and various other defects distracted the reader because there were so many. Many affected the meaning of the sentences. 4*
UPDATE: Among Wolves is updated and changed somewhat according to the author. The update hasn't made it to Amazon as of 01/30/2019.
Education #2 - A cliffhanger that continues in book #3 Retribution. The story is set in 1979 and picks up with Will and Susan and their future together. Playing heavy parts in this story are many of the characters from Never Forget and Among Wolves. Fast paced and filled with a few twists for everyone. Needs better editing. 5*
Danger Close (Btwn #2 & #3) - A short story set in 1979. More on Will Kessler and his transition from his past to his future. His life changes with the murders of his mother and grandfather and the shooting of his girlfriend. He does a job that gets him a shock of a lifetime and changes his future. 5*
The Lion of Israel (Btwn #2 & #3) - This short story introduction is for Ariel Sutcliffe and her contributions to the JBU. Her story, her strengths and her weaknesses, along with some of her jobs and where she is heading. A good, but flawed character that is tested with a special job. This book I found on Booksprout. 5*
February 8, 2019
The Hammer of Israel is a disturbing and exciting series of actions with a younger Jacob Mitzak, the Hammer - from his young life in Auschwitz to New York City and State.
The book is described as fiction in its details, but appropriate to the time. Sadly, unfortunately, very close to certain groups that indeed existed at that time in the NY/NJ metro area. As a young pastoral intern, and youth pastor, after returning from my studies in Germany, I was placed in a community that was the site of the second largest Neo Nazi Family camp after World War Two.
Photos and memorabilia shared with me by some folks who thought I might be sympathetic showed me that there was indeed a surprisingly large group of Reich supportive folks in that region at that time. Surprising to me in that it really would have been useful to know before being posted there, but also surprising in that my own Swedish family members mostly anglicized their names at that time because of harassment for even being suspected to be sympathetic to the Cause.
Jacob grew up in the streets of Munich at a time when there would have been little intervention, until hiding was forced for all Jews if they did not want to face deportation. First raised by a single mother, he became orphaned at the hands of a young officer, and was present at the death of his mother.
Saul Greenbaum took the orphaned Jacob under his wing, intervening so that he was trained and held a position where he was more likely to survive at the camp. As a valet for the Officer August Grosz, Jacob was able to move around the camp fairly freely, and carry messages for resistance folk like Saul as well as for August. Unfortunately, that exposed Jacob to areas within the camp where he observed unimaginable suffering by the Jewish people at the hands of the scientists the Americans would later want so desperately to save. August seemed a bit aloof, spoiled and clueless, with mostly his self interest in mind, but no real interest in the Reich or politics, except as they could benefit him.
Dr Jane Sutcliffe was a surgeon who had served on the battlefields of Europe, and helped Jacob to survive a particularly nasty later encounter in New York, where the real character of August comes into question. Jane was probably the closest thing to a young romance for Jacob, until an attack against her changed her as well.
Marin Sutcliffe, mother to Jane, seems to be a valuable resource - especially when young romance seems at an end.
Horrors from Europe are visited upon New York as another familiar figure from this series comes to light. Jurgen Steiner. Another former General, he seems to not be taken too seriously by US agencies, but is an orator with great power. Part of the Old Guard.
Jakob, Saul, Jane and Jurgen Steiner all are part of the Jericho Black series by the author. Plenty of background is given so it is easy enough to follow the story without having read the other books - but they are very much worth a good reading.
If you enjoy historical fiction, with related intrigue and actions, this is a great bunch of books - currently available on Kindle Unlimited!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The book is described as fiction in its details, but appropriate to the time. Sadly, unfortunately, very close to certain groups that indeed existed at that time in the NY/NJ metro area. As a young pastoral intern, and youth pastor, after returning from my studies in Germany, I was placed in a community that was the site of the second largest Neo Nazi Family camp after World War Two.
Photos and memorabilia shared with me by some folks who thought I might be sympathetic showed me that there was indeed a surprisingly large group of Reich supportive folks in that region at that time. Surprising to me in that it really would have been useful to know before being posted there, but also surprising in that my own Swedish family members mostly anglicized their names at that time because of harassment for even being suspected to be sympathetic to the Cause.
Jacob grew up in the streets of Munich at a time when there would have been little intervention, until hiding was forced for all Jews if they did not want to face deportation. First raised by a single mother, he became orphaned at the hands of a young officer, and was present at the death of his mother.
Saul Greenbaum took the orphaned Jacob under his wing, intervening so that he was trained and held a position where he was more likely to survive at the camp. As a valet for the Officer August Grosz, Jacob was able to move around the camp fairly freely, and carry messages for resistance folk like Saul as well as for August. Unfortunately, that exposed Jacob to areas within the camp where he observed unimaginable suffering by the Jewish people at the hands of the scientists the Americans would later want so desperately to save. August seemed a bit aloof, spoiled and clueless, with mostly his self interest in mind, but no real interest in the Reich or politics, except as they could benefit him.
Dr Jane Sutcliffe was a surgeon who had served on the battlefields of Europe, and helped Jacob to survive a particularly nasty later encounter in New York, where the real character of August comes into question. Jane was probably the closest thing to a young romance for Jacob, until an attack against her changed her as well.
Marin Sutcliffe, mother to Jane, seems to be a valuable resource - especially when young romance seems at an end.
Horrors from Europe are visited upon New York as another familiar figure from this series comes to light. Jurgen Steiner. Another former General, he seems to not be taken too seriously by US agencies, but is an orator with great power. Part of the Old Guard.
Jakob, Saul, Jane and Jurgen Steiner all are part of the Jericho Black series by the author. Plenty of background is given so it is easy enough to follow the story without having read the other books - but they are very much worth a good reading.
If you enjoy historical fiction, with related intrigue and actions, this is a great bunch of books - currently available on Kindle Unlimited!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 9, 2018
This book by Jordan Vezina is well written and returns the reader to a time when those who had survived the Holocaust were required to live through another cleansing. This time the deaths were of their enemies, specifically the escaped Germans, members of the Third Reich, who were trying to establish themselves in other parts of the world. In this version of history, the young Jacob Mitzak begins his career of defending the world from Nazi evil in New York City.
I enjoyed the way Jordan Vezina uses words to describe what is sometimes indescribable. The story has enough speed that it never seems to drag and although the characters don't seem to have a lot to them they are still right for the settings. I would be interested in reading more by this author and would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of alternative history stories.
I enjoyed the way Jordan Vezina uses words to describe what is sometimes indescribable. The story has enough speed that it never seems to drag and although the characters don't seem to have a lot to them they are still right for the settings. I would be interested in reading more by this author and would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of alternative history stories.
August 16, 2018
I loved the premise of this book. Hunting down and executing Nazi war criminals who are plotting to establish a Fourth Reich in the US. What's not to like? Well, my biggest issue with this book is that it needs to be a lot longer. The characters are not fleshed out enough and there are oodles if details in their backgrounds that are alluded to but never really explained. I realize this is a novella and a prologue to a series. If the author's purpose in writing it was to tempt readers to continue with a series, it certainly does that. I found myself wanting more. Another thing I found a bit problematic was how Jacob Mitzak could kill people in New York City in broad daylight and isn't found by local police or federal agents. Again, the author alludes to "fixes" made by his allies to prevent this, but I want to know how. Maybe all these issues will be cleared up in future books. I hope so. Inquiring minds want to know.
I want more from this author.
I want more from this author.
February 19, 2019
I love history, I think it’s important and that’s one reason I really love this series! The other reason is that it’s so well written, factual but not enough to lose me when I’m reading it. The characters are well rounded and believable with interesting and realistic dialogue. This book is another gem and well worth the short time it takes to read it! Although I received a copy from Booksprout I also went ahead and got my own copy from Amazon.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 23, 2019
The Hammer of Israel. Jordon Vezina
Jacob Mitzak, the "hammer of Israel" escaped from a concentration camp . A teenager but already schooled, trained in the art of killing. A necessary skill. Later under the direction of Mossad he continues to kill Nazi's who took part in the concentration camps, gas chambers, medical experiments. Although a fictional character, Jacob and his mentor, if you know anything at all about this time period, Mossad, actual similar people did in fact exist. Israel never backs down, to no one. Excellent read.
Jacob Mitzak, the "hammer of Israel" escaped from a concentration camp . A teenager but already schooled, trained in the art of killing. A necessary skill. Later under the direction of Mossad he continues to kill Nazi's who took part in the concentration camps, gas chambers, medical experiments. Although a fictional character, Jacob and his mentor, if you know anything at all about this time period, Mossad, actual similar people did in fact exist. Israel never backs down, to no one. Excellent read.
February 18, 2019
Both Jericho Black and Jacob Mitzak series are absolutely fantastic, I keep hoping for more and more. I love this historical content and I know that though this is fiction, this story still holds many historical truths. I love the characters and am so connected to them I miss them between books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 20, 2019
He escaped from a low camp and then he tracked war criminals. He worked hard but now there could be another uprising of them on US soil. Can he stop it before it overtakes the country? Will he be able to do it? See if he can stop it
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 23, 2018
The Hammer of Israel
I really liked this book. Though it is fiction, I suspect the story runs very close to the true stories of catching war criminals.
My one issue with this book is that it ended too quickly.
I highly recommend it to others.
I really liked this book. Though it is fiction, I suspect the story runs very close to the true stories of catching war criminals.
My one issue with this book is that it ended too quickly.
I highly recommend it to others.
September 3, 2018
The Hammer of Israel
Interesting story. After being left for dead , Jacob survives and decides to hunt down the nazi criminals. He is betrayed and shot. When he recovers he resumes his hunt, but this time he has a benefactor. Be prepared for a cliff hanger.
Interesting story. After being left for dead , Jacob survives and decides to hunt down the nazi criminals. He is betrayed and shot. When he recovers he resumes his hunt, but this time he has a benefactor. Be prepared for a cliff hanger.
October 16, 2018
Incredibly, wholeheartedly a story you have to read
Just WOW! I was hooked within the first couple paragraphs and read it in one sitting. I want to read more from this series right away!
Just WOW! I was hooked within the first couple paragraphs and read it in one sitting. I want to read more from this series right away!
February 16, 2019
review
Verified ARC Reader
Damm good read
by Shaun Cc
A really good read from cover to cover with interesting plots and lots of action.
Will deff be reading more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Verified ARC Reader
Damm good read
by Shaun Cc
A really good read from cover to cover with interesting plots and lots of action.
Will deff be reading more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 22, 2019
Another great book
I'm glad I found this author. I've read all the Jericho Black books except number 7 and they tie into each other and read so well that they are extremely difficult to out down once started. Looking forward to more.
I'm glad I found this author. I've read all the Jericho Black books except number 7 and they tie into each other and read so well that they are extremely difficult to out down once started. Looking forward to more.
June 19, 2019
You The Hammer of Israel
This book kept me reading.It was great (action,suspense &a little mayhem)!! I look forward to reading the Butcher,the 2nd book in the series.Please keep them coming.
This book kept me reading.It was great (action,suspense &a little mayhem)!! I look forward to reading the Butcher,the 2nd book in the series.Please keep them coming.
July 21, 2018
I received a ARC copy of this book from the author. Great book plenty of action and suspense. You can tell this book was well researched and well written.
August 5, 2018
Excellent book. Want to the next ones in the series!
September 15, 2018
A page turning short story
Excellent novel about vengeance. Based on history and inventing a possible alternative future the author keeps the reader enthralled throughout.
Excellent novel about vengeance. Based on history and inventing a possible alternative future the author keeps the reader enthralled throughout.
November 1, 2018
A Tale of Revenge
Well researched and written. Hope to get a chance to read the sequel. A definite well told story about international intrigue.
Well researched and written. Hope to get a chance to read the sequel. A definite well told story about international intrigue.
January 30, 2019
The Jericho Black Universe: The following well written books are all part of this universe and take place in a timeline from 1910 until 1980, as of January, 2019. The third book Retribution starts in 1980. All the storylines are carried throughout this series of books. The storylines are intriguing, suspense filled and so mesmerizing it's hard for the reader to put down the book(s). I chain read all but Among Wolves, which I had already read and made me interested in reading the rest of the story. There are plenty of twists, kinks and surprises in all the additions. The pace is steady and fast, no bogging down with trivial fillers. The emotions range across the scale and even the harden reader goes "Oh my gosh." occasionally. Nothing graphic, you just forget how depraved the human race is, especially in the pack (or herd) formation.
The characters are interesting and believable, and their dialog realistic. The reader is drawn into the stories and the author's descriptions are clear and interesting. Most of the characters appear in all the stories or are mentioned for themselves or in past events. The characters run the gamut on personalities, frailties, strengths and levels of depravity and goodness. Nothing is graphic but everything is clear so the reader can make the violence as graphic as their imagination needs. History is a rich character that adds depth and understanding to the stories, which begins during WWII. I know a lot of this history and found the author did a great job with his historical presentation. Mr. Vezina did research his subject matter. After Among Wolves, the editing was much better with very few errors outside of comma usage, or lack of, in the others that I read. In a couple of the books, Mr. Vezina offers a PDF timeline for the JBU. There are more books than what I have read so far. Best to read in sequential order; keeps the excitement flowing and no spoilers that way. I purchased all but The Lion of Israel.
Never Forget, Prequel - The beginning of the JBU. Starting in Auschwitz, this introduction of Aleks Rosen, Saul Greenbaum and Jacob Mitzak. Along with some the rest of the characters that will come and go throughout the series. There are a couple of twists and surprises, along with an interesting showing of foresight, determination and survival through a horrible time and place in world history. 5*
The Hammer of Israel - This is my second favorite of this series; Among Wolves remains number one with me. Mainly about Jacob Mitzak and Jane Sutcliff and their metamorphoses from their experiences from WWII until 1952. There is a lot of violence, none graphic, but what their characters, their determination and their instincts for survival place upon them and the jobs they are able to perform. There's a special lady that will surprise the reader when she's spotlighted. 5*
Among Wolves #1 - This is my first read by this author and I liked the story. The well thought out story line follows a young boy through his discoveries about his grandfather's Nazi SS past and the causes of his mother's hatred. He's able to make his own decisions about the right way of life for him, earning him his grandfather's respect and costing him his mother's love. The young man contributes to the war of hatred after learning a secret about his father. Along his journey, he is supported by many surprising people. The characters are interesting and believable, and their dialog realistic. The reader is drawn into the story and the author's descriptions are clear and interesting. History is a rich character that adds depth and understanding to the story, which begins after WWII. I know a lot of this history and found the author did a great job with his historical presentation. Mr. Vezina did research his subject matter. This well written story could have been a five star if the author had only edited the story. Missing commas, lower case proper nouns and titles, inconsistencies and various other defects distracted the reader because there were so many. Many affected the meaning of the sentences. 4*
UPDATE: Among Wolves is updated and changed somewhat according to the author. The update hasn't made it to Amazon as of 01/30/2019.
Education #2 - A cliffhanger that continues in book #3 Retribution. The story is set in 1979 and picks up with Will and Susan and their future together. Playing heavy parts in this story are many of the characters from Never Forget and Among Wolves. Fast paced and filled with a few twists for everyone. Needs better editing. 5*
Danger Close (Btwn #2 & #3) - A short story set in 1979. More on Will Kessler and his transition from his past to his future. His life changes with the murders of his mother and grandfather and the shooting of his girlfriend. He does a job that gets him a shock of a lifetime and changes his future. 5*
The Lion of Israel (Btwn #2 & #3) - This short story introduction is for Ariel Sutcliffe and her contributions to the JBU. Her story, her strengths and her weaknesses, along with some of her jobs and where she is heading. A good, but flawed character that is tested with a special job. This book I found on Booksprout. 5*
The characters are interesting and believable, and their dialog realistic. The reader is drawn into the stories and the author's descriptions are clear and interesting. Most of the characters appear in all the stories or are mentioned for themselves or in past events. The characters run the gamut on personalities, frailties, strengths and levels of depravity and goodness. Nothing is graphic but everything is clear so the reader can make the violence as graphic as their imagination needs. History is a rich character that adds depth and understanding to the stories, which begins during WWII. I know a lot of this history and found the author did a great job with his historical presentation. Mr. Vezina did research his subject matter. After Among Wolves, the editing was much better with very few errors outside of comma usage, or lack of, in the others that I read. In a couple of the books, Mr. Vezina offers a PDF timeline for the JBU. There are more books than what I have read so far. Best to read in sequential order; keeps the excitement flowing and no spoilers that way. I purchased all but The Lion of Israel.
Never Forget, Prequel - The beginning of the JBU. Starting in Auschwitz, this introduction of Aleks Rosen, Saul Greenbaum and Jacob Mitzak. Along with some the rest of the characters that will come and go throughout the series. There are a couple of twists and surprises, along with an interesting showing of foresight, determination and survival through a horrible time and place in world history. 5*
The Hammer of Israel - This is my second favorite of this series; Among Wolves remains number one with me. Mainly about Jacob Mitzak and Jane Sutcliff and their metamorphoses from their experiences from WWII until 1952. There is a lot of violence, none graphic, but what their characters, their determination and their instincts for survival place upon them and the jobs they are able to perform. There's a special lady that will surprise the reader when she's spotlighted. 5*
Among Wolves #1 - This is my first read by this author and I liked the story. The well thought out story line follows a young boy through his discoveries about his grandfather's Nazi SS past and the causes of his mother's hatred. He's able to make his own decisions about the right way of life for him, earning him his grandfather's respect and costing him his mother's love. The young man contributes to the war of hatred after learning a secret about his father. Along his journey, he is supported by many surprising people. The characters are interesting and believable, and their dialog realistic. The reader is drawn into the story and the author's descriptions are clear and interesting. History is a rich character that adds depth and understanding to the story, which begins after WWII. I know a lot of this history and found the author did a great job with his historical presentation. Mr. Vezina did research his subject matter. This well written story could have been a five star if the author had only edited the story. Missing commas, lower case proper nouns and titles, inconsistencies and various other defects distracted the reader because there were so many. Many affected the meaning of the sentences. 4*
UPDATE: Among Wolves is updated and changed somewhat according to the author. The update hasn't made it to Amazon as of 01/30/2019.
Education #2 - A cliffhanger that continues in book #3 Retribution. The story is set in 1979 and picks up with Will and Susan and their future together. Playing heavy parts in this story are many of the characters from Never Forget and Among Wolves. Fast paced and filled with a few twists for everyone. Needs better editing. 5*
Danger Close (Btwn #2 & #3) - A short story set in 1979. More on Will Kessler and his transition from his past to his future. His life changes with the murders of his mother and grandfather and the shooting of his girlfriend. He does a job that gets him a shock of a lifetime and changes his future. 5*
The Lion of Israel (Btwn #2 & #3) - This short story introduction is for Ariel Sutcliffe and her contributions to the JBU. Her story, her strengths and her weaknesses, along with some of her jobs and where she is heading. A good, but flawed character that is tested with a special job. This book I found on Booksprout. 5*
September 7, 2019
Is violence for retribution ever just?
Yes. Sometimes violence is just, but the deliverer should probe his own soul. Violence for violence's sake only begets evil.
Yes. Sometimes violence is just, but the deliverer should probe his own soul. Violence for violence's sake only begets evil.
August 28, 2023
Good reading
April 19, 2024
Excellent!
Although I did start highlighting all the spelling and grammatical errors. Love this author, he does need a better proofreader though!
Although I did start highlighting all the spelling and grammatical errors. Love this author, he does need a better proofreader though!
February 2, 2019
Great introduction to the Jericho Black universe! I love Jacob Mitzak.
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February 14, 2019This book was a page turner. I read it in one sitting. Whether it’s believable or not it was a good read in retribution for what was suffered during the holocaust. Knowing it is fiction does not take away for the story it just makes you wonder if such things were possible. I would recommend this book to anyone who can think in possibilitiesd after all when people first heard of the death camps they didn’t believe that either.
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