Sacrifice

The Hebraica Trilogy #1

by Christine Jordan

A young couple struggles to build a life together in this suspenseful saga . . .

Zev, a humble butcher’s son, has always loved Arlette but she is promised to another. When the death of a Christian boy is blamed on the local Jews, Arlette is caught up in the ensuing chaos and mob violence leading her betrothed to reject her. Throughout the ordeal, Zev remains steadfast and refuses to abandon Arlette while she struggles to overcome her trauma. But their troubles are far from over as they endure continuing harassment and are drawn into intrigue involving the Irish king.

Can the pair continue to battle and survive against all the odds?

Sacrifice is a rich historical drama filled with danger, love and betrayal.

385 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 21, 2022

About the author

Christine Jordan writes in a number of genres.

Christine also writes thrillers under the pen name CJ Claxton.

Reviews

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: received a free ebook for review from @bloodhound.books
This is not a book I would normally choose. But I ended up enjoying it and learned something. I have no connection to the Jewish community and admit I was totally ignorant of it, and although this book is set in the 12th century it gave a real sense of the history of a Jewish moneylending community in Gloucester at the time.
Some unscrupulous characters are trying to undermine the Jews and there are some violent scenes.
There is also an underlying love story.

[Sue Wallace · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sacrifice by Christine Jordan.
Zev, a humble butcher’s son, has always loved Arlette but she is promised to another. When the death of a Christian boy is blamed on the local Jews, Arlette is caught up in the ensuing chaos and mob violence leading her betrothed to reject her. Throughout the ordeal, Zev remains steadfast and refuses to abandon Arlette while she struggles to overcome her trauma. But their troubles are far from over as they endure continuing harassment and are drawn into intrigue involving the Irish king.
I did struggle with this book. The way it's written. Slow. 3*.

[Rosie Bray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not the type of book that I would normally pick up, but if I hadn't I'd have missed an outstanding read.

Set in the 12th century during Henry II's reign, this story tells of the trials and tribulations facing a Jewish moneylending family living in Gloucester, but also tells of how they overcome their adversities and a love story that survives against the odds. This covers a period of history that I'm not familiar with, and I had little knowledge of Judaism. I loved how there were historical notes at the end which I found helpful, and made me want to know more.

The writing was captivating, the interplay between the generations and the families that made up the Jewish community in Gloucester was wonderful to read. I was aware of the persecution of Jews during history but was not aware of how deep seated it could be. This story had strong characters, who drove the story forward and even had characters, who were stronger than even they knew.

All in all a wonderful book, which drew me in and kept me enthralled to the very end.

Many thanks to Bloodhound Books for a copy of this book, my review is entirely my own opinion

[Vivian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book on a historical fiction series, I do recommend for the reader to understand the religious part of the book, especially the Jewish part to previously read and investigate about the customs and celebrations of this religion, you will gain much more from this book if you do so.
There is a lot of research into this book, since it is based on real historical events that happened in England in the 12th century involving the Jewish community and the first time that the Blood Libel lie came to life. A Catholic boy is being murder to implicate the Jewish community in it thru a blood libel, so the people in power can gain with this lie.
The story is engaging and you learn from it, however with all of the research done by the author there are quite a few errors on the use of the Hebrew language, that for someone who doesn’t speak it will not take anything away from enjoying this book, however if you are someone like me, who does speak Hebrew, it bothered me and became the reason as to why I’m only giving this book 3 stars instead of 4.
I do look forward to read the following books on the series.

[Linda Mack · Rating 5 out of 5]

This historical is based upon several facts from the time period, a believable tale spun by a skillful writer. Christine Jordan boldly explores a violent time in history, where it is possible that "certain authority figures" did their best to incite war between Christians and the Jewish people.

It begins with a ritualistic murder (trigger alert) and ends with revenge for a violent act against a woman. (Trigger alert) Throughout it all is Zev's love for Arlette, despite their different social standings.

In short, this book hooked me and didn't let me go until the satisfying conclusion ending on a positive note for one of the victims.

If you enjoy Game of Thrones, you'll appreciate this story.

Trigger alerts mentioned above.

Well done Christine Jordan!

[Ruth Matheson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love ancient history ( this is set in 12th century England) plus have an interest in religions, then this is definitely the book for you. Initially it wasn't the type of story which made me want to read it however I am so glad that I did. I loved reading about the interaction between the Christians and the Jews in that era plus all the laws which had to be obeyed not only from the state but also from their religion. I learned so much from it which is what an historical novel should do in my opinion and the tale is set around people and places of this period in history. There are quite a lot of Hebrew words used although there is a glossary at the back. It has love and hatred, peace and war, and lots more.

Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC to review.

[Kennie Morrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 12th-century England, a young boy is brutally murdered, and his death is blamed on the local Jewish community. Moses and his niece Arlette find themselves in the middle of injustice. Moses finds himself and his family in the middle of an injustice, and Arlette's life is destroyed after an attack on Moses, causing her fiancee to reject her. It follows as the family tries to rebuild their lives, as they are continually harassed and drawn into the dealings of an Irish King.

This is the one for you if you are a history buff, especially if you're interested in English/Irish history. You will ensure this very much. It takes a minute to get into, but it won't let go once it has you.

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second book by this author which I enjoyed just as much as the first one if not more. This is a suspenseful story about love, betrayal with a touch of danger and historical. This is a well written story where the author used her writing skills to make the characters come to life. I found them to be connectable, engaging and brought so much to the story. This is a fast paced story that is hard to put down. I enjoyed the twists and turns that pulled me in and had me sitting on the edge of my seat. I really enjoyed this story and how entertaining it is to read. I highly recommend this book.

[Alli Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read from this author, and definitely not the last. This book is the first in a series and has the makings of an epic! It is the story of moneylender Moses, his niece Arlette and Zev, the butchers son. It is also a story about persecution, about rumours, trauma, and choices. It is more than just historical fiction, as some of the themes are very relevant in our modern times.
This story has echoes of GoT and will definitely appeal to fans of The Song of Ice and Fire series. It is brutal in places, not for the faint hearted.
Thank you Bloodhound Books for the ARC.

[Keeley Ribchester · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was given this book to read for my honest review from bloodhound books.
Ordinarily this kind of book would be my read but I just couldn’t get Into this one. I tried sticking with it but it was just too hard going for me to get I to the characters and storyline enough to continue.
Don’t base my review as a negative I just struggled with it so if you want something that’s an easier read then maybe give this a skip.

[Rhian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is based on historical fact and tells the story of the Jewish community in Gloucester in the reign of Henry II. At it's centre is the love story of Zev the butcher's son and Arlette the rabbi's niece. These could be dark times for Jews in England, and the book encompasses the danger and suffering. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel - I read half of it in a single sitting. It is the first in a series and I can't wait for the next instalment.

[Aileen Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I struggled with this book to begin with because of the Jewish names and language not sure if I was pronouncing them properly. I'm glad I persevered as the story of the family's torment from one man was enchanting. There is violence and murder that represents the time of 12th Century Britain, a period of history that doesn't get the limelight. Enjoyable read.

[Linda Fallows · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written piece of historical fiction dealing with prejudice against Jews. The characters are solid and believable. The storyline is fast paced and keeps your interest from the first page to the last. The glossary of Jewish words is extremely helpful for those of us who are unfamiliar with the language.

[Lucia · Rating 2 out of 5]

*Sacrifice* had potential but ultimately felt like a history lesson rather than an engaging story. Zev and Arlette's struggles against chaos and persecution should have been gripping, yet I found myself bored and ready to move on. I won’t be picking up the next installments—this one’s a sacrificial miss for my bookshelf! 📚✌️

[Becca Ashton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and it definitely won’t be the last! I really enjoyed this book & looking forward to reading the others in the trilogy. The characters are well written and the historical details are well described without it being boring facts.

[Emma Bevan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark, distressing at times and completely engrossing. Its very well researched and utterly gripping from page 1.
You do need to get your head round Jewish names and words if you're not very familiar.
I learnt a lot!

[Caroline 'relaxing with my rescue dogs' · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not my usual genre but once I started reading I was hooked and completely engrossed. I learnt a lot and you could tell it was very well researched.

I was given an advance copy by bloodhound books but the review is entirely my own