Thank you so much to NetGalley Storm Publishing and Allen Childs for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC audiobook for The Last Israelite coming out July 15, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is the first book I’ve read by the author. I was intrigued by the subject matter. I love historical fiction. I really enjoyed the narrator. I thought he did a great job. However, this book felt very long to me. I think it felt like listening to a history textbook. There were times where I wasn’t as interested in the story. It felt very dry and I wasn’t paying attention very well. It’s just hard for me to get into very long books. I would prefer a tighter story, but I liked it. I would check out other books by this author. I do really enjoy the subject matter.

In AD 878, a Red Sea sailing vessel counts among its passengers three Jews from Babylon dressed as Muslims. Adiva, her brother and cousin are on a secret mission to transport valuable cargo for a powerful Jewish banking family. Also onboard is are two Africans. Eldad is from one of the lost ten tribes of Israel, the Hebrew tribe of Dan. His friend Saul is from the neighboring tribe of Asher. Akita quickly notices the darker skinned man and is surprised when she hears him speak a form of Hebrew rather than Aramaic. Eldad has left his homeland and family to search for a scholar who can help him uncover the secrets of an ancient book in his possession that is written in a lost language. His tribe has not been recorded in Jewish history for over a millennium and the text supposedly tells his family’s history, a history that goes back to the Hebrew patriarch Abraham.
Ekdad is equally attracted to Adiva and together they set off on an adventure filled with romance and peril. A storm at sea puts all their lives in danger , wrecking their ship and stranding them on a volcanic island with only a few islands nearby to which they might flee. During an attempt to find safe haven, Adiva and Eldad become separated. Adiva must escape from pirates and slavers while Eldad is captured by cannibals. Not all in their respective parties survive their ordeals.
Eldad is saved by a Jewish family who are also intrigued by this black Jew. He doesn’t know if he will ever see Adiva again. Adiva survives and gets back to her home in Baghdad where she is reunited with Eldad, HIs story is met with disbelief by the rabbis. Eldad must prove himself and his origins as a Jew in order to gain acceptance and forge a life with Adiva.
Eldad is a true historical figure and The Last Israelite is a book of historical fiction. The culture, the politics, the religion and the living and working conditions of the 10th century is well represented and explored as is a Middle East inhabited by Jews, Muslims and Christians.
The reader does not need to be Jewish or a scholar to enjoy this daring tale. It has all the elements of a good narrative. Traveling with Eldad and Adiva is to experience an escapade of life threatening danger, hardship, belonging and discovery. Adiva is courageous, stalwart, intelligent, and independent. Eldad is dependable, protective, compassionate, and resilient. You cannot help but to fear for them when they are in peril and be happy for them when they achieve their dreams and goals. I found myself cheering out loud when Eldad and Adiva found each other when it had seemed all was lost. As Eldad’s ancient book is a chronicle for the ages, so is this adventurous love story.
My thanks to Bartley Press via NetGalley for a copy of the audible version of The Last Israelite in exchange for an honest review. Robin Bloodworth provided an excellent narration.

A journey for survival on the seas with a beautifully woven love story. The heroism of Eldad and Adiva is awe-inspiring. The writing is excellent. However, the novel is slow paced. Hence, a rating of 3.6⭐️/5

4 Stars! I want to first thank the publishers of The Last Israelite and Netgalley for providing me with this audiobook! The narrator did a very good job with his voice for the different characters. This was a at times heartbreaking but also very hopeful story! A little on the long side (for me personally) but I really did enjoy the main characters and their story!

This glorious saga was based on a true story. I loved it. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC/audiobook.

This story is based on the story of Eldad the African Jew from the lost tribe of Dan. There are pirates, cannibals, and a love interest, making the story meaty and entertaining. I did find myself having to start certain chapters over because the cast was so large that I often got lost on who was speaking when, that became annoying after awhile. Especially since many of the characters speaking were only plot fillers and held no real purpose. Outside of that the story of Eldad and his companions was a nice mix of perceived facts and storytelling.

Though his voice for some reason was so relaxing to me that I often fell asleep, the voice actor did a great job of switch between characters and adding emotion to each. I enjoyed listening to him read.

TRIGGER WARNING: Depictions of slavery and body maiming

Characters
I enjoyed the cast of characters generally. However, I also think the cast was a little too large where some characters weren't that memorable and some were there just to move the plot but weren't thoroughly developed. I really liked the main female character, although I also thought some on her views on sexual desire were a little unrealistic for someone who's a virgin.

Atmosphere and Writing
This book was very atmospheric. I truly felt like I was in the story - I could smell the sea air, feel the soft round beneath my feet. Probably the strongest aspect of this book.

Plot, Intrigue and Logic
There were quite a lot of things going on in this book and it felt unfocused to me. This meant I felt less invested in the characters and what they were trying to achieve because it gave me a sense of several mini-episodes in the same book but didn't tell me much about the characters' motivations. I think this story would have benefitted if the author picked 1 or maybe 2 main plot lines and points of conflict to focus on instead.

Enjoyment
The audiobook narrator did a great job with this book and made it an enjoyable journey for me.

Thank you to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for gifting me this ebook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Thank you BookRoast for the CAWPILE review method.

⭐️⭐️ It was OK, I can see why some loved it
The premise is fascinating, about a black Jewish African from the lost tribe of Dan during the 800s AD. There's adventure, travel, a shipwreck, slavery, love and more.

I found the story very uneven. At times I was intrigued and tearing through and others, I got easily distracted and didn't want to continue. Even though this is my preferred genre (historical fiction), maybe this sub genre is not my favorite (male centered historical fiction). It was definitely well written and an interesting time peroid and subject matter.

The narrator, Robin Bloodworth, did a good job, I had no trouble understanding who was saying what, where, when, with what expression/intension, and the appropriate accent. It was a pleasure to listen to.

Thank you to Bartleby Press, NetGalley, and author Allen Childs for providing me with a digital ARC copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. The Last Israelite is out July 15, 2024.

This is the first audiobook I have reviewed, and I must say Robin Bloodworth's narration is extremely compelling, bringing Allen Childs' writing to life. The audiobook is narrated with great performance, immersing us listeners in the perilous journey of the last member of an ancient tribe.

I thoroughly enjoyed the audiobook experience. The narrator's rich, expressive voice enhances Childs' vivid storytelling, making the historical settings and characters come alive. The audiobook is a great option to dive into this epic tale.

I highly recommend “The Last Israelite” audiobook to fans of historical fiction and anyone interested in ancient civilizations.

My thanks to Bartleby Press for providing me with an ARC via NetGalley.

This is a very unique historical fiction novel. Based in Africa and the Middle East in 878 AD. Eldad is a black African and Jewish from the lost tribe of Dan. This tells of his adventures taking an ancient text to be translated. He meets the beautiful Adiva and they are stricken with each other. Will her family accept him?

Eldad faces pirates, cannibals, slave traders, soldiers, rabbis and interacts with Christian’s and Muslims along his journey. The writing was fascinating as the author takes the little that is factually know about Eldad the Danite and weaves this amazing story. There is hope, sadness, loss, love and fulfillment in this book. I love history and this is a person I had not heard of before I read this book. I actually received and listened to the audiobook. It’s narrated by Robin Bloodworth who has a very smooth voice. If you want to emerge yourself in a world over 1100 years ago this would be a good novel to read.

I received an ARC of the audiobook. I want to thank NetGalley, Independent Book Publishers Association (IPBA) and Members’ Audio for the opportunity to listen to the audiobook. This review is voluntary and is my own thoughts and opinions.

A historical romance filled with adventure.
Voiced by a truly talented voice actor, who brings this tale to life.

Some descriptions are questionable, but it was brilliant no less.

Late 800s AD - a time in history I don’t know much about and do not often see in the historical fiction realm!
So glad it listened to this - adventure, romance, a strong faith - what more does one need for an interesting book.?

Set in 878, this historical novel is based on the adventures of Zelda the Dante. As a black African he stands out especially as he is a Jew. He will travel the seas, get shipwrecked, suffer slavery and find love.

Excellent novel, well written and well narrated (I listened to the audiobook). Elda’s is strong in his belief and is skilled in healing. He carries a sacred text that he wishes to understand. His adventures will be exciting and dangerous, and yet his faith remains strong. Well worth a listen.

Thank you Bartleby Press, IBPA), Members' Audiobooks, and NetGalley for the advanced electronic audio review copy of this great book. This is a fascinating blend of wonderful storytelling and historical fiction that I listened to in one sitting. Interesting, fast-moving plot, ongoing adventure, great characters, and wonderful narration made this a pleasant experience.

A historically rich and beautifully written tale. I fell in love with the characters almost immediately and found the adventure captivating.