Extensive research by the author went into the writing of this exciting book, that takes place in the late 880's C. E. Adiva, her brother, Hillel and cousin Yosef, from the tribe of Yehuda, are couriers for a wealthy banking family. They meet 3 other Jews on a ship traveling the Red Sea, aka Yam Suf. Eldad, the first black skin Jew they have ever seen, from the tribe of Dan and his best friend and son of his teacher, Saul, from the tribe of Asher. Eldad is a scribe and healer. He is searching for someone who can translate a family heirloom, a scroll that was supposedly written, perhaps by Avraham Avinu, in strange letters, that as described sound like cuneiform. Adiva and Eldad quickly form a tender for each other, but smooth sailing is not in their future. The ship is caught in a dust storm over the Red Sea and ends up be wrecked near what appears to be a deserted island. Bravely, most make it to shore, though the captain is severely injuried. A miracle brings most of the ship to shore, but the island is volcanic and starts to erupt. While Eldad and Saul take a rowboat to search near by islands for safety, a slave ship finds the shipwrecked survivors, captures them and sails away before Eldad and Saul can return. Separated the two groups are subjected to slavers, cannibals and other horrors. Whew. And that's just the first few chapters. I found the book fascinating. A map of the area as it was at the time and a facsimile of the scroll would have greatly added to the story. I requested the book because of the title, but after reading it, I don't understand it. We Israelites are still here and the Muslims are still trying to colonize the entire world.

I was gifted with an Advanced Reader's Copy from NetGAlley.com. This is my honest, unbiased and voluntary review.

Excellent book, loved it! Looking forward to more from this author! Apologies for the lateness of my review

diva her brother and cousin set out on the Red Sea to help move monies for an influential family. On the ship she meets Eldad the Danite who has a journey of his own. He is the keeper of the history of his tribe and also one of their healers. There are lots of nearly deadly encounters on the high seas and also gaining family who are not family. (Which I loved and cheered about.)
There is also high intrigue and a fast paced run across the desert to warn Adiva’s loved ones of impending danger.
I am learning Hebrew as Torah Observant so looking up the meanings of words and phrases helped put them into context and gave me things to think about. I enjoyed all of the intrigue and fast paced journeys. What I did not approve of was the out of wedlock intimacy. I know Adiva and Eldad had already claimed each other but I just didn’t think it should happen until they were married. I’m not a prude but standing on principle Hillil and the cousin wouldn’t have been to keen on their intimacy. (But then I didn’t live back then and their customs are not something I’m familiar with yet.

Posted this review on GoodReads also. Thank you NetGalley and Mr Childs for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Adam Childs’ The Last Israelite weaves together historical intrigue, romantic adventure, and spiritual exploration. At its core, The Last Israelite is a story of identity and belonging. Childs deftly captures the challenges and complexities faced by Jews towards the end of the first millennium, offering readers a poignant glimpse into their lives.

The novel’s romantic subplot adds an emotional and cultural sub-plot to the story, while the romance is a pleasing element, it never overshadows the historical core of the narrative. Childs’ research is evident in the detailed descriptions of customs, architecture, and daily life, immersing readers in the world of the story.

While The Last Israelite is entertaining, it occasionally leans towards predictability in plot development. Nevertheless, these minor quibbles do not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the novel.

The Last Israelite is a good read that successfully blends historical fiction with romance. Readers interested in ancient history, religious themes, and adventure stories will find much to appreciate.

**The Last Israelite** is a gripping historical novel set in the tumultuous year of AD 878, blending rich historical detail with a thrilling narrative of adventure and romance. This compelling story introduces readers to a world of cultural intersections and epic quests, all through the lens of a true historical figure whose tale has been masterfully brought to life.

The novel opens with three enigmatic figures boarding a Red Sea ship, disguised as Muslims but actually Jews far from their homeland in Babylon. Among the passengers are two Africans, one of whom, a dark-skinned man with striking blue eyes, catches the attention of Adiva, the leader of the Jewish travelers. When she discovers that he speaks Hebrew—a language known only from sacred texts—she is drawn into a world of intrigue and adventure that transcends the boundaries of their diverse cultures.

Central to the narrative is the retelling of the extraordinary adventures of Eldad the Danite, a member of one of the lost ten tribes of Israel. Eldad's story unfolds against a backdrop of pirates, slave traders, and cannibals, set in a period of historical upheaval and cultural collision. His journey is marked by harrowing encounters and thrilling escapades, providing a vivid portrayal of the challenges faced by those on the fringes of known civilizations.

The novel excels not only in its historical and cultural accuracy but also in its ability to weave a captivating love story between Eldad and Adiva. Their relationship adds depth to the narrative, exploring themes of faith, identity, and the human capacity for connection amidst adversity. Their romance is both poignant and intense, offering a personal dimension to the broader historical and cultural conflicts depicted in the book.

**The Last Israelite** stands out for its meticulous research and evocative storytelling. The author's skillful portrayal of diverse cultures and historical contexts brings authenticity and richness to the narrative. The interactions between characters from different backgrounds—Jews, Africans, and various faiths—are depicted with sensitivity and nuance, highlighting the complexities of cultural and religious identity in a historical setting.

The novel's pacing is well-maintained, balancing moments of high tension with introspective passages that explore the characters' inner lives. The plot's twists and turns keep readers engaged, while the lush descriptions and historical detail create a vivid sense of time and place.

Overall, **The Last Israelite** is a remarkable historical novel that combines adventure, romance, and cultural exploration into a compelling narrative. It is a testament to the power of storytelling in bridging historical gaps and offering fresh perspectives on the past. For readers interested in historical fiction that delves into the richness of cultural and religious history while providing an engrossing and heartfelt story, this novel is a must-read.

I love a good historical fiction and this was no different. So entralling and captivating. Very immersive.

Thank you Bartleby Press, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles and Netgalley for giving me an ARC of this book!

Allen Childs presents an intriguing historical fiction. The cultural context is on point, the descriptions of the area and events a accurate. Details that really bring you in and give you a vivid sense of the place. I could google images of the maps and locations as well as flora referenced. It was intriguing to review some of the laws and regulations in place for Jews. I have not done a lot of reading in regards to this time frame or the lore of eldad. He is an interesting young man in pursuit of adventure and history. To which he definitely found in ample amounts. Eldad, seeming to be the focus MC is not really expanded on. He doesn’t have a lot of dimension.

Adiva was fun to get to know. Her secret education and the way she navigates the world is not typical. Shes independent and diplomatic. Very good at being exactly the right person for the scenario. She’s very calculated but still genuine with her words and actions.

In the descriptions of adivas interest in Eldad they seemed a bit odd. Not just a I’m a virgin and idk what I’m talking about kind of way. Just awkward and odd fantasies. I understand this is a different time period but I definitely got grossed out by the post ocean, thermal baths scene. It was not for me.

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.

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.c

This was a very interesting and intriguing book! The premise is a group of Babylonian Jews on a secret mission meet an African Jew from the lost tribe of Dan on a ship and the adventure begins! There is romance, pirates, looking for a lost treasure of lost history, cannibals, shipwrecks, and much more adventure and woven throughout so much history about the various times and tribes of Israel. It was a bit uneven at times, yet, kept me engaged and wanting to know what happened next. The leading female character, Adiva was clever, strong and tenacious when things went wrong. Eldad, was determined to see his mission through. The history is illuminating and thought provoking with its various traditions, cultures, bias's vividly described and well embedded in the plot. It is 500+ pages, so not a quick read, but well worth the time, highly recommend it!

Allen Childs, a seasoned author known for his gripping historical narratives, delivers another compelling read with “The Last Israelite”. This novel delves into the harrowing journey of the last surviving member of an ancient tribe, blending historical fiction with intense drama.

I found the book both enthralling and thought-provoking. Childs' meticulous research and vivid storytelling bring the ancient world to life, making it a page-turner for history enthusiasts. The protagonist's struggle for survival and identity is poignantly portrayed, adding emotional depth to the narrative.

However, the pacing at times felt uneven, with some sections dragging on while others rushed through critical plot points. Despite this, the book's rich historical context and well-developed characters make it a rewarding read.

I highly recommend “The Last Israelite” 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 fascinating read based on the apparently true story of Eldad the Danite, an African Jew who claimed to be from the historical tribe of Dan, son of Jacob. It's well researched and memorable, a swashbuckling adventure mixed with romance, religion, and purpose.

I think that readers who appreciate history and like something different will like this book a lot.

Some of the plot felt contrived and predictable, but there were many exciting action scenes. I really enjoyed the mystical aspect of Eldad's dream and the conclusion. The romance part isn't very graphic, but some of the descriptions were a bit too cringy for me.

I think I'm an outlier in finding it difficult to read. The first half is way too long and technical, and I felt the plot getting lost in some of the descriptions of what was going on. In the second half, the plot picks up and is much more exciting. As a whole, the book was very long. I think 528 pages is more than necessary, and the book would be a lot easier to read if the unnecessary technical jargon in the first half were removed. The pace would pick up and lend a feeling of tension and excitement. Honestly, it took me way too long to read this, and I found myself skimming some of it.

Finally, if you are not familiar with Judaism or Hebrew, some of it might be hard to understand. That wasn't a problem for me, but I could see it being a problem for someone who doesn't know enough in these areas.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an advanced copy for review.

The Journey

A Christian romance set in ancient times of AD 878, this is the retelling of the story of Eldad the Danite. a member of the lost tribe of Dan. Eldad is traveling with his friend Saul to take a sacred text to be read by a learned scholar.
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Eldad is a Jewish man with dark skin and blue eyes. On the ship voyage he meets Avida who is traveling on a mission for a wealthy family to hide treasures from a dictatorial king in Babylon with her two companions.

I really enjoyed the romance between Avida and Eldad. The adventures they found in their travels was very exciting and entertaining. It was at times very sad at other’s a hold my breath moment. At one point we were in suspense as to the fate of Eldad and of Avida. It is definitely an edge of your seat scene.

In the story you will find adventure, pirates, survival stories and romance. It has a bit of everything and an element of danger.

I enjoyed reading about the ancient history and also the clothing and customs of the early days. How they dressed, how they lived and how they talked. The friendships were warm and caring , but the dangerous places and people were frightening. I cannot imagine going on a voyage such as they did. It would take a lot of courage and endurance.

This story you will remember and although it was written in an earlier era it is very well written and many of the characters and their characteristics as well as the dangers are relatable to today.

Thanks to Allen Childs for writing this great adventure story and keeping me on the edge of my seat as I was reading it, to Bartleby Press for publishing it and to NetGalley for providing me with a copy to read and review.

As someone who studies ancient history, I thought this book was so fascinating. It's definitely not for everyone since it's such a specific genre but it you like reading things you normally don't then you have to give this a try