I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the THE BOOK OF URIEL by Elyse Hoffman Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!
About the Book
Author: Elyse Hoffman
Pub. Date: January 26, 2021
Publisher: Project 613 Publishing
Formats: Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
Pages: 373
Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, TBD, Bookshop.org
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“An otherworldly tale with indelible characters in a realistic wartime setting. Hoffman’s novel sublimely fuses world history and Jewish folklore.â€---Kirkus Reviews
In the fires of World War II, a child must save his people from darkness...
Ten-year-old Uriel has always been an outcast. Born mute in a Jewish village known for its choir, he escapes into old stories of his people, stories of angels and monsters. But when the fires of the Holocaust consume his village, he learns that the stories he writes in his golden notebook are terrifyingly real.
In the aftermath of the attack, Uriel is taken in by Uwe, a kind-hearted linguist forced to work for the commander of the local Nazi Police, the affably brutal Major Brandt. Uwe wants to keep Uriel safe, but Uriel can't stay hidden. The angels of his tales have come to him with a dire message: Michael, guardian angel of the Jewish people, is missing. Without their angel, the Jewish people are doomed, and Michael's angelic brethren cannot search for him in the lands corrupted by Nazi evil.
With the lives of millions at stake, Uriel must find Michael and free him from the clutches of the Angel of Death...even if that means putting Uwe in mortal danger.
The Book of Uriel is a heartbreaking blend of historical fiction and Jewish folklore that will enthrall fans of The Book Thief and The World That We Knew.
Praise for THE BOOK OF URIEL:
"A dark book that shows WWII in all its harsh truth, but tucks in beacons of hope and a little boy with a beautiful soul who can see angels."--C.G. Drews, author of A THOUSAND PERFECT NOTES and THE BOY WHO STEALS HOUSES.
âââââ"A mesmerizing work of historical fiction. The author has magically combined history with fantasy, resulting in an irresistibly engrossing story. Hoffman is a born storyteller, and she executes her ideas in a sound, beautiful way." --Readers' Favorite
âââââ"'The Book of Uriel' is a story that could become a cult classic! It has all the imaginings of 'Pans Labyrinth' and all the emotions of 'The Book Thief'...If you like historical fiction mixed with fantasy, this one may be for you."--Devoured Pages
âââââ"This book was thrilling and downright addictive. Setting it down was not an option after I picked it up. Uriel's story is absolutely gripping. A story of bravery and sacrifice, that takes the reader on an emotional journey."--Jessica Belmont
âââââ"This is an intricately woven tale that shows the cruelty of the Nazis and the horrors of the holocaust while at the same time portraying the spiritual war that is being fought alongside the physical war. Hoffman weaves together historical facts, the Bible, and Jewish folklore to create a written tapestry that you won't want to put down. Her ability to combine historical fiction with a rich spiritual world is awe-inspiring...Fans of the Book Thief will love The Book of Uriel."--Bonnie Reads and Writes
âââââ"This book grabs you from the start. What starts as a heartbreaking opening quickly turns to a ray of hope. Angels, both good and bad, the Nazis, a reluctant linguist, and one unlikely hero populate this story...the pacing is perfect, and you get so wrapped up in the story once you start. The descriptions make you feel like you're in the story itself, and I definitely recommend this!"--The Faerie Review
âââââ"Hoffman's 'The Book of Uriel' combines history and Jewish mysticism in a fantasy tale about the Holocaust, the best and worst of the Angels, and the indomitable strength and resiliency of the human spirit...The concept in less able hands would have been sure to fail, but Hoffman brings a ring of absolute authenticity to every page...This is a beautifully-written story, well-balanced, and heartfelt."--NetGalley Reviewer
âââââ"Read it in one whole day and was hooked from the very beginning that is how good this book is. This is one of those books that you just go into without knowing very much but come out of it having had an experience."--Goodreads Reviewer
âââââ"The text grabbed me from the first paragraph and although this was shocking, the power of the images and writing made it impossible to stop reading. I cannot recommend this book highly enough."--NetGalley Reviewer
âââââ"If you are reading the reviews to try and see if you should read it, yes, yes you should. Especially would recommend to lovers of The Book Thief."--Goodreads Reviewer
âââââ"Hoffman creates an incredibly thrilling and addictive read that is impossible to put down...'The Book of Uriel' shows how faith, hope, determination, and setting aside one's hate can change the world for the better. This is a story that is worth every word, every page, and every second spent reading."--Goodreads Reviewer
REVIEW:
Uriel's small town of Zingdorf, Poland has been attacked; the buildings have all been burned to the ground and the people have been killed. Ten year old, mute Uriel survives, clutching his small golden book of stories that he has written. As Major Brandt, commander of the local Nazi Police and his new linguist, Uwe, drives through Zingdorf they stop to inspect the damage. Uwe notices the small, seemingly lifeless boy and is disgusted by what his countrymen have done. As he recovers, Uriel is visited by the Angels and is given a gift to protect him, keeping Uriel unseen by anyone wishing to harm him. Uriel hurries to follow the car with Major Brandt and Uwe. To Uriel's surprise, Uwe can see him and promises to harbor Uriel in his room within the Major's house. As Uriel explores, he finds Samael, the Angel of Death and is given a series of tasks by Samael in order to save his people. With the help of Uwe and his gift from the Angels, Uriel sets off to complete his tasks. Meanwhile, Uwe, inspired by Uriel's courage, finds his own ways to thwart Major Brandt and help the Jewish people who have survived.
The Book of Uriel is a unique story combining historical fiction and Jewish mysticism into an engrossing novel about courage and hope during World War II. From the very beginning, Uriel's character grabbed me. Since he is mute, all of the story from Uriel's point of view is his inner monologue which is a wonderful look into Uriel's childlike innocence as well as overwhelming maturity in all of his actions. From meeting Angels to interacting with Uwe, outsmarting Brandt and completing Samael's mission, Uriel acts with conviction, single-mindedness and acceptance of what he needs to do. The writing incorporated the mystical elements seamlessly, especially during World War II, where unbelievable atrocities are happening, Angels waging a war of their own does not seem far-fetched. The missions that Uriel was sent on by Samael were exciting and unexpected. I loved Uriel's stories as a way to share more about the Jewish religion as well as bond Uriel and Uwe. I enjoyed watching Uwe transform as he gained courage to fight back against Brandt as well. Uwe's care for Uriel was heartfelt and authentic, creating just as amazing story as Uriel's quest. With an unexpected ending and a different viewpoint of World War II, The Book of Uriel is a beautiful story of hope and courage in a time of hate.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
About Elyse:
Elyse Hoffman strives to tell historical tales with new twists: she loves to meld WWII and Jewish history with fantasy, folklore, and the paranormal. She has written six works of Holocaust historical fiction: the five books of The Barracks of the Holocaust and The Book of Uriel.
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Giveaway Details:
1 winner will receive a $10 Amazon GC, International.
a Rafflecopter giveawayTour Schedule:
Week One:
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7/5/2021 |
Excerpt |
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7/6/2021 |
Excerpt |
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7/7/2021 |
Review |
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7/8/2021 |
Review |
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7/9/2021 |
Review |
Week Two:
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7/12/2021 |
Review |
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7/13/2021 |
Review |
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7/14/2021 |
Review |
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7/15/2021 |
Review |
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7/16/2021 |
Review |
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