Azaria

by J.H. Hayes

AZARIA is an award-winning, character-driven, historical novel in the vein of Jean Auel’s Earth’s Children series. It’s woven around the mysterious hunter-gatherer culture that erected Gobekli Tepe - the massive, 12,000-year-old temple structure in modern day Turkey whose discovery rocked the archaeological community and is now widely believed to mark man’s transition to civilization. Curious and brave (and sometimes impulsive), fifteen-year-old Azaria generally likes to keep out of trouble. But the consequences of her actions don’t always turn out the way she foresees. Her world is flipped upside down when she accidentally witnesses her father, Azerban, participating in the sacrifice of a rival tribesmen. The tension builds when Azaria bends the rules in an important race she knows she cannot otherwise win. She draws the interest of her people’s shamanistic leaders and is rewarded with new status for her gutsy performance, but also makes an enemy in Yumineh, who has her heart set on a boy Azaria also has more than a little interest in. As Azaria’s unique gifts become apparent to Fahim and Takur, her people’s shamanistic co-leaders, they see an opportunity to bring about the one thing they want more than anything else – the return of their gods. Azaria counts herself blessed with loyal friends and a loving family. But when she finds herself abandoned, will her enduring spirit be enough to survive what the powerful have planned for her?

Genres: Historical Fiction

221 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 4, 2015

Reviews

[Deneale Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Azaria is only a fifteen years old girl. She is a very curious and brave teen too. Always out to show the boys and the men, she was their equal, if not even better!

Sadly, for her, one day she accidentally witnessed her Father, Azerban, involved in the sacrifice of a rival tribesman. This upset her very much.

Azaria is a character driven historical novel in the vein of Jean Auel’s Earth Children series. It’s woven around the mysterious hunter-gatherer culture that erected Gobekli Tepe the massive, 13000-year-old-temple structure in modern day Turkey whose discovery rocked the archaeological community and is now widely believed to mark man’s transition to civilization.

Natu customs are under the microscope, and Azaria must lie, deceit and keep her own secrets from those in Natu in order to try to make what she hopes- a difference. Azaria might be only fifteen, but she thinks much wiser, and knows and goes after what she wants. She wants to show those of her world, that she can be the first to be the one, to make the stand of a difference, and show her father, and the people of Natu, it’s time to make changes.

This book “Azaria” not only is a wonderful read, it guides you through History, and enlightens you about the people, and the World around the Natu people. You will feel like you are right there, you can see and feel like you are learning the ways of these people, and their world. It is a whole new time, and it is truly amazing. This is true five star educational read. It is like a History lesson, and so much more.

[Jerry Dodson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book in Fantasy

I don't usually read this type of book,but this book was very good. I would like to read a sequel to this book.

[Barbara Lieberman · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a long-time fan of historical fiction, I always welcome an opportunity to read about a time and place I know little about. Enter John Hayes and his strong-willed Azaria. His main character lives in a setting that becomes a character in itself but in a subtle way that does not overshadow the story. The customs of the Natu seem natural to the reader, rather than making one feel as if we're on the outside looking in, and echoes of what I know of other ancient cultures make those areas where the author may have filled in the blank seem plausible and seamless.

You meet Azaria at a time when she is facing many changes, each more daunting than the next. Choices are made, by her and others, that will shape her life, even as they shape the future of the Natu. Each lie, each deceit, each unspoken explanation becomes a pebble in a pond, with the ripples driving the Natu from a point from which there may be no turning back. What those changes will be, ultimately, will have to wait for Volume 2. I look forward to reading more.

[Jacquelyn Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing looking into historical fiction!!!
This story focuses on a young girl coming of age in a tribal setting. I was truly impressed with the story, but I was more so with the author's imagination and creative way the the author bring the story to life. This is one for my future read again shelf, I am looking forward to reading more from J. H. Hayes in the near future.
So to my dreamers out there pick up your copy today!!!


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[Ellie Lieberman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic premise set against a fascinating backdrop. As someone who enjoys history, I appreciated the information about the temple and the ancient society and culture. The book definitely leaves you wanting more. And it left me wanting to further research that time, place, and temple. I've also been greatly enjoying the blog about the book and the history surrounding it as well.

[gj indieBRAG · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are proud to announce that AZARIA by J.H. Hayes is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!