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Follow Jacob Mitzak and Will Hessler as they stack Nazi souls like firewood from San Francisco to Rogue River...

In 1978 San Francisco Will Hessler continues his journey from starving artist to Mossad operative under the watchful eye of Jacob Mitzak. The Hammer of Israel is going to teach Will what it takes to survive in the world of assassination and espionage, but before Will’s training is complete a shadow from the past returns. Jurgen Steiner seeks to fuse the old breed Nazi holdouts with the new White Nationalist Underground from Los Angeles to Portland. 

Has Will learned enough to keep his head above water while putting his enemies underground?

236 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 27, 2018

61 people are currently reading
29 people want to read

About the author

Jordan Vezina

48 books44 followers
Jordan Vezina is a writer of historical fiction living in Palo Alto California. In a past life Jordan was an infantry Marine serving in an anti/ counter-terror unit, a bodyguard, and a personal trainer. And a website designer. And a combatives teacher. And a corporate manager. And a singer and guitar player in a blues-metal band. And then an IT guy. And then blah blah blah I'm so cool. That's right. It's me writing this.

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5 stars
59 (52%)
4 stars
38 (33%)
3 stars
11 (9%)
2 stars
3 (2%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
5 reviews6 followers
December 16, 2020
Another excellent read and a great follow-up to Among Wolves. Action all the way through from beginning to end with so many twists in the plot. I am really enjoying this series. Cannot wait for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Texas.
1,685 reviews394 followers
January 30, 2019
The Jericho Black Universe: The following well written books are all part of this universe and take place in a timeline from 1910 until 1980, as of January, 2019. The third book Retribution starts in 1980. All the storylines are carried throughout this series of books. The storylines are intriguing, suspense filled and so mesmerizing it's hard for the reader to put down the book(s). I chain read all but Among Wolves, which I had already read and made me interested in reading the rest of the story. There are plenty of twists, kinks and surprises in all the additions. The pace is steady and fast, no bogging down with trivial fillers. The emotions range across the scale and even the harden reader goes "Oh my gosh." occasionally. Nothing graphic, you just forget how depraved the human race is, especially in the pack (or herd) formation.

The characters are interesting and believable, and their dialog realistic. The reader is drawn into the stories and the author's descriptions are clear and interesting. Most of the characters appear in all the stories or are mentioned for themselves or in past events. The characters run the gamut on personalities, frailties, strengths and levels of depravity and goodness. Nothing is graphic but everything is clear so the reader can make the violence as graphic as their imagination needs. History is a rich character that adds depth and understanding to the stories, which begins during WWII. I know a lot of this history and found the author did a great job with his historical presentation. Mr. Vezina did research his subject matter. After Among Wolves, the editing was much better with very few errors outside of comma usage, or lack of, in the others that I read. In a couple of the books, Mr. Vezina offers a PDF timeline for the JBU. There are more books than what I have read so far. Best to read in sequential order; keeps the excitement flowing and no spoilers that way. I purchased all but The Lion of Israel.

Never Forget, Prequel - The beginning of the JBU. Starting in Auschwitz, this introduction of Aleks Rosen, Saul Greenbaum and Jacob Mitzak. Along with some the rest of the characters that will come and go throughout the series. There are a couple of twists and surprises, along with an interesting showing of foresight, determination and survival through a horrible time and place in world history. 5*

The Hammer of Israel - This is my second favorite of this series; Among Wolves remains number one with me. Mainly about Jacob Mitzak and Jane Sutcliff and their metamorphoses from their experiences from WWII until 1952. There is a lot of violence, none graphic, but what their characters, their determination and their instincts for survival place upon them and the jobs they are able to perform. There's a special lady that will surprise the reader when she's spotlighted. 5*

Among Wolves #1 - This is my first read by this author and I liked the story. The well thought out story line follows a young boy through his discoveries about his grandfather's Nazi SS past and the causes of his mother's hatred. He's able to make his own decisions about the right way of life for him, earning him his grandfather's respect and costing him his mother's love. The young man contributes to the war of hatred after learning a secret about his father. Along his journey, he is supported by many surprising people. The characters are interesting and believable, and their dialog realistic. The reader is drawn into the story and the author's descriptions are clear and interesting. History is a rich character that adds depth and understanding to the story, which begins after WWII. I know a lot of this history and found the author did a great job with his historical presentation. Mr. Vezina did research his subject matter. This well written story could have been a five star if the author had only edited the story. Missing commas, lower case proper nouns and titles, inconsistencies and various other defects distracted the reader because there were so many. Many affected the meaning of the sentences. 4*
UPDATE: Among Wolves is updated and changed somewhat according to the author. The update hasn't made it to Amazon as of 01/30/2019.

Education #2 - A cliffhanger that continues in book #3 Retribution. The story is set in 1979 and picks up with Will and Susan and their future together. Playing heavy parts in this story are many of the characters from Never Forget and Among Wolves. Fast paced and filled with a few twists for everyone. Needs better editing. 5*

Danger Close (Btwn #2 & #3) - A short story set in 1979. More on Will Kessler and his transition from his past to his future. His life changes with the murders of his mother and grandfather and the shooting of his girlfriend. He does a job that gets him a shock of a lifetime and changes his future. 5*

The Lion of Israel (Btwn #2 & #3) - This short story introduction is for Ariel Sutcliffe and her contributions to the JBU. Her story, her strengths and her weaknesses, along with some of her jobs and where she is heading. A good, but flawed character that is tested with a special job. This book I found on Booksprout. 5*
6,022 reviews45 followers
February 2, 2019
In deciding to join Saul Greenbaum, Will faces many ghosts. One of them is Mary the Neo Nazi, and she kidnaps and makes an effort to kill Susanne, his fiancee.

Whichever woman survives, additional deaths will occur - and Will is pushed further into action, and further away from personal connections.

Efforts to stop Jurgen are very intertwined with that mans ego and psychoses, as well as his multiple ill purposes, plans and deeds.

The only way ahead, is through it.

Even in sight of the Israeli border, they face a kidnap of one of their team.

Whether Saul will think it worthy of an rescue effort, who knows.

Will faces an education that is less precise training, and more transforming him into both more and less than he was - into someone distinctly other - his new normal.

Edge of your seat intrigue, action, adventure.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout, read it on Kindle Unlimited, and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for David.
604 reviews14 followers
February 18, 2019
Jordan Vezina has once again hit a home run. The often tragic saga of Will Hessler continues in this book. Will has already endured much up to this point. He begins his training for service as a member of the Box, a clandestine organization doing things not even the Massad are willing to attempt. There is action aplenty here as Will transitions from mild mannered artist to icy killer. His outward appearance is deceptive, as many would-be assassins discover too late.
Jordan Vezina has climbed to the upper level of my favorite author list. I am loving these books and can't wait for more.
121 reviews3 followers
August 22, 2018
Good Sequal

This book is an excellent sequel to The Hammer of Israel and Among Wolves. I wouldn't recommend reading Education before the other two because much of the decision processes and reactions for both Jacob and Will are functions of their progression through their youth and how they transformed into the men they are. I've bought in to the Hammer of Israel and his protege, Will Hessler, and hope more is to come in additional stories.
1,477 reviews25 followers
August 14, 2019
Education. Jordan Vezina

Will Hessler has become a hard man in a very short time period. It has become a matter of survival. He has become a member of a very elite team of Nazi hunters. He works for what is designated the "box." Killing or rather revenge is never easy. For Will though it is. This is an extremely fast paced action thriller. A believable scenario. Extremely well written. Enjoyed immensely!!
94 reviews
September 7, 2020
Terrific continuation of the Among Wolves. Will has a future! And I’m looking forward to reading all of the series. Already started book three.

Without spoilers I just want to say if you like fast paced reading, and an engaging story that mixes in a little history you will enjoy these books. Love the way the author has expanded on the Jacob Mitzak line and included early Bonafide’s to the story line.
16.6k reviews155 followers
February 6, 2019
His education is still on going and he hopes he will.learn what he needs to. Before his education is over a situation arrives and now he needs to work hard to get through it all. What will he have to do? Follow his adventures

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Pat Eroh.
2,618 reviews32 followers
February 9, 2019
Among Wolves captured me and made me want to read more and this book clinches it. With the ending leaving you wanting more, a cliff hanger that will make you check daily to see if there is a new release (at least it did me, haha), I love this series and I believe this author is very talented.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sharon.
4,152 reviews31 followers
February 8, 2019
This is a great book, well written and full of intrigue and suspense. The characters are well rounded, interesting and very believable. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Shaun.
20 reviews
March 22, 2019
Another great read from this author with great plots and action, looking forward to next book keep them coming

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
90 reviews1 follower
February 22, 2019
A story of Israeli training, and disposal of enemies

Another good story by Jordan Vezina. Lots of action, secrecy, and training of a new Israeli agent. Will Hessler continually gets into trouble, but is able to extract himself from The situations. Good story line.
Profile Image for Debbie Mcnally.
980 reviews1 follower
August 11, 2018
I was lucky enough to have been given a copy of this book from the author. Great book loved the ending.
532 reviews3 followers
October 17, 2018
I have totally enjoyed reading your first two Jericho Black books. I am looking forward to the next book
923 reviews
October 30, 2021
Excellent read and how the characters come into their own books just keep getting better .
Profile Image for Justin.
582 reviews17 followers
February 2, 2019
Great follow up to Among Wolves. Another thrilling adventure about Nazi hunters, who work to take down former Nazis and those who want to create a Fourth Reich. Very interesting to see the progression of Will and Jacob. Looking forward to the next book in the series and the next Hammer of Israel spin-off.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews

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