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Night of the Cossack
Night of the Cossack is a compelling historical fiction adventure about a teenager who is forced to grow up quickly. Nathan Hertzfield is kidnapped by a Cossack of the Russian Army. He faces many life or death situations during his saga. Join Nathan on his suspenseful coming of age journey through parts of Russia and Europe during the early 1900's. Don't miss this entertaining and intriguing story, Night of the Cossack. This is the homeschool version of Night of the Cossack that pre-teens and teens will love. Packed with adventure and new experiences with a 10-day lesson plan included. The lesson plan helps students to discover history, weather, math, and science from the early 1900s. Also included are moral dilemma questions for each day.
235 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 5, 2011
3 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Tom Blubaugh
6 books136 followersFor historical fiction readers, homeschool parents, reluctant readers, action & adventure readers--my novel Night of the Cossack is for you.
I am an author and Literary Strategist helping authors build their brand, publish and sell their books. Check out my site at http://tomblubaugh.net.
I started writing poetry at the age of 14. My hope was they would be used as lryics by rock and roll singers such as Elvis Presley, Paul Anka and others, but this never happened. I continued to write, but not seriously until I was nearly 30. I wrote nonfiction most of my adult life with articles being published in a denominational magazine and business publications. I self-published a book, Behind the Scenes of the Bus Ministry, in 1974. In 2009, Barbour Publishing Co published a devotional journal, The Great Adventure, which I co-authored with fourteen other writers. In April, 2011, by historical novel, Night of the Cossack, was published by Bound by Faith Publishers.
I am an author and Literary Strategist helping authors build their brand, publish and sell their books. Check out my site at http://tomblubaugh.net.
I started writing poetry at the age of 14. My hope was they would be used as lryics by rock and roll singers such as Elvis Presley, Paul Anka and others, but this never happened. I continued to write, but not seriously until I was nearly 30. I wrote nonfiction most of my adult life with articles being published in a denominational magazine and business publications. I self-published a book, Behind the Scenes of the Bus Ministry, in 1974. In 2009, Barbour Publishing Co published a devotional journal, The Great Adventure, which I co-authored with fourteen other writers. In April, 2011, by historical novel, Night of the Cossack, was published by Bound by Faith Publishers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
June 9, 2012
I really enjoyed this book and read it quickly! Besides the novel being well-written, it drew me to another time and place. Plus, I forgot that I am a woman reading from a man's point of view because the author made me forget my gender as I read. I worried for Nathan/Stepan/Ivan's safety as if I were him. If you read the book you'll know why I listed three names. My heart broke for Stepan when he had to leave Rachael, and for enduring so many losses in his young life. It seemed he lost everyone he loved, and the last straw was his horse, but he was determined to survive and not to be defeated. He was a strong character and he had integrity. He was a great example of how a mother's love can instill that kind of nature in a young man through good upbringing.
In some ways this story reminded me of the movie Europa Europa where this German Jew who was gifted in languages did whatever he could to survive. In the movie, when he saw that the Germans were going to lose the second world war, he slipped over to the Russian side in an effort to survive. That film was based on a true story. I have always found the great lengths that humans will go to hurt others--even their own people--incredibly sad, but also interesting to study. There is evil in this world and has been since the beginning of time, but studying the person's motivation to do harm is what fascinates me.
I am a fan of history and of European history, but I also enjoy Russian history and reading about the insanity that occurred at the turn of the century (in the early 1900s,) because you can see the chaos percolating before the first world war breaks out and the persecution of Jews increases at an alarming rate until it becomes an epidemic in the 1930s and 1940s. That kind of extermination is worse that a severe flu strain that wipes out entire families because it does discriminate and targets only certain people groups--Jewish people--and is initiated by human ignorance and hate. I found the Night of the Cossack interesting in many respects. I found it especially fascinating how it shows the reduction of safe places in the world for Jews to live.
I loved the last few pages of the book and how it leaned toward a continuation of the story. I also loved how it showed the beginning seeds of a new faith journey for Nathan being planted. I still wished he could have been free to love Rachael back in Romania. I felt her pain when he had to leave, and his emotions being torn when she asked him to take her with him. But he refused because it was the right thing to do, and he was a good guy. He did what was right to save others, even if it might hurt his own plans. I'm hoping the next book will introduce Nathan to a new love that will bring him to a place where he finally belongs and has the family he's always wanted. Wonderful story!
In some ways this story reminded me of the movie Europa Europa where this German Jew who was gifted in languages did whatever he could to survive. In the movie, when he saw that the Germans were going to lose the second world war, he slipped over to the Russian side in an effort to survive. That film was based on a true story. I have always found the great lengths that humans will go to hurt others--even their own people--incredibly sad, but also interesting to study. There is evil in this world and has been since the beginning of time, but studying the person's motivation to do harm is what fascinates me.
I am a fan of history and of European history, but I also enjoy Russian history and reading about the insanity that occurred at the turn of the century (in the early 1900s,) because you can see the chaos percolating before the first world war breaks out and the persecution of Jews increases at an alarming rate until it becomes an epidemic in the 1930s and 1940s. That kind of extermination is worse that a severe flu strain that wipes out entire families because it does discriminate and targets only certain people groups--Jewish people--and is initiated by human ignorance and hate. I found the Night of the Cossack interesting in many respects. I found it especially fascinating how it shows the reduction of safe places in the world for Jews to live.
I loved the last few pages of the book and how it leaned toward a continuation of the story. I also loved how it showed the beginning seeds of a new faith journey for Nathan being planted. I still wished he could have been free to love Rachael back in Romania. I felt her pain when he had to leave, and his emotions being torn when she asked him to take her with him. But he refused because it was the right thing to do, and he was a good guy. He did what was right to save others, even if it might hurt his own plans. I'm hoping the next book will introduce Nathan to a new love that will bring him to a place where he finally belongs and has the family he's always wanted. Wonderful story!
December 2, 2018
Great story! It catches you up and carries you away. It makes you appreciate how difficult the life and times of other people really were, yet ends not in tragedy, but hope.
September 27, 2011
Ten day lesson plan based on the book Night of the Cossack. This lesson plan covers Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies plus discussion questions concerning Moral Dilemmas.
Being a homeschooling mother, I'm very picky as to what my children read and learn. I'm a traditional schooler, so this is my first experience with a unit study. I wasn't disappointed. Ms. Franklin put together an excellent resource for any teacher, whether homeschool, public, or private, that was thorough, in depth, educational, and fun. Utilizing online tools and references, as well as the traditional method - pencil and paper - this guide encompasses the whole spectrum that is suitable for upper middle grades and can be adjusted for high school students.
Mr. Blubaugh has written an excellent book in a easy to read voice that will capture your imagination, as well as your heart, while Ms. Franklin has incorporated a no less than excellent guide/teaching tool. These two authors make a most wonderful team that I would love to see more from.
Note - There are moral dilemmas dealt with in Mr. Blubaugh's book that may be a little uncomfortable for younger learners. These situations are dealt with in a tasteful and non-graphic manner. I highly recommend this study guide and Mr. Blubaugh's book for not only schooling purposes, but enjoyment as well.
Being a homeschooling mother, I'm very picky as to what my children read and learn. I'm a traditional schooler, so this is my first experience with a unit study. I wasn't disappointed. Ms. Franklin put together an excellent resource for any teacher, whether homeschool, public, or private, that was thorough, in depth, educational, and fun. Utilizing online tools and references, as well as the traditional method - pencil and paper - this guide encompasses the whole spectrum that is suitable for upper middle grades and can be adjusted for high school students.
Mr. Blubaugh has written an excellent book in a easy to read voice that will capture your imagination, as well as your heart, while Ms. Franklin has incorporated a no less than excellent guide/teaching tool. These two authors make a most wonderful team that I would love to see more from.
Note - There are moral dilemmas dealt with in Mr. Blubaugh's book that may be a little uncomfortable for younger learners. These situations are dealt with in a tasteful and non-graphic manner. I highly recommend this study guide and Mr. Blubaugh's book for not only schooling purposes, but enjoyment as well.
July 16, 2012
An imaginative story of a Russian Jew who became first a Cossack. Kidnapped at sixteen and trained to be a Cossack, Nathan changes names like underwear. Always seeking identity but never finding it. Plenty of room left in this page turner for second book. Great read.
January 2, 2022
Not knowing much about Cossacks, I was curious about this book. I was spellbound from the first page to the last. This is quite a suspenseful story, also filled with historical information. The suspense not only came from the moments of drama but from the inward mental and emotional battles of the main character. It was rewarding to see his good character shine through, as was true with a few other characters as well. This was my first read book of the new year 2022. I highly recommend it.
December 23, 2011
In one night, Nathan finds his entire life completely altered when he is taken captive by a Cossack and forced to become one of them. This intrigued me. A lot. I can’t imagine what I would do if I was kidnapped and told that I was going to be trained to be like my kidnapper. Talk about rocking your world! Needless to say, I began this book with very high hopes of reading an intriguing thriller. While it wasn't a thriller, it was still a grand adventure!
Nathan was easy to relate to. I instantly sympathized with him as he tries to adjust to a life with Nikolai—the man who kidnapped him to raise him to be a Cossack. The group’s view on replacing their comrades killed during a fight—abducting young boys from their home—was pretty crazy. I can’t imagine being in Nathan’s shoes! What a life. With all that said, one of my favorite characters was his kidnapper, Nikolai. Crazy, I know, but as Nathan slowly changed and grew to look up to Nikolai as a father-figure…so did I. Nikolai wasn’t like the other Cossacks—he’d been abducted as a teen himself and forced to join the cause—and that made him special. As I said, he was one of my favorite characters.
Tom Blubaugh’s writing brought this story to life. From the very first pages I was thrust into Nathan’s life the night it all changed—when Cossack’s came into his village. With vivid detail—though not too much to make the story drag—I experienced being a Cossack through Nathan’s eyes. The emotional scenes were a little flat and shallow to me, but that was the only thing I ever noticed in the writing.
The events that happen to Nathan during the course of this book are amazing. While I wouldn’t call this book a thriller, it still had its fair share of action and adventure to keep me on my toes. When Nathan is on his own trying to make it away from Russia and to America, I was eager to read how he would accomplish such a task. I was surprised where the book ended. I was expecting it to go until he reached America and his life there. But it wasn’t a bad place to stop—it just left me wanting to read more about his story. Which is a good thing!
For those of you who are history buffs on Russian history, you would no doubt find Night of the Cossack a very interesting read. I personally do not know much about the history of the Cossacks. While the book was kind of vague as to what kind of group they were and what they did, I still learned a lot of their history. Which was neat! I always like my fiction with a good dose of real-life/historical facts mixed in.
Nathan was easy to relate to. I instantly sympathized with him as he tries to adjust to a life with Nikolai—the man who kidnapped him to raise him to be a Cossack. The group’s view on replacing their comrades killed during a fight—abducting young boys from their home—was pretty crazy. I can’t imagine being in Nathan’s shoes! What a life. With all that said, one of my favorite characters was his kidnapper, Nikolai. Crazy, I know, but as Nathan slowly changed and grew to look up to Nikolai as a father-figure…so did I. Nikolai wasn’t like the other Cossacks—he’d been abducted as a teen himself and forced to join the cause—and that made him special. As I said, he was one of my favorite characters.
Tom Blubaugh’s writing brought this story to life. From the very first pages I was thrust into Nathan’s life the night it all changed—when Cossack’s came into his village. With vivid detail—though not too much to make the story drag—I experienced being a Cossack through Nathan’s eyes. The emotional scenes were a little flat and shallow to me, but that was the only thing I ever noticed in the writing.
The events that happen to Nathan during the course of this book are amazing. While I wouldn’t call this book a thriller, it still had its fair share of action and adventure to keep me on my toes. When Nathan is on his own trying to make it away from Russia and to America, I was eager to read how he would accomplish such a task. I was surprised where the book ended. I was expecting it to go until he reached America and his life there. But it wasn’t a bad place to stop—it just left me wanting to read more about his story. Which is a good thing!
For those of you who are history buffs on Russian history, you would no doubt find Night of the Cossack a very interesting read. I personally do not know much about the history of the Cossacks. While the book was kind of vague as to what kind of group they were and what they did, I still learned a lot of their history. Which was neat! I always like my fiction with a good dose of real-life/historical facts mixed in.
November 12, 2014
Night of the Cossack
is the story of Nathan Hertzfield, a Jewish teenager forcibly taken from his home and his family by a Cossack named Nikolai during a raid on his village. Nathan's dangerous journey to freedom is made harder because he must hide his Jewish identity.
The story begins in the town of Gagra, a town in Abkhazia, Georgia at the base of the Caucasus Mountains on the shore of the Black Sea. Set in the early 1900's, the story takes the reader from the Cossack community on the Don River to Romania, Italy, and France.
The author was inspired by the true story of his own grandfather to write this historical fiction novel. and he plans a sequel to this novel.
Positive Content:
Nathan, the main character, presents a positive role model of a young man trying to make the right choices in a completely alien world and culture. From the first chapter, Nathan's choices are driven by his need to protect his widowed mother and his younger brother.
As the years pass, Nathan learns many valuable lessons from Nikolai, his Cossack captor turned mentor. He must also overcome betrayal and heartbreak.
Mr. Blubaugh does a fine job of letting the reader see the landscape of Russia and the other countries that provide the setting of the book.
One of the most surprising and compelling aspects of this story is that Nathan has to readjust his ideas of who is and who isn't a friend. His transformation from a scared teenager into a man who is ready to make difficult choices is also compelling.
Perhaps as interesting as Nathan's story, is the account of the Jewish underground that existed in Europe to help refugees escape from persecution. This story is rare, too, because it is told from the Cossack and Russian perspectives in the time period just prior to World War I and the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917.
This survival story is perfect for the male teen reader, but girls will also appreciate Nathan's adventures. The lower Lexile score makes it accessible to struggling readers.
For a discussion of the content, including spoilers, see my post at momsread.com. http://momsread.com/2013/01/book-report-night-of-the-cossack-by-tom-blubaugh/
The story begins in the town of Gagra, a town in Abkhazia, Georgia at the base of the Caucasus Mountains on the shore of the Black Sea. Set in the early 1900's, the story takes the reader from the Cossack community on the Don River to Romania, Italy, and France.
The author was inspired by the true story of his own grandfather to write this historical fiction novel. and he plans a sequel to this novel.
Positive Content:
Nathan, the main character, presents a positive role model of a young man trying to make the right choices in a completely alien world and culture. From the first chapter, Nathan's choices are driven by his need to protect his widowed mother and his younger brother.
As the years pass, Nathan learns many valuable lessons from Nikolai, his Cossack captor turned mentor. He must also overcome betrayal and heartbreak.
Mr. Blubaugh does a fine job of letting the reader see the landscape of Russia and the other countries that provide the setting of the book.
One of the most surprising and compelling aspects of this story is that Nathan has to readjust his ideas of who is and who isn't a friend. His transformation from a scared teenager into a man who is ready to make difficult choices is also compelling.
Perhaps as interesting as Nathan's story, is the account of the Jewish underground that existed in Europe to help refugees escape from persecution. This story is rare, too, because it is told from the Cossack and Russian perspectives in the time period just prior to World War I and the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917.
This survival story is perfect for the male teen reader, but girls will also appreciate Nathan's adventures. The lower Lexile score makes it accessible to struggling readers.
For a discussion of the content, including spoilers, see my post at momsread.com. http://momsread.com/2013/01/book-report-night-of-the-cossack-by-tom-blubaugh/
September 17, 2011
Compelling Story. 4.5
Nathan Hertzfield awakens to find the houses in his village ablaze and most of the villagers killed. He is kidnapped and forced to become a Cossack soldier, or risk harm to his mother and younger brother. Nikolai, Nathan's captor, insists that Nathan also abandon his Jewish heritage and take on the name Stepan if he wishes to survive. According to Nikolai, the Cossack do not like Jews.
Initially Nathan has no choice but to depend on Nikolai, but as the story unfolds Nathan discovers that Nikolai is different, and his reasons for taking Nathan captive are not what they seemed. A bond forms between the two and Nathan comes to look on Nikolai as a father.
When they are ordered to Odessa, life takes another startling turn, first with tragedy and then betrayal. Nathan is forced to flee. He briefly glimpses happiness when he finds refuge with a family and love with their daughter. But he knows that staying will invite danger. Nathan decides to once again abandon his identity in search of a new life. His journey is one of adventure, with his enemies only a step behind.
I really liked this book! It's a very easy read, written in simple language which gives the book a strong appeal to middle-grade readers and older. The historical setting was absolutely fascinating and gave me a true sympathy for how difficult life must have been for those living in circumstances similar to Nathan's. All in all, the book wasn't just adventurous and enjoyable; it was educational and the story tugged at my heart.
My only complaint with the story is that the ending was a little abrupt. I would like to have seen him through to America. Maybe I just wasn't quite ready for his story to be over. I guess that's a good sign.
There were times when the writing seemed a little rushed or choppy, and about half way through I was leaning toward a rating of 3.5 - 4.0, but after Nathan's betrayal the pace of the book really took off and the story of his plight just became so compelling that I couldn't stop reading. When a story is that strong, the little issues tend to not matter. I'll be recommending this book to families in our homeschool group.
Nathan Hertzfield awakens to find the houses in his village ablaze and most of the villagers killed. He is kidnapped and forced to become a Cossack soldier, or risk harm to his mother and younger brother. Nikolai, Nathan's captor, insists that Nathan also abandon his Jewish heritage and take on the name Stepan if he wishes to survive. According to Nikolai, the Cossack do not like Jews.
Initially Nathan has no choice but to depend on Nikolai, but as the story unfolds Nathan discovers that Nikolai is different, and his reasons for taking Nathan captive are not what they seemed. A bond forms between the two and Nathan comes to look on Nikolai as a father.
When they are ordered to Odessa, life takes another startling turn, first with tragedy and then betrayal. Nathan is forced to flee. He briefly glimpses happiness when he finds refuge with a family and love with their daughter. But he knows that staying will invite danger. Nathan decides to once again abandon his identity in search of a new life. His journey is one of adventure, with his enemies only a step behind.
I really liked this book! It's a very easy read, written in simple language which gives the book a strong appeal to middle-grade readers and older. The historical setting was absolutely fascinating and gave me a true sympathy for how difficult life must have been for those living in circumstances similar to Nathan's. All in all, the book wasn't just adventurous and enjoyable; it was educational and the story tugged at my heart.
My only complaint with the story is that the ending was a little abrupt. I would like to have seen him through to America. Maybe I just wasn't quite ready for his story to be over. I guess that's a good sign.
There were times when the writing seemed a little rushed or choppy, and about half way through I was leaning toward a rating of 3.5 - 4.0, but after Nathan's betrayal the pace of the book really took off and the story of his plight just became so compelling that I couldn't stop reading. When a story is that strong, the little issues tend to not matter. I'll be recommending this book to families in our homeschool group.
April 28, 2011
NIGHT OF THE COSSACK
By Tom Blubaugh
Nathan Hertzfield grew up in an era in the Ukraine when Russian Cossacks burned villages, killed mothers, fathers and children—and kidnapped young men to serve in their military.
That’s how Nathan ends up with a revolver aimed at his head, leaving his mother and little brother—but at least they are alive when he leaves. The family of his best friend and neighbor, Vasile, also captured, is murdered.
Nathan must grow up fast and change his name to Stepan so no one would know he is Jewish. Stepan hates hi s captor, Nikolai, for taking him away from Mama, but it’s not long before the young man needs to rely on Nikolai. A fierce gun battle breaks out and although the young Stepan does not want to kill, he shoots a man to defend himself.
No matter what the Cossacks do, Stepan’s Jewish upbringing is entwined around his being. He is conscious of God, although he is forced to eat pork.
Then he discovers Cossacks aren’t only warriors. They return to their village where they grow crops, have families and schools. Stepan’s captor teaches military tactics there. Stepan wants to hate him, but gradually the Cossack, Nikolai, becomes like a father to him. Later, he learns Nikolai was snatched from his family when he was young. The man has no family now, and he considers Stepan his son.
Danger sniffs the heels of the Cossacks as they patrol and are drafted into the Russian military by the Czar. Yet the day comes when Stepan needs to escape and during his journey trying to find safety, he meets a young Jewish girl and falls in love. But her papa says their love can’t be because it endangers lives.
Tom Blubaugh unearths an intriguing part of Ukraine history by dropping us among the Cossacks.
The author’s grandfather was a Russian Cossack soldier, yet this isn’t a biography. It’s a great example of great fiction good for anyone from teens to Grandma and Grandpa.
I recommend it.
By Tom Blubaugh
Nathan Hertzfield grew up in an era in the Ukraine when Russian Cossacks burned villages, killed mothers, fathers and children—and kidnapped young men to serve in their military.
That’s how Nathan ends up with a revolver aimed at his head, leaving his mother and little brother—but at least they are alive when he leaves. The family of his best friend and neighbor, Vasile, also captured, is murdered.
Nathan must grow up fast and change his name to Stepan so no one would know he is Jewish. Stepan hates hi s captor, Nikolai, for taking him away from Mama, but it’s not long before the young man needs to rely on Nikolai. A fierce gun battle breaks out and although the young Stepan does not want to kill, he shoots a man to defend himself.
No matter what the Cossacks do, Stepan’s Jewish upbringing is entwined around his being. He is conscious of God, although he is forced to eat pork.
Then he discovers Cossacks aren’t only warriors. They return to their village where they grow crops, have families and schools. Stepan’s captor teaches military tactics there. Stepan wants to hate him, but gradually the Cossack, Nikolai, becomes like a father to him. Later, he learns Nikolai was snatched from his family when he was young. The man has no family now, and he considers Stepan his son.
Danger sniffs the heels of the Cossacks as they patrol and are drafted into the Russian military by the Czar. Yet the day comes when Stepan needs to escape and during his journey trying to find safety, he meets a young Jewish girl and falls in love. But her papa says their love can’t be because it endangers lives.
Tom Blubaugh unearths an intriguing part of Ukraine history by dropping us among the Cossacks.
The author’s grandfather was a Russian Cossack soldier, yet this isn’t a biography. It’s a great example of great fiction good for anyone from teens to Grandma and Grandpa.
I recommend it.
December 7, 2011
In one night of terror, Nathan Hertzfield’s life changed forever.
The hard-working 16-year-old, taking care of his widowed mother and younger brother in a small village in early 20th century Russia, is abruptly kidnapped and forced to join the Cossack army. He not only loses his family, but his identity as a Jew, and must adapt to the harsh outdoor conditions of living as a soldier in an army that he never wanted to join.
This novel about Nathan’s transition to new identities and unfamiliar places follows his precarious and extremely jarring journey into manhood while trying to survive. And one of the skills that he must learn is to pretend he is not a Jew. Throughout his ordeal, Nathan never forgets who he is, however, or where he came from. His past is forever present in his heart.
Night of the Cossack is well written and is a rich read for all ages from youth to adulthood. It is a heart-wrenching look at the extreme prejudice against the Jewish people long before the Holocaust in Germany occurred. Nathan’s character is filled with the innocence of youth, but that slowly changes in the years as a Cossack. He finds friends but is then betrayed by someone that he thought he could trust. Where can he turn but to the God of his fathers, Who leads him on a journey fraught with yet more danger.
I highly recommend this novel. The characters come alive on the pages and the scenes in the stark wilderness will emerge like a painting in your mind. But it is the realization of the long-standing prejudice against God’s people so vividly portrayed that melts your heart and makes you cling to hope for Nathan’s safety and his future.
I’ve been told there is a sequel in the works—a novel to look forward to!
The hard-working 16-year-old, taking care of his widowed mother and younger brother in a small village in early 20th century Russia, is abruptly kidnapped and forced to join the Cossack army. He not only loses his family, but his identity as a Jew, and must adapt to the harsh outdoor conditions of living as a soldier in an army that he never wanted to join.
This novel about Nathan’s transition to new identities and unfamiliar places follows his precarious and extremely jarring journey into manhood while trying to survive. And one of the skills that he must learn is to pretend he is not a Jew. Throughout his ordeal, Nathan never forgets who he is, however, or where he came from. His past is forever present in his heart.
Night of the Cossack is well written and is a rich read for all ages from youth to adulthood. It is a heart-wrenching look at the extreme prejudice against the Jewish people long before the Holocaust in Germany occurred. Nathan’s character is filled with the innocence of youth, but that slowly changes in the years as a Cossack. He finds friends but is then betrayed by someone that he thought he could trust. Where can he turn but to the God of his fathers, Who leads him on a journey fraught with yet more danger.
I highly recommend this novel. The characters come alive on the pages and the scenes in the stark wilderness will emerge like a painting in your mind. But it is the realization of the long-standing prejudice against God’s people so vividly portrayed that melts your heart and makes you cling to hope for Nathan’s safety and his future.
I’ve been told there is a sequel in the works—a novel to look forward to!
August 21, 2019
I own this book in its original paperback format and thoroughly enjoyed it. When I heard that it was now being published in a home-school version, I was intrigued. The story, although gripping, exciting, and historically accurate, is told with a simple, light touch that appeals to all ages. How on earth could you draw it out enough to be educational rather than just entertaining? Impossible I, thought. I decided to buy it and find out for myself.
The story remains unchanged. We follow sixteen-year-old Nathan - a Ukrainian Jew - from his kidnapping by Cossacks to his ultimate escape to freedom. On his journey to manhood we witness his moral dilemmas, his conflicting loyalties, and we get a flavour of turn-of-the-century tsarist Russia as well. The book is to be recommended for that alone but the home-school exercises? Incredible! The breadth of education that this one little book can provide is simply astounding. History, sociology, science, morality - as well as instilling the ABILITY to research and understand subject matter - are all covered.
If my own children were still children (if you get my meaning) even though not home-schooled, I would still buy Night of the Cossack for them. I would also encourage them to complete the exercises set every few chapters. I may even have a go at them myself.
So to sum up, Night of the Cossack is a cracking, exciting, page-turner of a book in its own right. Everyone, from kids to not-so-much-kids (grown-ups) of all ages will enjoy it. But if you are one of the growing number of parents home-schooling your children, I cannot recommend it high enough. No, I'll go further than that; this book is an ESSENTIAL addition for a broad and rounded education. What more can I say? Well done Tom Blubaugh!
The story remains unchanged. We follow sixteen-year-old Nathan - a Ukrainian Jew - from his kidnapping by Cossacks to his ultimate escape to freedom. On his journey to manhood we witness his moral dilemmas, his conflicting loyalties, and we get a flavour of turn-of-the-century tsarist Russia as well. The book is to be recommended for that alone but the home-school exercises? Incredible! The breadth of education that this one little book can provide is simply astounding. History, sociology, science, morality - as well as instilling the ABILITY to research and understand subject matter - are all covered.
If my own children were still children (if you get my meaning) even though not home-schooled, I would still buy Night of the Cossack for them. I would also encourage them to complete the exercises set every few chapters. I may even have a go at them myself.
So to sum up, Night of the Cossack is a cracking, exciting, page-turner of a book in its own right. Everyone, from kids to not-so-much-kids (grown-ups) of all ages will enjoy it. But if you are one of the growing number of parents home-schooling your children, I cannot recommend it high enough. No, I'll go further than that; this book is an ESSENTIAL addition for a broad and rounded education. What more can I say? Well done Tom Blubaugh!
August 30, 2011
Tom Blubaugh’s book, Night of the Cossack, early 1900s, is a fictional account of his grandfather’s life and journey to America, but only because he had little information from either of his grandparents, their siblings or his own mother. He compiled the little bit he did learn with the research of the times to create his version of his grandfather’s life.
This is a story that will grip you from the first page through to the last. The life of the Cossack soldier is vividly portrayed with all the good and the evil, the harshness, kindness, and betrayal. At times it’s brutal, but then the time period was brutal.
You will find yourself immersed personally with each of the characters, particularly Nathan Hertzfield, his family and friends. It’s a heartrending account of being separated from family as a young teen, and his years of working on maintaining his anger, bitterness, character, and morality during life-and-death, quick-thinking decisions while in the Cossack ‘family.’ Choices made brought life or death to the soldiers.
Knowing little of the era of the Cossacks, I found Tom’s story believable and intriguing. He did an excellent job of incorporating historical events with the lives of his family (through Nathan Hertzfield) and the Cossack interactions.
For all those that love historical fiction, I would highly recommend Tom’s book to you! It can inspire you to learn more of your own family backgrounds and the sacrifices they made to make you who you are.
This book was provided by Dennis Vance of Bound by Faith Publishers in exchange for my review and blog tour. No monetary compensation was exchanged.
This is a story that will grip you from the first page through to the last. The life of the Cossack soldier is vividly portrayed with all the good and the evil, the harshness, kindness, and betrayal. At times it’s brutal, but then the time period was brutal.
You will find yourself immersed personally with each of the characters, particularly Nathan Hertzfield, his family and friends. It’s a heartrending account of being separated from family as a young teen, and his years of working on maintaining his anger, bitterness, character, and morality during life-and-death, quick-thinking decisions while in the Cossack ‘family.’ Choices made brought life or death to the soldiers.
Knowing little of the era of the Cossacks, I found Tom’s story believable and intriguing. He did an excellent job of incorporating historical events with the lives of his family (through Nathan Hertzfield) and the Cossack interactions.
For all those that love historical fiction, I would highly recommend Tom’s book to you! It can inspire you to learn more of your own family backgrounds and the sacrifices they made to make you who you are.
This book was provided by Dennis Vance of Bound by Faith Publishers in exchange for my review and blog tour. No monetary compensation was exchanged.
September 1, 2013
I so very much enjoyed this book. I recently retired and was able to find the time to get back into reading while taking breaks from writing my next book, Dear Child of Mine. I had this book sitting on my shelf for a while. I bought it because I read the first three chapters as an endorsement Tom Blubaugh had.
I couldn't put this book down. I think beside the story of a young man kidnapped and forced to become a Cossack, a Russian soldier, which hooked me right away, was the fact that there was no offensive language in it. I was able to read the story without profanity or hints of a dark nature. Those books just aren't for me anymore. That's not to say they aren't enjoyed by thousands of people, but just not for me.
I was so involved in this story and anticipated each new chapter. The only thing that disappointed me was that it ended. Tom, please write a sequel! I truly mean that. I want to read more. It has been many years since I enjoyed a book that much! I give it 5 stars for action, excitement, decency, and anticipation. Great, great, read! Highly recommend!
I couldn't put this book down. I think beside the story of a young man kidnapped and forced to become a Cossack, a Russian soldier, which hooked me right away, was the fact that there was no offensive language in it. I was able to read the story without profanity or hints of a dark nature. Those books just aren't for me anymore. That's not to say they aren't enjoyed by thousands of people, but just not for me.
I was so involved in this story and anticipated each new chapter. The only thing that disappointed me was that it ended. Tom, please write a sequel! I truly mean that. I want to read more. It has been many years since I enjoyed a book that much! I give it 5 stars for action, excitement, decency, and anticipation. Great, great, read! Highly recommend!
July 9, 2013
God only knows what we would do if we wound up in the same situation and were faced with the same circumstances as the young person in this novel.
If you like a story with a strong element of suspense combined with a love story (I thought the love felt was akin to Romeo & Juliet) - Well, my dear friends, you will have chosen the right novel in this well-written story by a talented writer.
What would we do if we were awakened to find our town on fire and almost everyone killed? What would we do to protect our family and loved ones? Although this story takes place in the 19th century of Russia, this book of fiction brings to life how lucky and blessed we are to live in this time and age.
It is quite a reading adventure. I also believe it will make you appreciate your family a whole lot more!
Jeannie Walker- Award Winning Author - "Fighting the Devil" - A True Story of Consuming Passion, Deadly Poison, and Murder
If you like a story with a strong element of suspense combined with a love story (I thought the love felt was akin to Romeo & Juliet) - Well, my dear friends, you will have chosen the right novel in this well-written story by a talented writer.
What would we do if we were awakened to find our town on fire and almost everyone killed? What would we do to protect our family and loved ones? Although this story takes place in the 19th century of Russia, this book of fiction brings to life how lucky and blessed we are to live in this time and age.
It is quite a reading adventure. I also believe it will make you appreciate your family a whole lot more!
Jeannie Walker- Award Winning Author - "Fighting the Devil" - A True Story of Consuming Passion, Deadly Poison, and Murder
June 7, 2011
When I read the introduction to the book it made me want to start reading right away. The author talks about this story being how he imagines his grandfathers life to have been when he was a young man. I was drawn to the many details about Russia, the Cossacks and the Russian army. There are many things about that time period that I don't know anything about. One of the things that I love about historical fiction, when done well, is that it takes you to a time period and shares it with you in a way that becomes much more real than a history book. This book did that. It was very well written and the story just flowed naturally.
I am passing this book along to my 12 year old son. I can't wait to talk to him about what he has read and what he thinks about Nathan's adventures and hardships. One thing we enjoy doing together is discussing great literature we are reading.
I am passing this book along to my 12 year old son. I can't wait to talk to him about what he has read and what he thinks about Nathan's adventures and hardships. One thing we enjoy doing together is discussing great literature we are reading.
March 5, 2012
I completely enjoyed this book. Nathan is a young Jewish man who is abducted and is thrust into manhood. His abductor, a Cossack, trains him to be one. While he has great hunting skills and has mixed emotions about his captor, he is glad his mother and brother are spared. He faces a lot of tough choices and has a hard road to manhood.
Nathan was a wonderful, relateable character. I enjoyed his adventure. I also loved the history mixed into the story, you learn a lot and enjoy it! Oh and the fact that it is a Christian book makes it even better. Nathan's morals were very refreshing and his love of family, just great! Vivid imagery throughout.
I rate this a 5/5. I know young adults will enjoy it but so will adults!
Thank you to the author for the complimentary copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
Nathan was a wonderful, relateable character. I enjoyed his adventure. I also loved the history mixed into the story, you learn a lot and enjoy it! Oh and the fact that it is a Christian book makes it even better. Nathan's morals were very refreshing and his love of family, just great! Vivid imagery throughout.
I rate this a 5/5. I know young adults will enjoy it but so will adults!
Thank you to the author for the complimentary copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
February 19, 2012
Night of the Cossack is a well-written historical tale. Blubagh's clean, tight prose moves along at a clipping pace and the elements of great fiction are all here: high stakes, peril, uncertainty, as well as the coming-of-age of a young Jewish man whose life is torn apart by societal upheaval in early 19th century Russia. The book brings history to life through the eyes of its young male protagonist and ends on just the right note of hope, making it a perfect pick for teachers and educators looking for worthwhile fiction for young people. Readers of any age will enjoy this, but I think middle-school teachers should grab this book and dovetail it with world history lessons for their students. Scholastic should pick this one up for sure.
November 22, 2011
Follow Nathan Hertzfield as he journeys physically, emotionally, and spiritually along the road of life. While historical fiction is not my first choice when reading a book, I found myself captivated by Nathan's struggles and the decisions he was forced to make. From the moment he was kidnapped, Nathan's life changed forever. You will find yourself cheering for him until the very last page. In Night of the Cossack Tom Blubaugh does a fine job weaving history and fiction into a gripping story. I was so intrigued I even looked on a map to follow Nathan on his journey!
Lisa Tortorello- author of My Hero, My Ding
Lisa Tortorello- author of My Hero, My Ding
January 27, 2012
What a wonderful coming of age story this is. Walking with Nathan as he goes through some very dramatic changes,.sharing in the journey as he becomes a man and learns about true faith is enlightening.
Kudos to Tom Blubaugh for writing a story that is not only tasteful and entertaining, but a feast of historical and geographical information.
Kudos to Tom Blubaugh for writing a story that is not only tasteful and entertaining, but a feast of historical and geographical information.
October 2, 2017
This was a great book about a young man coming of age during a tough time in human history. I was angry he was kidnapped; I was happy when he got to see his mother and brother; and I was scared when he was headed to Paris. Feeling the emotions of the characters is what I want in any book I read! Well done!
June 18, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. It is a wonderful young adult adventure about a young boy who was kidnapped by a cossack soldier and forced to fight for the cossacks. This is a book that will be enjoyed by young adults as well as adult readers. I finished it in two readings. I could not put it down!
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March 17, 2012Night of the Cossacks is an easy to read, hard to put down novel about a grandfather's journey to America. It's vivid portrayal of life of the 19th century, pre revolutionary days in Russia depicts hardship and the growing disquiet of the Tzar's control.
June 23, 2012
I don't often read fiction but decided to purchase Night of the Cossack to read during my recent vacation break. Once I started it, I finished it within a few days! I enjoyed the historical setting and the author did a great job on keeping me interested. I recommend this book!
April 9, 2011
I was hooked after the first chapter. Be sure to read the introduction before you start the book. Night of the Cossack left me wanting more.
July 17, 2012
This book provided a great visualization. I enjoyed it.
September 25, 2019
It is around 1908, and Nathan Hertzfield, a sixteen year old Jewish boy, lives with his widowed mother and younger brother Israel in the village of Gagra at the foot of the Caucasus Mountains on the eastern shore of the Black Sea in northern Georgia. His father had died in an accident a year before. One night a Cossack army raids their village, and Nathan is kidnapped by a Cossack named Nikolai who changes his name to Stepan Ivanov and makes him a Cossack soldier. Another boy from the village, a slightly older boyhood friend of Nathan’s named Vasile, is also taken. Nikolai treats Nathan well, but the young man faces many life or death situations during his saga in the Russian army.
A couple of years later, after Nikolai is killed during a riot, Stepan is promoted to work in the pharmacy with Vasile, but his one-time friend sets him up to take the blame for his own misdeeds, so Stepan decides that he must flee for his life. Is he able to escape? If so, where will he go? And whom can he trust? Based loosely on the possible story of author Tom Blubaugh ‘s own grandfather, it is a tale of what might have happened, but Blubaugh does a fine job of weaving history and fiction into a gripping story, and the reader is exposed to a lot of history and geography as Nathan makes his way on his suspenseful coming of age journey through parts of Russia and Europe during the early 1900’s. The homeschool version also has a 10-day lesson plan included, like a unit study, with exercises in language arts, math, science, and social studies, as well as moral dilemma questions for each day.
There are references to drinking alcohol and smoking tobacco, but they are not emphasized. One reviewer mentioned “some elements that might concern cautious parents (discussion of women being kidnapped to become wives and veiled reference to rape and a character who preaches Christianity telling Nathan to not wait up, with a wink, as he goes to visit his girlfriend).” However, nothing struck me as inappropriate. There is a hint at romance but no torrid love scenes, and I agree with another reviewer who said, “This is a good, clean story and suitable for any teenager (or oldster).” Night of the Cossacks is a tale of loss and perseverance. In spite of his problems, Nathan doesn’t give up hope or become bitter and resentful toward God but exhibits character, ethics, and principles that are guided by his early childhood training based on Biblical principles. Reportedly a sequel is in the works.
A couple of years later, after Nikolai is killed during a riot, Stepan is promoted to work in the pharmacy with Vasile, but his one-time friend sets him up to take the blame for his own misdeeds, so Stepan decides that he must flee for his life. Is he able to escape? If so, where will he go? And whom can he trust? Based loosely on the possible story of author Tom Blubaugh ‘s own grandfather, it is a tale of what might have happened, but Blubaugh does a fine job of weaving history and fiction into a gripping story, and the reader is exposed to a lot of history and geography as Nathan makes his way on his suspenseful coming of age journey through parts of Russia and Europe during the early 1900’s. The homeschool version also has a 10-day lesson plan included, like a unit study, with exercises in language arts, math, science, and social studies, as well as moral dilemma questions for each day.
There are references to drinking alcohol and smoking tobacco, but they are not emphasized. One reviewer mentioned “some elements that might concern cautious parents (discussion of women being kidnapped to become wives and veiled reference to rape and a character who preaches Christianity telling Nathan to not wait up, with a wink, as he goes to visit his girlfriend).” However, nothing struck me as inappropriate. There is a hint at romance but no torrid love scenes, and I agree with another reviewer who said, “This is a good, clean story and suitable for any teenager (or oldster).” Night of the Cossacks is a tale of loss and perseverance. In spite of his problems, Nathan doesn’t give up hope or become bitter and resentful toward God but exhibits character, ethics, and principles that are guided by his early childhood training based on Biblical principles. Reportedly a sequel is in the works.
February 23, 2020
This was really a great book. It is a journey of a young man who has to take on different personas to survive, but throughout the book he holds on to his integrity and honour. He learns many things along the way from many different people who help him on his journey. We travel through many different countries with him; we grow fond of some of the characters and fearful of others. There is adventure, friendship, danger and many twists and turns,to hold the reader's interest. This is suitable for teenagers and adults alike. It would definitely hold the interest of boys in particular, but I'm sure many girls and women will enjoy it too, like I did.
At the end I wanted to read on and to know what happens next. I would definitely read the sequel. There are home-school notes added as well, which will help those home-schooling.
At the end I wanted to read on and to know what happens next. I would definitely read the sequel. There are home-school notes added as well, which will help those home-schooling.
February 27, 2020
Night of the Cossack was a page-turner for me. I read it in record time. The book was very engrossing and informative as well. Tom Blubaugh wrote it for home school students of middle and high school grades. However, as an adult, I learned a great deal of a world I knew very little about. I had no idea how people became Cossacks, lived in communities and worked. It was an eye-opener for me. I was cheering on some characters, even one that I did not like at the beginning, and I was disappointed in a the actions of another character. I understood the reasoning for the choices made as life is like that. The main character had very hard choices to make and I wondered if I would have been so brave. It is well written and I recommend it to everyone.
March 17, 2020
I was gifted a copy of the homeschool edition to read.
The story expands upon what little is known about the author's grandfather. The reader sees some of the struggles the boys recruited into the Cossacks faced. And the struggles of Jews at that point in history.
By the end of the title, I was left curious about what happened after Nathan after he reached the United States.
The homeschool edition separates the chapters into manageable clusters with questions and activities to expand learning. It could make for a nice book Club selection or cooperative class.
The story expands upon what little is known about the author's grandfather. The reader sees some of the struggles the boys recruited into the Cossacks faced. And the struggles of Jews at that point in history.
By the end of the title, I was left curious about what happened after Nathan after he reached the United States.
The homeschool edition separates the chapters into manageable clusters with questions and activities to expand learning. It could make for a nice book Club selection or cooperative class.
May 28, 2020
My daughters (ages 12 and 10) and I thoroughly enjoyed Night of the Cossack. Tom Blubaugh writes an engaging coming-of-age story of a young man in a turbulent time in history. I knew a little bit about the Cossacks from other historical fiction, but found Tom's approach to teaching about this time period interesting. My 10-year-old read the book in a few days and said it was very good.
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