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I Am Jael: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

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Inspired by a warrior woman of the Bible, Georgiana Darcy pursues righteous vengeance against the man who wronged her, George Wickham. The Bennets of Longbourn, the Bingleys of Netherfield, and Fitzwilliam Darcy himself find themselves dragged along in her wake.

After her traumatic experience at Ramsgate, Georgiana Darcy finds strength and inspiration in the story of Jael, a warrior woman of the Bible. Determined to protect her fellow women from the depredations of George Wickham, she descends on Meryton and Netherfield with righteous determination to see the man pay for his crimes.

Fitzwilliam Darcy is bewildered by his young sister’s resolve to stop Wickham from harming other women. With some reluctance, he joins with his sister and cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam to bring Wickham to justice.

Elizabeth Bennet, initially charmed by the handsome George Wickham, is shocked to discover that the man has a dark past. When she discovers the truth, she is determined to assist in ensuring that the handsome and silver tongued military man does not harm those around her.

Elizabeth and Darcy find themselves strongly attracted to one another, though Elizabeth questions whether the wealthy owner of Pemberley is willing to set aside his pride to wed a woman whose sometimes vulgar family has ties to trade.
In the end, Georgiana’s courage brings much needed change in the lives of the Bennets, the Bingleys, the de Bourghs, and Mr. George Wickham himself.

This is a low angst, clean, sweet Regency romance of 50,000 words.

Warning: this book includes a non-explicit description of a sexual assault against a minor, original

213 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 31, 2020

145 people are currently reading
45 people want to read

About the author

Laraba Kendig

45 books108 followers
I am a scientist by training, but a writer at heart. I have always loved reading with a passion and turned my hand to fanfiction a few years ago. I write stories similar to the ones I enjoy reading. They are interesting but light, romantic but not steamy. I am a super fan of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, and have been having a wonderful time writing P&P variations, exploring how new circumstances affect the beloved characters. So far I have published two novel-length Pride and Prejudice variations plus one short story via Amazon. My books include ‘I am Jael’ and ‘The Blind Will See’.

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5 stars
136 (39%)
4 stars
141 (40%)
3 stars
59 (17%)
2 stars
8 (2%)
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3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for wosedwew.
1,339 reviews125 followers
June 13, 2020
For the female of the species is more deadly than the male. – Rudyard Kipling

Long ago, I read that Rudyard Kipling was reviled for this poem by women everywhere who in 1911 were outraged over being considered deadly.

In 1811, young Georgiana Darcy would have taken his words to her heart.

After her misadventure with George Wickham, Georgiana feels her female weakness. She happens across the Old Testament story of Jael who murdered the enemy of her people. Georgiana adopts Jael as her alter ego and vows to do what her brother and cousin have chosen not to do: stop George Wickham!

When Georgiana overhears servant gossip that Wickham is in Meryton where her brother is visiting his friend Bingley, she travels to Hertfordshire and confronts Wickham directly. He threatens her and awakens Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam. Plans must be made to protect the people of Hertfordshire.

Overall, the Wickham story is over at the mid-point of the book. The second half is the love story of Darcy and Elizabeth, with Georgiana’s influence with Lady Catherine.

I have read many Georgiana coming-of-age stories and this ranks with the best. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys JAFF.

Profile Image for James S.
1,437 reviews
June 3, 2020
Truly original

4 stars rounded up to 5 because not only was it a fun story to read, it has a moving and meaningful message for everyone.

Georgiana reads about about Jael, a woman in the Bible and decides to model the rest of her life on Jael. I never heard of Jael but she is well explained in the story.

Georgiana’s new view of life leads to many interesting changes to canon. I enjoyed the story thourghly. The were small moments where the writing wasn’t as clear or interesting as most of it was but in didn’t ruin the story for me.
545 reviews21 followers
February 16, 2023
I loved Georgiana in this book. She is the heroine of the story, she thinks, learns, acts, advises, inspires and motivates people around her. Though the story has many religious references, it's not preachy which I would say is a specialization of this author.
Profile Image for J. W. Garrett.
1,736 reviews139 followers
January 31, 2021
“One by one she slew her fears, and then planted a flower garden over their graves.” –John Mark Green

Rating: clean: with a caveat: not appropriate for younger readers due to explanations of a forced assault. [->13]: Religious references and scriptures read regarding Jael from the Bible. Not preachy in any way just referencing a strong woman character of the Bible and how God used her.

This was a strange twist to our P&P story. We had several threads running concurrently and I enjoyed every single one.

Darcy and Elizabeth: of course, forging ahead as they reach for their HEA

Anne de Bourgh vs Lady Catherine: as they vie for the reins of Rosings Park. Next up… the battle of the tians. [crowd cheers]

Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam: as he valiantly attempts to help his cousins reach their happiness.
Note: I was a bit disappointed that there wasn’t an epilogue for our dear Colonel. I had hoped for a HEA for him as well.

Georgiana: ‘I am Jael’… in her quest to be all she could be… while facing down her fears.

Charles and Jane: seeking their HEA regardless of his—and—in spite of her family.

Mr. Collins and Charlotte: his eyes finally opened when the wrath of Lady Catherine forced him to make a choice.

Wickham: SBRB [scum-bag-rat-bastard] lies, lies, and more lies. Does he even know the truth?

I think that about says it all. This was an amazing story that I highly recommend.


“Everything is within your power,
and your power is within you.”

–Janice Trachtman, Catching What Life Throws at You: Inspiring True Stories of Healing
Profile Image for Craftyhj.
1,231 reviews
March 4, 2024
2.5*

I found this one rather distasteful - the bloodlust and vengeance is really quite unpleasant.



The writing was rather too clunky to make up for the weakness in plot development.
Profile Image for M.
1,138 reviews
July 4, 2020
Quite a different idea of P&P, led by overtly strong women. Or rather, women who became strong by overcoming difficulties and victimhood.

It has religious overtones, as may be obvious from the title, but it isn’t excessively preachy if that kind of thing makes you uncomfortable . I didn’t think the story of Jael needed to be quoted in full; most of the story is irrelevant, and many will know it already, so it would have been more interesting to see Georgianna’s emotional reaction and inspiration, and the story is also repeated in summary a few times to/by others which slows down the novel. The language is often awkward around the religious messages, or too overt for English characters; the style feels different as if it was written by a different person. I think it would be good for the author to edit these passages for a better flow, such as she achieved in Anne’s letter to her mother, which used religious terms but did so in a natural way.

As to the story itself - though I didn’t always find certain parts completely believable my interest was held. I like the concept of claiming one’s power. The language was sometimes anachronistic and some passages were awkward, interrupting the flow (see above), and some points were repeated over much. Sometimes I wondered about whether certain aspects of the story were quite Regency, but other aspects were clearly historically researched (like not writing eg). I liked that the Darcy/Elizabeth love story was still central and, with the inclusion of Col Fitzwilliam, sometimes quite amusing. Huge kudos to the author for making Miss Bingley sensible; one of the more true to character Miss Bingley portrayals.
762 reviews8 followers
July 31, 2020
Avid Reader

I have enjoyed reading this book, Christian references and all. I appreciate being introduced to Jael and wish that I had been introduced much sooner. Georgina beats Wickham at his own game, ending in his hanging.
199 reviews4 followers
July 19, 2020
Great Book

A really good book could not put it down and read it in one go I could just imagine young Georie telling Wickham off in front of a crowd in Meyton.
Profile Image for Heidi Van der koon.
9 reviews
June 6, 2020
Sweet strong story

I love GD strength and determination. This story is quite unique and a fun read.
I like how GW and LC are dealt with and GW is only really part of the first half of the story not dragged out.
I'm a huge ODC fan so loved this story that has them together earlier then the original and happy. Of course E didn't commit right away but there was also no insults on either end I think the author did an excellent job here and overall sweet romantic well done tale.
I should state I had my kindle read the book to me so I am unaware of any grammar or spelling errors.
160 reviews
July 23, 2020
First half was really great, second half not so much. I loved GD's plot, she was written beautifully and very in character. I liked her strength and the way she confronted her fears. Hated this Darcy, he always needed someone else to point out his mistakes and misconceptions, it got old. I think he should have come to at least one conclusion about his life without the help of his Friends and family, and I didn't like E&D's romance. I enjoyed Anne's plot but it felt like a different book altogether.
The book needs some editing but it wasn't too preachy, wich I appreciated.
Profile Image for Susan.
7,297 reviews69 followers
November 29, 2020
When Georgiana Darcy becomes inspired by a warrior woman from the Bible, she decides she is now strong enough for vengeance on Wickham. So she travels to Netherfield where her brother is visiting. While at Netherfield Darcy has become enthralled of Elizabeth Bennet but does she return his affection. Will vengeance be served, will anyone have a happy ending.
An enjoyable P&P variation
Profile Image for Auggy.
305 reviews
February 18, 2021
Really a 3.5, but rounded up. A solid JAFF offering, I think. Pacing is nice, plot keeps advancing, no loose ends at the end. Overall, it’s not an especially memorable story but has nothing that annoyed me or felt off-balance.
Profile Image for Michelle David.
2,562 reviews13 followers
June 6, 2023
unusual

An unusual and interesting premise in this variation inspired by Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice by Laraba Kendig. I enjoyed it.
1,211 reviews31 followers
June 26, 2020
Wonderful

Congratulations are in order for this first effort from Ms Kendig. She has managed to come up with an original idea, and to give it life through characters that you can care about. Georgiana Darcy has an epiphany after reading a bible story about a strong and determined woman. She is inspired by the story to a more active role in preventing George Wickham from preying upon vulnerable young women, the way that he preyed upon her. Georgiana travels to Hertfordshire, where Wickham is stationed, and where her brother is visiting Bingley, and makes it her mission to warn everyone about Wickham's deceitful ways.

This is a low angst tale, one in which the villains get what's coming to them, and in which Darcy and Elizabeth reach their resolution without most of the obstacles from the original P&P. It's fun when characters like Georgiana, who is usually extremely timid and silent, are given a backbone and a personality, and have an important impact on the outcome.

I'm not one for overly religious stories, and I was truly just confused by how anyone could receive inspiration from that particular bible story, but I felt the premise was good. Jane Austen is a big proponent of girl power and strong female characters, and this author carries on that theme. The book is well written and well edited. I recommend it highly.


40 reviews
July 7, 2020
Very good to follow Anne

This story had a final Wickham solution that was long in coming. I also enjoyed the follow-up on Anne. A good read
Profile Image for Audrey.
34 reviews
July 16, 2020
Awesome story - amazing plot line

Mrs. Kendig, congratulations! I was highly impressed with the story, and the DRAMA :-O! I loved, loved, loved what became of Mr.Darcy’s sister! Your opening was BOLD, and the story went upward from there. Truly an excellent tale, and I look forward to your future books.
622 reviews
August 11, 2020
I like the slant

I like that Georgiana decides not to remain a victim. And Anne, too. And that even Mr Collins has a growth moment. Not sure why Lizzy would fail in love during a, was it 4, months absence from Mr Darcy. But also not sure I quite understand that violent Bible passage, not that I wouldn't consider doing the same thing if me and mine were endangered and the opportunity presented itself.
Profile Image for Karen A. Wyle.
Author 26 books234 followers
November 28, 2020
I have read a few different Pride and Prejudice "variations," and find it interesting and gratifying how many of them choose to enlarge on the role of some secondary character in the original, often showing more compassion and understanding for that character, and seeing greater potential in that character, than Austen did. Austen did not treat Georgiana Darcy dismissively or satirically, but she never gave her room to grow, except in a brief aside tossed out at the end of the novel.

This story springs from the assumption that not long after her narrow escape from the machinations of George Wickham, Georgiana is struck and inspired by the Biblical story of Jael, who dispatches an enemy of her people in graphic and bloody fashion. What that inspiration leads her to attempt and achieve makes for a lively and engrossing tale. We also see some character development in those who received little of it at Austen's hands. And as is often the case in these alternate versions, Mr. Darcy himself emerges as a somewhat more sympathetic protagonist.

One character comes to a startling, final end, and another suffers a much-deserved, if far less drastic, defeat, in both cases to the benefit of many. In contrast, several difficulties into which the original's plot leads principal characters are averted in a reasonably plausible fashion, growing from the events the newly formidable Georgiana sets in motion.
Profile Image for Ree.
1,342 reviews80 followers
June 19, 2020
Not your typical Pride and Prejudice variation, this book has Georgiana seeking justice against the misdeeds of Wickham, and later, Anne de Bourgh finding her independence from Lady Catherine. Georgiana discovers Jael, a female heroine of the Bible from whom she finds the strength to make known the scoundrel who is Wickham. I found it to be well written, albeit with a simple writing style—not unusual for a new writer. I only noted a couple of proofreading errors. I really enjoyed the story and I truly hope to see more from this writer in the future.
Profile Image for Kimbelle Pease.
Author 11 books25 followers
October 8, 2023
The title of the story fit the start of the book for Georgiana, then the whole book shifted into a story that did not fit the title for Darcy and Elizabeth, before shifting again to Anne's story, where the title was used for Anne in a minor way, shifting the power and balance to her. That said, the tale was unique, lovely in its own way, and sweet despite some characters clinging to bitterness. I loved the way Laraba altered Collins' character in the end, it was well written and thoughtful. And Colonel Fitzwilliam, of course, was the hero we hope for. Truly enjoyable, overall.
Profile Image for Emily.
463 reviews
November 25, 2020
Uplifting

After having read hundreds of P&P variations, it has become harder and harder to find a unique storyline, but fortunately I found one here. I enjoyed reading about the strength and resolve of the female characters and I especially liked the fact that the make characters supported and encouraged them.
Profile Image for Jeanah.
303 reviews6 followers
January 4, 2021
Powerful

Love this book!! The writing drew me in completely. I was enthralled by the strength of the characters written and how Georgiana transformed herself into a warrior of sorts. Very proud of author choice to Address the horrors of rape and the injustice for women then (even now) Fantastic! I greatly look forward to reading more works from the author.
58 reviews1 follower
May 11, 2021
Fascinating

With P&P variations one is never sure how much of the original story will be stuck to, so although some of it is a foregone conclusion, some is far from it. I particularly liked the development of Lady Catherine’s story, and it’s always good when there’s less of the irritating Lydia!
54 reviews
July 18, 2021
I loved this book!

I remember when I first found this book. I was intrigued and couldn't wait to pick it up. I have not been disappointed! It had plot, character development without moving too far from the original characters, and even action and humor. I loved every minute and would highly suggest it to anyone who likes these kinds of stories!
Profile Image for Mr. Bevan.
5 reviews
June 2, 2023
Truly memorable

It was a true pleasure to read this story. How refreshing to see not only a story from a Christian point of view, but to see such a large quote from the scriptures.
Better still to read of an abused young woman to utilize that scripture to improve not only her own life, but also those around her as well.

This ia a book I would recommend to anyone. Well done!!
Profile Image for Mari.
560 reviews
July 23, 2020
A little convoluted plot, the first half was better being about Miss Darcy coming to her own self power and growing and also Wickham getting what he deserves... for Elizabeth and Darcy never felt the chemistry 🤷🏻‍♀️
39 reviews
August 6, 2020
Very different, very enjoyable!

Love the many ways this book adds to the OG. The story of Jael is a very interesting twist and uses a centuries old story to add a modern twist. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
59 reviews1 follower
September 7, 2020
Super read


I wonder how many of your followers went to the Bible to read about Jael? May have been their first experience. These words in this book may have been yours it they originated in the Holy Spirit you may think you are an engineer but you truly a missiony
43 reviews
September 11, 2020
This was an entertaining novel that kept my interest throughout. The biblical story of Jael--a strong and independent woman--inspires Georgiana Darcy to make sure the Wickham can never harm another woman. Anne de Bourgh is also inspired by Georgiana's success. Satisfying and entertaining.
118 reviews
May 7, 2023
A Good Read

Hooray for strong women! It’s refreshing to read a story when women stand up for themselves stop being doormats for men. Were you can still have good manners except firm boundaries and hold people accountable for their bad behavior.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews

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