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The Victorious Blood
The Victorious Blood portrays a bloody epic which is over thirteen hundred years old. It took place in Karbala, a small town on the bank of the Euphrates river in Iraq. It was between the grandson of the prophet of Islam, al-Hussain bin Ali, who commanded an army that did not exceed a hundred warriors. And Yazid bin Mu'awiyah, the son of the founder of the Umayyad state. His army consisted of thirty thousand soldiers under the command of Omar bin Saad. In The Victorious Blood, you will be taken into the heat of the battle itself and there you will learn about the reasons for the epic struggle and the history consequences which followed it. You will be a historical tourist traveling back in time thirteen hundred years and vividly witness the war techniques, political tricks, and the lifestyle of that era. You will visit the palaces' reception rooms, personal homes, and public squares in Damascus, Kufa, and the Arabian Peninsula. You will observe historical characters and their involvement in a high stakes conflicts filled with language of ancient conspiracy, subterfuge, alliance, and betrayal, often ending in death for one of the combatants involved.
390 pages, Paperback
First published July 13, 2020
91 people are currently reading
6411 people want to read
About the author
Hussin Alkheder
6 books127 followersHussin Alkeder, a native of Damascus, Syria, first drew breath in the vibrant city. His formative years were spent navigating the winding alleys of Al-Shagoor street, where he attended the venerable old primary school, imbibing the essence of his cultural heritage.
Over the span of twenty-three years, Hussin's roots remained firmly planted in Damascus, forging a deep connection with the city's rich tapestry of traditions and history. However, destiny beckoned him to explore beyond his homeland's borders, and he eventually embarked on a new chapter in his life, finding himself drawn to the bustling cosmopolitan marvel of Dubai.
For eight transformative years, Hussin luxuriated in the embrace of Dubai's multicultural milieu, absorbing its myriad influences and forging connections with people from all corners of the globe. Yet, this ceaseless thirst for cultural exploration continued to pull him, propelling him further eastward towards the captivating realm of Shanghai, China.
In Shanghai, Hussin delved into the mystique of far eastern cultures, immersing himself in the vibrant urban landscape and unraveling the secrets of this ancient civilization. As he roamed the bustling streets and serene temples, the profound allure of Asia left an indelible mark on his soul.
With an enriching array of experiences and a kaleidoscope of cultures etched into his being, Hussin found himself propelled towards a newfound passion - the art of storytelling. His creative spirit culminated in the masterful creation of his debut non-fiction novel, "The Victorious Blood," a literary testament to the triumphs and tribulations of Imam Hussain 's journey, painted with vivid strokes of truth and wonder.
Thus, the life of Hussin Alkeder traverses continents, cultures, and literary realms, as he pens a literary odyssey destined to captivate the hearts and minds of avid readers across the globe.
Over the span of twenty-three years, Hussin's roots remained firmly planted in Damascus, forging a deep connection with the city's rich tapestry of traditions and history. However, destiny beckoned him to explore beyond his homeland's borders, and he eventually embarked on a new chapter in his life, finding himself drawn to the bustling cosmopolitan marvel of Dubai.
For eight transformative years, Hussin luxuriated in the embrace of Dubai's multicultural milieu, absorbing its myriad influences and forging connections with people from all corners of the globe. Yet, this ceaseless thirst for cultural exploration continued to pull him, propelling him further eastward towards the captivating realm of Shanghai, China.
In Shanghai, Hussin delved into the mystique of far eastern cultures, immersing himself in the vibrant urban landscape and unraveling the secrets of this ancient civilization. As he roamed the bustling streets and serene temples, the profound allure of Asia left an indelible mark on his soul.
With an enriching array of experiences and a kaleidoscope of cultures etched into his being, Hussin found himself propelled towards a newfound passion - the art of storytelling. His creative spirit culminated in the masterful creation of his debut non-fiction novel, "The Victorious Blood," a literary testament to the triumphs and tribulations of Imam Hussain 's journey, painted with vivid strokes of truth and wonder.
Thus, the life of Hussin Alkeder traverses continents, cultures, and literary realms, as he pens a literary odyssey destined to captivate the hearts and minds of avid readers across the globe.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
June 4, 2021
3 stars for a repetitious recounting of the battle of Karbala, in 680CE. I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. Thanks to Hussin Alkheder for sending me this book. I thought that this book would give me greater insight into the Sunni/Shia split between members of the Muslim faith.
The book is actually a faithful recounting of the lead up to the battle of Karbala, the battle itself and the aftermath. When caliph Mu'awiyah bin Abi Sufyan dies his son Yazid bin Mu'awiyah claims the title of caliph, leader of the Arab world. But Al-Hussain Ali, grandson of Muhammad, receives letters from many Arabs disputing Yazid's claim. He decides to go to Kufa, the source of the letters. Yazid sends an army to stop him. The 2 sides meet at Karbala. Al-Hussain has 100 warriors and Yazid's army 30, 000 warriors.
The first half of the book is the lead up to the battle. Many of the letters are quoted in the book . After awhile, they become very repetitious. Each one invokes Allah and proclaims allegiance to Al-Hussain. Even though they are willing to go to war, they all end with "Peace be upon you."
A quote explanation: "Peace be upon you" The words came out of the mouths of everyone who passed Muslim bin Aosajah and Abu Khaleel, whether they knew them or not. The greeting of peace is a common duty among Muslims."
The description of the actual battle describes individual warriors on Al-Hussain's side. Each one goes into battle and kills dozens of the enemy. But at the end of the battle, Yazid's army is still 30, 000.
Although this book is 350 pages of text, it took me 8 days to read it because it did not hold my interest. Recommended only to someone interested in the actual battle and willing to put up with repetitious extravagant language repeatedly praising Allah.
There are extensive footnotes and there is a comprehensive bibliography.
The book is actually a faithful recounting of the lead up to the battle of Karbala, the battle itself and the aftermath. When caliph Mu'awiyah bin Abi Sufyan dies his son Yazid bin Mu'awiyah claims the title of caliph, leader of the Arab world. But Al-Hussain Ali, grandson of Muhammad, receives letters from many Arabs disputing Yazid's claim. He decides to go to Kufa, the source of the letters. Yazid sends an army to stop him. The 2 sides meet at Karbala. Al-Hussain has 100 warriors and Yazid's army 30, 000 warriors.
The first half of the book is the lead up to the battle. Many of the letters are quoted in the book . After awhile, they become very repetitious. Each one invokes Allah and proclaims allegiance to Al-Hussain. Even though they are willing to go to war, they all end with "Peace be upon you."
A quote explanation: "Peace be upon you" The words came out of the mouths of everyone who passed Muslim bin Aosajah and Abu Khaleel, whether they knew them or not. The greeting of peace is a common duty among Muslims."
The description of the actual battle describes individual warriors on Al-Hussain's side. Each one goes into battle and kills dozens of the enemy. But at the end of the battle, Yazid's army is still 30, 000.
Although this book is 350 pages of text, it took me 8 days to read it because it did not hold my interest. Recommended only to someone interested in the actual battle and willing to put up with repetitious extravagant language repeatedly praising Allah.
There are extensive footnotes and there is a comprehensive bibliography.
June 10, 2021
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A book about the struggles that became the schism that is Shia and Sunni Islam. Informative, and entertaining.
A book about the struggles that became the schism that is Shia and Sunni Islam. Informative, and entertaining.
October 2, 2020
A well-written book about a tragic historical event for Muslims. The author consolidated a lot of information into a great storyline to help the reader truly understand and feel the pain of what happened. Other historical books lack the ability to express the facts in such a manner. A must read for all, regardless of religion or background.
October 17, 2024
Exotic and intense ride through the tumultuous tale of a 7th century clash between Middle East Muslims for control of the region. No need to stress over the many, many names because author Alkheder does a standup job of composing this tale. It has the feel of a movie. It has the suspense, the gore, the severed heads, bloody-bearded sneaky villains and wailing women. Check out the author's profile here for a sample of his style.
Is this mad story true? Do chained prisoners and men in the thick of battle deliver long speeches? Doubtful, but this wild story was built on solid research of historical records. So it's as true as it ever was, and put together brilliantly.
The writing is different perhaps because of the translation or the millennium of time that has passed since this very real conflict went down. Good different, not bad different:
"She bent, picked it (a human head) up, and looked at it with a look that held a thesaurus of emotions.”
When the ruler Yasid is angry he "bounces on his throne."
A soldier is chosen because he is "steadiest in the face of stabbing."
"His voice was hoarse and escaped through gritted teeth that almost smashed from the pressure of his chin."
Medina is " soaked in darkness."
There are heroic women, smart horses, and doomed martyrs here. Most of them die.
Most of them announce how happy they are to die defending their leader Hussain Bin Ali. They don't even mind days of thirst. Believe it, or not! It makes a great tale. It does not inspire me to blind devotion, religion, or war. Indeed, quite the opposite.
I received a free copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway but I had marked this 'as want to read' prior to that. Thank you to the author for his fine work on a pretty horrible story! Long may you write! Minus one star simply because I do not like people being awful to one another. Humans, ugh!
Is this mad story true? Do chained prisoners and men in the thick of battle deliver long speeches? Doubtful, but this wild story was built on solid research of historical records. So it's as true as it ever was, and put together brilliantly.
The writing is different perhaps because of the translation or the millennium of time that has passed since this very real conflict went down. Good different, not bad different:
"She bent, picked it (a human head) up, and looked at it with a look that held a thesaurus of emotions.”
When the ruler Yasid is angry he "bounces on his throne."
A soldier is chosen because he is "steadiest in the face of stabbing."
"His voice was hoarse and escaped through gritted teeth that almost smashed from the pressure of his chin."
Medina is " soaked in darkness."
There are heroic women, smart horses, and doomed martyrs here. Most of them die.
Most of them announce how happy they are to die defending their leader Hussain Bin Ali. They don't even mind days of thirst. Believe it, or not! It makes a great tale. It does not inspire me to blind devotion, religion, or war. Indeed, quite the opposite.
I received a free copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway but I had marked this 'as want to read' prior to that. Thank you to the author for his fine work on a pretty horrible story! Long may you write! Minus one star simply because I do not like people being awful to one another. Humans, ugh!
July 11, 2021
The book is a well-reached and historical recounting of the lead up to the battle of Karbala, the battle itself and the aftermath (a crucial time period in Islamic history). But it isn't just history it places you alongside the the historical figures watching history be revealed.
May 9, 2021
There are spoilers in this review.
I would like to introduce my review with a quick summary and some key points that I believe can contribute to discussion about the book and then leave my thoughts on its strengths and weaknesses.
A Victorious Blood focuses on a crucial period in early Islamic history: the events surrounding the death of al-Hussain ibn Ali, a grandson of Muhammad, which had a lasting impact on the religion and directly contributed to the divisions between Sunni and Shia Islam. The death of al-Hussain is well known throughout the Islamic world and is an important holiday for Shia Muslims, yet he is relatively unknown in the West, which I believe was the impetus for this book.
A Victorious Blood leads the reader through the early Umayyad Caliphate under the reigns of Mua’wiyah and his son Yazid. At this early stage of the very first Islamic Empire, the leadership was still unstable. The legitimacy of the ruling class did not go unquestioned, especially since the empire included such a diversity of peoples. One pathway towards recognition as the rightful rulers over this new empire was through the ruling class’s proximity and lineage from the prophet, whether that be kinship, military relations, or some political relationship, there needed to be some sort of (even tenuous) connection to the Prophet Mohammad. (Of course, “legitimacy” could be found in improving the lives of the people among other equally important considerations, but this book deals specifically with the import of Islam at the time.) None of the Umayyad ruling class had a blood relation to the prophet, which would be their strongest claim to rule, but there was one person who did: al-Hussain ibn Ali, who at the time had taken refuge in Mecca.
Early in Yazid’s rule, he requested that al-Hussain pledge his allegiance to Yazid. Al-Hussain refused, believing that Yazid was openly defying the desires of the prophet. many in and near Kufa (near present-day Najaf, Iraq) who were disillusioned with the harsh rule of a distant capital turned to al-Hussain as a possible liberator and requested that al-Hussain join them. Al-Hussain felt compelled to heed their call and traveled from Mecca to Kufa. After a series of unfortunate circumstances, including the capture of one of al-Hussain’s family members by the Umayyads, al-Hussain arrived outside of Kufa at Karbala with just his family. He received no welcome nor did the people and soldiers of Kufa join him. He was set upon by Yazid’s army and was killed and decapitated. His family was enslaved and marched back to Damascus to meet Yazid, and eventually were freed.
The guilt the people of Kufa and the surrounding region felt was immense and the hatred towards the caliphate grew. Al-Hussain’s death spurred rebellion in Mecca and eventually led to a civil war throughout the empire and the guilt surrounding his death was a catalyst for the development of Shia Islam, which now vows only to recognize the direct descendants of the Prophet Muhammad as legitimate leaders of the religion. In contrast, the Umayyad Caliphate modeled its court after the Byzantine Empire to its North, creating a political structure that looks familiar to Medieval politics.
The Battle of Karbala and the events in A Victorious Blood can be seen as the growing pains of a new empire but the impact on the people has been enormous, who ultimately always pay the price for brutality and intolerance.
The strengths of this book lie in the research. Information about the death of al-Hussain is extensive but disorganized and not easily available in English. Recorded history in the early Islamic period was often recorded by traveling historians who would interview local historians, would use their name as citations, and would try to source their claims with references from other locals. Indeed, there are problems with that—if you are to look at the story of al-Hussain you will see almost mythical occurrences such as the number of arrows he was hit by and survived before he was decapitated. But the author does a fine job of omitting events or moments that are not recorded in multiple accounts in favor of occurrences that are more certain.
There are a few difficulties I found with the book: the number of names is difficult to track. The author did include a glossary of names, which does help. A second challenge I had was keeping a timeline of the events: I would have benefited from a timeline map to be able to reference as well since the book jumps forward through time by months.
Overall, the book was a success. The events surrounding al-Hussain’s death and the aftermath are crucial to Islamic history and this retelling is an excellent contribution to Islamic history.
I would like to introduce my review with a quick summary and some key points that I believe can contribute to discussion about the book and then leave my thoughts on its strengths and weaknesses.
A Victorious Blood focuses on a crucial period in early Islamic history: the events surrounding the death of al-Hussain ibn Ali, a grandson of Muhammad, which had a lasting impact on the religion and directly contributed to the divisions between Sunni and Shia Islam. The death of al-Hussain is well known throughout the Islamic world and is an important holiday for Shia Muslims, yet he is relatively unknown in the West, which I believe was the impetus for this book.
A Victorious Blood leads the reader through the early Umayyad Caliphate under the reigns of Mua’wiyah and his son Yazid. At this early stage of the very first Islamic Empire, the leadership was still unstable. The legitimacy of the ruling class did not go unquestioned, especially since the empire included such a diversity of peoples. One pathway towards recognition as the rightful rulers over this new empire was through the ruling class’s proximity and lineage from the prophet, whether that be kinship, military relations, or some political relationship, there needed to be some sort of (even tenuous) connection to the Prophet Mohammad. (Of course, “legitimacy” could be found in improving the lives of the people among other equally important considerations, but this book deals specifically with the import of Islam at the time.) None of the Umayyad ruling class had a blood relation to the prophet, which would be their strongest claim to rule, but there was one person who did: al-Hussain ibn Ali, who at the time had taken refuge in Mecca.
Early in Yazid’s rule, he requested that al-Hussain pledge his allegiance to Yazid. Al-Hussain refused, believing that Yazid was openly defying the desires of the prophet. many in and near Kufa (near present-day Najaf, Iraq) who were disillusioned with the harsh rule of a distant capital turned to al-Hussain as a possible liberator and requested that al-Hussain join them. Al-Hussain felt compelled to heed their call and traveled from Mecca to Kufa. After a series of unfortunate circumstances, including the capture of one of al-Hussain’s family members by the Umayyads, al-Hussain arrived outside of Kufa at Karbala with just his family. He received no welcome nor did the people and soldiers of Kufa join him. He was set upon by Yazid’s army and was killed and decapitated. His family was enslaved and marched back to Damascus to meet Yazid, and eventually were freed.
The guilt the people of Kufa and the surrounding region felt was immense and the hatred towards the caliphate grew. Al-Hussain’s death spurred rebellion in Mecca and eventually led to a civil war throughout the empire and the guilt surrounding his death was a catalyst for the development of Shia Islam, which now vows only to recognize the direct descendants of the Prophet Muhammad as legitimate leaders of the religion. In contrast, the Umayyad Caliphate modeled its court after the Byzantine Empire to its North, creating a political structure that looks familiar to Medieval politics.
The Battle of Karbala and the events in A Victorious Blood can be seen as the growing pains of a new empire but the impact on the people has been enormous, who ultimately always pay the price for brutality and intolerance.
The strengths of this book lie in the research. Information about the death of al-Hussain is extensive but disorganized and not easily available in English. Recorded history in the early Islamic period was often recorded by traveling historians who would interview local historians, would use their name as citations, and would try to source their claims with references from other locals. Indeed, there are problems with that—if you are to look at the story of al-Hussain you will see almost mythical occurrences such as the number of arrows he was hit by and survived before he was decapitated. But the author does a fine job of omitting events or moments that are not recorded in multiple accounts in favor of occurrences that are more certain.
There are a few difficulties I found with the book: the number of names is difficult to track. The author did include a glossary of names, which does help. A second challenge I had was keeping a timeline of the events: I would have benefited from a timeline map to be able to reference as well since the book jumps forward through time by months.
Overall, the book was a success. The events surrounding al-Hussain’s death and the aftermath are crucial to Islamic history and this retelling is an excellent contribution to Islamic history.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2021
This book was mesmerizing. It brought to life the split between the Sunnis and Shiites right at the beginning of the Islamic era, and to a large degree, explained the passion that still fuels their mutual enmity today. I thought it would be difficult to follow the story given the long names and unfamiliar locations, but it was fairly easy to follow as a story of a family trying to survive. The fighting scenes were very bloody, and life in general very brutal. The author accomplished quite a feat in turning all of the documents from the era into an exciting a emotional narrative.
August 11, 2025
Salam! I would like to say this is one of the best price of literature about story of Karbala I have read. It was so good that I couldn’t put it down at some point that my family members practically had to pry it out of my hands. I loved the beautiful
description, the what he portrayed certain people and the heart wrenching battle itself self. It’s beautiful written and you can tell the passion the author put into writing this book.
Firstly, everything was explained so incredibly that you feel like you’re living what he’s describing. You feel like you’ve been transmigrated into another universe…truly like you’ve travelled back in time.
Secondly, I love how it shows you many months before the battle happened. Showing what lead to the battle and everyone’s feelings and experiences. It’s also a good way to test your humanity. Showing you what the horrible people did to the family of the prophet and how hypocritical these people are. He also talks about people that don’t get mentioned much in general.
Then the battle itself…oof. I can’t even begin to describe how heart wrenching it was. I cried so much during many of the soldiers deaths. * I cried the most when Imam Hussain told his 11 year old nephew to stay back and not fight when he went out. But the poor child couldn’t stand to see his uncle in such state that he ran out to try and defend him, only to be killed right on his chest. *
I think this a great way to learn the story of Karbala and this side of history in general. We have many books on Christianity and other religions and history books - I think it’s important that us as muslims also spread our message through literature too. I’d say this is an amazing, beautiful start for people.
- reader
description, the what he portrayed certain people and the heart wrenching battle itself self. It’s beautiful written and you can tell the passion the author put into writing this book.
Firstly, everything was explained so incredibly that you feel like you’re living what he’s describing. You feel like you’ve been transmigrated into another universe…truly like you’ve travelled back in time.
Secondly, I love how it shows you many months before the battle happened. Showing what lead to the battle and everyone’s feelings and experiences. It’s also a good way to test your humanity. Showing you what the horrible people did to the family of the prophet and how hypocritical these people are. He also talks about people that don’t get mentioned much in general.
Then the battle itself…oof. I can’t even begin to describe how heart wrenching it was. I cried so much during many of the soldiers deaths. * I cried the most when Imam Hussain told his 11 year old nephew to stay back and not fight when he went out. But the poor child couldn’t stand to see his uncle in such state that he ran out to try and defend him, only to be killed right on his chest. *
I think this a great way to learn the story of Karbala and this side of history in general. We have many books on Christianity and other religions and history books - I think it’s important that us as muslims also spread our message through literature too. I’d say this is an amazing, beautiful start for people.
- reader
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2022
The Victorious Blood is a true historical manuscript. A master piece from the voice of a native, Hussin Alkheder.
This historic book is an expansive cultural epic of the Islamic society and its culture of the thirteen-hundred. The narratives deliver the vast history, deep culture, and complex events of this ancient society.
The script explores the attitude and actions of the people of the past and the mentality of the genders in those generations. This is a true story of the core of the Islamic belief and its civilization.
Alkheder writing deals with human and family, belief and religion, politics and power, and events and consequences for generations. The settings and actions of the characters are evocative, with an original premise, political and religious undertones, and philosophical aspects. This is a book that delivers the understanding of the Islamic civilization, techniques and struggles in war, leadership and miscalculations of commands, tricks and betrayal in politics, and pleasure and pain of the human being. All just in the right measures.
I recommend reading The Victorious Blood to expand cultural awareness and for enjoyment.
This historic book is an expansive cultural epic of the Islamic society and its culture of the thirteen-hundred. The narratives deliver the vast history, deep culture, and complex events of this ancient society.
The script explores the attitude and actions of the people of the past and the mentality of the genders in those generations. This is a true story of the core of the Islamic belief and its civilization.
Alkheder writing deals with human and family, belief and religion, politics and power, and events and consequences for generations. The settings and actions of the characters are evocative, with an original premise, political and religious undertones, and philosophical aspects. This is a book that delivers the understanding of the Islamic civilization, techniques and struggles in war, leadership and miscalculations of commands, tricks and betrayal in politics, and pleasure and pain of the human being. All just in the right measures.
I recommend reading The Victorious Blood to expand cultural awareness and for enjoyment.
July 26, 2021
A wonderful book.
I learned tremendously from reading this book, depicting in a meticulous way, the sacred battle of Karbala. The author carefully planned his book by combining a detailed narrative with well-researched factual information about the war from 178 days before the Battle to its historical reverberations.
To better engage the readers, the author depicts every character and twist of events as realistically as possible. Taking my time to dwell in the rich details, I saw a grand story slowly unrolled in front of my eyes. I think by his decision to patiently research before writing this well-known story, the author successfully convinced the readers of the credibility of this history and do justice to a history treasured by his people.
I come from another culture and was unfamiliar with this history, and I appreciate Mr. Alkheder for bringing this wonderful story to me. From it, I learned about the price that people willingly pay for their faith, loyalty, and love.
I learned tremendously from reading this book, depicting in a meticulous way, the sacred battle of Karbala. The author carefully planned his book by combining a detailed narrative with well-researched factual information about the war from 178 days before the Battle to its historical reverberations.
To better engage the readers, the author depicts every character and twist of events as realistically as possible. Taking my time to dwell in the rich details, I saw a grand story slowly unrolled in front of my eyes. I think by his decision to patiently research before writing this well-known story, the author successfully convinced the readers of the credibility of this history and do justice to a history treasured by his people.
I come from another culture and was unfamiliar with this history, and I appreciate Mr. Alkheder for bringing this wonderful story to me. From it, I learned about the price that people willingly pay for their faith, loyalty, and love.
August 15, 2024
First, I would like to say that I am not much of a history reader and it quite bores me. I had entered the #Goodreadsgiveaway in hopes of winning this book for my husband to read who loves historical events, wars and battles. Well I ended up being really intrigued by the description and decided to read it myself. WOW, just wow. I had no idea about any of the events that took place nor the emotions that went with it. Everything was in great detail which makes it easier for the reader to follow along the journey of what happened on Karbala. The author really did their research down to the last detail to present us readers with everything we needed in order to better understand this history event, why it happened, what people went through, how they healed and found their strength at the end of it all. I was fully immersed into the story and felt like I was physically present throughout it all. I highly recommend this book to anyone!
January 25, 2025
The Victorious Blood is a powerful retelling of the historic Battle of Karbala from over thirteen hundred years ago. This book immerses you in the fierce conflict between al-Hussain bin Ali, the Prophet Muhammad's grandson, and Yazid bin Mu’awiyah, the ruler of the Umayyad state.
With striking imagery and careful historical accuracy, the story brings to life the battlefields, palaces, and cities of ancient Iraq and the Arabian Peninsula. It portrays the bravery and sorrow of al-Hussain’s small group as they confront Yazid’s overwhelming forces.
More than just a battle recount, The Victorious Blood explores the political intrigue, alliances, and betrayals of the time. It captures the human struggle and lasting impact of this crucial moment in Islamic history.
With striking imagery and careful historical accuracy, the story brings to life the battlefields, palaces, and cities of ancient Iraq and the Arabian Peninsula. It portrays the bravery and sorrow of al-Hussain’s small group as they confront Yazid’s overwhelming forces.
More than just a battle recount, The Victorious Blood explores the political intrigue, alliances, and betrayals of the time. It captures the human struggle and lasting impact of this crucial moment in Islamic history.
July 6, 2025
one of the most powerful and emotional books i’ve ever read. the way it tells the story of karbala is not only deeply informative, but also incredibly moving. every page made me reflect, and i felt truly connected to the history and the people involved. the writing is vivid, the pacing is perfect, and the message stays with you long after you finish reading
March 15, 2021
This was a good book, but there were so many names to follow. It definitely held my interest, and it would be a great book for a history buff!
August 22, 2021
Vivid account of the death of al-Hussain bin Ali that gives a detailed look into warfare of the era and helps put into context why this event holds such resonance today.
June 11, 2025
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. I had heard of the Battle of Karbala but was not aware of the details and implications. Hussin Alkheder corrected my ignorance. While the book is not for everyone due to the graphic violence and archaic language, the story is one that all of us should know. It clearly explains the dispute between Sunni and Shia forms of Islam that continue to this day. For those who plan to read further, there are extensive footnotes and a bibliography. The only thing I wished for was maps, and perhaps a diagram of the actual battle.
August 27, 2023
I got this book as a gift from a friend and I will forever be grateful to her. Despite already knowing about the tragedy of Karbala, I was astonished at the amount of detailed descriptions and the many resources cited.
I have always wanted to read about the many events unfolding towards the tragedy and what happens afterwards, but in a form of a story, rather than historical excerpts here and there. I’ve wondered why I could not find such a book, but here it is, even more powerful and informative than I expected it to be. Although written in the form of a novel, it was non-fictional. What made it even better is that one could easily seek the resources and check the information mentioned.
To the writer Hussin Alkheder, may Allah bless you for having gone through such difficulty to write down a detailed retelling of what happened to the grandson of the Prophet and his holy household and close companions.
I have always wanted to read about the many events unfolding towards the tragedy and what happens afterwards, but in a form of a story, rather than historical excerpts here and there. I’ve wondered why I could not find such a book, but here it is, even more powerful and informative than I expected it to be. Although written in the form of a novel, it was non-fictional. What made it even better is that one could easily seek the resources and check the information mentioned.
To the writer Hussin Alkheder, may Allah bless you for having gone through such difficulty to write down a detailed retelling of what happened to the grandson of the Prophet and his holy household and close companions.
January 9, 2022
One of the Best books I have read in my life.
December 3, 2025
This book really touched my heart as a human. The saddest parts of war are described in an honest and true way. The deep seated belief and reality in religion having to be fought for and not free to practice is told so well here. I liked it.
Read
November 5, 2020Solid read. Brace yourselves and be ready for an emotion-filled rollercoaster.
November 16, 2020
“The Victorious Blood” is an amazingly written novel.What made this book so interesting was the descriptive details that helped me visualize as I was reading, and help me learn more about history.
December 3, 2024
What a great book!
August 23, 2025
The Victorious Blood by Hussin Alkheder
5 Stars
This book is divided into two parts: Book One & Book Two
Book One is Narrative Non-Fiction covering the story of the Epic battle at Karbala, Iraq in the year 680. This is the battle where the Prophet Muhammed's lineage was slaughtered for political reasons. This story begins 178 days prior to the battle with the birth of Muhammed's great-grandson. It follows the two sides as their fate leads them to a battleground. The blow by blow of the battle was great reading. I am fascinated with the Islamic rules of war and how their shared faith impacted the course of the battle.
Book Two is well documented and researched Historical Fiction allowing the reader to learn what happened after the dust settled. How the women and children from the losing side were taken to the man who ordered their leader's death. It shows how the people revolted once they learned their Prince mislead them to believe they were fighting an infidel, when it was the grandson of the Prophet Muhammed they'd slaughtered.
This book was extremely difficult to read. I kept thinking how I used to feel reading sections of the Bible and sighing because how repetitive and flowery and dense it could be. And the names upon names upon names. Parts of this book was so hard to push through, but I knew it was worthwhile as I was learning and thinking so much.
After a couple months of lighter reads, I want to dive more into this area of the world and the history of Islam. I love the comparisons I've been able to make with my own beliefs. And this is one of those rare books that I can see myself reading again - after I learn and grow more comfortable with my knowledge of the subject I believe I'll gain even more insight.
5 Stars
This book is divided into two parts: Book One & Book Two
Book One is Narrative Non-Fiction covering the story of the Epic battle at Karbala, Iraq in the year 680. This is the battle where the Prophet Muhammed's lineage was slaughtered for political reasons. This story begins 178 days prior to the battle with the birth of Muhammed's great-grandson. It follows the two sides as their fate leads them to a battleground. The blow by blow of the battle was great reading. I am fascinated with the Islamic rules of war and how their shared faith impacted the course of the battle.
Book Two is well documented and researched Historical Fiction allowing the reader to learn what happened after the dust settled. How the women and children from the losing side were taken to the man who ordered their leader's death. It shows how the people revolted once they learned their Prince mislead them to believe they were fighting an infidel, when it was the grandson of the Prophet Muhammed they'd slaughtered.
This book was extremely difficult to read. I kept thinking how I used to feel reading sections of the Bible and sighing because how repetitive and flowery and dense it could be. And the names upon names upon names. Parts of this book was so hard to push through, but I knew it was worthwhile as I was learning and thinking so much.
After a couple months of lighter reads, I want to dive more into this area of the world and the history of Islam. I love the comparisons I've been able to make with my own beliefs. And this is one of those rare books that I can see myself reading again - after I learn and grow more comfortable with my knowledge of the subject I believe I'll gain even more insight.
April 10, 2025
I honestly don't know what to make of this book. It's divided into two parts. The first is "a nonfiction narrative to give voice to historical characters" and the second is a fictional version of the limited records of events that happen afterwards.
I'm sure for believers this all makes sense and is a wonderful story but for an outsider trying to get information, it was missing something vital--context. I don't know how this fits into Islamic history, I don't know how this fits into Middle Eastern history and I don't know how this fits into world history. It's just supposed to be one of the most important events of the world. I didn't even know why the two sides were fighting until p.344.
The first part of the book reminded me of History of the Kings of Great Britain by Geffory Monmouth or Homor's Iliad. There was an almost lyrical quality. In the second section, it falls apart. The tone changed, it switches from first to third person, switches from character to character without identifying the changes, and some grammar mistakes.
The story is basically a bunch of decapitations, name calling over everyone's lineage, and manipulating the Quran to prove the other guy is a bad Muslim. I really think I need to hear the other side of the story before making any judgment calls.
I'm sure for believers this all makes sense and is a wonderful story but for an outsider trying to get information, it was missing something vital--context. I don't know how this fits into Islamic history, I don't know how this fits into Middle Eastern history and I don't know how this fits into world history. It's just supposed to be one of the most important events of the world. I didn't even know why the two sides were fighting until p.344.
The first part of the book reminded me of History of the Kings of Great Britain by Geffory Monmouth or Homor's Iliad. There was an almost lyrical quality. In the second section, it falls apart. The tone changed, it switches from first to third person, switches from character to character without identifying the changes, and some grammar mistakes.
The story is basically a bunch of decapitations, name calling over everyone's lineage, and manipulating the Quran to prove the other guy is a bad Muslim. I really think I need to hear the other side of the story before making any judgment calls.
September 3, 2024
The Victorious Blood is a gripping and immersive retelling of the epic Battle of Karbala, an event that took place over thirteen hundred years ago. This book plunges you into the heart of a brutal and historically significant conflict between al-Hussain bin Ali, the grandson of the Prophet of Islam, and Yazid bin Mu’awiyah, the powerful ruler of the Umayyad state.
With vivid descriptions and meticulous attention to historical detail, the story transports you to the battlefields, palaces, and bustling cities of ancient Iraq and the Arabian Peninsula. The narrative brings to life the courage and tragedy of al-Hussain’s small band of warriors as they faced overwhelming odds against Yazid’s massive army.
The Victorious Blood is more than just a recount of a battle; it’s a journey through the complex web of political intrigue, alliances, and betrayals that defined the era. Hussin Alkheder masterfully captures the essence of this historical event, offering readers a chance to witness the human drama and the lasting consequences of this pivotal moment in Islamic history. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a fan of epic tales, this book is a must-read.
With vivid descriptions and meticulous attention to historical detail, the story transports you to the battlefields, palaces, and bustling cities of ancient Iraq and the Arabian Peninsula. The narrative brings to life the courage and tragedy of al-Hussain’s small band of warriors as they faced overwhelming odds against Yazid’s massive army.
The Victorious Blood is more than just a recount of a battle; it’s a journey through the complex web of political intrigue, alliances, and betrayals that defined the era. Hussin Alkheder masterfully captures the essence of this historical event, offering readers a chance to witness the human drama and the lasting consequences of this pivotal moment in Islamic history. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a fan of epic tales, this book is a must-read.
August 28, 2025
Hussin Alkheder’s The Victorious Blood is a masterful historical novel that vividly brings the Battle of Karbala to life. His meticulous research and gift for storytelling transport the reader from the politics of Damascus to the courtyards of Kufa, immersing us in the courage, loyalty, and sacrifice that defined this pivotal moment.
The prose is rich, passionate, and deeply moving, carrying the weight of history with emotional depth and sincerity. Every page resonates with meaning, making the novel not just a retelling of events, but a powerful tribute to faith, principle, and the timeless struggle for justice.
A captivating and unforgettable read, The Victorious Blood left me inspired and truly moved. I wholeheartedly recommend it.
The prose is rich, passionate, and deeply moving, carrying the weight of history with emotional depth and sincerity. Every page resonates with meaning, making the novel not just a retelling of events, but a powerful tribute to faith, principle, and the timeless struggle for justice.
A captivating and unforgettable read, The Victorious Blood left me inspired and truly moved. I wholeheartedly recommend it.
July 5, 2025
It’s a beautifully done piece detailing the tragedy of Karbala from the very beginning.
If this is your first time hearing about the tragedy or you’ve heard it and want a detailed and accurate explanation of the events that happened I highly recommend this book
It’s written in a way that almost feels like your listening to it being told at a majlis but really accurately and without any cuts you’d be surprised how much you didn’t know after reading this beautiful piece
The author has truly outdone himself
If this is your first time hearing about the tragedy or you’ve heard it and want a detailed and accurate explanation of the events that happened I highly recommend this book
It’s written in a way that almost feels like your listening to it being told at a majlis but really accurately and without any cuts you’d be surprised how much you didn’t know after reading this beautiful piece
The author has truly outdone himself
January 11, 2026
This is a clear and genuinely helpful guide for federal employees considering a move into private industry. The real strength of the book is the case studies, which show exactly how long federal resumes can be transformed into focused two page resumes that work for both ATS systems and human reviewers. The use of modern AI tools alongside a structured step by step method makes the process feel practical rather than intimidating. A valuable and well thought out resource.
Sarah Alderson
www.sarahalderson.com
authorsarahalderson@gmail.com
Sarah Alderson
www.sarahalderson.com
authorsarahalderson@gmail.com
September 11, 2021
A detailed account of the battle of Karabala and the events that led up to it. I found Wikipedia a good reference while reading to get an even better idea of the historical context. This is written in the style of a novel moreso than the style of a history book. The author’s passion for the subject very much comes out in the book!
April 2, 2025
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
Sadly this book was very dry to me. I usually love historical fiction, but this one was too political for me.
Thank you for allowing me to read this and review it.
Sadly this book was very dry to me. I usually love historical fiction, but this one was too political for me.
Thank you for allowing me to read this and review it.
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