Isaac's Beacon: A Novel (1) (The Promised Wars) Hardcover – Box set, August 10, 2021

Isaac’s Beacon, set in Palestine in the aftermath of World War II, gives fresh insight into a story most of us thought we knew already: the birth of the state of Israel. David Robbins does what writers of historical fiction do best, makes major historical events “real” by letting us see them vividly through the lives of fictional characters caught up in the turmoil. The three main characters are a concentration camp survivor who links up with the Irgun, the violent underground organization fighting to drive the British out of Mandate Palestine; a Jewish girl who manages to flee pre-war Vienna and settle in the kibbutz Massuot Itzhak (“Isaac’s Beacon”); and a non-Jewish, Brooklyn-born journalist whose life becomes intwined with the other two. The main conflict through the first two-thirds of the book is not between Arabs and Jews, but between Zionists fighting to create a Jewish state and the British determined to hold onto a key part of their empire. In Robbins’ retelling of the story, there’s violence and cruelty on both sides. The same is true, in spades, when the Jewish-Arab struggle heats up. To his credit, Robbins doesn’t take the easy path and make his Jewish fighters all heroic and virtuous. The Irgun leadership, cold-blooded and ruthless, is more calculating and cleverer than their Arab foes. Atrocities and massacres mount on both sides. Massuot Itzhak, on the strategic Jerusalem-Hebron Road, is besieged for months, culminating in intense combat. Of this, Robbins is a master. You can smell the cordite and hear the whine and whistle of shell and bullet. When you finish and go online to check the historical record, as I did, you’ll find the book is remarkably accurate, except of course that the main characters are Robbins’ creation. We’re left with the impression we may meet them again in a sequel. Stuart D. Goldman, author of NOMONHAN, 1939: The Red Army’s Victory that Shaped WW II.

This first-in-a-series novel follows three main characters who miraculously survived the Holocaust and are swept up in the conflicts surrounding the founding of Israel. Filled with action at every turn, this one is a nail biter. The author, an amazing historical fiction writer, brings detail to every page to draw the reader into each scene. And he has changed his writing style for this series using something almost like reporting to allow the reader to define character details and emotions. Brilliant! I can't wait for the next book!

I have read several of Mr. Robin's novels and have enjoyed them all. His research and story telling is impeccable. This is my favorite book, and I look forward to the second novel in this series. Thank you David L. Robbins for sharing your gift with me.

I was impressed by the detail in this wonderful historical novel. The characters are rendered believably and the situations, while familiar, remain surprising and memorable. This story, focusing on the Jewish struggle to establish a homeland, does not overlook the horrors of terrorism which were perpetrated by all sides. Isaac's Beacon is a fine novel and an example of the historical fiction genre delivering excitement, and even-handed truth. I look forward to reading the next volume.

David L. Robbins has added to the history of Israel by portraying the struggle through the eyes of three protagonists. Their dialogue transcends conventional history to deliver a searing account of resettling Palestine as the new Israel. It turns out the British forces were much more mendacious than portrayed, and a rare Arab turns up to help the Jews. Are they freedom fighters or terrorists? You decide. --Capt. Bill

Well drawn characters against gripping cinematic battle scenes, brought to life the complexity of this time in history. In true Robbins' fashion, like the classic War of the Rats, characters chart across different terrains intersecting throughout the story. Landscape is depicted in almost photographic detail. Thoroughly enjoyed. Brought to life a human side to this complex land and time.

Such a moving story. I wasn't aware of this part of Jewish history. Most books and movies are about extinguishing the Jews. Like Schindler list or the Zookeepers wife. Hide the Jewish and take your chances. This is about what happened after the internment camps. Very interesting. It tugs the heart.

I discovered David Robbins several years ago and have read most of his historical novels. His writing is authentic and gripping. He always delivers a fantastic story.