Take a photo of a barcode or cover
thetravelingpages 's review for:
The Sanhedrin Chronicles
by J.S. Gold
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Hello, my fellow sightseers, globetrotters, and pilgrims! I'm back with another review, and this time, I’m diving into a genre I haven’t explored much since childhood: urban fantasy. It’s a realm of fiction I’ve often struggled to connect with, though I can’t quite put my finger on why. But hey, it’s always good to try something new!
Today, I’m sharing my thoughts on *The Sanhedrin Chronicles*, a fresh urban fantasy novel that hit the shelves this past November. I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) around its release, but between the whirlwind of the holidays, battling a nasty bout of illness, and juggling work, I haven’t had a chance to put pen to paper—until now. Better late than never, right? So, how does *The Sanhedrin Chronicles* measure up? Let’s dive into the blurb and find out! As always, my friends, rest assured there will be no major spoilers. And for those short on time, a TL;DR section awaits at the end..
>College student and certified nerd Arthur Rose has issues: he's estranged from his Jewish faith, needs a recommendation for grad school, and getting back with his ex, Lynn, is going to take more than an apology and chocolate. He's trying to balance it all when he starts seeing shapes in the dark. Soon after, a mysterious young woman approaches him, claiming she killed his father and is searching for a stone blessed by God Himself. What follows is a tale ripped from Arthur's wildest fantasies: to protect the world from evil, he must join a secret order of Jewish demon-hunters that has spanned millennia. He'll need to master Hebrew magic, uncover the secrets of his past, and embrace his heritage. In doing so, he won't just reclaim his faith but become...
SANHEDRIN.
**The Premise:** *No one has dared to believe our identity - our pride - could be anything but a punchline.*
When I received my copy of this book, author J.S. Gold shared what led him to writing this story. He recounted watching *Black Panther* and feeling inspired to create something unique: a Jewish superhero. Gold wanted to craft a tale that celebrated the mysticism and mythology of his own culture, much like *Black Panther* did for both the Black and African communities. However, *Black Panther* wasn’t the only influence behind this novel.
Gold drew from a wide range of inspirations, and it’s evident throughout the story. In fact, he occasionally weaves nods to them directly into the narrative. Take the prologue, for instance—it has a distinctly *Hobbit*\-esque opening that immediately caught my attention. While *Black Panther* sparked the initial concept, the influences I noticed most prominently were *Doctor Strange*, *Harry Potter*, and *Percy Jackson*.
There’s a playful nod to *Percy Jackson* with a joke about a pen transforming into a sword. The *Harry Potter* influence shines through in Arthur’s magical education, complete with his journey of learning to master the arcane arts. And then there’s the New York setting, where a hidden society of sorcerers operates under the leadership of a "Sorcerer Supreme" who happens to be bald. It’s hard not to draw a direct line to *Doctor Strange* there!
**Plot:** *In the city of New York, in the borough of Brooklyn, there is an apartment on the bottom-most floor. In this apartment, a young woman sits on a chair in her kitchen.*
The story follows Arthur Rose, who is thrust into a world of magic and intrigue after his father’s sudden murder and a near-fatal attack by a demon. At its core, the narrative revolves not only around this central conflict but also Arthur’s deep-seated hatred for his Jewish heritage. His disdain runs so deep that he abandoned his given name, Aaron, in favor of Arthur—a nod to the legendary King Arthur. And yes, he even carries a dragon-themed pen! (Arthur Pendragon—get it? I’m embarrassed it took me so long to catch that connection. Gold even outright calls attention to it.)
The main plot kicks off with Arthur learning of his dad's passing and is himself quickly on the run while needing to find the Tzohar Stone. A demon, Igrat, is seeking to claim this powerful artifact for her own nefarious purposes. To succeed, Arthur must awaken his latent magical abilities, confront his identity, and embrace his heritage. Only then can he fulfill his destiny as one of the Sanhedrin, a secretive order of magicians. The setup itself is fairly straightforward—a classic hero’s journey with familiar beats. And that’s not a bad thing! Tropes, when executed well, can be incredibly satisfying. While the plot doesn’t necessarily break new ground, it doesn’t need to—it leans into its strengths and delivers a solid, engaging story.
While I ultimately struggled with certain aspects of the book (which I’ll delve into later), the plot itself wasn’t the issue. I genuinely appreciated the exploration of identity and heritage, particularly how these elements shape who we are rather than working against us. The story’s central theme—Arthur’s journey to understand and define what being Jewish means to him—was a highlight for me. That said, my biggest struggle was with Arthur himself. I’ll elaborate more in the character section, but there were moments where his personality and actions made it difficult for me to fully connect with the story.
Despite this, *The Sanhedrin Chronicles* is a fun, action-packed novel. The pacing starts off a bit slow as you adjust to the writing style, but once the story gains momentum, it’s an engaging ride.
**Characters:** *Arthur grins. “So, training. Five teachers, five schools: should I get some montage music going? I wonder what each of them is like.”*
While the book primarily focuses on Arthur, it also introduces key characters like Levi, Lynn (Arthur’s love interest and ex-girlfriend), and Rifka (the host for the demon Igrat). Other side characters, such as the Nasi, the Gimel, and Mordechai, play supporting roles. However, my main focus here will be on Arthur himself. Arthur is a bit of a mixed bag for me. On the positive side, I appreciated the themes surrounding his journey to embrace his heritage and define it on his own terms. As a minority myself, I know how personal and profound that journey can be, and when handled well, it’s something that resonates universally, even across different cultural backgrounds.
That said, Arthur’s character presented several challenges. For one, he’s overly quippy—almost to the point of distraction. The rise of quippy dialogue, popularized by Marvel movies, has undeniably brought plenty of humor and charm to storytelling, and I’ll admit, I’ve had my share of chuckles and belly laughs. However, poorly timed or excessive quips can undercut the emotional weight of key moments, and that’s an issue here. Another struggle for me was the repetitive emphasis on Arthur’s hatred of his Jewishness. While I understand that this is a debut fantasy novel and the author may have been striving for depth, I felt like the narrative kept hammering home this point long after it was established. It’s a stylistic choice, but it didn’t work for me.
As a whole, Arthur is intentionally flawed—often brash, self-centered, and kind of a jerk. I think the aim was to make him an endearing, "love-to-hate" character, similar to Tony Stark. However, I found him more frustrating than endearing, which made it harder to fully invest in his journey.
The other characters are decent but don’t receive as much focus as Arthur, leaving them to fit into familiar archetypes for now. Levi is the super badass soldier; there’s the greasy, spiteful character harboring a grudge against Arthur for something he didn’t even do (Who does that sound like?); and Lynn, the ex-lover still in love with the protagonist, waiting for him to get his act together. None of this is bad, though my tone may come across as snarky—it’s not meant to be. These archetypes work as starting points, and I imagine these characters will continue to grow and evolve as the series progresses.
Rifka, on the other hand, stands out as a more compelling character. Her motivations add a layer of complexity that makes her somewhat sympathetic, though her actions remain deeply flawed. It’s one of those cases where you understand where she’s coming from, but the ends do not justify the means. While her story doesn’t break new ground—she’s driven by feelings of betrayal and loss stemming from the death of her husband—there’s still a rawness to her pain that makes her intriguing. Some of her scenes, especially later in the book, carry a chilling, unsettling weight that lingers long after reading.
**World Building:** *“Your affinities are a thing gifted by God, not chosen, Arthur,” she explains. “Speaker or Bondsman? Binder or Mender or Namer: it’s in your soul that we will find out who you are. And to see it, we must go to the realms of the Sefiros, you and I. The Tree of Life.”*
What truly stood out to me was the mythology and worldbuilding. Gold managed to do for Jewish mysticism what *Percy Jackson* did for Greek mythology—ignite a sense of childlike wonder and curiosity. I found myself eager to explore the occultism and lore that inspired this story. It’s not simply retellings of Abrahamic stories from the Bible; instead, it delves into lesser-known aspects of Jewish mythology, such as the Kabbalah, demons, the Sanhedrin, and other occult mysteries. This was fascinating and refreshing.
While the setting is rooted in modern-day New York, the magical elements woven into it make the world feel vibrant and alive. Gold borrows an idea similar to Percy Jackson’s “Mist,” where only those attuned to the mystical can perceive the magical creatures and phenomena around them. Though the backdrop is a gritty, familiar cityscape, the imaginative incorporation of religious and occult practices gives it a distinct flavor.
In this universe, mages possess unique affinities that allow them to harness their magic. They can astral project into the realm between realms, where they observe the Tree of Life. By studying its emanations, they determine their specific schools of magic—a simplified but engaging concept. Arthur, however, is special. He has the rare ability to see all the emanations of the Tree, essentially marking him as a chosen one.
**Prose:** *Rifka looks at her own nails, chipped and jagged from her gnashing. They’re sharp enough to break skin. She lowers her index finger to the circle carved into her, breath quickening now. Thin as her stomach is, she can see the silhouette of her diaphragm as it heaves in and out.*
The writing style was another unique aspect of the book. It took me some time to adjust, as it’s not a style I encounter often. I believe it’s written in third-person present tense, which feels distinct from traditional third-person omniscient or objective narration. Here’s an example from the opening passage:
>**While she does this, she finishes reading from a scroll that smells of mothballs. Its parchment is faded and sick. A pigeon is on the floor, insides out. The woman pores over the last of the scroll with red-rimmed eyes, mumbling to herself the inkwork around the circles and diagrams and warped shapes. After she speaks the words, something speaks back from the flickering dark. If you were there—if you sat where she sat and closed your eyes tight, giving yourself over to the night—you would hear nothing. But to the woman, the chorus of whispers only heightens. It grows louder until the world is a vengeful clamor. The room practically screams.**
It’s a different style—unconventional but works. Initially, it felt a little jarring, but as I kept reading, it began to flow naturally. The prose itself isn’t overly complex, making it accessible, though it might take a moment to adjust if you’re used to more traditional narrative styles.
**Conclusion (TLDR):** *What does a Jewish superhero look like?*
*The Sanhedrin Chronicles* is a genuinely fun and exciting read, packed with fast-paced action and an incredible final few chapters that will keep you glued to the page. Arthur, as the protagonist, may not be everyone’s favorite—whether he clicks with you will depend on your personal taste. While he occasionally had me rolling my eyes, his journey is deeply personal and, at times, resonated with me.
I’d wholeheartedly recommend this book to fans of urban fantasy, but it’s also a great pick if you’re looking for a fast-paced, accessible read or something refreshingly unique. When was the last time you read a book with Jewish occultism at its heart? I’ll wait! (Though I’m sure someone will drop a suggestion below, haha.)All jokes aside, this is a debut novel that’s absolutely worth checking out even if there are some flaws. I’m excited to see where Arthur’s journey goes next and what Gold has in store for us in future installments. If you read the whole thing thanks and well done!
Today, I’m sharing my thoughts on *The Sanhedrin Chronicles*, a fresh urban fantasy novel that hit the shelves this past November. I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) around its release, but between the whirlwind of the holidays, battling a nasty bout of illness, and juggling work, I haven’t had a chance to put pen to paper—until now. Better late than never, right? So, how does *The Sanhedrin Chronicles* measure up? Let’s dive into the blurb and find out! As always, my friends, rest assured there will be no major spoilers. And for those short on time, a TL;DR section awaits at the end..
>College student and certified nerd Arthur Rose has issues: he's estranged from his Jewish faith, needs a recommendation for grad school, and getting back with his ex, Lynn, is going to take more than an apology and chocolate. He's trying to balance it all when he starts seeing shapes in the dark. Soon after, a mysterious young woman approaches him, claiming she killed his father and is searching for a stone blessed by God Himself. What follows is a tale ripped from Arthur's wildest fantasies: to protect the world from evil, he must join a secret order of Jewish demon-hunters that has spanned millennia. He'll need to master Hebrew magic, uncover the secrets of his past, and embrace his heritage. In doing so, he won't just reclaim his faith but become...
SANHEDRIN.
**The Premise:** *No one has dared to believe our identity - our pride - could be anything but a punchline.*
When I received my copy of this book, author J.S. Gold shared what led him to writing this story. He recounted watching *Black Panther* and feeling inspired to create something unique: a Jewish superhero. Gold wanted to craft a tale that celebrated the mysticism and mythology of his own culture, much like *Black Panther* did for both the Black and African communities. However, *Black Panther* wasn’t the only influence behind this novel.
Gold drew from a wide range of inspirations, and it’s evident throughout the story. In fact, he occasionally weaves nods to them directly into the narrative. Take the prologue, for instance—it has a distinctly *Hobbit*\-esque opening that immediately caught my attention. While *Black Panther* sparked the initial concept, the influences I noticed most prominently were *Doctor Strange*, *Harry Potter*, and *Percy Jackson*.
There’s a playful nod to *Percy Jackson* with a joke about a pen transforming into a sword. The *Harry Potter* influence shines through in Arthur’s magical education, complete with his journey of learning to master the arcane arts. And then there’s the New York setting, where a hidden society of sorcerers operates under the leadership of a "Sorcerer Supreme" who happens to be bald. It’s hard not to draw a direct line to *Doctor Strange* there!
**Plot:** *In the city of New York, in the borough of Brooklyn, there is an apartment on the bottom-most floor. In this apartment, a young woman sits on a chair in her kitchen.*
The story follows Arthur Rose, who is thrust into a world of magic and intrigue after his father’s sudden murder and a near-fatal attack by a demon. At its core, the narrative revolves not only around this central conflict but also Arthur’s deep-seated hatred for his Jewish heritage. His disdain runs so deep that he abandoned his given name, Aaron, in favor of Arthur—a nod to the legendary King Arthur. And yes, he even carries a dragon-themed pen! (Arthur Pendragon—get it? I’m embarrassed it took me so long to catch that connection. Gold even outright calls attention to it.)
The main plot kicks off with Arthur learning of his dad's passing and is himself quickly on the run while needing to find the Tzohar Stone. A demon, Igrat, is seeking to claim this powerful artifact for her own nefarious purposes. To succeed, Arthur must awaken his latent magical abilities, confront his identity, and embrace his heritage. Only then can he fulfill his destiny as one of the Sanhedrin, a secretive order of magicians. The setup itself is fairly straightforward—a classic hero’s journey with familiar beats. And that’s not a bad thing! Tropes, when executed well, can be incredibly satisfying. While the plot doesn’t necessarily break new ground, it doesn’t need to—it leans into its strengths and delivers a solid, engaging story.
While I ultimately struggled with certain aspects of the book (which I’ll delve into later), the plot itself wasn’t the issue. I genuinely appreciated the exploration of identity and heritage, particularly how these elements shape who we are rather than working against us. The story’s central theme—Arthur’s journey to understand and define what being Jewish means to him—was a highlight for me. That said, my biggest struggle was with Arthur himself. I’ll elaborate more in the character section, but there were moments where his personality and actions made it difficult for me to fully connect with the story.
Despite this, *The Sanhedrin Chronicles* is a fun, action-packed novel. The pacing starts off a bit slow as you adjust to the writing style, but once the story gains momentum, it’s an engaging ride.
**Characters:** *Arthur grins. “So, training. Five teachers, five schools: should I get some montage music going? I wonder what each of them is like.”*
While the book primarily focuses on Arthur, it also introduces key characters like Levi, Lynn (Arthur’s love interest and ex-girlfriend), and Rifka (the host for the demon Igrat). Other side characters, such as the Nasi, the Gimel, and Mordechai, play supporting roles. However, my main focus here will be on Arthur himself. Arthur is a bit of a mixed bag for me. On the positive side, I appreciated the themes surrounding his journey to embrace his heritage and define it on his own terms. As a minority myself, I know how personal and profound that journey can be, and when handled well, it’s something that resonates universally, even across different cultural backgrounds.
That said, Arthur’s character presented several challenges. For one, he’s overly quippy—almost to the point of distraction. The rise of quippy dialogue, popularized by Marvel movies, has undeniably brought plenty of humor and charm to storytelling, and I’ll admit, I’ve had my share of chuckles and belly laughs. However, poorly timed or excessive quips can undercut the emotional weight of key moments, and that’s an issue here. Another struggle for me was the repetitive emphasis on Arthur’s hatred of his Jewishness. While I understand that this is a debut fantasy novel and the author may have been striving for depth, I felt like the narrative kept hammering home this point long after it was established. It’s a stylistic choice, but it didn’t work for me.
As a whole, Arthur is intentionally flawed—often brash, self-centered, and kind of a jerk. I think the aim was to make him an endearing, "love-to-hate" character, similar to Tony Stark. However, I found him more frustrating than endearing, which made it harder to fully invest in his journey.
The other characters are decent but don’t receive as much focus as Arthur, leaving them to fit into familiar archetypes for now. Levi is the super badass soldier; there’s the greasy, spiteful character harboring a grudge against Arthur for something he didn’t even do (Who does that sound like?); and Lynn, the ex-lover still in love with the protagonist, waiting for him to get his act together. None of this is bad, though my tone may come across as snarky—it’s not meant to be. These archetypes work as starting points, and I imagine these characters will continue to grow and evolve as the series progresses.
Rifka, on the other hand, stands out as a more compelling character. Her motivations add a layer of complexity that makes her somewhat sympathetic, though her actions remain deeply flawed. It’s one of those cases where you understand where she’s coming from, but the ends do not justify the means. While her story doesn’t break new ground—she’s driven by feelings of betrayal and loss stemming from the death of her husband—there’s still a rawness to her pain that makes her intriguing. Some of her scenes, especially later in the book, carry a chilling, unsettling weight that lingers long after reading.
**World Building:** *“Your affinities are a thing gifted by God, not chosen, Arthur,” she explains. “Speaker or Bondsman? Binder or Mender or Namer: it’s in your soul that we will find out who you are. And to see it, we must go to the realms of the Sefiros, you and I. The Tree of Life.”*
What truly stood out to me was the mythology and worldbuilding. Gold managed to do for Jewish mysticism what *Percy Jackson* did for Greek mythology—ignite a sense of childlike wonder and curiosity. I found myself eager to explore the occultism and lore that inspired this story. It’s not simply retellings of Abrahamic stories from the Bible; instead, it delves into lesser-known aspects of Jewish mythology, such as the Kabbalah, demons, the Sanhedrin, and other occult mysteries. This was fascinating and refreshing.
While the setting is rooted in modern-day New York, the magical elements woven into it make the world feel vibrant and alive. Gold borrows an idea similar to Percy Jackson’s “Mist,” where only those attuned to the mystical can perceive the magical creatures and phenomena around them. Though the backdrop is a gritty, familiar cityscape, the imaginative incorporation of religious and occult practices gives it a distinct flavor.
In this universe, mages possess unique affinities that allow them to harness their magic. They can astral project into the realm between realms, where they observe the Tree of Life. By studying its emanations, they determine their specific schools of magic—a simplified but engaging concept. Arthur, however, is special. He has the rare ability to see all the emanations of the Tree, essentially marking him as a chosen one.
**Prose:** *Rifka looks at her own nails, chipped and jagged from her gnashing. They’re sharp enough to break skin. She lowers her index finger to the circle carved into her, breath quickening now. Thin as her stomach is, she can see the silhouette of her diaphragm as it heaves in and out.*
The writing style was another unique aspect of the book. It took me some time to adjust, as it’s not a style I encounter often. I believe it’s written in third-person present tense, which feels distinct from traditional third-person omniscient or objective narration. Here’s an example from the opening passage:
>**While she does this, she finishes reading from a scroll that smells of mothballs. Its parchment is faded and sick. A pigeon is on the floor, insides out. The woman pores over the last of the scroll with red-rimmed eyes, mumbling to herself the inkwork around the circles and diagrams and warped shapes. After she speaks the words, something speaks back from the flickering dark. If you were there—if you sat where she sat and closed your eyes tight, giving yourself over to the night—you would hear nothing. But to the woman, the chorus of whispers only heightens. It grows louder until the world is a vengeful clamor. The room practically screams.**
It’s a different style—unconventional but works. Initially, it felt a little jarring, but as I kept reading, it began to flow naturally. The prose itself isn’t overly complex, making it accessible, though it might take a moment to adjust if you’re used to more traditional narrative styles.
**Conclusion (TLDR):** *What does a Jewish superhero look like?*
*The Sanhedrin Chronicles* is a genuinely fun and exciting read, packed with fast-paced action and an incredible final few chapters that will keep you glued to the page. Arthur, as the protagonist, may not be everyone’s favorite—whether he clicks with you will depend on your personal taste. While he occasionally had me rolling my eyes, his journey is deeply personal and, at times, resonated with me.
I’d wholeheartedly recommend this book to fans of urban fantasy, but it’s also a great pick if you’re looking for a fast-paced, accessible read or something refreshingly unique. When was the last time you read a book with Jewish occultism at its heart? I’ll wait! (Though I’m sure someone will drop a suggestion below, haha.)All jokes aside, this is a debut novel that’s absolutely worth checking out even if there are some flaws. I’m excited to see where Arthur’s journey goes next and what Gold has in store for us in future installments. If you read the whole thing thanks and well done!