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The Masada Stones

E. W. Bonadio
iUniverse (2008)
ISBN 0595527566
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (6/08)

“The Masada Stones” begins at the scene of an archaeological dig in the Israeli desert.  For Professor Aaron Skorsky, this expedition at Masada is an opportunity to fulfill a personal goal; during his undergraduate days at the University of Virginia, Simon Yorkin, a professor of Middle Eastern and European studies, piqued Skorsky’s interest in the field of archaeology.  Yorkin took a liking to Skorsky, and decided to share a story with him, story, which if proven true, could change history as we know it. 

In 1941, as a boy, Yorkin was living in The Ukraine when the Germans invaded, seized his family’s home, and sent them away on trains.  While living in a camp in Poland, Yorkin shared a barrack with two older Russian holy men who harbored a secret the Germans wanted.  This secret was the story “of the maddening stones,” which they shared with young Yorkin.  In history, it is reported that the Hebrew rebels at Masada had committed mass suicide.  However, according to the passed down story, this was not the case.  Instead, the Romans had tricked the zealots by offering them their best wine.  Unbeknownst to the Hebrews the wine was tainted by a “drug” that would turn them against themselves and cause them to viciously attack each other until they all were dead.
This “drug” was derived from the powerful Masada Stones.

Discovering any artifact that would validate this story would change history and Skorsky became obsessed with finding out the truth.  His opportunity came when he was asked to lead this dig at Masada.  Although Skorsky knew he had some enemies on this mission, those who refuted his beliefs, he had no idea the lengths they would go to in order to keep any proof of these beliefs under wraps.

With “The Masada Stones,” Bonadio has created a very interesting, engaging historical fiction adventure.  The reader will definitely be cheering for the likeable character Skorsky to succeed in his mission and hoping that he will outwit the many villainous characters he encounters along the way.  The book is a page-turner and it is very difficult to put down.

In some historical novels if you are not familiar with the history of the geographic region being discussed, it can be difficult to ascertain what is going on.  However, in “The Masada Stones,” Bonadio provides the reader with enough background information so that even with limited knowledge of the actual events there’s no difficulty following the storyline.  I look forward to reading more from Bonadio in the future!        

     

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