Book Review: The Bulls of Bashan by Jodi Lea Stewart

THE BULLS OF BASHAN
By Jodi Lea Stewart

Historical Fiction, Mystery Action and Adventure, Quest Fiction
Publisher: Progressive Phoenix Rising
Publication Date: June 17, 2025

*** SYNOPSIS ***

In a diner on the edge of a dusty Texas border town, a young waitress’s life takes an unexpected turn when she is swept into a high-stakes adventure. Recruited by a charismatic former World War II Army major, a glamorous New York socialite, and a charming daredevil who effortlessly flies planes and rides bulls, she embarks on a shadowy mission that promises both wealth and danger.

This unlikely team will plunge into the heart of the perilous Amazon rainforest, navigate the depths of the world’s most treacherous canyon, brave the open seas, and traverse the ruins of postwar Europe. Their quest? To retrieve a set of mysterious keys while evading a relentless pursuer who seems to be one step ahead at every turn. Who is this enigmatic figure stalking them, and what sinister agenda does he have planned in Budapest?

As they race against time, each member of the team must confront his or her own demons and hidden truths. With the fate of their mission hanging in the balance, they inch closer to the elusive head of operations—the only one who can unlock the secrets of The Bulls of Bashan.

Prepare for a suspenseful journey filled with danger, intrigue, and self-discovery, a globetrotting historical thriller with evocative international settings, strong female arcs, and cross-generational themes.

*** CLICK TO PURCHASE ***
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*** REVIEW ***

So much to love in one book – intrigue, adventure, romance, and wonderful characters.

While reading The Bulls of Bashan, I couldn’t help but think of the Indiana Jones movies. As that first story played across the screen, viewers were asked to suspend their disbelief that a professor could do all that Jones accomplished in the next 90+ minutes. Likewise, this novel asks readers to suspend their disbelief. “Don’t think too deeply about why, Savannah, a manager of a diner in a small town in Texas would jump at the chance to go off with perfect strangers on a mysterious and challenging adventure.”

Just take the leap with her.  And Shifrah. And Malone. And Reno.

All four such disparate and unique characters that come together as an amazing team. The author does a wonderful job in making these characters real, giving them telling characteristics, such as Shifrah’s initial snootiness, Malone’s, secrecy, Reno’s Texas cowboy swagger, and Savannah’s small-town innocence.

The transformation that Savanah experiences at the urging and guidance of the much more sophisticated Shifrah is fun and allows for some terrific lines that elicit more than a few chuckles. Just one example from early in the story is when Savannah has this to say to Shifrah who is whining about poor accommodations. “There is a god, but I’m not sure he cares a hangnail about you getting spoiled rotten on your next ocean cruise.” 

The way the characters all forge strong bonds is a delightful part of the arc for each of them, and that never comes across as forced. While fanciful and almost absurd in places, the story still feels “real,” and the reader can simply sit back and enjoy the fun with the characters. The witty lines flow organically from the moments, and the characters, and each one is a gem. Such as Savannah thinking, “Shifrah aims for the concierge desk. We follow like a string of cut-out paper dolls attached to her back.”

Along with the humor and the intrigue, there are many times when one, or all, of the characters receive words of wisdom and enlightenment. One in particular that I highlighted is: “My belief is if you remove history, change it, or ignore it, civilizations can falter. History reflects the truth of life. From history, we understand our mistakes and rejoice in our victories.”

That was a brief life lesson shared by one of the people they meet in Budapest. It speaks to the underlying theme of how vital it is that we remember the atrocities of WWII and asks whether civilization will really ever learn from what happened then. The closer one gets to the end of the book, the clearer it becomes why each person was chosen for the quest and what important life lesson is there for them to learn.

Like I said at the beginning of this review; so much packed into one story for readers to enjoy. Put on your reading glasses and come along for the ride.

*** ABOUT THE AUTHOR ***

Jodi Lea Stewart is a multi-award-winning fiction author who believes in and writes about the triumph of the human spirit despite adversity through grit, humor, and stubborn tenacity. Her lifetime friendships with all nationalities, different social stratas, cowpunchers, the Southern gentry, the California crazies (she was once one, too … well, sort of, LOL!), not to mention outliers, allow Jodi to write comfortably about, oh … practically anything.

WEBSITE ◆ BLOG◆  INSTAGRAM ◆ YOUTUBE ◆ MEDIUM
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*** Giveaway ***

Three Winners
First place: Specially Designed Laptop Case
Second & Third places: Signed Hardback copies of the book.
September 2-19, 2025 — U.S. Only
Sponsored by Lone Star Literary Life

*** ENTER TO WIN! ***

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