Another ARC gem! Loved diving into this book—a story that stays with you. While every reader’s experience is unique, I found this new release to be a thoughtful and rewarding read. Looking forward to seeing what this shares next! This was my first book I have read of this Author. Adding more to my TBR list.

Incredible, thought-provoking and heart wrenching!

Having snagged this book when it was available as "Read Now' for Black History Month I knew that I needed to read it sooner rather than later. I knew it'd get me thinking, I knew it would be hard to read, not because I doubt the truth of any of it, but because I know that those experiences are a true representation of this part of our history. All of that being said, while I was initially a little confused on what key characters we were following based on the chapters, I assumed perhaps it'd be 4 or 5 characters but quickly learned that every character in this story was part of filling in the blanks, with some showing up more than others. The converging timeline of Sammie and David meeting at the end of the war ripped my heart out having witnessed all the death, devastation, and injustice when it came to Black Americans fighting in the war and the Jewish people being forced into the concentration camps.

Steven A. Holmes wrote an incredibly compelling story showing the intersect between the injustices faced by marginalized communities in different spaces during the same time. Having not learned much of anything about the experiences of Black soldiers in the past century I now feel compelled to read and learn more as well as looking into the story that inspired part of this book. Thank you Mr. Holmes for sharing the story of the 333rd Battalion and what happened to them.

I have not reviewed this on any review sites or posted anything on social media about this yet, I will do so closer to its publication date and will update the links as I do!

It was a great read it showed people help regardless of color or beliefs. Something the world needs to embrace now.

“Black Messiahs” is a breathtaking and deeply moving novel that masterfully intertwines the lives of three unforgettable characters against the monumental backdrop of World War II. Through the eyes of Amos and Samuel Johnson—two brothers from Chicago’s Southside determined to serve their country despite entrenched racism—and David Cohen, a young Jewish boy struggling to survive the horrors of Nazi-occupied Poland, the story explores the very core of human dignity, resilience, and hope.

The narrative is as historically grounded as it is emotionally resonant, shining a powerful light on the contradictions of an America that sends Black soldiers to fight for freedom abroad while denying them equality at home. The author’s portrayal of the Johnson brothers’ courage and brotherhood is both gripping and nuanced, capturing the complexity of their motivations and the weight of their sacrifices. Similarly, David Cohen’s harrowing journey through ghettos and concentration camps is rendered with heartbreaking honesty and an unwavering sense of humanity.

When these lives converge as Allied forces push through Austria, the result is a climax both cathartic and profound. “Black Messiahs” does not shy away from the brutality of its era, nor from the enduring spirit that propels its characters forward. It is a powerful meditation on faith, freedom, and the meaning of duty—one that reverberates long after the final page. This historic piece is a triumph: urgent, compassionate, and unforgettable. It is a refreshing literary piece in this day and age.

Thank you, Steven A. Holmes, NetGalley, and Koehler Books for this ARC.

The story itself is great and breathtaking and deep.
The presentation is a bit off and off sync for me.
The shifting back and forth can confuse someone.
Still worth a good read.