“The German Revolution had indeed begun.”The Second German Reich has collapsed in the flames of World War I and the country is in chaos. Republicans, rogue soldiers, and communists are rampaging through the cities and villages of Germany. Faced with destruction, the nationalists fight back against their enemies, turning the country into a battlefield.In Munich, Erich and Johann Brandt are a pair … Brandt are a pair of impressionable teenagers just trying to get by. When Erich falls under the sway of young speaker Adolf Hitler, he joins the party without a second thought. Erich drives further and further into Hitler’s inner circle, which all culminates in a deadly march through the heart of Munich.
Horrified at his brother’s fall into National Socialism, Johann does what he can to fight back against the spell that Hitler has placed the country under. That is until he attracts the brutal attentions of SA captain Oswald Yorck.
As elections turn against the democratic parties, Johann does his best to save his country before it’s too late. But it could cost him his life…
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Very thought provoking.
Great Historical Fiction looking at the early days of Adolf Hitler.
Good book!
Excellent blend of fact and fiction. Given the predictability of history, James Farmer has done a superb job of introducing a group of compelling characters whose interactions are dictated by the time they live in. A great read. I look forward to following the fortunes of the main protagonists.
First in series that holds promise by setting main characters and establishing storylines. Moved very quickly over a number of years in pre-WWII Germany. Personally I would have like the author to linger a little bit more in this time but I still enjoyed the initial installment in this saga.
An interesting look at the events leading up to Hitler’s gaining control of the German government. Under the oppressive terms of the Treaty of Versailles, a mix of ideologies make for a fertile ground for Hitler to plant the seeds that would produce the Nazi party. From his beer hall speeches, Farner throws in both fictional and historically significant characters that lend color and believability to the tale. Dry history comes alive through the trials of a family shattered by divided loyalties as fascism, nationalism, communism, plus friendship with Jews all become matters of grave concern as the Nazi party gains strength. This is book one and a strong entry into what should become an engrossing project.
Has some editing issues. Good read but short.
I’ve read several of Farner’s books. All are very well written historical works. This book is very intriguing. I don’t suggest starting it if you want to get anything else done but read
Totally uninteresting and very difficult to get interested in.
The story was interesting. I had no idea that some Jews in Germany supported Hitler in the beginning. There were many typographical errors throughout though which might throw off a less experienced reader.
Would appreciate it if other books in the series were the same price. They aren’t.
Author needs a better editor. Would read the next one in the series for .99, but not the current price. No secret revelations like expected.
Probably historically correct events combined with fictional characters, kept me on the edge. I just couldn’t stop reading . I did seek out the next book in this series but I won’t buy the third one. I hate the idea of having to buy several shamefully SHORT books in order to see how the two brothers survive or not.
Character development and plot have potential but the writing is uneven. Some fully developed passages, but much of the book seems like an outline. And, of course, it is part of a series and ends without resolution in order to force readers to buy the next book. I wanted to learn more about the common people during the reign of Hitler, so I kept reading, but I didn’t get the insights I hoped for.
Historical fiction at its best.
This is an easy and fast read. I really was disappointed that it ended the way it did and I have to get another book to continue the story.
Excellent, easy read. This is the first in a series of 7 books about life in Germany during Hitler rise and control. It shows how Europe was fractured and divided after the First World War and how Hitler influence was so quick and complete. What I like most is how it shows that not every German was a Nazi and how some rose up to battle against the Nazi party from within. I can’t wait to read the other books.
Good read especially if you have any interest in stories leading up to Hitler’s reign of terror. It shows the “distance” between two brothers caused by each’s political views. It also shows the “closeness” caused by being blood kin.
Great insight into growing up in Nazi Germany. Good lessons in this historical fiction
Good historical fiction