From the Multi-Award-Winning Author comes, The German Half-Bloods.“A historical novel steeped in horror, danger and suspense; a true page-turner.”2018 Readers’ Favorite Award winner.Germany, September 1939. At the outbreak of War, Dieter Vogel and his family face catastrophic events and separation as each member embarks on their deadly paths towards survival, love, and freedom.Dieter Vogel, a … freedom.
Dieter Vogel, a German industrialist, believes in protecting his family at all costs, but in a bid to keep his English wife and children safe, he is plunged into a well of deceit that tears the family apart.
Doctor Paul Vogel is coerced into working in the Nazi eugenics programme and soon discovers that sterilising handicapped and mentally-ill Germans is just a prelude to a more lethal plan against those the Reich deem unworthy of life. Paul, trapped by the SS, seeks help from the unlikeliest of people and is plunged into a world of espionage and murder.
British Army Major, Max Vogel, is attached to The British Intelligence Services and Winston Churchill’s Special Operations Executive. His missions in occupied Europe are fraught with danger, and his adulterous affair with a woman he cannot give up leads him deeper into the quagmire of treachery and lies.
Wilmot Vogel dreams of winning the Iron Cross, but when he confronts a mass killing of Jews in Poland, his idolatry of Hitler is shaken to its roots, and he finds himself imprisoned in the infamous Dachau concentration camp with no release date in sight.
Hannah Vogel has no ambition other than to marry her English fiancé, Frank, before the lines of war are drawn. Against her father’s wishes, she leaves Berlin on the eve of the German invasion of Poland, but when she arrives in England, she learns that Frank is not the civilian engineer he claims to be.
The Vogels, On All Fronts, coming October 2018 The Half-Bloods Series Book 2
Editorial Review, Readers’ Favorite 5 Stars
The German Half-Bloods (The Half-Blood Series Book 1) by Jana Petken is an intense, nail-biting ride through WWII Germany. The unique perspectives of the characters in Germany, as well as those in England, were refreshing and charismatic. I am well-versed in the history of the time period, and I must say that very few historical novels of the period are satisfactorily accurate enough for me to enjoy, this book being a rare exception. I was deeply impressed with the characters’ viewpoints and the extent of the plot. The author spun such an intricately woven web of intrigue that I didn’t want to stop reading. I was transported back in time and enjoyed every minute of it! I loved this novel! It is beautifully written and deeply moving. Although there are some historically accurate details that may disturb a younger audience, I feel that this novel is an essential historical read.
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A major work from a fantastic author. Those were terrible times to be caught up in. But I suspect we haven’t heard the last of the Vogels. I also imagine this was not an easy book to write. Well done and a real page turner. I read it everywhere I could.
Petken just keeps getting better and better. The queen of Historical Fiction has done it again with her new novel, ‘The German Half-Bloods.’ This, I think, is one of her best – a real page-turner.
The story focuses on a German/English family living in Dresden at the start of WWII. It begins in 1939 before the invasion of Poland, and we are introduced to the Vogel’s: Dieter, the patriarch; his wife, Laura, who was a British citizen by birth; their sons, Wilmot, Max, and Paul; and their daughter, Hannah who is engaged to a Brit (Frank).
Paul has just graduated from Medical School and the Vogel’s are having a party in his honor. Dieter, a German industrialist and member of the Nazi party, has invited several prominent party members and SS officers to the celebration. Paul, who distains the Nazi’s, plans to study psychiatry and hopes to get a residency at a hospital in England. But, he will soon discover that his father and the Nazi’s have other plans for him.
This was a terrific read. The characters are multi-faceted and it was easy to become invested in their fates. Twists and turns abound as we follow the Vogel’s through the horrors of the war and atrocities committed by the Nazi regime. The narrative had me sitting on the edge of my seat, unable to put the book down. I can’t wait for the second installment in this marvelous family saga.
Most highly recommended for lovers of Historical Fiction and complex family dramas. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
Outstanding writing and a truly unique experience in reading! If you are interested in the First World War or just the early decades of the twentieth century you will not be disappointed!
really enjoyed this book
I loved this book and have now completely read the second book and am in the middle of the third book. Couldn’t hardly put it down. Found this book entertaining, informative and suspenseful.
One of my favorite reads of 2018.
I love Jana Petken’s style of writing and have read all her books to date. Indeed it was her award winning book, Guardian of Secrets that led to me returning to reading historical fiction. Although this one isn’t my favourite, Swearing Allegiance has that accolade, I thoroughly enjoyed the read.
The members of a half German/half English family each choose sides at the start of WW2. Jana bravely doesn’t shy away from those that choose to join the SS and gives them the same space as those who openly choose Resistance along with those who aren’t quite what they seem. Jana’s forte is family sagas and her understanding of what holds a family together despite individual differences. She does so here with aplomb despite the extreme divergence of opinion. The book follows the family from the break out of war until 1941. I can’t wait to find out how the family survives the rest of the war in the rest of the series.
The most intriguing character in the book for me was Dieter, the father. I would have loved to have learnt more about him and the reasoning behind his actions. Maybe later in the series?
A great read. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Various experiences of the German people during WWII are personified within the one family which had ties to family in England as well. The storyline covers the early part of the war and how life in Germany changed into a totalitarian society. Who can be trusted? How does one survive? Here each member of the family is tested.
A great story to read… enjoyed …
I could not put it down. Can’t wait to read other two in trilogy
This book is a well-researched novel about the Resistance and espionage during WWII. The main characters are members of one family who are each loyal to their beliefs and country in their own ways. The book is a page-turner. This novel is part of a Trilogy. I’m eager to read the other two books.
Loved the whole series
I have been reading quite a bit of historical fiction novels set during WW II. This series was excellent because you got a variety of perceptions on how the war effected the different”sides” , and all in the same family! There is the son who is a Dr. who is manipulated into serving the nazis even though he just wants to be a Dr and heal rather than be party to the killing. Then there is the brother who is a spy for MI6, AND the brother who willing goes off to serve the “fatherland” and his fuhrer and all that entails as he fights in Poland, Russia and Africa! And the father who is not who his family thinks he is. Unfortunately the 2 female characters – mother and the daughter- play minor rolls. But all absolutely fascinating how all the “sides” are portrayed. Loved it!
A great series.
As a WWII buff, I found the premise of the story (a family divided between two countries) an interesting perspective. Some of the characters a little cliche for me – Paul a bit wimpy, Vilmot a bit immature and undecided. I’m hoping the sequential novels will strengthen the personalities a bit more. A recommended read.
A great read
Didn’t realize it is in a series so not happy about that. Not sure I will continue reading.
Very disappointed that it didn’t have an ending. You have to read the next book.
it was hard to put down. Described events from that time period that presented the struggle taking place for the every day family and how their lives changed and challenged their behavior. Easier to understand how it took place , when hind sight says ” how could people let this happen”.
This books grabs you and brings you into the families’ story. The author develops characters so you feel you know these people. She keeps true to the actual history of the time, so you’re learning as you go or reinforcing information you already were familiar with. I highly recommend this book, if you’re interested in the topic at all!