The Gathering Storm
August 11, 2010
This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Gathering Storm Summerside Press (August 1, 2010)
by Bodie and Brock Thoene
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Bodie and Brock Thoene (pronounced Tay-nee) have written over 50 works of historical fiction. Over twenty million of these best-selling novels are in print. Eight ECPA Gold Medallion Awards affirms what millions of readers have already discovered—the Thoenes are not only master stylists but experts at capturing readers’ minds and hearts.
Bodie began her writing career as a teen journalist for her local newspaper. Eventually her byline appeared in prestigious periodicals such as U.S. News and World Report, The American West, and The Saturday Evening Post. She also worked for John Wayne’s Batjac Productions (she’s best known as author of The Fall Guy) and ABC Circle Films as a writer and researcher. John Wayne described her as “a writer with talent that captures the people and the times!” She has degrees in journalism and communications.
Brock has often been described by Bodie as “an essential half of this writing team.” With degrees in both history and education, Brock has, in his role as researcher and story-line consultant, added the vital dimension of historical accuracy. Due to such careful research, The Zion Covenant and The Zion Chronicles series are recognized by the American Library Association, as well as Zionist libraries around the world, as classic historical novels and are used to teach history in college classrooms.
Bodie and Brock have four grown children—Rachel, Jake, Luke, and Ellie—and seven grandchildren. Their sons, Jake and Luke, are carrying on the Thoene family talent as the next generation of writers, and Luke produces the Thoene audiobooks.
Bodie and Brock divide their time between London and Nevada.
ABOUT THE BOOK
As Nazi forces tighten the noose, Loralei Kepler, daughter of a German resistance leader, must flee her beloved Germany. But is any place safe from Adolf Hitler’s evil grasp? Loralei’s harrowing flight leads her into the arms of needy child refugees, who have sacrificed everything in exchange for their lives, and toward a mysterious figure, who closely guards an age-old secret.
Explore the romance, the passion, and the danger of the most anticipated series of the last twenty years.
Born from the highly acclaimed and best-loved novels of three generations of readers — The Zion Covenant series and The Zion Chronicles series — Zion Diaries ventures into the lives of the inspiring and intriguing characters who loved intensely, stood up for what was right, and fought boldly during Hitler’s rise to power and the dark days of World War II.
If you would like to read the first chapter of The Gathering Storm, go HERE
Sally Says: I’m a long-time fan of the Thoenes’ WWII-related fiction and was sad when they moved away from that era. But now they’re back, picking up where their previous books left off and letting some of my favorite characters have cameos.
If you’ve never read a Thoene book, you’re in for a treat. It’s like watching a movie — a top-notch, perfectly crafted movie. Of course the pre-WWII era helps since that era is so easy to see and hear. Reading one of their novels is like being implanted in that time period, and that’s still true of The Gathering Storm.
But this book had a unique twist, the ancient secret the back of the book promised. Personally, I didn’t buy it, but it made for an interesting story, a pretty cool “What if?” I can’t say more or risk spoiling it! It does have a bit of a different feel from their Zion Chronicles and Zion Covenant feel, but I still flew through it.
If you’re a fan of historical fiction or World War II fiction, run out and buy The Gathering Storm. I think you’ll enjoy it.
Comments
3 Responses to “The Gathering Storm”
I’m ashamed to say I’ve never read the Theone’s books but have heard great things. They look like the kind of meaty historical fiction that I love. Do you have one you’d recc. I start with? I imagine they’ve written a whole bunch:)! Great review, Sally. Thanks.
Vienna Prelude! Love that book. Have read it over and over. Here’s the link.
Sally, I’m off to order Vienna Prelude:) And I promise to tell you what I think. Am sure I’ll find it hard to put down! BTW, the cover for The Gathering Storm is just beautiful. I’m such a cover fan! It means a lot that you would take time for my historicals as I know you are more a contemp. writer and reader. Love your blog!! Must add to my sidebar…