The Gates of Zion (Zion Chronicles) (Bk. 1) [Paperback]

Bodie Thoene (Author), Brock Thoene (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2006 | Series: Zion Chronicles (Book 1)

The Zion Chronicles series covers the events surrounding Israel's statehood in 1948. Each book vividly portrays the intense struggle of the Jewish people in the aftermath of the Holocaust and the forces, within and without, which engulf the Middle East in conflict and controversy even today. Will there ever be peace in Zion? The Jewish people wonder as they stream into the British Mandate of Palestine after the devastation of World War II. What has happened to God's promises to their nation? These updated classics feature a new look and added study questions suitable for individual use or group discussion.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

BODIE AND BROCK THOENE (pronounced Tay-nee) have written over 45 works of historical fiction. That these best sellers have sold more than 10 million copies and won 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.

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.; Reprinted edition (April 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1414301022
• ISBN-13: 978-1414301020
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #501,085 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Realistic and yet, it's fiction..., October 10, 2000

By 

Laura Williams (MO, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gates of Zion (Zion Chronicles, Bk. 1.) (Paperback)

The Gates of Zion is a wonderfully written book about one young lady's choices during post World War II, in the setting of Jerusalem. Throughout the book she must decide whether or not she wants to involve herself in politics that are much larger than the comfortable and sheltered world to which she has grown accustomed. Through her choices, she learns more about herself and those around her, including the two men between whose love she must decide.

This book is the first in a series titled The Zion Chronicles. Bodie Thoene wrote this series first and then later wrote a series to precede this called The Zion Covenant. I would rate the first series a full five stars. All were excellently written. I found them to be very well developed and descriptive. I found The Gates of Zion to be no exception to this style of writing. Bodie Thoene did a superb job of painting scenes for my imagination to witness. The level of description in all of her books creates a separate world through which I am able to watch her characters live their lives.

I rate this book at four stars solely based upon a fault of my own. Not being very well informed as to post WWII history, I found that this book, The Gates of Zion, was slightly more difficult to get into than those of the first series. It took me a while to get fully absorbed in it. However, once I started to understand a little better the events taking place, I could hardly put the book down.

I found the book to always have me wanting to know more. It was very exciting in the way that I was constantly being surprised. It was not a predictable book in the least. I had to read it to find out what the end results would be. If there was any guessing on my part it was only speculation as to what new twist the author was going to send my way next. I found this to keep me on my toes and kept my interest in the book. I just had to know what was going to happen, and therefore found it difficult to put away when my time would not allow for reading.

I also found this book to be inspirational. The faith in God the characters exhibit in their daily lives and when in the face of adversity is very encouraging. I know that this book is fiction, and yet the faith and trust they show in God is something that I believe anyone can obtain. It is not unrealistic in that the characters have a faith of which no one would be capable. It is presented in such a way that it makes you forget that the book is indeed fiction.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for an exciting book. It has the ability to keep one on the edge of their seat wanting to know more. I know this was defenately the case for me.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 5 stars isn't enough. I was captivated!!!, May 5, 1999

By 

Megan Villa - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gates of Zion (Zion Chronicles, Bk. 1.) (Paperback)

Never have I come across a better author. Bodie Theone (tay-nee) is truly amazing. These books are full of drama. It's like the characters became my friends. When I finished the series, It felt as though I lost some good friends. I really don't know if I could be as entertained, enlightened and fulfilled by reading anything else after reading this series. Originally I was checking the series out one at a time from the library. But when I realized I'd finally found something I couldn't put down, I figured I better buy the whole series. I have never bought books before, because I've never found anything worthy of being read more than once. I was just so compelled and I want to share her writings with all my friends and family. She's spectacular. So is anything written by her husband Brock, who helps her co-write everything. It's almost like watching a movie, because there are so many plots intertwined. I was shocked to read the epilogue in RETURN TO ZION. You'll have to find out for yourself. Just don't start reading in the middle of the series. If I could never read another authors works but one it would be the Theone's. - Megan Villa

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This Book Has It All, October 14, 2001

By 

genebodene (Lee, Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gates of Zion (Zion Chronicles, Bk. 1.) (Paperback)

Action, intrigue, romance! This book has it all. Ellie Warne, a young American photographer suddenly finds herself thrust into the role of photojournalist for "Life" magazine, covering the turmoil between the Jews, Arabs and British in 1947 Palestine.Throw in the mix an assortment of characters, including the brave Moshe and David, who vie for Ellie's attention, as well as Rachel, a beautiful Jewess who had been forced into prostitution in Auschwitz during World War II and you have people you can be interested in. Bodie Thoene can excellently craft a novel and turn a phrase and she definitely has done it in this book!