Customer Reviews

Prague Counterpoint (Zion Covenant, Book 2)

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A client of mine loaned me the first book in this series, but it had an old version cover. It is great historical fiction, but I could barely get my husband to pick it up because the cover looked like some kind of romance novel! I went in search of the second book in the series (this one) and found it now had an updated cover. Great! Now my husband can carry this on the plane without shame! :) This second book in the series is just as compelling as the first so while many sequels can be disappointing, this one is not.
Only negative - Wish the series was available for the Kindle Reader! Can you help with that, Amazon?

I'm not ashamed to admit it--I'm hooked on this outside-my-demographic novel series. I'm still a bit disillusioned with myself over it, too, so I guess I'll make a good reviewer for the books.

First of all, this is a series, so you don't want to start with this one--go to Vienna Prelude.

In terms of the series' strengths and weaknesses, I'd have to say all the main areas are genuinely strong. For example, the plot is consistently interesting, somewhat unpredictable and satisfying. The author knows how to throw in some amusing poetic justice here, some authentic moments of warmth and kindness there, and a few twists. The occasional 'Deus ex machina', such as at the end of Danzig Passage (volume 5) is endurable, especially considering:

characters--she shows a genuine love for her creations and allows them to act consistently; for example, in PC, Elisa is growing through stress, Otto is strong throughout, but perhaps a bit questionably characterized toward the end; Murphy is well-developed; Theo is good; others even in cameo roles are the kind of characters whom an actor could enjoy playing.

setting--the Thoenes have chosen a wonderful setting for a novel series, namely pre-WWII Europe, and it's treated well, enhancing the effect. Personally, I find few authors who can do this very well. Take the Victorian novelists, Dickens, Eliot, Thackeray, Austen, or take even Tolstoy--rarely do you find yourself feeling caught up in the romance of a certain setting--contrast Wuthering Heights, on the other hand, for a novel where setting is almost like another character; or the Great Gatsby or the Grapes of Wrath from 20th century Americana. Well, there are definite, if not 100% consistent touches here where you feel caught up in the places as well as the action. It's part of what makes you want to curl up with the books in a cozy armchair with a cup of coffee.

I should add something related to plot but not identical with it--the ability to create luminous moments of connection with the characters, which are even better than the plot itself. For example, just see what she does with Leah's cello in Prague Counterpoint. She has a light, natural touch in this respect, compared to even Charles Dickens, who can be a bit melodramatic and heavy-handed in his treatment of, say, a child's toy.

Every family should have this series as a family heirloom. I felt like I lost a friend when I finished the book. You grow so close to the characters. I would be thrilled to see any of her book series made into a movie mini-series. I can't get enough of her work. I've never been so impressed with another author. I would love to meet Bodie and Brock. They are spectacular. I can't wait to finish the series. I can tell you one thing, It'll be on my bookshelf as a keepsake. If I can pry it out of the hands of friends and family who want to read them as well. - Megan Villa

This is the second book in a series. It had been four months since I read the first books. A few specifics were a bit fuzzy to me, but the important things soon came back to me. I would not, however, recommend reading this book if you have not already read Vienna Prelude, there is too much that would not make sense.

I enjoyed reading the advance of Elisa and Murphy's story, and Leah's, as well as being introduced to new stories. Well-written, engaging, carried me along. Like with the first book, there is a bit of coincidence and melodrama with each main character managing to be involved with many amazing events, especially Elisa. I cared less about it this however, than I did in the first book, probably because the authors did a better job at captivating me and moving me along through the stories. I also did feel like God and the Christian faith were a bit more naturally woven into this book.

With the first book, Vienna Prelude, I enjoyed the book and wanted the sequel, but even after I had the book in hand, was willing to wait a couple months to get around to reading it. I think the next book will be read a bit sooner! Prague Counterpoint was definitely a step up and more captivating, though definitely still light reading. Hopefully, the books will continue to improve as the series progresses. I'd rate Prague Counterpoint 4.5 stars, which I'll round up to a 5.

Excellent Book as are all the books in the Series. I have read ALL of the Zion Series by the Thoene's and am waiting now for the 5th in the AD Chronicles series. The Characters have become "members of my household"! Keep up the wonderful Books Bodie and Brock! (I feel like I know you) I actually have read both the Zion Covenant and The Zion Chronicles more than once and loved them each time, you have given me a deeper love for the Jewish People and the Land of Israel. Adonai put the love in my heart and you have helped nourish it with the indepth personalities you write about. Thanks again! I Can't recommend them enough, all are wonderful!

This book was awesome, in fact the whole series was wonderful! I enjoy all books that have a Nazie related topic.

Throughout the whole book I was captured, I didn't want to stop reading. Each character became so vivid and real to me. Elisa a bold Jewish woman married to an American... Leah, my heart broke for Leah. While I was reading this book, I easily lived inside it, I easily felt the fear of Leah and the need to escape out of the grip of Hitler, or the fear of being cought. This book depicts both the bravery of those souls who lived through the darkest time in history and the great monstrocity of Hitler. I was indeed captured and I highly recommend this book along with the ones following it, you will not regret reading it.

This is turning into such a good series for history buff readers like me, who also enjoy
Christian fiction. God has truly blessed the authors in their writing skill. Look
forward to reading the rest of the series!

Loved the book. I listened to it on audio book. I really enjoy historic romance novels. I like to read about the World War II era. Am ordering the sequel.

THIS BOOK, LIKE ALL OTHERS THE THOENES HAVE WRITTEN, IS EXCELLENT. IT INSPIRES YOU SPIRITUALLY, CHALLENGES YOU IN HISTORICAL WAYS, AND HELPS YOU TO BE MORE POLITICALLY AWARE OF OUR GOVERNMENT.