Thunder from Jerusalem (Penguin Classics) [Abridged, Audiobook] [Audio Cassette]

Bodie Thoene (Author), Brock Thoene (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 2, 2000 | Series: Penguin Classics

We are thrilled to have the second installment in Bodie and Brock Thoene's new series on audio. "Thunder from Jerusalem" picks up where Jerusalem Vigil left off, in the midst of the dramatic events in 1948, war-torn Jerusalem. The production of the audio is unique in the fact that the whole Thoene family takes part. A real family ensemble, with original music arranged and composed by their son. Jake and an abridgment by their daughter, Rachel. They are recorded in London, England.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

May 19, 1948. The state of Israel is five days old. The city of Jerusalem is tenuously poised for a clash that will be critical in the life of the new country. Holding the keys to an Israeli victory is a diverse, rag-tag group: Peter Wallich, once a teacher of agriculture in the kibbutz, now instructing teens in the assembly of Molotov cocktails; the 74-year-old mother superior, who desperately wants to preserve her convent from annihilation; Commander Moshe Sachar and his wife Rachel, who cling together amidst the horrors of war; and an Arab street urchin, Daoud, who repays the kindness of the so-called infidels in the best way he knows how. Interspersed throughout is the appearance of a mysterious old gardener, with wounds on the palms of both hands.

In the Zion Legacy series, the Thoenes return to a cast of characters and themes from their bestselling Zion Chronicles series that earned them a sterling reputation and a faithful readership in the Christian fiction arena. This second installment, Thunder from Jerusalem, starts slowly as the characters are reintroduced, and the stage is set. Then, the pace accelerates. The lives of Muslims, Jews, and Catholics all intersect in a tale of romance and suffering, patriotism and betrayal. Here is solid historical research paired with dramatic storytelling, a combination that has won Bodie and Brock Thoene eight Gold Medallion Awards.

Those who enjoyed the bestselling Jerusalem Vigil, the first book in the Zion Legacy series, won't want to miss this latest offering from the pens of the popular Thoenes. --Cindy Crosby --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Publishers Weekly

In this pulpy sequel to Jerusalem Vigil, the Thoenes provide a bit more intrigue and a bit less bathos, but continue to serve up the same jaw-dropping anti-Arab, pro-Israeli bias as before. This novel picks up when the first endedAin May 1948 Jerusalem, as Arab Muslims from varioius nations attempt to reclaim nascent Israel by way of several bloody yet unsuccessful offensives. Characters from the first novel return to fight for Jerusalem's Old City, and while they remain one-dimensional, the suspense builds as multiple cliff-hangers keep readers guessing about what they will do next and whether they will survive. A heroic Old City defender named Jacob, for example, cheats death repeatedly, though each of his action sequences seems like it could be his last. The Thoenes portray these Jewish-Arab battles, however, as an extension of the Nazi Holocaust; the Arabs here lust after Jewish blood while the Jews are morally above reproach and regularly protected by God and his angels. All other characters fit into one of these categories, depending on which side has their allegiance. A historical novel that takes a position is understandable, but one that canonizes the good guys and demonizes the bad guys as uniformly as this one does is heavy-handed in the extreme. These twin stereotypes, though, are the beating heart of the Thoenes' Jerusalem. Readers should look elsewhere for fiction that acknowledges and explores the gray, complicated areas of history. 100,000 first printing; 6-city author tour. (Oct.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Audio Cassette
• Publisher: Penguin Audio; Abridged edition (October 2, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0141802375
• ISBN-13: 978-0141802374
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.1 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,458,237 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More 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 8 ECPA Gold Medallion Awards affirms what millions of readers have already discovered--the Thoenes are not only master stylists but also experts at capturing readers' minds and hearts.

In their timeless classic series about Israel (The Zion Chronicles, The Zion Covenant, and The Zion Legacy), the Thoenes' love for both story and research shines.

With The Shiloh Legacy series and "Shiloh Autumn"--poignant portrayals of the American Depression--and The Galway Chronicles, which dramatically tell of the 1840s famine in Ireland, as well as the 12 books in the Legends of the West series, the Thoenes have made their mark in modern history.

In the A.D. Chronicles, their most recent series, they step seamlessly into the world of Yerushalayim and Rome, in the days when Yeshua walked the earth and transformed lives with His touch.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic for the Faithful Fans!, March 18, 2001

By 

Eric Wilson "novelist" (Nashville, TN United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 100 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Thunder from Jerusalem (Zion Legacy Book 2) (Hardcover)

This is great fiction. Or is it fiction? The Thoenes blend the two seamlessly and left me wondering where the two separated. The characters are believable, the setting authentic, and the descriptions vivid. But...

Don't even try to pick this book up if you haven't read "Jerusalem Vigil." In fact, even that book is greatly enhanced by a prior reading of the Zion Covenant and Zion Chronicles, not to mention "The Twilight of Courage." The number of characters can be overwhelming, if not disorienting if you're not already familiar with them. The story jumps right in where the previous book left off, and I even considering waiting to read them all together when the series is completed, as though they were a massive Michener novel.

I couldn't wait, though. I admit it. I just had to know what happens with Rachel and Moshe, David, Lori, Daniel, etc. By delivering the scenes of a couple days in short segments, the story flew by, and I couldn't set it down. Once again, I'm left waiting for the follow-up, "Jerusalem's Heart," this time. I've come to love these characters and their struggle for freedom.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A BRILLIANT READING, December 2, 2000

By 

Gail Cooke (TX, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Thunder from Jerusalem (Penguin Classics) (Audio Cassette)

A brilliant reading is delivered by Tim Pigott-Smith (whom many remember for his renderings of Patrick O'Brian's novels). Few can convey danger or suspense as convincingly as Pigott-Smith does in this, the second audiobook in the popular Zion Legacy Series.

These stories which focus on the peoples engaged in combat for the ancient city of Jerusalem continue to fascinate with their blend of history, craftsman-like story telling and unabated adventure.

For this tale the date is May 19, 1948, five days after the birth of the new State of Israel. Amidst the celebration there are omens of a continuing ancient battle.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant!, October 15, 2000

By 

Kathy - See all my reviews

This review is from: Thunder from Jerusalem (Zion Legacy Book 2) (Hardcover)

The fast paced follow up to Jerusalem Vigil, Thunder from Jerusalem is an engaging, emotionally powerful book. Through the use of riveting action scenes, well drawn characters, and clever scriptural references, the Thoenes have written a novel that enthralls, inspires, and entertains. Whether you are new to the Zion series, or have loyally read every book, Thunder from Jerusalem is a must read.