Customer Reviews

Vienna Prelude (The Zion Covenant, Book 1)

5 star:		(39)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I couldn't imagine Nazi Germany any other way. Theone's characters and events are so convincing that it seemed I could feel and understand the era. The pure evil is vivid enough to keep you angry while the romance truly soars with some very well written pictures and emotion. It is like she was able to inhabit each character and scene as she wrote.

The emotions, events, and relationships during this historical period are experienced here so that you can't help but trust the accuracy of this work. Although a couple of times we are taken out of the story for a short history lesson, I felt that the historical facts were perfectly placed throughout the story.

I was amazed by one scene where Theone captures Nazi Field Marshal Hermann Goring's jealously of Theo Lindheim. 'Goring was... the glutton of the Reich. What he saw, his appetite demanded. He had not admired the honor of Theo Lindheim, but he had coveted the respect Lindheim's honor seemed to bring him. The contrast between the two men was an impassable gulf... One thing was certain, someone like Hermann Goring would never fill the shoes of Theo Lindheim...he would try...then he would strip the house bare of everything of beauty and value... (p. 154)' This childish lust for power and the total inadequacy as a person portrayed here translated into a perfect picture of Hitler himself.

One problem I did have... the dialog and interaction between characters was a little weak and unnatural at times which was a surprising to me given the outstanding strength of every other element of the book.

What a discovery! It makes you wish every book could be written so well. I didn't want it to end because it is going to be a few weeks before I get to start the next one.

Have you ever read a book that was so excellent you couldn't stand it because you become the characters and every hurt they feel and every joy they feel becomes your own? That's how this book is.

The author develops the characters so well that you can emerge yourself into them and feel their emotions. I felt Elisa's pain when her father was arrested, her hurt over Thomas's betrayal, her joy during that one perefect day she had with John, and cried with her when she left him to enlist Thomas to help find her father.

I could not put this book down it moved so quickly. I stayed up one night until I finished it, because near the end there is so much suspense I knew I would never sleep not knowing what happened to Elisa and Murphy.

Vienna Prelude depicts the horror of the Nazi regime like no history book could ever dream of. Unlike history books, it doesn't sugar coat the horrors behind dates and facts, but shows the emotions, the fears, and the struggles of the people caught up in the horrors of WWII. I saw clearly how the United States and Brittain KNEW what was happening, and, to my frustration and disgust, didn't do squat because it didn't affect them.

This was one of those books that I wanted so badly to get to the end of so I could know what happened, but yet when I got there, I was sorry the book was over because, until I could get the next book at least, I couldn't escape fom everyday routine into the life of Elisa Lindheim.

I think absolutely everyone should read this book. Five stars isn't enough! A book this excellent deserves at least 6 1/2 out of five! If you buy this book, do yourself a favor and buy the second book at the same time, because you will probably be as upset as I was if you have to wait to continue the story.

The story takes place before WWII. Hitler has taken over Germany and has set his sights on Austria. Relive the terror that the Jews and citizens of Germany faced during that time. If you like historical fiction, Bodie Thoene writes some of the best. Her husband, Brock, does the research for the books and their joint effort has produced some of the most interesting books that I've ever read. Her characters are very human and the story line is gripping. You'll cry, laugh and maybe even bite your fingernails - but you won't be bored while reading this book.

This book and the series (I am currently on the third, Munich Signature) are engaging and fascinating works of historical fiction. The Thoene's do an excellent job of portraying such an important, but complicated series of events, and create plausible characters that the reader becomes attached to. The writing is easy to read, although the narrative can go on a little long with details, and the long descriptions of the thoughts of characters can drag and repeat. The major events appear well researched, and interesting true historical figures are touched upon, although there are occasionally small factual errors. By far the most troubling error, and difficult to get past, is the membership of the two main characters, Elisa and Leah, in the Vienna Philharmonic. In 1997 the Vienna Philharmonic made news for finally admitting its first woman into the orchestra's membership. In such a clearly well-researched work, it does seem like a strange historical error to make. However, I find the book enjoyable and a gives the reader a great sense of a critical time in Europe's history.

This book was wonderful- I learned so much more about WWII Europe than I ever did sitting in a boring history class (sorry, professors!). Putting a face on the victims of one man and his minions' insatiable quest for power and revenge made the experience real for me- the atrocities that happened long ago have been softened by time, completely forgotten, or worse, distorted and misrepresented. The Zion books are a reminder of what occurred over fifty years ago and a tribute to the strength and faith that the Jewish people possess.

The Zion Covenant series, and its follow-up series, The Zion Chronicles, are some of the best books I have ever read. The character developments in the stories are amazing, the author does a remarkable job of bringing the characters to life. The books have a little for everyone: romance, adventure, history, etc. They are a fascinating account of WW II and many of the events of the time. Vienna Prelude is an excellent first novel of the series, it captures your attention and carries the plots brilliantly to the next book. I have read both series twice through, and plan to read them many more times!!

Elisa Lindheim is a beautiful young woman and a very talented violinist--in fact she performs regularly with one of the greatest orchestras in the world: the Vienna Philharmonic. Unfortunately, as Hitler begins to rise in power, her Jewish heritage places her in serious jeopardy. Like so many other people in Europe at that time, she has no wish to believe that war is coming. As time wears on, she begins to realize that the world is no longer peaceful. She watches as innocent Jews are roughly arrested for sitting on public benches, she is dragged through emotional agony because her lover abandoned her for the Nazi party, she experiences fear and horror as she witnesses her father being arrested by the Nazi's--life was no longer beautiful. Despite these traumatic incidents, Elisa refuses to believe that war will make its way to Vienna, Austria. Her beautiful Vienna, whose air was filled with the sweet aroma of delicious food, the tall and grand buildings that stood proudly, the cheerful music, the joyful laughter of carefree citizens, the children's delighted shouts as they shopped for toys in booths. This would always be Vienna, and nothing would and could invade it. Elisa is well aware that being Jewish is dangerous, but because she has gorgeous Aryan features, no one is suspecting her of carrying the heritage of the "enemy". She puts herself to work by going right under the noses of Nazi's while she rescues little innocents. Elisa might not want to accept that war is facing her, but taking responsibility for lives and maintaining courage are two things that she willingly applies in her life during this nightmare.

This is the best historical fiction book I have ever read--and I've read plenty of them. I've become very interested in studying about World War II. However, because I have a difficult time reading about just plain facts (I prefer memoirs of Holocaust survivors), I tend to miss out on important things. I was very impressed how 'Vienna Prelude' gives great detail on the political aspects of WWII that is both very interesting to read, and very knowledgeable. I can't stress enough how well written, accurate, interesting and exciting this book is. I couldn't put it down. Not only is it an enjoyable book to read, it's also very educational. I'm more than anxious to read the rest of the series! I highly, highly recommend this book.

Note for parents: There is an attempted rape scene (although it is only attempted, it's made clear that the Nazi's enjoy raping and hurting Jewish women), a suggested love affair, graphic descriptions of beatings, killings, and a few more things that might disturb your child if he/she is sensitive.

"Vienna Prelude" along with all of the "Zion Covenant" and the "Zion Chronicles" are the best books I have ever read. They helped me understand the Jewish people and their wars for freedom more than any history book ever could. A Must Read!

I got this book because I was planning a trip to Vienna and wanted a sense of the history. It's a great book and now I must read the rest of the series. It was moving to go to the actual sites mentioned in the book when I got to Vienna. I felt much more than a "tourist." And it was difficult to think that so many beautiful buildings had been so devastated. This book made it real.

Read this book and the four others. Two months later, I am reading the next series, The Zion Chronicles, about the fight in Jerusalem. I can't get enough now of WWII history! This book and the four others taught me so much. I was a little disappointed in the ending of the last book. It was excellent but some characters were not developed to their utmost. A hurried ending. I am just so impressed with these series, and I want another series with these characters expanded. I liked the character of Lucy and I think that she could have been developed more. I feel like these would make great movies- they aren't self-righteous, yet firm in their beliefs as Christians or Jews. Great books!