Customer Reviews

The Zion Chronicles: Books 1-5

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Opening on the night in 1947 that the UN voted for Israel's independence, this series follow the events that lead up to May 14, 1948 through the eyes of several fictitious characters. As the events unfold, we are drawn into the lives of Ellie, David, Moshe, and Rachel and share their struggles, fears, hopes, and joys in the midst of a real war going on for the survival of Israel and the Jews.

I first read this series in the early 90's and reread it a couple years ago. I was surprised at how much stuck with me. I couldn't put the books down the first time, and had almost as much trouble on the reread. The Thoenes are truly talented authors, deftly mixing character development with suspense and historical accuracy. After reading this series, I added them to list of favorite authors.

This was the first series that the Thoenes wrote for the Christian market. A reader who isn't familiar with their work can easily start here. However, their Zion Covenant series does take place before this one and involve some, but not all, of the same characters. They have finally written the next chapter in the amazing struggle of the Jews in their Zion Legacy series.

The Thoenes have proven time and time again they are among the best of today's Christian fiction writers. If you haven't had the pleasure, don't hesitate. You will find yourself swept away to another time and place and enjoy every moment of it.

Bodie Thoene's research is impeccable. She has a remarkable ability to make the characters come alive. I was sad when I finished this series, which I have read three times now, because each person seems so real that I hated for the relationship to end. Which is why I will keep reading the Zion Chronicles again and again. I have read the Zion Covenant series also and it is excellent, but I have to admit, the Zion Chronicles books are my favorite. Bodie Thoene is just my favorite author - period! Her books are exciting and she has a beautiful way of bring the message of the Gospel to life in the characters. I highly recommend any of Mrs. Thoene's books.

Never befor have I read a series of books so captivating in my life. The books move along so smoothly and so vividly that you feel as though you are in post-war Jerusalem. The endings will have your stomach in knots and you will not be able to put the book down untill you are through. As soon as you are finished you will immediatly want to pick up the next in the series. I now have a whole new perspective on Gods chosen people.

I absolutely loved these books. They pulled me into the story and i felt like I knew the characters. I could hardly put them down. they are also very historically informative. I highly recommend this series and the Zion Covenant which is as good and maybe better.

For readers out there looking for a good book I highly recommend these series. You learn about history like never before. You get involved like you could never have imagined. Soon enough you won't be able to put these books down. The endings were quite sastisfying to me as I am sure they will be to you. This series will impell you to visit this area of the world, Isreal.

Having read Autumn Shiloh and Twilight of Courage some time ago we looked locally for virtually anything bearing the name Thoene. Our son, stationed in Germany, suggested we try Amazon.com and much to our surprise we discovered a whole new world of reading enjoyment. Each episode of Zion Chronilces leaves the reader crying for more, so much so that we have since ordered several series--strongly recommended reading. Particularly for me, is The Galway Chronicles. Sorry for those who purchase used books, this series stays in the family.

This great fiction series chronicles the events of the Israeli War of Independence; focusing both on the personal stories of people who were there, and also giving a great overview of the entire story. Bodie Thoene's books are very historically accurate and provide a great history lesson in a very interesting way. The story of the Jews' fight for freedom and independence will touch the patriotic spirit of all Americans, as well as those who just want to root for the underdog. After reading these books, a shout of "This year in Jerusalem" will bring tears to the eyes. These books are simply amazing, I heartily recommend them!

These are beautifully written books that any person of any age will enjoy immensely!!! It is a concise, accurate, historical picture of the events surrounding the establishment of the State of Israel, entwined with personal stories that will capture your heart.

I recommend reading the Chronicles first, followed by the Zion Covenant series, then the Zion Legacy series. You won't be able to put them down!!!

I haven't enjoyed anything as much as The Zion Chronicles and that includes Michener's Centennial and Hawaii, which I absolutely loved. If you love to read you will love this reading. These books are well worth saving for your children to read at some future time. Seldom will you ever come across stories so gripping and so well written. You will feel yourself a part of the family of characters as they pursue life-long dreams in the face of overwhelming odds. A five-star rating isn't enough . . .

As adventure stories go, this series is superb. After reading the first volume I couldn't wait to get started on the second, and after completing the Chronicles series, I promptly began the search for the Covenant series. I thoroughly enjoyed the descriptions of the city of Jerusalem and participated in the travails and sufferings of the people. However, it should be kept in mind that these are books of historical fiction, with emphasis on the fiction. They are written from a Christian pro-Zionist perspective with obvious bias against Muslim Arabs. The only sympathetic Arab characters that I recall, in fact, were Christian Arabs. What I found unrealistic, bordering on the preposterous, were some of the dialogues and soliliquies of pious Jews on the possibility that Jesus was, after all, possibly the long-awaited Messiah. It was difficult enough to find a fit between the swashbuckling gentile heroes and their Christian musings. However, I love a good rousing adventure story and look forward to reading the other of Bodie Thoene's Zion series.