The Order of the Red Lion

by Tim Byers

August 1939, Luxembourg City
Rumors of war echo through the gentle Grand Duchy. Fourteen-year-old Hansi Broussard would rather draw in his sketchbook atop the fortress walls of the medieval city than pay attention to politics.
As the unthinkable happens, he can no longer ignore the signs of the impending conflict. The rumors become reality and his family is thrust into the middle of it.
With the help of Karin, a German girl he recently befriended, Hansi sets out to find the truth behind the mysterious circumstances they have uncovered. Their quest carries them through the old city, the heart of steel country, and even across the border into Germany. Can Hansi trust Karin? What they discover threatens both their friendship and their lives.
Will their courage overcome the growing threat?

352 pages, Paperback

Published August 10, 2023

Reviews

[Chloe Coy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming and captivating! Dynamically personal and universal, this is a great story about loyalty, bravery, and the trials and triumphs of coming-of-age.

[Erik Byers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! Keeps you on the edge of your seat and is destined to be a TV series one day!

[Dik LaPine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Order of the Red Lion is a refreshing read from a surprising new author Tim Beyers. We have all read books of the rise of the Third Reich and its invasion of Poland, but have we ever relived the invasion of Luxembourg? This book recounts the haunting German covert invasion of the brown shirts and Gestapo officers against the Luxembourg underground resistance. The eerie disappearances of Luxembourg citizens by Nazi infiltrators posing as friends of the state reminds us of the deceptions of our own times. The read is a sneak peek of what could be crouching for American around the corner. This book is a page turner. Byers has captured the thrilling drama, suspense, and action of a Tom Clancy or Robert Ludlum thriller. Because Byers employs short chapters with soap opera cliff hangers at the end of each chapter, he compels the reader not to stop, but jump to the next scene, and thus the book flies, and the pages turn. The reader can’t put the book down for a second once hooked on the adrenaline of the plot. The author doesn’t waste time developing descriptions of the characters or the town more than necessary. His goal is to tell the story. He lets the reader’s imagination be unleashed to fill the canvas of the story on their own dime. The story is his only concern, and does he ever tell this story! I highly recommend this novel for ages ten on up. The book contains no graphic content other than the victims of war. Youth and adults both will enjoy this read. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. It is a good read! -Dik LaPine Owner and CEO of Ice Box Cards Superior, Wisconsin.

[Stephen Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a highly anticipated installment from one of my favorite authors. The plot pulls you along in a gripping way and the subtlety of a cultural takeover echoes throughout its pages. Moreover, I loved the balance of a teenager navigating the tumult of early love and friendships but all the while feeling called to participate in something much bigger than himself. We all feel the tension. Byers captures it here spot on and I can’t wait for more.

[Jan Church Daily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went on vacation hoping for a good book that I could get lost in and have a mental vacation as well. Tim’s book did not disappoint! I couldn’t put it down! I loved the history I was transported into and the epic adventures of Hansi and Karin. Loved the surprises along the way. Trying to be patient for the sequel to find out how the characters reunite (hopefully) and go on my next “vacation.”

[Faith Williamson]

Such a great story! Once I started this book I couldn’t put it down as every clue had me drawn in, as I wanted to know more! I wanted to know more about Luxembourg as well Karin and Hansi. This book truly has it all! This book contains mystery, history and as well as the beginning of a romance but most of all this book contains love that a boy has for his father as well as his country!

[Ron Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! You quickly find yourself cheering on the main characters, Hansi and Karin. The situations are action-packed and intense but believable. Rich themes throughout; good vs evil, overcoming adversity, facing your fears, doing the right thing knowing it will cost you, and of course, young love!

[David Booram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got this for my grandson and then ended up reading it myself. Just what I hoped for. Felt like I was in an ancient city during pre-war years. Great plot. Great characters and villains. With twist upon twist. Can't wait for the next installment and hope there is just as much of the heroine, Karin, as her counterpart, Hansi.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book with great flow that had me hooked from the beginning! A suspenseful and exciting adventure that would appeal to a wide age-range. Had just the right amount of historical context to give the story good texture while remaining a very fun and engaging story!

[AR bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very compelling historic-fiction novel, set in the seemingly idyllic summer of 1939 Luxembourg.

The duchy has peacefully existed beside its German neighbor, but the Gestapo has plans to undermine the Luxembourg government for its own take-over.

Thrown into the plot are a local teen boy and his German girl friend. Together they dodge Gestapo agents, roam the underground tunnels beneath the duchy fortress, travel to industrial sites, and into Germany itself. Their friendship is sorely tested, as the girl’s father is a German Diplomat.

Well described by the author’s work experience in Luxembourg, this novel stands well alone, with probable sequels to follow.

[Susan Stinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting and charming at the same time. A gripping story of determination. It’s a page turner that kept me engaged and curious to the end. I learned a lot about Luxembourg too!

[Kevin Galvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed the read.
I look forward to more from Tim, and hopefully more adventures with Hansi.

[Kevin Roth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book. Captivated me from the start and kept surprising me at every turn. Can’t wait for book 2 to come out to see how the story continues.

[Sophie Coy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating book filled with rich history and storytelling! I couldn’t put the book down and finished in less than two days!