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Ancestry: The Untold Rise Of The Fourth Reich

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Prepare for an adrenaline-fueled ride through history and danger in Mike Handcock's thrilling third installment, "Ancestry."

David Clark and his captivating partner, Abbey Bec, embark on an enchanting holiday in the heart of the United Kingdom. Little do they know that a simple DNA test will set them on a treacherous path, unraveling David's family legacy spanning nearly a millennium.

Their idyllic adventure takes a sinister turn when Abbey is snatched away from the picturesque Welsh coastal town of Conway. Desperate, David reaches out to Abbey's enigmatic father, known only as 'The Eagle,' a seasoned mercenary. In a matter of hours, David finds himself aboard the awe-inspiring behemoth, The Gerald R Ford, face-to-face with none other than the President of the United States.

Unbeknownst to them, deep in the untamed wilderness of Patagonia, the diabolical Jan Mengele, son of the notorious Angel of Death, and his sinister partner Werner Goebbels, are plotting the resurrection of the Fourth Reich. As David delves deeper into the enigma surrounding his beloved Abbey's abduction, he discovers a perilous choice lying before him. Should he focus solely on her rescue or take on a mission of epic proportions, saving not only the White House but the very fabric of our existence?

In this heart-pounding saga, filled with unexpected twists and turns, David confronts not only Abbey's estranged and intricate family but also his own mortality, staring into the abyss of his own demise. As the pages turn, Handcock masterfully weaves a tale that challenges our perception of reality. Could everything we hold dear, the institutions we trust, be shrouded in malevolence and deceit? Are the puppeteers pulling the strings of our governments truly who they claim to be, or are we mere pawns in their nefarious agenda?

Join David Clark on his quest to unearth the dark secrets of his ancestry, as he battles against time, powerful enemies, and his own inner demons. "Ancestry" will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew, plunging you into a world where nothing is as it seems, and the fight for truth and justice becomes a battle for survival.

462 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 8, 2023

10 people want to read

About the author

Mike Handcock

12 books6 followers
Mike Handcock is Chairman and Founder of Circle of Excellence, a conglomerate of 5 international companies that has now touched the lives of over 300 000 entrepreneurs worldwide. In 2018, Mike has chaired the Global Speakers Summit in New Zealand, where over 70 international speakers were brought together on the ‘Leader to Legacy’ stage. Mike is a multi-award winning speaker, with most recent awards being New Zealand Speaker of the Year, New Zealand Educator of the Year and now a Life Member of NSANZ.

Well-travelled to 108 countries, Mike is also a musician, music producer and award-winning author in his own right. His unique set of skills include Business Strategist, Conscious Leader Advocate, Philanthropist, Rock Musician, Sacred Wisdom Expert, and now Publisher of LEAD Magazine. Mike has been mentioned by President Clinton for his philanthropic efforts in India, and now sits on the Board of the Sage and Global Dialogue Foundations.

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Arnav Melendez.
39 reviews
July 8, 2024
From the haunting beginnings in a crumbling Berlin to the present-day quest for roots in the UK, Mike Handcock crafts a narrative that's part historical thriller, part genealogical mystery. What struck me most was the juxtaposition of past and present, each beautifully detailed, making the transitions smooth yet filled with anticipation. The characters, especially David and Abbey, are relatable and their journey feels personal, as if I'm tagging along in their discovery. The inclusion of a Spitfire's victory roll as a sign from the ancestors was a touch of brilliance, blending history with a bit of mystique.
Profile Image for Lesa Ruby.
37 reviews
July 4, 2024
The novel begins in 1945 Berlin, capturing the desperate atmosphere in Hitler's bunker as the Soviet army closes in. The narrative introduces young Alfred Czech, who is honored by Hitler, symbolizing the twisted heroism and indoctrination within the Nazi ranks. The story then shifts to the present day, following David Clark and Abbey Bec as they embark on an ancestral journey in the UK, uncovering David's lineage connected to significant historical figures and events.

Parallel to the modern-day quest, the novel dives back into the chaos of 1945 Berlin, detailing the tragic end of key Nazi figures like Joseph Goebbels and his family, capturing the collapse of their ideological and personal worlds. These historical insights are woven with David and Abbey's exploration, which is marked by strange coincidences and unexplained phenomena, suggesting a deeper connection between past and present.

The novel also ventures into speculative fiction, with a surprising twist that Hitler survives, aiming to continue his mission, adding a layer of intrigue and what-if scenarios to the historical backdrop. This blend of historical accuracy, speculative elements, and the personal journey of tracing one's ancestry creates a rich narrative tapestry that questions known narratives of World War II and delves into the impact of ancestry on identity and destiny. The novel's interplay between the dark past of the Third Reich and the personal discovery in the present offers a compelling exploration of history's shadows and their influence on the present.
Profile Image for Landen Acosta.
40 reviews2 followers
May 25, 2024
Ancestry by Mike Handcock isn't just a novel; it's an enthralling journey into a labyrinth of historical secrets and present-day conspiracies. From the quaint streets of the United Kingdom to the untamed landscapes of Patagonia, David Clark and his partner Abbey Bec's holiday turns into a chilling quest, spanning nearly a millennium of David's family legacy. Handcock ingeniously intertwines a simple DNA test with a sinister plot brewing in the shadows, making every page a gripping revelation.

As Abbey's abduction tears David's world apart, his desperation leads him to 'The Eagle,' and onto the decks of the mighty Gerald R Ford, right before the President himself. Meanwhile, the evil lurking in Patagonia, led by Jan Mengele and Werner Goebbels, threatens not just David's personal quest but the fate of the world. The narrative seamlessly blends the intimate struggles of its characters with the broader, more ominous implications of their actions.

Ancestry strikes a chord, especially in my country, where history and heritage are a source of both pride and mystery. Handcock's vivid depiction of the settings, the nuanced character arcs, and the relentless pace of the plot resonated deeply with me. The novel's profound questioning of the institutions we trust and the nature of truth itself left me pondering long after I turned the last page. This is a must-read for those who appreciate a deep, historical thriller with a heart-thumping modern twist.
Profile Image for Thomas andrew.
16 reviews1 follower
June 11, 2024
The book intertwines historical facts with fictional elements to create an engaging narrative that spans from the tumultuous final days of Hitler's bunker in 1945 to a contemporary quest for ancestral roots in the UK. The narrative oscillates between past and present, connecting the dots between historical events and their impact on individual destinies.

The novel dives into the chaotic end of the Third Reich, offering a detailed account of the last days within Hitler's bunker. It portrays the psychological state of key figures such as Hitler, Eva Braun, and Joseph Goebbels, culminating in their tragic ends. This portrayal offers a grim look into the collapse of their ideologically driven world, highlighting the desperation and delusion that pervaded the bunker as the Allied forces closed in.

Contrastingly, the contemporary storyline follows David Clark and Abbey Bec as they embark on a journey through the UK to uncover David's ancestral lineage. Their adventure is marked by a series of coincidences and unexplained phenomena, suggesting a deeper connection to the past. The narrative weaves in elements of mystery and romance, as the couple uncovers surprising ties to significant historical events and figures.
Profile Image for Maria Nocheydía.
60 reviews1 follower
June 4, 2024
Found myself pleasantly absorbed in the weaving of past and present. Handcock's narrative is a layered tapestry that explores the untold rise of the 4th Reich, intertwining the personal journeys of its characters with significant historical moments.

The story navigates through various timelines and locations, from the tension-filled bunkers of 1945 Berlin to the quaint English countryside, exploring themes of lineage, destiny, and the ripple effects of history on individual lives. The juxtaposition of the Spitfire's victory roll over the church in Sussex with the grim final days of Hitler and Goebbels in the Fuhrerbunker was particularly striking, illustrating the contrasting outcomes of war and the enduring human spirit.

While the novel occasionally veers towards the fantastical, especially with the concept of a doppelgänger and the mysterious connections across time, it remains grounded in emotional authenticity. The characters, especially David and Abbey, are relatable in their quest for understanding and connection to their roots, making the historical elements more accessible.
Profile Image for Jessica Martinez.
58 reviews5 followers
May 25, 2024
This book is a compelling tapestry of mystery, action, and deep emotional undertones. David Clark's idyllic trip swiftly morphs into a harrowing adventure, revealing layers of a family legacy shrouded in darkness. The seamless blend of a picturesque vacation with the menacing plot of the Fourth Reich's resurrection is nothing short of literary brilliance.
As David navigates through the complex maze of his partner's abduction, ancient family secrets, and imminent global peril, Handcock invites us into a world where the lines between the past and the present blur. The introduction of characters like 'The Eagle,' the President, and the sinister duo in Patagonia adds layers of intrigue and depth to the narrative. The book touches upon themes of trust, power, and survival, making it a reflective read against the backdrop of today's tumultuous world.
Profile Image for SAM COPPER.
43 reviews1 follower
July 23, 2024
The whole Fourth Reich angle had me curious. And... it's a lot. The book bounces between the last days of Hitler (yep, pretty grim stuff) and this modern-day couple doing the whole "Who Do You Think You Are?" thing. It's an odd mix, to be honest. At times, I was totally engrossed in the historical bits – they're super detailed and kind of make you feel like you're right there in the bunker with Hitler and his crew (which is as unsettling as it sounds). But then, it jumps to David and Abbey's story, and it's like switching from a war documentary to a rom-com. The whole thing with the Spitfire plane doing a victory roll as a nod from the ancestors was a bit much for me, but hey, if you're into that mix of drama and feel-good ancestry quest, you might dig it. Just be ready for some whiplash with the tone shifts.
Profile Image for Tom Carlos.
67 reviews5 followers
April 11, 2024
At the heart of the story is the young Polish boy, Alfred Czech, whose life under the shadow of the Third Reich symbolizes the chaos and desperation of a crumbling Berlin. Fast forward to the present, where we find David Clark and Abbey Bec embarking on an ancestral quest across the UK, unraveling David's lineage connected to pivotal historical events.

The novel's strength lies in its vivid portrayal of historical events, particularly the harrowing last days in Hitler's bunker, offering a stark reminder of the human cost of war and the collapse of ideologies. Parallelly, David and Abbey's journey serves as a metaphor for the search for identity and belonging in a world still haunted by the echoes of the past. Recommended!
Profile Image for David Johnson.
67 reviews8 followers
April 8, 2024
Ancestry: The Untold Rise Of The 4th Reich, is like a time-traveling rollercoaster! One minute you're in Hitler's bunker feeling the walls closing in, and the next, you're traipsing through the UK with David and Abbey, hunting down ancestral ghosts. The contrast is wild! The historical bits are super intense, almost like you're watching it all go down. And the present-day adventure? It's like a history buff's dream road trip, minus the boring lectures. Though, I gotta say, the whole doppelgänger thing and the Spitfire flyover threw me for a loop - didn't see those coming! If you're up for a mishmash of history and mystery with a side of "huh?", give it a whirl.
Profile Image for Mia Lewis.
56 reviews1 follower
April 8, 2024
From the haunting beginnings in a crumbling Berlin to the present-day quest for roots in the UK, Mike Handcock crafts a narrative that's part historical thriller, part genealogical mystery. What struck me most was the juxtaposition of past and present, each beautifully detailed, making the transitions smooth yet filled with anticipation. The characters, especially David and Abbey, are relatable and their journey feels personal, as if I'm tagging along in their discovery. The inclusion of a Spitfire's victory roll as a sign from the ancestors was a touch of brilliance, blending history with a bit of mystique.
Profile Image for Jennifer Taylor.
54 reviews
May 30, 2024
As I turned each page, I found myself entrenched in the lives of individuals engulfed by the dark tide of World War II. The narrative's raw emotion and stark portrayals of life under the Third Reich hit close to home, resonating deeply with the collective memory of conflict in my country.

The emotional journey through history was not just a reading experience; it was a reflection on the depths of human despair and the resilience needed to overcome it. The author's ability to craft such vivid and impactful scenes left me both educated and emotionally stirred, a testament to the power of well-told stories to connect the past with the present.
Profile Image for Catherine Grace.
48 reviews5 followers
April 4, 2024
As the stories of courage and tragedy unfolded, I found myself immersed in a world where every moment was a fight for survival. The vivid descriptions and emotional depth of the narrative drew parallels with the complex history of my own country, making the reading experience not only educational but deeply personal. The book served as a testament to the enduring human spirit and the importance of remembering and learning from the past. The journey through its pages was a poignant exploration of the human capacity for hope and resilience in the face of overwhelming darkness.
Profile Image for Lucas Matt.
52 reviews10 followers
April 8, 2024
The novel opens with a powerful scene from 1945 Berlin, immediately grounding the reader in the gravity of history. As the story unfolds, Handcock skillfully juxtaposes this with the lighter, explorative journey of David and Abbey in modern-day UK. The contrast is striking—where one thread delves into the psyche of a crumbling Reich, the other follows a quest for lineage and connection.

The moments of serendipity, such as the Spitfire's flyover, though fantastical, underscore the theme of past meeting present.
Profile Image for Ruth Cox.
34 reviews4 followers
May 23, 2024
The book laid bare the intricate details of lives overshadowed by the looming presence of war. It wasn't just a story set in the past; it was a mirror reflecting the universal struggles of hope, fear, and survival that resonate across borders and generations.

In my country, where history has carved deep divides, the narrative served as a poignant reminder of the shared human experiences that transcend time and place. Each character's journey was a testament to the enduring spirit of humanity, making the reading experience both humbling and enlightening.
Profile Image for Sophie Mitchell.
49 reviews1 follower
July 14, 2024
The book offers more than just a recount of historical events; it's an exploration of how the past continues to ripple through the generations, influencing our present and future. Handcock's narrative is a reminder of the interconnectedness of history and personal lineage, making us ponder the invisible threads that connect us to our ancestors.

For those intrigued by the mysteries of the past and the journey of self-discovery, this novel offers a unique blend that satisfies both historical curiosity and the thrill of unraveling one's heritage.
Profile Image for Kieran Cook.
42 reviews
June 4, 2024
t's not your average war story; it's got twists that keep you guessing and characters you get attached to. The parts about the past were interesting, though sometimes I got a bit lost with all the historical details. But the story in the present was really engaging, especially with the mystery of the ancestry journey. It's a pretty good mix of action, mystery, and some history lessons thrown in. Definitely worth a read if you're looking for something different.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Davalos.
55 reviews3 followers
April 10, 2024
Handcock's storytelling? Pretty solid. He jumps between eras like a time-traveling wizard, and I'm here for it. The segments about the church and its ancestral connections were a standout for me. Gave me the chills in the best way! And the characters, David and Abbey, felt like people I'd love to grab a coffee with. It's a bit of a puzzle, this book, but piecing it together was half the fun.
Profile Image for William Brown.
73 reviews2 followers
April 11, 2024
The bits in the 1940s were intense, making you feel like you're right there in the bunker with Hitler and the gang. And the present-day story with David and Abbey searching for their past? Super relatable. Who doesn't want to know where they come from? Plus, that twist with the Spitfire? Didn't see that coming!
Profile Image for Kenna Pitts.
27 reviews
July 13, 2024
The scenes set in the quaint English village were a breath of fresh air amidst the heavier historical drama. I found the ancestry exploration angle really intriguing. It's not just about the past; it's about how the past shapes who we are. Plus, the unexpected connections between characters and their lineage were like Easter eggs I didn't know I needed. A solid read!
Profile Image for Arthur Henry.
36 reviews2 followers
April 10, 2024
Ancestry is a gem! Loved how it blends intense historical drama with a light-hearted search for roots. The Spitfire scene? Chills! And the connection between past and present feels so real. Handcock's storytelling is top-notch. If you're into history or just love a good tale, give this one a go!
Profile Image for Willam Benjamith.
36 reviews2 followers
July 22, 2024
Ancestry is a gem! Loved how it blends intense historical drama with a light-hearted search for roots. The Spitfire scene? Chills! And the connection between past and present feels so real. Handcock's storytelling is top-notch. If you're into history or just love a good tale, give this one a go!
Profile Image for Lang  Quinn.
63 reviews5 followers
April 8, 2024
The attention to historical detail is commendable, particularly in the vivid depiction of the Fuhrerbunker and the tumultuous final days of the Third Reich. Recommended!
Profile Image for Ella Davis.
61 reviews3 followers
April 20, 2024
As I turned each page, I found myself entrenched in the lives of individuals engulfed by the dark tide of World War II. The narrative's raw emotion and stark portrayals of life under the Third Reich hit close to home, resonating deeply with the collective memory of conflict in my country.

The emotional journey through history was not just a reading experience; it was a reflection on the depths of human despair and the resilience needed to overcome it. The author's ability to craft such vivid and impactful scenes left me both educated and emotionally stirred, a testament to the power of well-told stories to connect the past with the present.
Profile Image for Janet Bond.
64 reviews10 followers
April 7, 2024
Through the intertwined stories of Alfred Czech in the dying days of the Third Reich and the contemporary journey of David and Abbey, Mike Handcock crafts a tale that is as much about the horrors of war as it is about the quest for personal identity amidst the remnants of history.

The novel excels in drawing parallels between the personal and historical, illustrating how the echoes of the past are not just historical footnotes but living parts of our collective memory and individual identity. It's a thought-provoking read that challenges us to consider the weight of history in our own lives and the unseen influence of our ancestors on our paths.
Profile Image for Kia Joe.
17 reviews
June 17, 2024
The book delves into the final days of WWII, presenting an alternate reality that challenges our understanding of history. Handcock's meticulous attention to historical detail, combined with his imaginative plot twists, makes for a compelling read. However, the novel's speculative elements might not sit well with purists of historical accuracy. Overall, it's a thought-provoking piece that pushes the boundaries of the genre and invites readers to ponder the 'what ifs' of history.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews

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