Three Colors of Courage

A Cold War Trilogy #3

by Taryn R. Hutchison

The grip of Communism tightens around Romania in the fall of 1989. As neighboring Eastern European countries cast off their oppressive regimes, Adriana Nicu and her friends must navigate increasingly hostile living conditions, mandatory military training, and terrifying tactics from the secret police. Adriana draws courage to question her government and take a stand for freedom from the banned books she reads.

Adriana looks to her cousin Timotei and her new female professor for guidance, fueling her determination to persist despite the odds. She and her friends demonstrate true courage as they stand up for what is right, even when success seems unattainable. When the stakes rise, Adriana must decide—once and for all—what she believes about God and what price, if any, is too high to pay for freedom.

When heroes are needed, find the courage to take a stand.

Genres: Historical Fiction

336 pages, Paperback

Published November 3, 2024

About the author

Taryn R. Hutchison has published five books in a variety of genres. One Degree of Freedom, Two Lights of Hope, and Three Colors of Courage are historical YA fiction set in Cold War Romania, and part of A Cold War Trilogy. Sentenced to Life is a true story of a prisoner whose sentence far outweighed his crime. We Wait You is a memoir of her years in Eastern Europe.

Taryn hails from a town on the Eastern Shore of Maryland with a booming population of 75 people, three million chickens, several dogs, and her two imaginary friends. She loves people, art, storytelling, and travel. She’s visited all 50 states, lots of countries, and every continent except Antarctica. She and her husband live in a sleepy town in western North Carolina where she earned a master's degree in writing. Taryn is a member of Redbud Writers Guild and SCBWI.

Reviews

[Serena Yount · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think what I enjoyed most about this book was how the author tied in so many other pieces of fiction and allowed the characters to digest them and see how the lessons they learned in other books impacted their life in Romania during this time. I loved watching these characters grow and would definitely have these on our shelf for Eliana to read when she’s older.

[Kelly Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter and I received an advanced copy of the third book in Taryn's trilogy about a teenage girl, Adriana, coming of age in Bucharest during Romania's final years of communism. This book has timeless lessons about the importance of freedom, which most Americans take for granted. When I grew up in the 1980's I knew very little about the fall of communism in the USSR and Eastern Europe, and I knew NOTHING about either the suffering or the liberation of the Romanian people. Taryn's book had my daughter and I on the edges of our seats as we got to experience what this time was like through the eyes of Adriana, her friends, and family. The vivid scenes of the revolution brought tears to my eyes. We couldn't wait to finish the book! Do yourself a favor and read these books aloud with your teenage children or grandchildren. Read them for yourself! We all need reminders of how costly freedom can be and how the human heart longs to be free! What a beautiful book!

[Phyllis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to author Taryn Hutchison for a digital advance reader copy. All comments and opinions are my own.

This is the third and final book in this Cold War Trilogy. I have read them all and think they’re best enjoyed in order. But you could also read this as a stand-alone. If you do start with this one, you’ll want to go back and read the first two (One Degree of Freedom and Two Lights of Hope). Even though this is written as a Young Adult series, anyone would enjoy it and connect with the characters.

The story takes place in Bucharest, Romania in 1989, just before and during the revolution to overthrow the restrictive Communist regime. Told through the eyes of 17-year-old high school student Adriana Nicu, the novel is based on the actual events of the revolution that freed Romania. Author Taryn Hutchison says “while this book is a work of fiction, the historical events depicted are real.”

Adriana is an avid reader, who enjoys classic American literature that her aunt secretly shares with her such as “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “Les Miserables,” “Sense and Sensibility,” and “Animal Farm.” These books are banned in Romania. In addition to restricting what people read, there isn’t enough food, water, and heat. Churches meet secretly “underground.” People are extremely fearful as no one knows who can be trusted. Spies are everywhere. Many people are taken in for questioning and never seen again.

In contrast to the oppressive life described, Adriana has a warm, loving family and a best friend, as well as several friendly and intelligent classmates and an encouraging professor. Taryn vividly portrays life in Romania during this time that wasn’t so long ago. And as the revolution begins, I felt like I was right there with the friends and revolutionaries. Immersive and tense, the battles are realistically described and kept me on the edge of my seat.

I applaud Taryn’s extensive research. She explains that even though her “fictitious characters’ involvement in the events of the revolution are naturally made up, they are based on testimony told to me from several eyewitnesses of those events. I heard from these eyewitnesses when I moved to Romania in 1990, shortly after the historic events transpired, and still have their recorded testimonies on cassette tapes in my possession.”

This would be a great book for any “young adult,” and especially for those wanting to learn about a lesser known, more recent war. It’s impressive that the revolutionaries were primarily in their early 20s. This was an inspiring and authentic novel of courage.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is my favorite by far. NOT because it's the final in the trilogy, or the most romantic, or the biggest success, or any of the normal reasons a book is someone's favorite. It is solely for the sheer grit and determination of these youngsters. Yes, spoiler alert, they proceed to fight guns and tankers, risking their LIVES for their freedom. Through the entirety of this trilogy, my little democracy and independence cush life has been earthquake-level shook with the reality of the communist regime of Romania in the 80s. Any history class I took glossed over this, likely giving me facts and figures when what I needed was Taryn Hutchison's novels followed by a professor doing some basic and now absorbable fact checking. (I did my own, and she also gives a plethora of information at the end on fact versus fiction). This stuff is legit! Last thoughts on her fantastic trilogy, if I were a teenager in 1989 Romania, I would also question any chatter of "grandma's religion" and old stories that claim Savior or redemption. However, as seen by the generation above Adriana (Gabi's parents and their underground church), knowing God and holding his grace and peace in your heart through this time of oppression and fear would be an invaluable blessing for one's soul.

[Becky Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

The conclusion to Hutchison’s Cold War Trilogy, The Colors of Courage, will inspire readers to stand up for what is right, even when it goes against societal norms. The young protagonist, Adriana, learns from her friends, family, and teachers the importance of rising above her circumstances. Set in late 1980s Romania, the story unfolds in an oppressive and fearful environment for its citizens. A group of young people embarks on a journey to start a revolution against the government, risking everything to fight for justice. Throughout her journey, Adriana grapples with her belief in God, influenced by her friends. Will Adriana witness a free Romania? Will she find answers to her existential questions about God? Hutchison maintains suspense in her final book, keeping readers engaged until the end.

[John Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes! I was so excited that book three finally arrived. I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books of this trilogy and was sure the finale wouldn’t disappoint, and I was right! I read a lot of Christian fiction novels, and my favorites are those with historical elements. The A Cold War Trilogy follows Adrianna and her friends during Romania’s push for freedom from communist rule. This gripping story of hope, courage and love is intriguing, adventurous, historically accurate, and will keep you saying “just one more chapter tonight”. I found myself cheering for the characters, hurting with them, and rejoicing with them. Definitely a good read!

[Stephanie Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was alive during the whole of the events described in Three Colors of Courage but I was safe in my little corner of the USA. Taryn Hutchison’s story brought what was happening in Eastern Europe to life. From the previous books in the series, One Degree of Freedom and Two Lights of Hope, we get a heaping helping of what it felt like to live in Communist Romania. Three Colors of Courage will give you a deep empathy for people around the world who are still living under the iron thumb of dictators. To find faith and freedom in such a place is really a miracle. Taryn Hutchison immerses you in the story through believable characters whom you grow to love starting with the first page.

[Cheryl Bostrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intriguing, standalone conclusion to a gripping Cold War trilogy! With the nimble prose and deft characterization only an author of her skill can achieve, Hutchison plunged me into the harrowing heart of Romania’s underground resistance and her teen protagonist’s quest for freedom.
One can’t read this well-drawn work of immersive historical fiction without extracting insight about one’s own liberty and drawing courage to protect it. An excellent, highly relevant work.

[Daniela Dove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adriana, the main character in this trilogy, I have been following her “cu sufletul la gură” meaning with great expectation and not knowing how this will end! Growing up in Communist Romania, this trilogy written so well by my friend Taryn Hutchison, brought back so many memories of my childhood! Sometimes, my 3 children are asking me questions about my life under the communism. I keep thinking: “Taryn’s trilogy will help them better understand!”

[Sandy Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited that book three finally arrived. I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books of this trilogy and was sure the finale wouldn’t disappoint, and I was right ! A great trilogy everyone should read !

[Angela Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book - thoroughly enjoyed all three of these books and fell in love with the characters! Recommend this 100%.

[Ann O Blackwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not disappointed in this third book of the trilogy. Seeing the events unfold through the eyes of a young woman living in constant fear helps me appreciate the freedoms we take so for granted.

[Charlotte Elhenicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect ending to this trilogy! The storytelling is done so well that you can almost feel the raw emotion behind the characters as they struggle. As a young adult book, it's written to make young readers wonder what they would do if they too had to fight for freedom from Communist reign. Possibly my favorite thing about this entire trilogy is that none of the characters are one-dimensional. Each character is fully fleshed out and grows in their own ways, and Three Colors of Courage pushes them all to their limits within the very real setting. Plot twist after plot twist keeps readers on their toes and intrigued as to what happens next. 10/10 will definitely buy for my future kids.

[Kristy Hetzel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good for a YA perspective on a not-so-written about era. I've enjoyed the learning experience.

[Sue Pikoraitis Smedley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read!

[Susana Balazs · Rating 5 out of 5]

What courage looks like when people live under oppressive regimes, what it means, how life changing it is and what it costs - is beautifully illustrated in the masterfully woven storyline and the characters of this novel. The title of this historical fiction-Three colors of courage- fits so well it’s content.
Reading Three Colors of Courage filled a missing gap for me. I was Adriana’s age when the Revolution happened in Romania. Unlike her and her friends, who lived in the capital city of Bucharest and took an active part in the revolution, I lived in a small village in Transylvania. We followed the events on TV, and cried for days, not believing our eyes.
The events of the Revolution are so vividly written in this book, that it is like participating in and re-living the revolution through Adriana. Thank you Taryn Hutchison!

[W Heustess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading the third book in this series ( A Cold War Trilogy). This book, Three Colors of Courage, continues life in communist run Romania and the main characters from books one and two. Main character, Adriana, and her friends are now seniors in high school and evaluating life and their futures under a controlled government. The author succinctly portrays the oppression and fear the characters lived with day to day. Revolution is on the brink and each character plays their role by contributing to the cause of freedom, even to the point of death. Vivid and historical accounts of the time leading up to the revolution are carefully written and you can sense the emotions and burdens of each character.

As with books one (One Degree of Freedom) and two (Two Lights of Hope) the reader is kept entertained with the storyline and descriptive details of the geographical surroundings. The author has done much research to portray actual historical events but in a reader friendly style. I would recommend reading the entire series so you don’t miss out on any of the action!

W. Heustess

[Rebecca Detrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three Colors of Courage, as the third in the series of beautiful works of historical fiction, picks up the story of well-beloved characters whose lives readers have read through a future knowing lens of anticipation - recognizing that these teenagers we've grown to know and love would live through one of Romania's most important political, national, and ultimately personal events. Hutchison masterfully weaves the lives and stories of characters living through these events so that a teenager today can easily relate; wondering at the bravery, faith, and courage of the characters while identifying with the age-appropriate struggles of coming of age and love. Readers who love Ruta Sepetys, I Must Betray You or Jennifer A. Neilson's, A Night Divided, will love Adriana's story, and the degrees of freedom she and the other characters work to recover.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Three Colors of Courage, author Taryn Hutchinson paints an unforgettable picture of the terror of life lived under Romanian’s watchful Communist government and its leader, Nicolae Ceauşescu. Suspense and tension appear on nearly every page as we watch brave characters wrestle with who to trust in a land of spies, hidden microphones, and risky church services. This gripping historical novel honors the unimaginable courage of ordinary citizens willing to fight their oppressive government. Writing with the vivid authenticity of someone who once lived in Eastern Europe, the author introduces a painful period in history and the people who risked and sacrificed so much to gain basic freedoms others take for granted. A must read!

[Nom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three Colors of Courage is finally here!
I could say that this final book in Taryn R. Hutchison’s Cold War trilogy is a vivid picture of the Romanian Revolution of 1989 seen from young adults’ eyes. But no. Actually Taryn takes us there with her extraordinary skills at storytelling.
Romania during the last throes of communism and the Revolution. The building tension, the secret groups, the last threats of a rickety regime, the fragile hope, lots of blood and finally the long awaited freedom.
To say that I greatly enjoyed it would be an understatement. It is true that almost all I really know of the French Revolution I learned from Victor Hugo. And I can almost say that I have lived through the Romanian Revolution after reading Three Colors of Courage.
Bravo! And thanks!

[Charles Philbrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

It takes more than courage; it takes hope to change the course of history. Taryn R. Hutchison deftly explores these life-changing, albeit world-changing values in this grand finale to her Cold War Trilogy. These novels remind us why "freedom is not free" in an era when so many have forgotten the cost. The revolutionary journey of Adriana and her classmates is deeply personal, relatable and heart-wrenching. Readers will share their fears, their cries of injustice, and their dreams. Hutchison delivers a powerful tribute to those who chose not to run, but to serve the greater good, even to the point of death. This series should be required reading for every high school student; it's that powerful, inspiring, and true.

[Tom Virtue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm thrilled that I have another Christmas gift for my granddaughters who are fans of this series! I know I'm not the demographic this series is written for, but along the way I've become a big fan of Adriana as she lives in a historic time period for Romania. Who says a grandpa can't appreciate and learn from what is written for his granddaughters? I've loved the weaving together of living in a difficult circumstance, a willingness to take courageous action with a community of trusted people, and the application of lessons from good literature. All that and more is found in "Three Colors of Courage." I couldn't recommend it more.

[Sharla Fritz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taryn Hutchison’s novels One Degree of Freedom and Two Lights of Hope opened my eyes to events in history that I knew little about. The story of Adriana and her friends informed me of a dark period in Romania during Communist rule. However, the tale told also felt like an important warning for our current culture in America where God is often ignored, or worse, rejected. Three Colors of Courage brings the trilogy to a fitting end. You will be captivated by the brave Romanians who fight to overthrow their communist leaders and regain their liberties. You will eagerly turn the pages as Adriana and her friends fight with courage for the freedom of their country.

[Kendra Broekhuis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taryn Hutchison’s Three Colors of Courage is a stirring story that puts faces on a pivotal moment in Romania’s history—the 1989 revolution. I found myself drawn in by the young characters and how they navigated the dynamics of friendship, grief, and love against the harrowing backdrop of war. Hutchison’s research is impeccable, the setting palpable, and its heroes’ search for hope despite their circumstances inspiring. Readers are sure to be gripped by this powerful finale to A Cold War Trilogy, and left pondering what it truly means to be free.

[Steve Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was one of my top reads this year. It kept my attention from the first chapter through the end. The suspense kept building until the last part of the book where the revolution was taking place and people's (Adriana and her friends) lives hung in the balance. We see in this book love, sadness, joy, intrigue, betrayal and jubilation. I hope that many read this historical fiction accounting of a country being pushed to the brink through their godless, megalomaniac ruler. I highly recommend this book to any and all to see what happens to a nation that gets caught sleeping.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three Colors of Courage is a beautiful story set in 1989 Romania, with Eastern Europe on the brink of revolution. Heartfelt and fast-paced, the story takes readers into the intertwined lives of a group of students living in Bucharest as they face the many hardships forced on them by the Communist leaders. It’s a story of family, friendship, and courage triumphing over fear during one of the most pivotal times in recent history. If you’re too young to remember or you weren’t paying enough attention when it happened, you’ll want to read the series!

[Adele · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great historical fiction, about how the Romanians lived in Eastern Europe during communism and how they freed themselves with great sacrifices. Taryn Hutchison has done a very good job in researching the history of Romania, and in this book, she conveys accurate historical details that really happened in Romania and are not inventions. Again, I had a hard time putting down this third book in the trilogy. I highly recommend Taryn Hutchison's books.

[Marian Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Three Colors of Courage was like getting back together with good friends and picking up where we last left off. Adriana ,her family and friends face new and different challenges as they live in the midst of difficult days.The courage that is required for each one is great and at times surprising. The details, emotions ,and timing of December 1989 are woven together in the descriptive scenes in this conclusion of the trilogy. You will feel like you were there.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent historical fiction for young adults. Author Taryn Hutchison captured the fears and uncertainties of a collapsing government and country in crisis. Three Colors offered an insightful glimpse into a critical time of Romania's history. I also appreciated how the characters continued their development from the first two books of the series, maturing and adding a personal complexity that drew me deeper into the story.

[Kurt Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Masterful storytelling will keep the reader turning page after page. Follow very compelling characters living out this real-life narrative.
Inspiring, yet down-to-earth, Hutchison's final installment in the trilogy follows many endearing portraits of people living under oppression while on the cusp of long-awaited and hoped-for freedom.