In a world of secrets, will she be his greatest ally—or his most dangerous foe?
In Nazi-occupied France, a soldier’s oath doesn’t end on the battlefield. Haunted by the ghosts of his fallen comrades, Nicolas Durand thought he had found a safer way to protecting priceless artifacts from the Reich as a covert operative for the French Resistance. But when a mysterious professor and an alluring woman draw him into a race against the Gestapo, Nicolas realizes he’s hunting something far more dangerous than art.
From the serene coastlines of southern France to the shadowy depths of the Parisian catacombs, When Atlantis Calls is a spellbinding tale of romance, redemption, and courage in the darkest of times.
Austrian novelist Tina Hagmann masterfully weaves romance and historical thriller into an unforgettable adventure that will keep you turning pages long into the night.
Join the journey and discover why some treasures are worth dying for.
“Hagmann's knack for mixing history, romance, and suspense is a masterclass in writing.” —K. Pimpinella, Author
“Had me from start to finish! Character writing at its finest.” —Christopher Hopper, Author
When Atlantis Calls includes depictions of violence and moments of passion and is therefore recommended for readers aged 17 and up.
Tina Hagmann, an Austrian teacher of psychology, philosophy, and ethics, developed her passion for storytelling as a longtime fan of Diana Gabaldon. When she’s not writing, she enjoys life with her husband, two children, their family dog and horse. As a German native, she publishes her books in English and German.
This is the perfect blend of history, suspense and romance. World war two , a lost treasure, the enemy is approaching, don't know WHO is a friend or for, time is running out.
After world war the protagonist is like a Soldier never off duty. He has a mission , he has a promise to deliver. But he also has a love life.
Will he be able to outcome all odds.
This novel is like a cheesecake. Loved the writing. Story is bit predictable.
“When Atlantis Calls” by Tina Hagmann is a romantic novel set in France, during WWII.
If you like long romantic novels with some mystery, in the search for a lost treasure, you may enjoy this book.
Nicholas, a soldier who has lost his team during war, is lost in despair with the guilt of the lives lost, on a failed mission. Living alone with his dog on the coast of France, he finds himself on the chase when he attempts to defend his friend Paulus from the Gestapo. With his last breath, Paulus, assigns Nicholas with the oath of finding and protecting the lost treasure of Atlantis.
Nicholas is puzzler with the notion of acquiring the treasure whilst sitting in a church building, when Isabel, a beautiful and strong woman, walks in and he is smitten by her grace. Isabel and Nicholas commence a friendship and she introduces him to the Resistance band in Paris, known as "The Musketeers", where he meets Olivier and his old friend Remy.
Together they learn of the importance of finding this treasure, which the Nazis are also looking for, as it may alter the turn of the war. Nicholas and Isabel set-off on the mission together and soon enough their friendship, rekindles to a love affair. With an ongoing mission, the hunt by the Nazis and a relationship which does not have the blessing of the team, will Nicholas and Isabel survive?
I had mixed feelings with this novel.
The descriptions of the landscapes were nicely written.
As a history buff myself, I was disappointed with the premise of the story, in respect to events in WWII and the concept of the actual treasure.
I felt too much emphasis was shared on the sex scenes, rather than on more important events throughout the book. These chapters were tedious, together either the halo descriptions of Isabel.
I felt the book was too long and the story was predictable.
This is my first book by Tina Hagmann, and honestly, I was not prepared for the kind of emotional and sensory journey this story would take me on. When Atlantis Calls is not just historical fiction — it’s a hauntingly beautiful blend of war, mythology, and human connection.
This is not a typical love story. It unfolds slowly, almost hesitantly, against the backdrop of World War II. The romance is subtle, layered, and deeply human — built on shared wounds and unspoken emotions rather than grand gestures. The author takes her time building that emotional intimacy, which makes it feel very real and earned.
I especially loved how seamlessly Tina Hagmann blends history, mystery, and myth — the references to Atlantis, ancient relics, and the philosophical undertones about destiny and redemption give the story an almost mystical depth. It reminded me of books that stay with you not for their twists, but for their atmosphere and the way they make you feel.
The pacing is measured — it’s not a “binge in one sitting” kind of story, but rather one to be savored. The writing is lyrical, the emotions raw, and the historical detail carefully researched. The side characters, especially Paulus and even the dog, add warmth and grounding to an otherwise intense narrative.
Without giving away spoilers, I can say that the story beautifully captures the inner turmoil of a man trying to reconcile his past with the possibilities of love and forgiveness. There are moments of heartbreak, but also flickers of hope that make you believe in healing and second chances.
A beautifully written book that lingers in your heart long after the last page.
Thank you so much to the author and @booktasters_ on Instagram for sharing a copy of this book with me!!
“But on the battlefield of destruction no one granted mercy. In the end, he has to face the relentless tide of war, drowning in the responsibility for the lives lost under his command”
Loved it. Absolutely devoured it in 0.2 seconds !!! Wow!!! This historical fiction book is perfect for fans of the Librarian or Indiana Jones or them mixed in a book about treasure hunts in the Second World War setting. Nicolas is such an entertaining main character with all his backstory but most of all, with how he lets himself be swept away by what’s happening around him, sometimes not even consciously. A soldier who is dealing with the ghosts of his brothers in arm, meets a strange man who tells him about an hidden treasure and then an enchanting woman who will accompany him on the journey … could a reader even ask for more? This book gives you the adventure, the mystery, the thriller, the romance (even spicy let me tell you) and the betrayals, the clues, the plot twists we all love in books. That’s why it is impossible to stop reading it once you have started !!! What a pleasurable experience it has been !!
“With falling nostrils and pulsating veins under shiny coats, they flew alongside him. Wild and tempestuous, full of power and vitality. And Nicolas flew with them”
"Tina Hagmann's 'When Atlantis Calls' is a masterful blend of history, suspense, and passion, set amidst the treacherous landscape of wartime France. This gripping narrative combines daring espionage, cryptic clues, and ancient mysteries to create a thrilling adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat. At its core is the story of Nicolas Durand, a battle-hardened soldier who joins the French Resistance in a desperate bid to safeguard priceless treasures from the Nazi grasp. But when an enigmatic academic and a mysterious beauty draw him into a perilous quest, Nicolas finds himself locked in a deadly cat-and-mouse game with the ruthless Gestapo. As he navigates the shadowy world of wartime espionage, Nicolas discovers that some secrets are worth fighting for, and that love can be the most potent weapon of all. With its meticulously researched historical setting, pulse-pounding action sequences, and tender romance, 'When Atlantis Calls' is a mesmerizing read that will leave you breathless and yearning for more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is a powerful and beautifully written WWII novel.
Even at the beginning, I felt the writing had an intensity that made me feel connected to Nicolas; to his emotions, and all of his experiences. He was a strong and determined protagonist, and it was impossible not to feel a connection with him. When he met Isabell, I could feel the chemistry between them, but something about Isabell and her behaviour kept me guessing. I found there was also an element of suspense in the story that gave me goosebumps, and I never knew what might happen next. The title was something that I didn't understand until a little bit later on.
This is a powerful love story, especially if you like historical books.
Loved this book because it was a perfect blend of romance, suspense and history.
Nicholas was someone who had gone through hell and back but swore never to be put back in the situation. But he had to because he made a promise!
Here comes in Isabelle and the Musketeers! I enjoyed it and there was a bit of obviousness but I was still surprised. Loved how I was transported to historical France and I felt like I was in what she was writing.
“When Atlantis Calls” is the perfect book for a historial romance. The plot is great! A perfect mix of action with mystery and romance and it does a great job of keeping the reader entertained and waiting for more. The characters were very well written and easy to connect to. The fact that it is a historical romance is also a huge plus because it made me learn more about important topics.