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The Eagle's Shadow

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March 1938, Vienna, Austria

Without a single shot fired, Hitler seizes Austria.

In the Jewish district of Leopoldstadt, Felix Wolff watches his beloved city transform into a nightmare. As people are rounded up and sent to destinations whispered in terror, Felix’s world shatters when his father is bound for Dachau. Determined to save his father, Felix makes a fateful decision that places him directly in the Gestapo’s sights, forever altering his destiny.

Karl Vogt is a rising star in the Sicherheitsdienst. Known for his ruthless efficiency, he is entrusted with solving the Third Reich’s growing Jewish problem. As his zeal catapults him further up the Nazi hierarchy, Karl unknowingly helps lay the groundwork for one of history’s greatest atrocities.

In Prague, Adela Beran works as a translator for the foreign ministry, watching Hitler’s shadow creep closer to her homeland. Feeling powerless to protect her country and loved ones, she seizes a dangerous opportunity to resist. The cost of failure is certain death, but success could mean freedom for those she holds dear.

As war looms, their fates collide in a treacherous game of survival, resistance, and betrayal. In a world consumed by fear and betrayal, no one—not the oppressed, the oppressors, or those who dare to defy them—is truly safe.

A gripping tale of courage, sacrifice, and the choices that define us, this novel is perfect for fans of The Nightingale and Beneath a Scarlet Sky.



Early readers are loving the latest offering from Michael

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This is a very good book. I would recommend it to everyone. Thank you for writing such a great book for us!" –NetGalley Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "An edge-of-your-seat WWII novel. The characters do all they can to protect their Jewish heritage. It is very well researched. Michael Reit is a fantastic author." –NetGalley Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This is my seventh book that I've read by the amazing Michael Reit. Like all of his books, The Eagle's Shadow is a page-turner. All of the characters are written so that you really get to know each of them." –NetGalley Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "The story is harrowing, haunting, poignant, emotionally crushing and infuriating. But there are also slivers of hope even in the grimmest circumstances." –NetGalley Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I love historical fiction, and when it is well done, as this story is, you are not only captivated but you may even learn something new." –NetGalley Review

394 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 24, 2025

95 people are currently reading
149 people want to read

About the author

Michael Reit

13 books391 followers
Michael Reit writes page-turning historical fiction. His books focus on lesser-known events and people in World War II Europe.

Born in the Netherlands, he now lives in beautiful Vienna, Austria, with his partner Esther and daughter Bibi. You can connect through michaelreit.com or Facebook (Michael Reit Author).

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Profile Image for Grandma Susan.
321 reviews221 followers
April 13, 2025
The entire story was difficult to follow and felt disjointed. I urge you to persevere through the beginning. I learned quite a bit about events leading up to WWII. A gift the author has is character development. By the end of the story I was well invested into the lives of Felix, Dieter and Adela. I abhor Karl. I believe there will be a follow up book and I do plan to read it. The history was well researched.

I was blessed with an ARC from NetGalley and my opinions are unbiased.
Profile Image for Catie.
122 reviews1 follower
April 27, 2025
I love historical fiction and it’s surprising to find one about WWII that isn’t like anything else I’ve read. The Eagles Shadow was set in the year or two leading up to the official start of the war. It follows 3 different characters who have very different roles and paths leading up to the war. I believe it’s going to be a series and I look forward to the what each character does next!
Profile Image for Toni Osborne.
1,603 reviews53 followers
April 3, 2025
Covert War Chronicles, book #1

This page-turner historical fiction focusses on the lesser-known events and people in World War 11

March 1938, Vienna, Austria

The story brings us to Leopoldstadt Austria at the time its residents were being rounded and sent to unknown destinations. Felix Wolff’s plays a pivotal role in this story.

Known for his ruthless efficiency Karl Vogt of the Sicherheitsdienst will unknowingly lay the groundwork for one of history’s greatest atrocities.

While in Prague we follow Adela Beran, a translator, aiding the resistance…failure is a certain death but success will mean freedom….

My thoughts:

The author’s chilling words paint beautifully the treacherous game of survival in a world consumed by fear. Rich and graphic it is easy to visualize each moment. Imagine seeing cities destroyed, friends and family killed or seeing yourself in a concentration camp …. your world as you know it gone for ever. Through the eyes and voices of the characters you will feel this in “The Eagle’s Shadow”

The pacing is smooth, steady and perfectly done, everything is natural. Integrating local flavour, foreign words, streets names and food as examples adds authenticity to the account.

I love historical fiction and when it is well done as this story is you not only are captivated by it, you may even learn something new.

Excellent as always Mr. Reit keep the interesting account of past events coming.

I received this ARC from the publisher for my thoughts: this is the way I see it.
Profile Image for Christine.
1,438 reviews42 followers
April 4, 2025
This novel was a startling experience! Whereas most WWII novels deal with the actual war, this book is about what actually led to the conflict and very importantly here , how it all happened. This is extremely interesting: how subtle and with good psychological knowledge, many events were orchestrated ! Through some ordinary people in Vienna and Prague, we follow the development of this enormous strategic organisation step by step... The reader clearly understands how the pre-war situation affected the general population and somehow how it all came to what we know about the Second World War. A cleverly structured plot! I will impatiently for book 2 in the series.

I have received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
Profile Image for Kathleen Riggs.
588 reviews21 followers
May 1, 2025
Michael Reit’s The Eagle’s Shadow is a masterfully crafted historical thriller that immerses readers in the perilous world of World War II espionage. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Reit brings to life the emotional and physical toll of war. The novel’s richly developed characters and unflinching portrayal of wartime realities make it a compelling read for fans of the genre. I Highly recommended for those seeking a gripping and authentic historical narrative Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Bob.
403 reviews27 followers
May 14, 2025
An Okay Read!

I equate reading The Eagle’s Shadow, Michael Reit’s pre-WWII historical fiction book, to be the equivalent of a VERY normal EKG reading from a cardiologist; in that the test shows almost no unusual fluctuations in your heart rate from start to finish. While this is what you hope for in a test of this type, I want more from a book in terms of its impact on my excitement and other emotional levels. The Eagle’s Shadow did not accomplish this result for me. Overall, my experience with The Eagle’s Shadow is that while there was nothing I particularly disliked about it, there was also nothing I particularly liked about the book.

Reit provides an interesting historical perspective on the Nazi’s plan to annex Austria, Czechoslovakia and Poland leading up to the start of WWII; although this perspective lacks much excitement and depth. Similarly, the book’s plot and main characters are just serviceable enough to move the historical elements of the book, but also lack sufficient excitement and depth

Be aware that The Eagle’s Shadow is Reit’s first book in his planned series, but it’s unlikely that I’ll be moving forward with this series.

#The Eagle’s Shadow #NetGalley
Profile Image for Jan Case.
9 reviews
May 6, 2025
This was my least favorite of Mr Reit’s book. I think he has written 8 and I have read all of them. I have loved all of them. They are deeply researched and I learn a lot from them. This one was rather boring until about half way through. To me the characters didn’t come alive as they do in his other books and I kept getting lost. The last half redeemed itself and I am eagerly awaiting his next book.
1,808 reviews35 followers
April 7, 2025
Michael Reit is a reliably brilliant historical fiction author, one of my personal favourites. The Eagle's Shadow is the wonderful opener in his new Covert War Chronicles series which takes place mainly in Austria on the cusp of World War II. But unlike many novels of the era, this one gives a fresh pre-war perspective, including the Czechoslovakia connection.

In 1938, Hitler and his Nazis are sweeping in and Jewish persecution escalates. The Wolf family members are Austrian first, Jewish second. Felix and his father stand firm until impossible to do so. When his father is taken to Dachau, Felix makes a desperate decision. In doing so, his fate is sealed and he witnesses and endures horror after horror every second of every day. Prisoners are humiliated, demoralized, tortured, starved, diseased, crawling with vermin, and murdered for sport. Families do not know whether their loved ones are dead or alive. Meanwhile in Prague, translator Adela risks her life in the resistance as she does everything she possibly can to secure aid for others. The cost is couldn't be higher. She knows exactly what will happen if she gets caught. Her selfless actions put a target on her back.

Karl Vogt is on fire for the Nazis and stops at nothing to climb the Sicherheitsdienst ladder. He makes himself known to those in high ranks and constantly is thinking of ways to expediently remove the Jewish problem. His suggestions are met with approval and evil begets evil.

The story is harrowing, haunting, poignant, emotionally crushing and infuriating. But there are also slivers of hope even in the grimmest circumstances. Reit's writing always gets me in the heart with his insight, obvious research, storytelling, setting and characters. Details such as the twisted voting are fascinating. But the sacrifices are what shattered me most. There are no words for what millions of innocent people endured during the Holocaust. The more we become informed, the better.
Profile Image for Eunice R.
231 reviews4 followers
April 24, 2025
Michael Reit has done it right, again.

What makes this historical work of fiction of his extra interesting for me is what I consider an unusual angle. More often than not WWII historical fiction narrations involve the German or Austrian setting or even from Britain's perspective. Additionally, there is some mention of Poland, which is more well-known. Besides Austra, this one covers the run up and the "peaceful" invasion of Czechoslavokia. I have often wondered what Hitler's beef was with this country and I've found some answers in the story telling. Of course, as this is indeed fiction, there is likely much "salt and pepper" added.

In this writing, a reader will meet some of the 'real' people of history such a Hitler, Reinhard Heydrick, Morevac and others. Karl is fictitious but is a major source of seeing things through Nazi eyes. We see the Jewish perspective through Felix and family's eyes in Austria, as well as Greta's in Czechoslavokia. Through Adela's eyes we gain insight of what went on in upper levels of Czech government departments in the months prior to Hitler's invasion. There's even some spy work in the mix, so that's an added excitement.

Felix was quite battered about but I won't say more on that account - Reit says it all. A little spark of romance seasons the works but I await Book 2, the next in this new, The Covert War Chronicles series for the unfolding scenario. Hope the wait won't be too long.

I rather enjoyed this clean tale and believe many others will too, especially if you like it combined with WWII historical sagas.

~ Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger ~

Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by Net Galley and the publisher.





Profile Image for William de_Rham.
Author 0 books85 followers
April 27, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this pre-World War II novel about Germany’s annexation of Austria, the Sudetenland, and Czechoslovakia.

Author Michael Reit tells his story through three main characters. The first, Felix, is an Austrian Jew initially imprisoned in Buchenwald and then exiled from Austria, who must move from country to country to remain ahead of the advancing Nazi juggernaut and re-imprisonment.

The second is Adela, a translator serving important members of the Czech government who also helps Jews escaping from Austria into Czechoslovakia. When the Nazis invade Prague, she takes her first steps towards becoming an intelligence operative.

The third is Karl, an ambitious German bureaucrat working for Germany’s notorious SD. He is so competent that he becomes an assistant to the head of the SD, Richard Heydrich, and manages the nuts and bolts of the takeover of each country, as well as the imprisonment of prominent Jewish citizens and other political opponents. Indeed, Karl does his job so well that he comes to the notice of both Heinrich Himmler and Adolf Hitler.

Three characters, three different perspectives on what it was like “on the ground” as Germany took over Austria and Czechoslovakia just prior to WWII.

The Eagle’s Shadow is the first in a planned series. I look forward to reading the next one.

My thanks to NetGalley, author Michael Reit, and publisher Book Whisperer for providing me with a complimentary ARC. All of the foregoing is my honest, independent opinion.
3,265 reviews34 followers
May 2, 2025
The Eagle’s Shadow by Michael Reit is a different kind of Holocaust novel. It follows three people primarily: Felix Wolff, a young Jewish man from Vienna; Karl Vogt, a young man who arranged things for the Reich, and did well at it; and Adela Beran, a young woman in Prague, who facilitated escapes from affected areas when she was able. It was intriguing to watch as each of these characters grew and succeeded in their own isolated worlds. Karl was a devoted Nazi who had a knack for arranging covert activities, especially those designed to throw the blame where the Nazi’s wanted it. He was a gift to those spreading propaganda. Adela used her position to covertly assist where it was needed, probably as many people did at that time, but certainly not all. Felix lost his father to Dachau and escaped, with Adela’s help, leaving his mother behind at her insistence.

The character development was astounding, especially Karl’s. He was evil but he was good at it and Reit wrote the characters so that the reader both hated and admired him. A conundrum. Felix had noted what was to come early on, before the Nazis came, but like many, his father thought it would blow over it they kept their heads down. A mistake. Adela was quiet, but effective. The whole thing was a little overwhelming, different than most Holocaust novels in its approach. It was a rewarding read in that the motivations of each were made so clear. Good read.

I was invited to read The Eagle’s Shadow by Book Whisperer. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BookWhisperer #MichaelReit #TheEaglesShadow
86 reviews2 followers
April 29, 2025
This is my first book my Michael Reit and I am looking forward to the next book in this series and his other books.
Most WW II stories are about the hero's and victims and when war arrives in their country. What was unique about this book was the backstory of how the Nazi planned and executed taking Austria, Czechoslovakia and Poland, by a main character, Karl Vogt an ambitious young man within the Nazi party. The other main characters are a young Jewish man, Felix Wolff and in Prague, Adela Beran works as a translator for the foreign ministry and we read how their lives intersect throughout the book.
While the pacing was a bit uneven in the beginning, it smooths out and engages the reader into the story with rich details, descriptive historical events that makes you feel the rising loss of freedom, increased fears and violence and helplessness to stop the organized and sanctioned death and destruction. There is violence that is somewhat graphic but not overly dramatic and aligns with the context of the historical events.
Woven throughout are acts of love, courage and compassion by a variety of individuals who are trying to save those being persecuted and resisting the evil that is being committed. The treachery and betrayal not only between the neighbors and citizens but within the Nazi party and the way they vie to be rise within the party and be closer to Hitler is suspenseful as well as fascinating to read. The use of propaganda, media manipulation and the growing intimidation of people with restrictions limiting their ability to vote, go to school and exclusions from society are laid out in chilling details from Karl's viewpoint.
If you enjoy WW II historical fiction and are looking for a new perspective viewpoint that is highly engaging, detailed historical fiction with characters that pull you into their reality, I would highly recommend reading this book.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and 700 Miles Publishing for the ARC, it was a privilege and pleasure to read. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Heather.
71 reviews1 follower
March 16, 2025
This is my first read by this author and I'll definitely be looking at their other works!

I found this to be an intriguing historical fiction that is set on the cusp of the second world war. It portrays the takeovers of Austria and Czechoslovakia from 3 different viewpoints, Felix: a young jewish man living in Vienna, Adela: a young women in Czechoslovakia who works for the government, and finally, Karl: a Nazi who's work for the party has him deployed into several key areas as the story unfolds. This was my first novel that explored the years leading into the war and it was such a fascinating look at what life was likely like for those living in the counties that first fell under Nazi control. It took me a couple chapters to get into the storylines but once I was in, I was hooked! The pacing of the story was perfectly done, and the POVs shifting felt insanely natural with the progression of the plot. The characters were unique yet relatable in their own ways and each brought something different that added to the story. I really like how the author integrated many German and Czech words throughout, anything from street names, titles, foods etc, as it added to the authenticity, making you feel as though you're in the story with the characters.
This is the first book in "The Covert War Chronicles" and I cannot wait for the author to continue on in the series.
Profile Image for Lily.
1,411 reviews12 followers
July 11, 2025
In the first book in the World War II Covert War Chronicles series, readers follow Felix Wolff, Karl Vogt, and Adela Beran in 1938 Vienna just as Hitler takes control of Austria. When Felix’s father is sent to Dachau, Felix makes a difficult decision that places him in the Gestapo’s path when Karl Vogt is moving up in the Nazi hierarchy, unknowingly laying the groundwork for the horrors of the Holocaust and human rights violations of the Nazi regime. In Prague, Adela Beran is working as a translator for the foreign ministry with a front-row seat to Hitler’s growing empire, and she decides to risk everything to resist the takeover even if failure means death. As the three characters collide in this incredibly difficult year, readers discover the ominous and inevitable threat of Nazi power in 1938 in this fascinating and meticulously researched book. The characters are the stars of the novel, and the three alternating perspectives do not overwhelm each other, instead working together to build up this complex historical period from multiple perspectives. The details and general atmosphere really highlight the intense, uncertain nature of the period, and the emotional tone is just right and captures the challenges of the late 1930s in incredible detail.

Thanks to NetGalley and Book Whisperer for the advance copy.
2,816 reviews57 followers
April 4, 2025
The Eagle's Shadow has taken me out of the shadows. Most of the books I have read only deal with one situation, one group. Most of the books are about the allies. I have gained a lot of peeks into what happened to the allies, what happened to those that remained. I have little knowledge about the Nazi perspective. I don't even know where to even look to gain knowledge.

This story gave me glimpses into those that were at risk, those stuck in the middle and those that were out to take over as much as possible to create the perfect world within their eyes. I have gained knowledge as I tried to keep my emotions out of my reactions (Oh my, that was difficult). I have been given places to look. I have been given more people to search and explore. Although this is a work of fiction; the historical connection had be fascinated.

Travel back in time and see how the Germans planned and manipulated to reach their goals. Learn of the struggles of Felix, a Jew, as he tries to survive. Follow Adela as she helps work against the Germans from within. She is constantly at risk as she gains knowledge and shares with the resistance. Through these characters and those that surround them; the author paints a picture that must not be repeated.
Profile Image for Maria Lew.
382 reviews17 followers
April 9, 2025
This is my seventh book that I've read by the amazing Michael Reit. Like all of his books 📖, The Eagle's Shadow is a page turner. All of the characters are written so that you really get to know each of them. The writing is so descriptive & captivating, you see & experience what each of them does. It's remarkable what Felix endures. He goes to hell and back a few times. "Don't drop the rock. One step at a time. Don't let go." (Words that help you go on, when it's getting difficult to move forward).

Question, can one person make a difference? The answer is yes. Adela, along with Olaf, and Mattias are three that make a difference. Our actions may it be small, it can change the future for one person and for many lives.

Karl, the Nazi that helps put things in motion in fixing the Jewish problem. It's unbelievable seeing what he strives to do and what he accomplishes. ("I live only to serve you." He bowed his head. "My Fuhrer.")

I look forward in seeing what lies ahead in the future of our characters in the books to follow.

Publication date of April 24, 2025 for this 5 star ⭐ read. Enjoy ❤️.

Thank you Netgalley for an ebook advanced reader copy.
Profile Image for Andrew.
719 reviews1 follower
August 29, 2025
This book covers the period leading up to the Second World War when Hitler undertook power grabs in Austria, and Czechoslovakia before heading off towards Poland, whilst other countries sat on their hands and appeased him.

The book centres on three people, Felix Wolff, a young Jew living in Austria; Karl Vogt, a rising star in the Sicherheitsdienst; and Adela Beran, who works as a translator in Prague for the foreign ministry.

This was a period of history I didn’t know as much about as I should so I was really eager to read the book, and I have to say I was glad I did. This is an excellently put together book that involves some of history’s notorious men alongside the fictional characters. There is great characterisation in the book and you just feel as if you are in and amongst the events.

You can just feel the events coming off the page which leads to a whole wealth of emotions. I also feel this book is a warning from history to the various play books being played out before our eyes in events around the world at the moment.

I strongly recommend this book and cannot wait to see where the stories of the main characters are taken in the next book in the series.
323 reviews4 followers
May 3, 2025
Little known facts regarding WWII in Austria and Czechoslovakia emerge from #authorMichaelReit new historical fiction series. Primary characters are Felix, a Jew who was living in the Jewish section of Vienna; Adele, a fluent in five languages young woman working in the Czech government in Prague; and Karl, a Nazi bent on rising to the top echelon of Nazis officers. I could have read this book quicker but it made me stop and google various dates, places, words—all factors to me in making this a great book. While only covering March, 1938, to September, 1939, I can’t wait for the next book in The Covert War Chronicles. A book to be savored not only for its importance in World History but also for travelers-armchair or those walking the streets. Thanks to #MichaelReit, #NetGalley and publisher #BookWhisper for an ARC; this is my honest review.
772 reviews15 followers
July 24, 2025
This novel is unlike any WWII book I’ve read in the past. The story begins in 1938 when the Third Reich is beginning their reign of terror and entering Austria and then spreading to the Czech Republic. It centers on three main characters; Felix a Jew in Austria, Karl a member of the Third Reich and Adela a translator in the Czech Republic with access to useful information to share with spies.

The reader learns how the Third Reich plans for successful invasions. They first unsettle the population of the towns they enter. The next step is to weaken the government by finding who will be compliant to their demands and removing those who will not along with the Jews and prominent citizens and then prepare for theGerman invasion.

Thank you Book Whisperer
Profile Image for David.
604 reviews14 followers
May 13, 2025
I have read a lot of WWII fiction and nonfiction but rarely have I seen a book set in this particular time and place - 1938 and 1939 Czechoslovakia and Austria. I could feel the tension experienced by Felix as he barely escaped capture by the Nazis time and again. I felt the stress of Adela as she looks for ways to resist the coming storm. I also felt rage as I followed Karl as he rose to prominence on the blood and pain of the people he helped to eliminate.
It is hard to fathom how the madness of Nazism could develop and thrive. The hate within these figures, fictional and historical, is deep and absolute. I became emotionally invested in this story and look forward to its continuation.
1 review
September 26, 2025
I have now read all your holocaust series books. They were all excellent books except The Eagles Shadow. It moved to slowly. Karl took forever to figure out what his next nasty plan would be to better himself and make his boss look like a dummy. Poor Adela kept getting the short end of the stick. Felix is a bit of a winter who never thinks things through. He keeps getting caught by the SS escapes only to be caught again and finally makes it to England and decides to fight and not run. Not one character had closure I was left hanging on everyone. Is there another book? I would like these lose end’s tied up.
612 reviews15 followers
April 15, 2025
The story follows the lives of three 20 year olds in the months leading up to the outbreak of WW2; Karl, an ambitious member of the Sicherheitsdienst is in Austria keen to ease the road for the German takeover. Felix, works with his father in their bike shop in the Jewish quarter of Vienna. Adela is a young government employee in Prague.
Their paths cross as Europe moves towards war.
An insight into the lives of those caught up in extraordinary times. My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc.
Profile Image for Julie .
674 reviews15 followers
April 24, 2025
Very good historical fiction which brings the horrors of Hitler and his regime into focus front and center,
Felux Wolff's entire life changes forever when Hitler invades and takes over his beloved Austria.
His town is ransacked and the Jews captured and sent to death camps or forced into hiding.
Very chilling reminder of what dictators are capable of and how easily led some populations can be,
Strong characters that easily identifiable and good plot with non-stop action and intrigue as Félix works to outwit his enemies.
153 reviews2 followers
April 27, 2025
The Beginning

The Eagle's Shadow focuses on the lives of an Austrian Jew, a German Nazi, & Czech translator, historical figures, & events leading up to the beginning of World War 2. I felt as if I was there shadowing the main characters, such as Michael Rents writing style. It is hard to put down one of Reit's books until I finish it. The Eagle's Shadow was no exception. I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the continuation of this series. I highly recommend The Eagle's Shadow.
Profile Image for Alice ❁︎ Ciffa Books.
56 reviews
May 1, 2025
Questa storia è dura, struggente e ti rimane addosso. Ti fa arrabbiare, ti spezza il cuore… ma, in mezzo a tutto questo buio, c’è anche qualche piccolo spiraglio di speranza. Reit ha una penna che va dritta al cuore: si sente tutta la sua ricerca, la cura nei dettagli, la potenza del racconto, i personaggi vivi e l’ambientazione che ti avvolge. Alcuni particolari, tipo il sistema di voto manipolato, sono agghiaccianti e affascinanti insieme. Una bella lettura che tutti dovrebbero fare per fare sì che non succeda mai più, ovunque nel mondo.
Profile Image for Cheryl Rowland.
255 reviews2 followers
September 19, 2025
I found this book very interesting because there are not many books written that detail what Germany did before it invaded Poland. It has made me want to look more into the years (1937-1939) to understand how methodically Hitler planned to take over Europe and how he fooled both Britain and France into a policy of appeasement. i already knew about the policy of appeasement but had never realized what Austria and Czechoslovakia played into the overall plan to take over Europe. Can't wait for the next book in the series.
1,696 reviews
March 31, 2025
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.

“The Eagle’s Shadow” is a WWII historical fiction book by Michael Reit. This book begins with the Nazi’s invading Austria then continuing on their journey to Poland. I know so little about Hitler’s takeover of Czechoslovakia, that learning more about that was interesting. The largest fault I had with this book was the pacing, which was uneven and, at times, the not always smooth writing.
Profile Image for Angel Dubiel.
124 reviews1 follower
March 31, 2025
The Eagle's Shadow is an interesting read, though it didn't fully captivate me. The plot has potential with its action and historical elements, but the pacing felt uneven at times, and some characters could have been more developed. Overall, it’s an enjoyable story, but it didn’t leave a lasting impression.
Profile Image for Su Thor.
154 reviews4 followers
April 21, 2025
Choices are important in this tale of courage and sacrifice. The story dots around Nazi Europe: from Austria to Dachau; from the Czech Republic to our hearts. It brings home the horrors faced by those who are rounded up for transportation. But what makes this story stand out is that it also follows the progress of one Karl Vogt who is tasked with preparing the way for the crime of the 20thCentury. However, although his passion for the Third Reich is great, and his desire to rise through the ranks, he is unaware that the work he is doing will lead to the holocaust. There are times when this story is hard to read but perceiver with it, you will be rewarded.
Thanks to Michael Reit, Netgalley and 700 Miles Publishing for the ARC.
50 reviews
May 13, 2025
As always another fantastic book written by author Michael Reit. I have read all of his books to date and this WW2 book kept me reading at a fast pace. The atrocities carried out by the Nazis was deliberate process to take control of not only the Jewish people but also anyone who got in there way. I hope the sequel comes out soon. Well done !
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