From the Ashes: An Alternate History Novel

by Sandra Saidak

In a dramatic departure from her popular prehistoric fiction, Sandra Saidak now offers up her first alternate history novel. Two generations after Germany won World War II, a lonely college student named Adolf Goebbels wanders into a dusty museum and discovers books and artifacts of a dead race called “Jews”. Although a member of the Nazi elite, Adolf resents the oppression, fear, and isolation that are part of daily life in the Aryan “paradise” his grandparents helped build. As he reads the forgotten books, and meets the outcasts who gather at the museum, Adolf discovers a purpose he has long been searching for—and danger he has never imagined. Based on real-life Nazi plans for museums of dead races, this sprawling alternate history novel takes the reader from decadent Berlin, the capital of the Nazi world empire, across the conquered nations of Europe to uncover the startling secrets at the heart of the worldwide Reich. Fans of Philip K. Dick’s The Man in the High Castle and Robert Harris’ Fatherland will want to read this new voice in alternate history.

Genres: Historical Fiction

321 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 13, 2015

Reviews

[L. Stanzel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mezmerizing

Once I started this book, I couldn't stop. It captured my interest and didn't let go until the final words. It's an alternate reality where the Nazis took over the world but the human spirit's fight for freedom found a way. I think you will be captivated too.

[Alison Blasdell · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting view of what would have happened if Nazi Germany had won WWII. We all can imagine what the world would look like: a privileged Aryan race; Hitler’s “final solution” of eradicating all Jews and other “undesirables;” total subjugation to the Nazi rule; and expansion of German intellect and science (Einstein, von Braun, etc.) to benefit the elite. All of this comes to fruition in Sandra Saidak’s alternative history novel except for the continued advancement of science. Even German efficiency is absent in this new world. In fact, in From the Ashes, Germany and most of the world have fallen into a state of hunger, disease, pollution, and destruction of Earth’s resources.

Saidak has created two interesting protagonists who are not characters that one suspects to emerge as leaders in a revolt against the Nazi world. There is violence, betrayal, and a love story in From the Ashes. The book is an easy read that does prompt thought regarding possible parallels in today’s turbulent world.

[Sarah1983 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t often read alternate universe type of books so I don’t know how this one holds up to others in the genre but I enjoyed this one for the most part. The general storyline seemed a little far fetched but stranger things have probably happened.

I found the characters a bit flat and generic personally. We don’t really see much emotion from them or learn a huge amount about them as people. But they’re fairly likeable anyway, possibly because they’re against the Nazi regime that’s taken hold. The locations are also pretty flat as well, nothing really distinguishes one place from another beyond us being told where they are.

I found the book a fairly quick and easy read. I liked the authors writing style and would read more of their books in the future.

[Phil · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really not a terribly good counterfactual history novel. I'm afraid the old 'What if Nazi Germany had won the Second World War ?' conceit has been overdone, and done over by many better writers with more to say about the idea than this author. Admittedly, the notion of a group of disaffected university students studying and gradually absorbing the scriptures and principles of Judaism as an act of rebellion against the society which had murdered the Jews is an original one, but motive and background are weak, characterisation hangs on a number of stereotypes, and there is zero atmosphere created - of place, of social environment, nor of emotion.

[Bob B · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good effort but very unrealistic story line

I realize this book is alternative history / Sci Fi / Fantasy but the story is so unbelievable that I struggled to finish it (which I did being a fan of alternative history). Character development was well done, however there was no sense of place. Having spent quite a bit of time in Berlin, the author provided no feel for this beautiful city either as it is today (or as it could have been in an alternative universe). There were also numerous really annoying typographical errors in the e version from Amazon. Does anyone proofread these?

[Jennifer Shepard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I read from this author and let me tell you that I loved it! Such a good book with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. The ending of this book.. come on! I just didn´t expect it! Can´t wait to read other books from this great writer! Amazing job! a must-read! A fantastic book that has it all! I happily endorse this book to any and all who are looking for history & fantasy enjoyable read and a completely different experience than anyone could imagine on their own. ¡Great book!

[Matthew (or his mooch daughter ) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A 5 star read for both father and daughter. We could not shut up about this well-crafted alternative history. I was moved and fascinated as I watched the characters and world around them change through the years. I looked at my faith through new eyes which should speak volumes to Saidak's writing acumen. -im writing this long after reading but it explored struggles with leadership as a very multifaceted thing

[Rebecca Willson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Look, I was all for this book. I love alternate history and as a Jew I find the idea in this book really interesting. And I’m all about finishing what I start.

But, y’all. Just.... no. I made it to page 65 and so many random things were just thrown around that I was already confused and annoyed.

Can I give it 0 stars?

[David Perez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining book of alternative history

I like to read books of alternative history. Good alternative history is believable and makes you wander about counterfactuals. This book does not disappoint in this sense. I would have given it 5 stars if I felt a connection to the religious aspects which play a very important role in the story

[Zak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lately I've been reading books related to WWII and this book was a good read. It was interesting to see an alternate history of this period and to see Germany still wanting to see the pure breed and thrive and the mundane to be used as a means to an end, or assassinate them. I enjoyed the irony that the main character was named Adolf.

[Dan Case · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really found the idea of this book appealing. However, as I progressed further through the book, the harder it was for me to keep interested. As the story progressed, it became less of a what-if story and more about what it is to be Jewish.

[Gary Amring · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well thought out...

Very impressive alternate history, with interesting characters. Perhaps a little more detail regarding the Nazis and their global network would have been an interesting counterpoint to the heroic revolution.

[Pedro Miguel de André Gaspar · Rating 3 out of 5]

What-if novel about if the nazis had won the WWII, aside some spiritual episodes described in the book the events seems realistic and make us wonder.

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

This book was good to read, it gave an explanation of how the world would have turned out if the Nazis won the war.

[Mr GA Boniface · Rating 2 out of 5]

Diappointing

A most unlikely outcome. Disappointing having read some positive reviews but frankly I'm with the 30% who aren't able to recommend.

[Lisa Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so awesome! It inspired me to read more alternate history novels!! Love this! Read it quick too!

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really strange story. Took one hell of a leap of imagination!
Very odd

[George Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful alternate history!

This is one of the best ideas for an alternate history ever written. The author has built a world of horror and redeemed its inhabitants in a unique and forceful way. I've read hundreds of alternate histories and this one is stirring and insightful with well thought out characters and a beautiful undertone.
The past is never dead, it lives in the future.

[creig speed · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very imaginative alternate history

This book is a well written story about the nightmare of a world after a German victory in WW2. It's a good illustration of how any totalitarian government doesn't progress very fast except in its ability to kill and torture people.

[Michael FitzGerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful, imaginative and heart-rending story about how the world might have been if the Nazis had won and the Jews had been exterminated completely.
The author draws you in to her imagined world and makes you share it completely.

[Amanda]

ok, less alternate history and more spiritual

[Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

This was a great alternate history book and I like how the book was organized in the chapters and the action and descriptions of the characters

[Joe V Gossman · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, huh?

You did a fantastic job. I'm sure you have more books and I will be sure to add them to my want to read list.