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Twilight of the Gods #1
Storm Front
In 1941, Adolf Hitler didn't declare war on the United States. Now, in 1985, the Third Reich stretching from the coast of France to the icy wastes of Eastern Russia, appears supremely powerful. With a powerful force of nuclear warheads and the finest military machine on Earth, there is no hope for freedom for the billions who groan under its rule. Adolf Hitler’s mad dreams have come to pass.
And yet, all is not well in the Reich. The cold war with the United States and the North Atlantic Alliance is destroying the Reich’s economy, while a savage insurgency in South Africa - a war the Reich cannot win and dares not lose - is sapping its military strength. And, while the Reich Council struggles to find a way to save the Reich from its own weaknesses, a young German girl makes a discovery that will shake the Reich to its core.
But the Reich Council will not go quietly into the night ...
[Like my other self-published Kindle books, Storm Front is DRM-free. You may reformat it as you choose. There is a large sample of the text – and my other books – on my site: chrishanger.net. Try before you buy.]
And yet, all is not well in the Reich. The cold war with the United States and the North Atlantic Alliance is destroying the Reich’s economy, while a savage insurgency in South Africa - a war the Reich cannot win and dares not lose - is sapping its military strength. And, while the Reich Council struggles to find a way to save the Reich from its own weaknesses, a young German girl makes a discovery that will shake the Reich to its core.
But the Reich Council will not go quietly into the night ...
[Like my other self-published Kindle books, Storm Front is DRM-free. You may reformat it as you choose. There is a large sample of the text – and my other books – on my site: chrishanger.net. Try before you buy.]
356 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 11, 2015
132 people are currently reading
211 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 2, 2016
Another alternative history
Germany won WW II by not declaring war to USA,and it is now governing most of Europe, Russia, Middle East and some part of Africa. France has the Vichy government which uneasily still goes on. German colonists are trying to settle in the vast wildness of the russian plains, besieged by continuous insurgents. This is Germany East.
UK made an uneasy truce with Hitler in 1944 and is living waiting for another confrontation. Plenty of USA bases and soldiers are living there top prevent a german invasion.
The Nazi Germany of 1985 is a place which has serious economy problem, and this is prpbably the first book I have read which tried to tackle this aspect of the Nazi regime, which needed constant expansion in order not to collapse under its own debts. Too many social expenditures (a sort of pension is also awarded to women with four children) are bankrupting the Reich.
In this scenario, Gudrun, the daughter of a policeman (also an ex soldier), and an excellent computer student in one of the few German universities, discovers that the government has lied to its citizens about the state of the war in South Africa, in support of the apartheid regime. She discovers that the number of killed and wounded are not reported sincerely in Germany and she starts to rebel. This causes a snowball effect, which is quite interesting to read.
Whilst not at the level of Harry Turtledove novels ( which are usually muco more complicated), the book and its sequels (yeti to be seen, but I am waiting for them) con be read very quickly and are quite catching. There is a nod to Mr. Turtledove, as an homonym, is the ambassador of the USA in Germany, quite a nice touch. Recommended as a nice read.
Germany won WW II by not declaring war to USA,and it is now governing most of Europe, Russia, Middle East and some part of Africa. France has the Vichy government which uneasily still goes on. German colonists are trying to settle in the vast wildness of the russian plains, besieged by continuous insurgents. This is Germany East.
UK made an uneasy truce with Hitler in 1944 and is living waiting for another confrontation. Plenty of USA bases and soldiers are living there top prevent a german invasion.
The Nazi Germany of 1985 is a place which has serious economy problem, and this is prpbably the first book I have read which tried to tackle this aspect of the Nazi regime, which needed constant expansion in order not to collapse under its own debts. Too many social expenditures (a sort of pension is also awarded to women with four children) are bankrupting the Reich.
In this scenario, Gudrun, the daughter of a policeman (also an ex soldier), and an excellent computer student in one of the few German universities, discovers that the government has lied to its citizens about the state of the war in South Africa, in support of the apartheid regime. She discovers that the number of killed and wounded are not reported sincerely in Germany and she starts to rebel. This causes a snowball effect, which is quite interesting to read.
Whilst not at the level of Harry Turtledove novels ( which are usually muco more complicated), the book and its sequels (yeti to be seen, but I am waiting for them) con be read very quickly and are quite catching. There is a nod to Mr. Turtledove, as an homonym, is the ambassador of the USA in Germany, quite a nice touch. Recommended as a nice read.
August 29, 2017
Picked this book on a whim, really liked the concept of the story. Nice characters with full storylines that blend well into giving you a total environment or world. Will be picking up the follow on books, just hope get some stories from different parts of the authors created world
November 26, 2019
read this at a time (not that long ago) when I was seeking reassurance that evil would not triumph, and that in general the vast mass of humanity was intrinsically good, or at least not necessarily evil. Christopher makes a succinct, and in my opinion, successful argument that evil cannot continue indefinitely (although for those who had to live through the 52 years of Nuttall’s Third Reich it may very well have felt like it).
Nuttall’s alternate history posits that the Third Reich was successful in beating the Soviets, and winning the war. As a result Hitler’s dream of Germania, a new capital to challenge that of Ancient Egypt, Babylon, and Rome is built, and the Nazi Empire has spread itself across most of the former Russian lands. Despite that the Reich has never admitted to the evils it committed during the war.
It is now 1985 and the Reich is locked in a cold war with the USA and the rest of the free world (including the UK). The war is expensive, and in conjunction with the Reich’s enormous unfunded state based welfare system is threatening the collapse of its economy. A collapse which is speeding up as a result of the Reich’s involvement in actively supporting the apartheid regime in South Africa.
It is in this world that a university student, Gudrun, the daughter of a policeman, and betrothed to a soldier fighting in South Africa discovers that the government is lying about the state of the war in South Africa. Full of righteous indignation Gudrun persuades some of her fellow students to protest. Despite their naivety the protests quickly snowball (think the 2019 example in Hong Kong). One of the aspects I particularly liked about the story was how Gudrun’s father eventually came round to supporting his daughter.
Nuttall’s alternate history posits that the Third Reich was successful in beating the Soviets, and winning the war. As a result Hitler’s dream of Germania, a new capital to challenge that of Ancient Egypt, Babylon, and Rome is built, and the Nazi Empire has spread itself across most of the former Russian lands. Despite that the Reich has never admitted to the evils it committed during the war.
It is now 1985 and the Reich is locked in a cold war with the USA and the rest of the free world (including the UK). The war is expensive, and in conjunction with the Reich’s enormous unfunded state based welfare system is threatening the collapse of its economy. A collapse which is speeding up as a result of the Reich’s involvement in actively supporting the apartheid regime in South Africa.
It is in this world that a university student, Gudrun, the daughter of a policeman, and betrothed to a soldier fighting in South Africa discovers that the government is lying about the state of the war in South Africa. Full of righteous indignation Gudrun persuades some of her fellow students to protest. Despite their naivety the protests quickly snowball (think the 2019 example in Hong Kong). One of the aspects I particularly liked about the story was how Gudrun’s father eventually came round to supporting his daughter.
May 9, 2023
Woe be the racist empire
A story threw the eyes of the Generation X in an alternate Europe under NAZI rule.
The story follows a funky repurposed following of are timeline culture reforms and military build-ups but instead of Capitalism vs. Communism it’s Capitalism vs. Fascism. The timeline heavily effect racial theory’s has Germany never stopped there killing of lesser-bloodlines( in there mind) lay this made America and it’s Allie’s find ways to find balance with different races and build new relations to survive German aggression.
The point of the story tells us the above points at different points threw context clues and appendix at the end of book. You get mostly the POV of the Heroine of this story an her slow growth in revolutionary but at times where give the POV of older chacthers who had seen the world change from 1930’s - 1985 an how they all fell about the world bouth the good and bad it’s caused there individual people.
In this story isn’t overly military it’s a social construct of the people in a police state that after years of being sheeply that the younger generations just cankt follow the olds any longer no matter how the older generations fear-mongering ways the younger has grown to mugh an felt even the system has to change. This leads the author into a point where a rushed civilian uprising becomes the catalyst for the next book depending if the author goes into full warfare or not will be seen next.
P.S.
If you look at the coverart you’ll see people holding giant cards in protest but near the end the heroine thought she should had the marchers make cards before starting it. This leads to the coverart being slightly wrong design,
A story threw the eyes of the Generation X in an alternate Europe under NAZI rule.
The story follows a funky repurposed following of are timeline culture reforms and military build-ups but instead of Capitalism vs. Communism it’s Capitalism vs. Fascism. The timeline heavily effect racial theory’s has Germany never stopped there killing of lesser-bloodlines( in there mind) lay this made America and it’s Allie’s find ways to find balance with different races and build new relations to survive German aggression.
The point of the story tells us the above points at different points threw context clues and appendix at the end of book. You get mostly the POV of the Heroine of this story an her slow growth in revolutionary but at times where give the POV of older chacthers who had seen the world change from 1930’s - 1985 an how they all fell about the world bouth the good and bad it’s caused there individual people.
In this story isn’t overly military it’s a social construct of the people in a police state that after years of being sheeply that the younger generations just cankt follow the olds any longer no matter how the older generations fear-mongering ways the younger has grown to mugh an felt even the system has to change. This leads the author into a point where a rushed civilian uprising becomes the catalyst for the next book depending if the author goes into full warfare or not will be seen next.
P.S.
If you look at the coverart you’ll see people holding giant cards in protest but near the end the heroine thought she should had the marchers make cards before starting it. This leads to the coverart being slightly wrong design,
April 11, 2022
An Alternative History
In view of recent world developments this book could be seen as set in Russia?
Politics in Totalitarian states is similar, whether from the Left or the Right. This book captures the basic sense and leads the reader to a Universal Truth.
People, from whatever political motivation status, will eventually start to think and ask questions. Not all will be convinced that the Official Line is necessarily thru the. They will begin to ‘think’ for themselves. It may take a generation or two, but ‘think’ they will.
As all of Mr. Nuttall’s books - Excellent plotting, brilliant storyline, exceedingly well written.
In view of recent world developments this book could be seen as set in Russia?
Politics in Totalitarian states is similar, whether from the Left or the Right. This book captures the basic sense and leads the reader to a Universal Truth.
People, from whatever political motivation status, will eventually start to think and ask questions. Not all will be convinced that the Official Line is necessarily thru the. They will begin to ‘think’ for themselves. It may take a generation or two, but ‘think’ they will.
As all of Mr. Nuttall’s books - Excellent plotting, brilliant storyline, exceedingly well written.
May 27, 2018
Alternate history novel that says that Hitler did not declare war on the US after Pearl Harbor, and instead declared war on Japan, leaving the Japanese isolated and the US able to concentrate on Japan. This novel takes place in Germany in the mid 1980s where the Nazis still rule all of Europe save Great Britain, and most of Russia and Africa. Still, despite the vast territory under their control, all is not well in the Reich and this story tells of how change can start with some unlikely catalysts.
May 26, 2021
Hidden gem
This book is a hidden gem by one of my favorite fantasy authors. The way he wove all the different points of view together to craft this fantastic narrative of intrigue was masterful. It helps that it’s a gripping story.
This book is a hidden gem by one of my favorite fantasy authors. The way he wove all the different points of view together to craft this fantastic narrative of intrigue was masterful. It helps that it’s a gripping story.
February 3, 2022
Very good Alternate History
I don't give 5 stars to anything but Nebula/Hugo winners.
With very few exceptions this authors turns out excellent world building, plots and story craft.
You will likely enjoy this story.
I don't give 5 stars to anything but Nebula/Hugo winners.
With very few exceptions this authors turns out excellent world building, plots and story craft.
You will likely enjoy this story.
March 31, 2025
a good book for our time.
Reading this story today, with the news of Trump , musk and other South Africans wanting to turn the nation into a dictatoial. State makes one think of consequences.
Reading this story today, with the news of Trump , musk and other South Africans wanting to turn the nation into a dictatoial. State makes one think of consequences.
February 22, 2018
Very interesting alternative history.
May 1, 2018
Not Really Worth Finishing
The book was not badly written, just boring. I just didn’t find the characters interesting and the plot was obvious
The book was not badly written, just boring. I just didn’t find the characters interesting and the plot was obvious
October 1, 2018
Not bad at all
Quite enjoyed this book. A good story for AH, edited well, easy to read. Give a go, I don't think you'll be disappointed.
Quite enjoyed this book. A good story for AH, edited well, easy to read. Give a go, I don't think you'll be disappointed.
July 17, 2024
Since I enjoy alt-history, this book grabbed my attention and I was not disappointed. One aspect of the story that I found fascinating is that it takes place in almost contemporary time, that last forty years.
I will not bore you with a rehash of the plot, others have done that. Rather, the story is told from the POV of multiple characters. This can be somewhat confusing but in my opinion nevertheless works because the story covers the beginning of the end of the German Reich in a world where World War 2 was radically different from the historical record. The atrocities, however remain and are actually amplified under the new regime which now controls not just all of Europe but a a good portion of the Soviet Union, the middle east as well as South Africa.
To say much more would be reveling too much of the plot which is complex. It's obvious to me that the author knew what he was doing [just as he has done in his prior books].
I will not bore you with a rehash of the plot, others have done that. Rather, the story is told from the POV of multiple characters. This can be somewhat confusing but in my opinion nevertheless works because the story covers the beginning of the end of the German Reich in a world where World War 2 was radically different from the historical record. The atrocities, however remain and are actually amplified under the new regime which now controls not just all of Europe but a a good portion of the Soviet Union, the middle east as well as South Africa.
To say much more would be reveling too much of the plot which is complex. It's obvious to me that the author knew what he was doing [just as he has done in his prior books].
April 29, 2016
Review of Storm Front
I have read quite a few alternate history books and since I have been reading and enjoying Mr Nuttall's Ark Royal series. This book intrigued me when I researched it since the United States did not lose to the Reich but has assumed the role of the Reich opponent on the other side of a different Iron Curtain.
I liked the book and I hope we see a few more books since much of the story is left unfinished and I suspect, is n material for other books. The premise of this book is very believable since an empire like the Reich, assuming it grew to the size in the book, is ripe for corruption. Throughout history, most great empires collapse from their own bureaucracy eventually.
The alternate history review at the end was helpful in understanding what happened in WWII. I just wish we could see a bit more of what is happening outside the Reich. A good read
I have read quite a few alternate history books and since I have been reading and enjoying Mr Nuttall's Ark Royal series. This book intrigued me when I researched it since the United States did not lose to the Reich but has assumed the role of the Reich opponent on the other side of a different Iron Curtain.
I liked the book and I hope we see a few more books since much of the story is left unfinished and I suspect, is n material for other books. The premise of this book is very believable since an empire like the Reich, assuming it grew to the size in the book, is ripe for corruption. Throughout history, most great empires collapse from their own bureaucracy eventually.
The alternate history review at the end was helpful in understanding what happened in WWII. I just wish we could see a bit more of what is happening outside the Reich. A good read
June 12, 2016
An ordinary girl triggered a whole revolution by the simple act of defying authorities to visit her boyfriend. The only other alternate history book I've read was by Harry Turtledove. The premise of this book was not as exciting at first, until the ball starts rolling. Once the questions were asked by the previously silent populace, the government struggled to keep control. I love how the point of view of each character is presented, and how they think their actions are justified. There is no wrong. Everyone is doing what they thought is right.
May 19, 2016
In the AH world, there is no shortage of stories about a world where the Axis won WW2, but I took a chance on this book and I'm glad I did. The fundamental premise behind Germany's victory is clever and believable (so believable that I now wonder why he didn't actually do it in real life), and the problems facing an aging Reich are very credible.
I'm a big fan of alternate history fiction (I noticed a shout out to Harry Turtledove in the book), and this one stands up to the best of them.
I'm a big fan of alternate history fiction (I noticed a shout out to Harry Turtledove in the book), and this one stands up to the best of them.
December 31, 2015
Another fantastic book by Mr. Nuttall.
This author is definitely one to follow. His novels are filled with great characters, intriguing plots, and plenty of twists and turns. Another excellent beginning of a series. Look forward to more in this series, Mr. Nuttall, keep the coming!
This author is definitely one to follow. His novels are filled with great characters, intriguing plots, and plenty of twists and turns. Another excellent beginning of a series. Look forward to more in this series, Mr. Nuttall, keep the coming!
January 26, 2016
The what if
Interesting the author examines German society in geopolitical scenario where the Nazis won the war. Life in Nazi Germany would be very difficult for a non-Aryan , but here we see that life is no picnic for Germans as well. We see German society implode under the weight of political corruption, totalitarian control and economic mismanagement. Great read.
Interesting the author examines German society in geopolitical scenario where the Nazis won the war. Life in Nazi Germany would be very difficult for a non-Aryan , but here we see that life is no picnic for Germans as well. We see German society implode under the weight of political corruption, totalitarian control and economic mismanagement. Great read.
January 7, 2020
I enjoy alternate histories, but this was really a pretty boring story. I didn’t care about the characters, the story was tired and uninteresting, and the pace was confusing. I kept going with it because I continued to hope that things would improve, and by the time I realized it never would, I was too far into it to give up.
February 16, 2016
Good Alternat History
Good read look forward to sequel. Not much else to say. Too many words required for a review to be posted
Good read look forward to sequel. Not much else to say. Too many words required for a review to be posted
March 28, 2016
An excellent 'Nazi victory in Europe' alternative history and its aftermath. A sequel is definitely needed.
January 13, 2016
Really good alternative history yarn of the second world war
December 21, 2017
Great book, any fan of Harry Turtledove or Robert Conroy should love this and the authors nod to Turtledove was well placed
As I stated this is a great what if book, that rings very true, taki.h what we know of the Nazis and giving them 40 years to consolidate and abuse their power
The main players (protagonists) were well thought out and relatable and the bad guys were easy to hate he evil of the RFSS was palpable and gave a sense of fear.
well done and I look forward to the next book in the series
As I stated this is a great what if book, that rings very true, taki.h what we know of the Nazis and giving them 40 years to consolidate and abuse their power
The main players (protagonists) were well thought out and relatable and the bad guys were easy to hate he evil of the RFSS was palpable and gave a sense of fear.
well done and I look forward to the next book in the series
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews