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Postwar Drifter: The Kellner Chronicles: Book 1
The war is over. But for Harold Kellner, the fight to determine his own future has only begun.
It is 1948, and eighteen-year-old Harold Kellner is living in Moscow under the protection of Bayan Godunov, the powerful Soviet Political Kommissar who adopted him after World War II.
Harold has survived the chaos of war, the loss of his family, and a childhood that forced him to grow up far too quickly. Now, Godunov is preparing him for a future inside the Soviet system, where intelligence, loyalty, and obedience can be as important to survival as courage.
Fluent in several languages and driven by a determination to uncover the truth about his mother’s death, Harold soon finds himself drawn into a world far more complicated than the one he imagined.
His assignments take him beyond Moscow and across borders, where he encounters political intrigue, secret loyalties, powerful men, and people whose motives are rarely what they seem. Each new experience brings opportunity, but also forces Harold to decide how much he is willing to compromise to achieve his goals.
Meanwhile, the friendship that once connected Harold to Karl Veth remains an important link to the person he was before their lives took dramatically different paths. Karl has pursued his dreams in America. Harold is traveling a far darker road.
As the postwar world divides and the tensions between East and West begin to harden, Harold must learn how to survive within a system built on power, secrecy, and control without completely losing himself in the process.
How far can a young man travel down a dangerous road before there is no turning back?
Postwar Drifter is the first book in The Kellner Chronicles, continuing the remarkable story of Harold Kellner and the world that emerged from the ruins of World War II. Based on a true story, it is a tale of survival, ambition, friendship, vengeance, and the difficult choices that shape a life.
Perfect for readers who enjoy historical fiction inspired by true events, postwar Europe, Soviet Russia, Cold War intrigue, and character-driven stories of survival and identity.
It is 1948, and eighteen-year-old Harold Kellner is living in Moscow under the protection of Bayan Godunov, the powerful Soviet Political Kommissar who adopted him after World War II.
Harold has survived the chaos of war, the loss of his family, and a childhood that forced him to grow up far too quickly. Now, Godunov is preparing him for a future inside the Soviet system, where intelligence, loyalty, and obedience can be as important to survival as courage.
Fluent in several languages and driven by a determination to uncover the truth about his mother’s death, Harold soon finds himself drawn into a world far more complicated than the one he imagined.
His assignments take him beyond Moscow and across borders, where he encounters political intrigue, secret loyalties, powerful men, and people whose motives are rarely what they seem. Each new experience brings opportunity, but also forces Harold to decide how much he is willing to compromise to achieve his goals.
Meanwhile, the friendship that once connected Harold to Karl Veth remains an important link to the person he was before their lives took dramatically different paths. Karl has pursued his dreams in America. Harold is traveling a far darker road.
As the postwar world divides and the tensions between East and West begin to harden, Harold must learn how to survive within a system built on power, secrecy, and control without completely losing himself in the process.
How far can a young man travel down a dangerous road before there is no turning back?
Postwar Drifter is the first book in The Kellner Chronicles, continuing the remarkable story of Harold Kellner and the world that emerged from the ruins of World War II. Based on a true story, it is a tale of survival, ambition, friendship, vengeance, and the difficult choices that shape a life.
Perfect for readers who enjoy historical fiction inspired by true events, postwar Europe, Soviet Russia, Cold War intrigue, and character-driven stories of survival and identity.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
182 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 25, 2016
About the author
Horst Christian
29 books55 followersI was born in Berlin, Germany in 1930. My father taught me to read and write before the age of 5 and by the time I was 10 years old, I discovered my love for writing. I wrote vacation reports and several articles for a German school periodical.
When I was 10, I entered the “Jungvolk,” a subdivision of the Hitler Youth, which was mandatory in the Berlin school system. I then entered the Hitler Youth at the age of 14, also mandatory, and continued writing for the Hitler Youth periodicals.
I was drafted to help defend Berlin against the Soviets at the age of 14 because of my unique knowledge of the subway system and I served as a guide for various SS demolition commandos.
My books are based on my own experiences as a young boy in Germany during World War II and the days leading up to and after the fall of Berlin. There have been many books written about the war, but none from the perspective of a 14 year old boy who was forced to fight for a cause he did not understand.
I immigrated to the United States in the early 1950s and became a citizen. My wife, Jennifer, and I live in Northern California on a small ranch, where we have been for the last 30 years.
When I was 10, I entered the “Jungvolk,” a subdivision of the Hitler Youth, which was mandatory in the Berlin school system. I then entered the Hitler Youth at the age of 14, also mandatory, and continued writing for the Hitler Youth periodicals.
I was drafted to help defend Berlin against the Soviets at the age of 14 because of my unique knowledge of the subway system and I served as a guide for various SS demolition commandos.
My books are based on my own experiences as a young boy in Germany during World War II and the days leading up to and after the fall of Berlin. There have been many books written about the war, but none from the perspective of a 14 year old boy who was forced to fight for a cause he did not understand.
I immigrated to the United States in the early 1950s and became a citizen. My wife, Jennifer, and I live in Northern California on a small ranch, where we have been for the last 30 years.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 20, 2017
Another AMAZING Read!
Horst Christian has done it again! This story chronicles the life and adventures of Harold Kellner, a Berlin teen after the conclusion of WWII. Harold accepts an offer of a Soviet KGB officer as a protege and continues his education at a military academy in Moscow. Harold has a knack for languages, as he becomes fluent in Russian and English. He is sent to Switzerland to continue his studies of foreign languages and to do missions for the Kommissar that has adopted him.
An incredible story that keeps you glued to the book which is based on true life events. Waiting impatiently for the next book in this amazing story, Mr. Horst Christian!
Horst Christian has done it again! This story chronicles the life and adventures of Harold Kellner, a Berlin teen after the conclusion of WWII. Harold accepts an offer of a Soviet KGB officer as a protege and continues his education at a military academy in Moscow. Harold has a knack for languages, as he becomes fluent in Russian and English. He is sent to Switzerland to continue his studies of foreign languages and to do missions for the Kommissar that has adopted him.
An incredible story that keeps you glued to the book which is based on true life events. Waiting impatiently for the next book in this amazing story, Mr. Horst Christian!
June 1, 2018
Cheers to an excellent work
I read the full story in 2 days. All the books in the series are fascinating and offer a glimpse into post-war Europe. The wait for the next book will be excruciating but worth it.
I read the full story in 2 days. All the books in the series are fascinating and offer a glimpse into post-war Europe. The wait for the next book will be excruciating but worth it.
July 12, 2026
I really enjoy all the books in this series for their unique perspective of a young boy coming of age in Hitler’s Germany. I don’t believe that there are any other books in English, at least that tell this story.
May 2, 2020
Interesting
I found this book very interesting Goodreads say the least. It adds a new insight into post war Europe. The life of Harold is taking a turn not expected.
I found this book very interesting Goodreads say the least. It adds a new insight into post war Europe. The life of Harold is taking a turn not expected.
November 7, 2023
Continuation of Harold’s life under a Russian Kommissar. A lot of intrigue.
October 7, 2026
In my eyes, the Author never disappoints. I have enjoyed everything that I have read so far!
February 21, 2017
I loved his other books but one was missing a bit. I loved the story...it's amazing what a 17 year old went through post WWII but the writing style was lacking. Hard to review this for me. Harold was/is a brilliant kid and what he did was beyond what any other 17 year old would do. But the writing was choppy and it was enough at times to stop my reading and have to reread.
April 26, 2016
Another great instalment by Mr. Christian I enjoyed the continuation of Harold's Story. If you read this don't forget to read Children to a Degree, Loyalty to a degree, and Partners to a degree first.
August 2, 2016
Insight into developments of the relationship between Soviets and the US
As a first generation American, these books help explain the postwar history of my mother who, like many who came of age in WWII Germany preferred to remain silent.
As a first generation American, these books help explain the postwar history of my mother who, like many who came of age in WWII Germany preferred to remain silent.
August 4, 2016
I have really liked all of this author's books.
April 8, 2017
Wonderful series
I have followed Harold and Karl from the beginning. I find their experiences riveting and enlightening. Their reactions to the war and postwar situations put me back in time. I especially enjoy the reactions to American and west European customs and riches. This is true of all of the books in the series. This book continues the story of Harold in his fascinating experience with Russian intrigue. I can't wait for the next book.
I have followed Harold and Karl from the beginning. I find their experiences riveting and enlightening. Their reactions to the war and postwar situations put me back in time. I especially enjoy the reactions to American and west European customs and riches. This is true of all of the books in the series. This book continues the story of Harold in his fascinating experience with Russian intrigue. I can't wait for the next book.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews