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Johann’s War #2
Gathering Clouds
“After five years they had found freedom again.”
Adolf Hitler has swept into power and already the democratic mechanisms of the old Weimar Republic have been dismantled. Nazi Germany has risen and Hitler already has his eyes on expanding the Third Reich. Jews, communists, gypsies, and homosexuals are all targets for the new regime.
Now in Berlin, Erich is appointed to the SS, where he works with Reinhard Heydrich’s Gestapo to make the country fall into line. But haunted by the murder he committed to prove his loyalty to the Reich, Erich is close to crumbling. Only his wife Hannah and new son Heinrich give him reason to keep on going, but when Sabrina Waldner comes into his life he risks everything by beginning a sordid affair.
Elsewhere, the first concentration camps form and the endless supply of prisoners are worked and beaten to death. Oliver Rosen finds himself caught in the middle, but years later he’s still alive in Dachau. Why did they let him live? What’s so special about him?
The truth is as confusing as it is relieving. Could it be a decision Erich comes to regret?
Adolf Hitler has swept into power and already the democratic mechanisms of the old Weimar Republic have been dismantled. Nazi Germany has risen and Hitler already has his eyes on expanding the Third Reich. Jews, communists, gypsies, and homosexuals are all targets for the new regime.
Now in Berlin, Erich is appointed to the SS, where he works with Reinhard Heydrich’s Gestapo to make the country fall into line. But haunted by the murder he committed to prove his loyalty to the Reich, Erich is close to crumbling. Only his wife Hannah and new son Heinrich give him reason to keep on going, but when Sabrina Waldner comes into his life he risks everything by beginning a sordid affair.
Elsewhere, the first concentration camps form and the endless supply of prisoners are worked and beaten to death. Oliver Rosen finds himself caught in the middle, but years later he’s still alive in Dachau. Why did they let him live? What’s so special about him?
The truth is as confusing as it is relieving. Could it be a decision Erich comes to regret?
194 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 28, 2016
58 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
James Farner
38 books823 followersJames Farner is a professional writer and draws upon his love of fiction and his love of stories that span generations. His signature series Made in Yorkshire was born out of a desire to find out ‘what happened next?’
At the end of every good film, book, or TV show the characters disappear and that’s the end of them. James isn’t alone in the desire to find out what happened to the characters afterwards.
This is how Made in Yorkshire appeared. Starting from 1953 and driving on to the modern day, James explores the different eras of Britain through his colourful cast of characters.
Prior to writing fiction, he enjoyed a career as a freelance writer. His writing has appeared online, in magazines, and in a variety of other publications.
When not writing, he can be found sketching, watching sports, and playing the tin whistle.
At the end of every good film, book, or TV show the characters disappear and that’s the end of them. James isn’t alone in the desire to find out what happened to the characters afterwards.
This is how Made in Yorkshire appeared. Starting from 1953 and driving on to the modern day, James explores the different eras of Britain through his colourful cast of characters.
Prior to writing fiction, he enjoyed a career as a freelance writer. His writing has appeared online, in magazines, and in a variety of other publications.
When not writing, he can be found sketching, watching sports, and playing the tin whistle.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
April 11, 2019
This is the second book in James Farner's series of Johann's War Books and was even more gripping than War Book 1 "Our Father". Hitler has already overthrown the old Weimar Republic. Erick Brandt advances in the Nazi hierarchy to work with Reinhard Heydrich building up the Gestapo or SS, while younger brother Johann sides with the Social Democrats who are hard at work trying to thwart the rise of the Nazi war machine.
Erick is now married to a proud card carrying wife Hannah, and has a son named Heinrich. You would think the perfect Nazi family. Along comes the charming Sabrina Waldner whose secret allegiance is with the radical left. The plot thickens.
Elsewhere "work" camps are springing up. Dachau is one of the first. Jewish businesses are destroyed and Jews are not allowed to leave the country. In fact Jews dare not appear on the streets lest the risk arrest. Oliver Rosen, a life long friend of Johann is arrested and sent to Dachau. Both Johann and Oliver seem at the mercy of Erick and the Gestapo. At the same time, Erick's loyalty to The Fuhrer is absolute, and his devotion to "the cause" is often tested. Is he cold enough to order the killing of his own brother and the family friend?
Erick is now married to a proud card carrying wife Hannah, and has a son named Heinrich. You would think the perfect Nazi family. Along comes the charming Sabrina Waldner whose secret allegiance is with the radical left. The plot thickens.
Elsewhere "work" camps are springing up. Dachau is one of the first. Jewish businesses are destroyed and Jews are not allowed to leave the country. In fact Jews dare not appear on the streets lest the risk arrest. Oliver Rosen, a life long friend of Johann is arrested and sent to Dachau. Both Johann and Oliver seem at the mercy of Erick and the Gestapo. At the same time, Erick's loyalty to The Fuhrer is absolute, and his devotion to "the cause" is often tested. Is he cold enough to order the killing of his own brother and the family friend?
November 2, 2016
The Saga Continues!
Anyone who loves historical fiction needs to read James Farner"s novels about two brothers, Erich and Johann. Hitler is getting more and more powerful. One brother, Erich, embraces his role as a leading SS officer while Johann detests everything about the Third Reich from its leader to the harsh realities of living under the regime. But in spite of their completely opposite political stances, they still are brothers. Will their fragile, strained family loyalty survive Erich's devotion to the Furhrer and Johann's hatred of him and the Third Reich? You have to read this fabulous novel to find out. Once again, James Farner has taken us to a time in history and made us feel as if we are there, too. Another winner!
Anyone who loves historical fiction needs to read James Farner"s novels about two brothers, Erich and Johann. Hitler is getting more and more powerful. One brother, Erich, embraces his role as a leading SS officer while Johann detests everything about the Third Reich from its leader to the harsh realities of living under the regime. But in spite of their completely opposite political stances, they still are brothers. Will their fragile, strained family loyalty survive Erich's devotion to the Furhrer and Johann's hatred of him and the Third Reich? You have to read this fabulous novel to find out. Once again, James Farner has taken us to a time in history and made us feel as if we are there, too. Another winner!
October 17, 2017
Love it
I lucked upon this series of books. Now I'm hooked. Enjoyable, quick read with a lot swist and turns. Now to #3
I lucked upon this series of books. Now I'm hooked. Enjoyable, quick read with a lot swist and turns. Now to #3
November 17, 2023
This book is very good
The writer of this book is able to bring a little bit of form a series into this book and I really enjoy that. It is so well written even though it is a fiction book it truly makes your feel as if you are looking into the minds of some of the victims and perpetrators from world war 2. He also makes you feel as if You're getting a look into what really happened at the beginning of Hitlers rise to power.
The writer of this book is able to bring a little bit of form a series into this book and I really enjoy that. It is so well written even though it is a fiction book it truly makes your feel as if you are looking into the minds of some of the victims and perpetrators from world war 2. He also makes you feel as if You're getting a look into what really happened at the beginning of Hitlers rise to power.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews