The Zion Covenant

Zion Covenant #1-6

by Bodie Thoene, Brock Thoene

Book by Thoene, Bodie

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Christian Fiction, Christian, Religion, Historical, World War II

Paperback

Published January 1, 1991

About the author

BODIE AND BROCK THOENE (pronounced Tay-nee) have written over 45 works of historical fiction. These best sellers have sold more than 10 million copies and won eight ECPA Gold Medallion Awards.

Bodie began her writing career as a teen journalist for her local newspaper. Eventually her byline appeared in prestigious periodicals such as U.S. News and World Report, The American West, and The Saturday Evening Post. She also worked for John Wayne’s Batjac Productions (she’s best known as author of The Fall Guy) and ABC Circle Films as a writer and researcher. John Wayne described her as “a writer with talent that captures the people and the times!” She has degrees in journalism and communications.

Bodie and Brock have four grown children—Rachel, Jake Thoene, Luke Thoene, and Ellie—and five grandchildren. Their sons, Jake and Luke, are carrying on the Thoene family talent as the next generation of writers, and Luke produces the Thoene audiobooks.

Bodie and Brock divide their time between London and Nevada.

Reviews

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

History was never my thing in school and I wasn't sure what to expect from a series of historical fiction books about WWII, but I loved these books! I am almost finished with #6 now, and I can't wait to move on to the next one. It's rather sad to realize how little history I really learned in school, and I wish my teachers had used something like this instead of boring old textbooks to teach about WWII!

The books follow a group of people in Austria, Czechoslovakia and Germany through the ordeals that lead up to WWII (in #6 the war is finally about to start). They seem to have little in common, but as the story progresses it turns out their lives are all intertwined in some way. The books are written with a very human outlook and the problems/questions the characters face are very real; I can almost feel myself sitting there, trying to figure it out along with them.

I almost gave this series 5 stars (4.5 for sure), and would definately recommend it to others!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

These authors make history much less dry. I know theirs is a fictionalized version, but with the background they do provide I am now more interested in delving deeper into these significant historical events. I also really appreciate their Christian outlook and quirky sense of humor with it. Their characters are, overall, believable and their desires, questions, conflicts understandable. The definitely present an evil versus good, which is oversimplified, but they moderate some by allowing some of the lesser characters among the 'evil' to show redeeming qualities. Overall very enjoyable. I have read their Zion Chronicles as well and am now into the 7th book of their A.D. Chronicles series. Whatever historical context they tackle, they make it much easier for me to relate to than dry history.

[Hanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best book series I've ever read! Read it twice! Absolutely loved every single book, and I'm probably going to read it again, soon!

[Brooke Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put these down. I read three books within a week and a half. Story is gripping, well-written, and well connected for so many different storylines.

[Tirsa Delgado · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite series. As a teen I would stay up reading until 3 in the morning to finish each book! Definitely a binge read worthy kind of series! All Bodie Thoene books have had that effect on me!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this series when I was a teen and it is probably my favorite series ever. I also have read (and loved) pretty much everything else by Bodie Thoene.

I love to read book about World War II, and I think this series is what started my fascination with the subject. It is some of the best historical fiction I have ever read, and like all good historical fiction should, it encouraged me to read everything I could about the subject.
I have re-read the whole series several times and I get so involved in the characters every time. I don't own his series, but definitely need ot start collecting them one by one. It strikes that perfect balance between reading to escape and reading to learn.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these books. I read them when I was in Jr. High or High school. They tell the tale of a woman, Elisa who is half jew, half Aryan. Of course, in Nazi Germany during the start up to WWII, there was no difference - half jew is the same as full jew.

Her family goes on the run but she continues to play in the Austria symphony with some false paperwork. The series is several books and follows her and her family and friends through this turmoil. There is a bit of romance (an american journalist enters the scene) for those of us who like to have a little love to soften the hard endges of a holocaust story.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this series about ten years ago and was fascinated by the story, and also the way these authors described the history of the Second World War through their story line. It was very entertaining plus very educational. While going through old books trying to give some away, I ran across these once again and decided to read them for a second time. It took from July to September of this year to finish them, but I enjoyed them just as much as I did the first time, and I also read the additional three books in the series which had come out since I read them the first time. Very good read.

[Hilary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every once in a while there was a preachy moment, beating in the point that this is a book for Christian readers, when it was better left written between the lines, but most of the time these books were absolutely captivating. I loved the intrigue and intricate plot lines where characters crossed paths not knowing they were part of the same encompassing story line. The historical setting was fascinating. It is set in pre WWII Europe and follows a non-Jewish looking Jewish girl and others as they evade Hitler's clutches.

[Callie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked these books. It give a personal feeling to what went on during WW2, instead of empty facts. As the books progress, however, there is a shift in main characters, so by the time you're reading the last books you don't know much about what's happening with the characters you got to know early on. I can understand trying to show all the many different aspects of the war (and needing various characters to do that), but it almost feels like the author got bored writing about those people and decided to make up new ones.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series of books is one of my favorites. I own them all. I read them through once in high school and again about 3 or 4 years ago. These were the first books that got me hooked to the writing of Bodie and Brock Thoene. I have read most of their books and have enjoyed all of them. I love historical fiction and reading about World War II history. This fit the bill. Every book in the series was a real page turner and I couldn't wait to find out what happened next. I know I will go back and read these books again in the future.

[Kathy Hutchinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, it is a continuation of the series that I have been reading. Even though it has been a little while since I have been reading this series, it was easy to get right back where it left off. Of course, this is my favorite era of books, I love the WWII novels from the beginning to the end. If you plan on reading the series, begin at the beginning with Vienna Prelude. This is an older series, I saved it from being weeded because I think they are worth reading. They give lots of time related history that we need to remember.

[Jillybean4321 · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books have been FABULOUS!! I have only read the first three, but they give a very in depth look at Nazi Germany. The first book starts with Elisa Lindheim, a member of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra in Austria. She has a Chzech passport, and goes by Linder in order to not be arrested by the Gestapo. It's an excellent story, and the fiction works with the history amazingly well. I have absolutely enjoyed these books, and I can't wait to read more!!

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read these books in high school, but I have since reread them many times over. Reading the books in the Zion Covenant series is what first really interested me in historical fiction, WWII especially. These books give a good comprehensive overview of the European front during WWII, with a Christian perspective that I appreciated but wasn't so "in-your-face" preaching like a lot of Christian fiction can be. Bodie Thoene is one of my favorite authors.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This whole series was well-written historical fiction about a family of Jews in WW2. The main character was a cellist - the series follows her through her many moves to stay ahead of being caught. My only complaint (as it is categorized as religious fiction) is that a strong theme is the conversion of Jews to Christianity. Seemed unnecessary to the storyline, but, of course, important to that genre.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This woman is an amazing author. I read these in 2002 and felt like the characters were family-- I feared the spread of Nazi Germany like I was actually in danger. The love story is, in itself a page-turner. The whole series is based on WWII Europe prior to the US involvement in the war. I truly came to see how true it can be that "all that is needed for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put them down. I always had to have the next book in the series ready to dive into. I learned more than I had in any history class about the holocaust and the treatment of the Jews in Europe. Historical novels hold my interest while I learn the history. The Thoenes have done an excellent job of researching to make the story factual with fictional characters woven into it. The whole series, a MUST read!

[Andriya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series because it is a way to learn history in a very easy "get inside their heads" kind of way. I love Bodie Thoene's writing and i love the totally believable realistic characters she creates! The vivid stories of survival during hardship, of standing up for what is right and moving forward. Those are the stories that inspire me and this series is a beautiful example of that!

It can be hard to get into Bodie's books but once you do you are always rewarded!

[Debs Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read these while living in Europe, and had some wild dreams. I loved that they had romance, but that was never the purpose of the story. They were serious dramatic books, not sappy love stories. Combine that with the detailed descriptions of time and place make for a fantastic story. I worked in Vienna and coworker was Viennese and he said the books were so accurate you could just about use them as a map!

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I fell in love with this series and learned so much about the time period of world war II. The descriptions of the countries in which they are set made you feel like you were there. Desciptive about the buildings and their history also. The characters in the book take you on different twists and viewpoints about the war. You cannot wait to get to the next book and take their journey with them.

[Rachi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a series of books about different people throughout the rise and fall of the Nazis in Europe. The bravery of their actions, amazed me. The authors use christian themes throughout to show the goodness of Christ within people. I loved them all, and highly recommend them to anyone who likes historical fiction, adventure, or just a great read.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished this 6 book historical fiction series set in pre-WWII when Hitler came to power. This time period came to life to me through these books. Loved the characters. Loved the writing. Loved the series. Definitely on my list of favorites. I look forward to reading the 3 remaining books in the series after breaking to read Beverly Lewis' latest series.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite series. I have read it over and over again. A poignant reminder of what happens when the world doesn't pay attention to evil or tries to appease it- so long as it does not "bother" them. A great love story (actually several) as well. Not a difficult read but a good summer series.

[Suzanne Roach · Rating 4 out of 5]

I completely enjoyed this series. It laid out the history of Europe and the Jewish religion in a clear way. Around book #5, it became a little difficult to keep all the story lines straight, as there are multiple characters/plots that criss cross over and over. I learned about this time of history without feeling like it was too preachy.

[Mary DiGrazio · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read all the books in this series and I have to admit they are excellent. I was touched, deeply moved, cried. My only complaint after reading them all, is I found absolutely no humor. Granted, the series is based on a dark and sinister era, but even in the foulest of times, there is always light moments somewhere.
Still, I would recommend these books to anyone over 18.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read this series of books I was lost in WWII. It is wonderful historical fiction that allows the reader to view this event in history in a more objective way then how it was taught in school, which was basically a one-sided political view.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books were fantastic...I really should read them again. I recommend reading all of the Zion series, including the A.D. Chronicles. Brock & Brodie are a fantastic team and the proof is in their writing.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the prequel-series to the The Zion Chronicles, which I reviewed also. This series had almost the same impact on me as Thoene's early series. Please read that review and hopefully you will choose to delve in to this series!

[Karyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am always fascinated with how this all happened. How would I have reacted? These are hard stories to read...because a lot of it is based in reality. Amazing stories of courageous people and a gracious God.

[Brookann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this series about a violinist in Austria during the pre-World War II era. It has it all...suspense, action, romance, victory and defeat. I became intimately involved in each of the characters lives and the storyline gripped me from the beginning.