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Resistance Girl #4
The Norwegian Assassin
Vienna, 1938
Her family’s gone. Her fiancé taken from her. Esther Weiss sees only one way to fight back.
Life is good for Esther and her Jewish family until Hitler annexes their home country Austria. Her wedding to fiancé Carl Bernstein is postponed, and her family's entire life is uprooted.
Thinking they’ll be safe in Oslo, the Weiss’s hope is short-lived when Norway is invaded in 1940 and the fascist Quisling Regime is put into place. Esther returns home one day to discover her entire family has been deported. Gone. Without a trace.
Something snaps inside Esther. The soft-hearted, gentle girl is no longer. Her desire to fight the enemy becomes her only drive. She joins the Norwegian resistance movement and with her blond hair and light eyes, all it takes is a false passport to give Esther the freedom she needs. The freedom to kill. No German or Norwegian fascist is safe when she’s nearby.
Destruction of those who took her family gives Esther a license to live, but it has also hardened her heart. Not even Tore Ringdal, her rock and protector in the Resistance movement, is able to break through the walls she’s placed around her heart.
When all she loves is gone, and only hate remains, can the Norwegian Assassin reopen her heart and find love again?
Her family’s gone. Her fiancé taken from her. Esther Weiss sees only one way to fight back.
Life is good for Esther and her Jewish family until Hitler annexes their home country Austria. Her wedding to fiancé Carl Bernstein is postponed, and her family's entire life is uprooted.
Thinking they’ll be safe in Oslo, the Weiss’s hope is short-lived when Norway is invaded in 1940 and the fascist Quisling Regime is put into place. Esther returns home one day to discover her entire family has been deported. Gone. Without a trace.
Something snaps inside Esther. The soft-hearted, gentle girl is no longer. Her desire to fight the enemy becomes her only drive. She joins the Norwegian resistance movement and with her blond hair and light eyes, all it takes is a false passport to give Esther the freedom she needs. The freedom to kill. No German or Norwegian fascist is safe when she’s nearby.
Destruction of those who took her family gives Esther a license to live, but it has also hardened her heart. Not even Tore Ringdal, her rock and protector in the Resistance movement, is able to break through the walls she’s placed around her heart.
When all she loves is gone, and only hate remains, can the Norwegian Assassin reopen her heart and find love again?
452 pages, Paperback
Published February 6, 2022
385 people are currently reading
730 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Byron
87 books198 followersHannah Byron is an acclaimed author of historical fiction centered on WWII resistance women. Born in Paris in the mid-1950s to a British mother and a Dutch father, she grew up with strong ties to France, the UK, and Holland, which continue to inspire her work. Most of her novels are set in Western Europe, where history and culture run deep.
After decades of balancing life as a mother, university professor, and translator, Hannah is now a full-time author. She writes passionate novels about resistance and romance set in the 20th century—topics close to her heart. Readers often describe Byron’s work as gripping, deeply emotional, and impossible to put down.
Get a FREE WW2 Novella https://www.hannahbyron.com/newsletter
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After decades of balancing life as a mother, university professor, and translator, Hannah is now a full-time author. She writes passionate novels about resistance and romance set in the 20th century—topics close to her heart. Readers often describe Byron’s work as gripping, deeply emotional, and impossible to put down.
Get a FREE WW2 Novella https://www.hannahbyron.com/newsletter
Follow Hannah on BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/hanna...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
January 15, 2022
Fight for Freedom.
A story of the resistance fighters in Norway during WWII. These brave men and women, mostly young men and women fought without regard to their own safety to save Norway from the German Nazi's.
The story told is of a young woman named Esther Weiss. She lived in Austria with her family until the German Nazi's invaded her country. Her family fled to Norway where they thought they would be safe in the country on a farm owned by relation of Tore a young man they met as a neighbor of Esther's Aunt and Uncle in Oslo, Norway. One day while Tore and Esther were at the shops shopping for supplies the Nazi's came and took her whole family and deported them to concentration camps because they were Jewish.
Esther throws herself into joining the resistance movement and becomes a famous resistance fighter. She does not look Jewish with her blond hair and blue eyes and can easily fool the Nazi's as she helps the resistance movement right under the eyes of the Nazi's. She becomes Gunhild Helberg code name Jeger.
She does not know if her family is alive or dead, she does not know if her fiancée Carl is alive or dead in Vienna, but she means to find out and in order to do that she need to fight with the resistance to rid Norway of the Nazi's.
Tore Helberg helps her join the resistance as he is already a part of it. He is a huge part of the story and Esther struggles with her loyalty to her fiancée Carl and her growing attraction to Tore , whom she believes to be attracted to her sister Rebecca.
This is a good story, it is fiction based on some true events in the fight for Norway. It is inspiring and often very sad in spots. I did enjoy reading the book and I think you will as well. I recommend this book.
Thanks to Hannah Byron for writing a great book and making it available for me to read.
A story of the resistance fighters in Norway during WWII. These brave men and women, mostly young men and women fought without regard to their own safety to save Norway from the German Nazi's.
The story told is of a young woman named Esther Weiss. She lived in Austria with her family until the German Nazi's invaded her country. Her family fled to Norway where they thought they would be safe in the country on a farm owned by relation of Tore a young man they met as a neighbor of Esther's Aunt and Uncle in Oslo, Norway. One day while Tore and Esther were at the shops shopping for supplies the Nazi's came and took her whole family and deported them to concentration camps because they were Jewish.
Esther throws herself into joining the resistance movement and becomes a famous resistance fighter. She does not look Jewish with her blond hair and blue eyes and can easily fool the Nazi's as she helps the resistance movement right under the eyes of the Nazi's. She becomes Gunhild Helberg code name Jeger.
She does not know if her family is alive or dead, she does not know if her fiancée Carl is alive or dead in Vienna, but she means to find out and in order to do that she need to fight with the resistance to rid Norway of the Nazi's.
Tore Helberg helps her join the resistance as he is already a part of it. He is a huge part of the story and Esther struggles with her loyalty to her fiancée Carl and her growing attraction to Tore , whom she believes to be attracted to her sister Rebecca.
This is a good story, it is fiction based on some true events in the fight for Norway. It is inspiring and often very sad in spots. I did enjoy reading the book and I think you will as well. I recommend this book.
Thanks to Hannah Byron for writing a great book and making it available for me to read.
February 10, 2022
A Jewish Austrian girl decides to fight back during the World War II and her adventure – I loved it!
Esther is a girl who has her life figured out, and set in place. Until it's snatched from her by the onset of the World War II. And after realising this, something snaps in her and she scrambles to do her part. And this is her journey to getting what she wants, payback against the SS and the Third Reich. And what a marvelous one it is! I loved this story so much!
To add to it, I quite liked looking at the events of the world war from the perspective of a Jewish Austrian. It's always wonderful to see a different era through fiction, but this hit on another level. Especially because the book goes into the feelings and thoughts of the spies and the resistance fighters involved and not just their actions. I forget that they, the ones we glorify as heroes, were humans. I cried, yes but not all were sad tears. I cried due to the strong emotions I felt, love, hatred, happiness, adrenaline etc. at different times. This book is good. I recommend it.
Esther is a girl who has her life figured out, and set in place. Until it's snatched from her by the onset of the World War II. And after realising this, something snaps in her and she scrambles to do her part. And this is her journey to getting what she wants, payback against the SS and the Third Reich. And what a marvelous one it is! I loved this story so much!
To add to it, I quite liked looking at the events of the world war from the perspective of a Jewish Austrian. It's always wonderful to see a different era through fiction, but this hit on another level. Especially because the book goes into the feelings and thoughts of the spies and the resistance fighters involved and not just their actions. I forget that they, the ones we glorify as heroes, were humans. I cried, yes but not all were sad tears. I cried due to the strong emotions I felt, love, hatred, happiness, adrenaline etc. at different times. This book is good. I recommend it.
February 2, 2022
Another in the series from Hannah Byron of books depicting immensely strong women and their struggles in WW2.
These can easily be read as standalone books but I defy you if you read one not to want to catch up with the others in the series or to read the one set in WW1.
This is the story of an Austrian Jewess, Esther, newly betrothed to Carl. Her family flee Austria with nothing before the Nazis take absolutely all they own - they already have their business. They flee to Norway where they imagine they will be safe, but betrayal leads to all but Esther being arrested.
Losing all she loves she fights back by becoming bitter which in turn allows her to channel her energies into the Norwegian Resistance.
She loses everything and everyone and even herself at times - but eventually finds love and some redemption when reunited with her sister. Both girls have to come to terms with the atrocities that befell them and their family.
This is a well written and well researched book - there is much further reading suggested if one is so moved to want to know more.
It's harrowing in parts (as one would expect given the storyline and the timeline) but in the end is a story where the heroine overcomes great personal loss and gives back to the Resistance in Norway.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this book, I look forward to the next one in the series.
These can easily be read as standalone books but I defy you if you read one not to want to catch up with the others in the series or to read the one set in WW1.
This is the story of an Austrian Jewess, Esther, newly betrothed to Carl. Her family flee Austria with nothing before the Nazis take absolutely all they own - they already have their business. They flee to Norway where they imagine they will be safe, but betrayal leads to all but Esther being arrested.
Losing all she loves she fights back by becoming bitter which in turn allows her to channel her energies into the Norwegian Resistance.
She loses everything and everyone and even herself at times - but eventually finds love and some redemption when reunited with her sister. Both girls have to come to terms with the atrocities that befell them and their family.
This is a well written and well researched book - there is much further reading suggested if one is so moved to want to know more.
It's harrowing in parts (as one would expect given the storyline and the timeline) but in the end is a story where the heroine overcomes great personal loss and gives back to the Resistance in Norway.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this book, I look forward to the next one in the series.
January 21, 2022
Some books find a place in your heart and stay there forever.
The Norwegian Assassin is one of them.
Hannah Byron takes the reader on an incredible journey exploring the human spirit. The path, however, lies through the terrors of war. But it is those harrowing events that forge our young heroine into a true warrior when she is put in an impossible situation.
The story of Esther Weiss flips through the most terrifying pages of humanity’s history, reminding us of the things that must never, ever be repeated.
It also shows what immense strength and power can be hidden within a seemingly fragile vessel of a human being, in this particular case, a young girl. A girl who has to change into someone completely different when she has nothing left to lose.
It’s a story about love, friendship, loyalty, strength, courage, willpower. About how amazing humans can be. And also of the appalling and heinous acts they’re capable of committing.
Heartbreaking at times, albeit still full of hope and kindness, this book will make you cry, will make you smile, and will make you feel grateful for many things we tend to take for granted these days.
The Norwegian Assassin is one of them.
Hannah Byron takes the reader on an incredible journey exploring the human spirit. The path, however, lies through the terrors of war. But it is those harrowing events that forge our young heroine into a true warrior when she is put in an impossible situation.
The story of Esther Weiss flips through the most terrifying pages of humanity’s history, reminding us of the things that must never, ever be repeated.
It also shows what immense strength and power can be hidden within a seemingly fragile vessel of a human being, in this particular case, a young girl. A girl who has to change into someone completely different when she has nothing left to lose.
It’s a story about love, friendship, loyalty, strength, courage, willpower. About how amazing humans can be. And also of the appalling and heinous acts they’re capable of committing.
Heartbreaking at times, albeit still full of hope and kindness, this book will make you cry, will make you smile, and will make you feel grateful for many things we tend to take for granted these days.
January 24, 2022
I received an ARC of this book from the author in return for an honest review. This is an engaging story of Esther Weiss, an Austrian Jew living in Vienna, and her well-to-do family; the story begins as she is about to be sent to Le Manoir, a finishing school for well-to-do girls in Lausanne, barely ahead of the Anschluss when the Nazis took over Austria. Eventually her wealthy father’s Vienna gold and jewelry shop is destroyed by the Nazis and their wealth and home plundered. The family is barely able to flee to Norway, where her aunt and Norwegian husband reside.
After Norway is overrun by Nazis as well, Esther becomes a resistance fighter and plays a significant role in numerous Norwegian resistance operations including destruction of a Nazi heavy water plant.
Although the presence of female resistance operatives is fictitious, the story drew me in and the author presented an informative account of a World War II theatre of war about which I knew little. In short, despite the fraught and often sad narrative about what European Jews endured, this was quite an enjoyable and riveting narrative.
After Norway is overrun by Nazis as well, Esther becomes a resistance fighter and plays a significant role in numerous Norwegian resistance operations including destruction of a Nazi heavy water plant.
Although the presence of female resistance operatives is fictitious, the story drew me in and the author presented an informative account of a World War II theatre of war about which I knew little. In short, despite the fraught and often sad narrative about what European Jews endured, this was quite an enjoyable and riveting narrative.
February 3, 2022
This was my first encounter with this author, and it will certainly not be my last! This book was wonderful. The scenery was beautifully and vividly described, the characters were well rounded and believable and there was an undercurrent of the indomitable spirit of hope even in bleak--sometimes very harrowing--times.
The details of the book were very well researched and the plot was well-paced. I understand that it is part of a series, but it can certainly be read as a stand-alone.
I would not hesitate to recommend this book to lovers of historical novels.
I was given an ARC of this book, but this is my honest review.
The details of the book were very well researched and the plot was well-paced. I understand that it is part of a series, but it can certainly be read as a stand-alone.
I would not hesitate to recommend this book to lovers of historical novels.
I was given an ARC of this book, but this is my honest review.
May 8, 2025
This 4th book in the Resistance Girl series is the story of Esther Weiss, a young Jewish woman from Vienna whose family flee to Norway in the hope of escaping the Nazi regime.
Esther finds herself joining the resistance movement after the rest of her family are taken by the Nazis. She is driven by revenge against the Third Reich and her need to find out what had happened to her family.
Esther finds herself joining the resistance movement after the rest of her family are taken by the Nazis. She is driven by revenge against the Third Reich and her need to find out what had happened to her family.
February 9, 2022
a really wonderful read! the characters are complex and interesting. The story kept me turning the pages and I could not put the book down! I was at the edge of my seat for most of this book! A real page turner and a must must read!
February 12, 2022
Esther is a young Jewish woman with the world by tail . She had a great fiancé and her family was happy . Until the day that the Nazis started to invade and things went horribly wrong . She is sent of to finishing school and when she gets home her family is gone without a trace . They just vanished deported to heavens know where . Something snaps in Esther and gone is the gentle girl that wanted the world . She joins the Norwegian resistance fighters . All she wants is to find her family and revenge for those she lost . With her heart hardened she goes about helping the resistance . Her heart is hardened and she doesn't know if she can ever love again . Not even her rock can break through the ice . Will she be able to find love again or will she be hardened to love forever .
Omg this is one of those books that you fall in love with the main characters from the very beginning . We met Esther in book three and I loved her feistiness from then and in her book her strength is amazing . She is one tough cookie and you know you want to be her when you grow up . Tore Helberg well we first met him he was just having a fun ski retreat . We didn't really get to know him until we find him fighting for the resistance . He is strong but he does have a sweet side when it comes to Esther. There are so many different characters that you will love in this book . They are are so well written and complex .
This is one of these books that you don't have to read the other books to know what is going on . I sat down and read this book in a weekend , I couldn't put it down the author took me on an emotional roller coaster ride . There were moments where there were tears rolling down my cheeks . I love how the story is based during World War II and the author paints a vision what what it would be like back then . I am truly loving the writing style of this author and will read more from her . So if you like books with history , romance and tough female characters . Check it out I promise i will not be disappointed .
Omg this is one of those books that you fall in love with the main characters from the very beginning . We met Esther in book three and I loved her feistiness from then and in her book her strength is amazing . She is one tough cookie and you know you want to be her when you grow up . Tore Helberg well we first met him he was just having a fun ski retreat . We didn't really get to know him until we find him fighting for the resistance . He is strong but he does have a sweet side when it comes to Esther. There are so many different characters that you will love in this book . They are are so well written and complex .
This is one of these books that you don't have to read the other books to know what is going on . I sat down and read this book in a weekend , I couldn't put it down the author took me on an emotional roller coaster ride . There were moments where there were tears rolling down my cheeks . I love how the story is based during World War II and the author paints a vision what what it would be like back then . I am truly loving the writing style of this author and will read more from her . So if you like books with history , romance and tough female characters . Check it out I promise i will not be disappointed .
February 12, 2022
Thank You HannaH, for sending me a copy of this book to read.
Firstly this is not a romance but a historical fiction novel and boy is it incredible.
I absolutely loved reading every second of this story, i learn soo much from every single scene that unfolded. there were scenes in this book that I had no idea even happened in the war. Ok it is not exactly how is went down but the scenes themselves were completely captivating.
Esther Weiss is a young Jewish women who has lived a life of superiority. Her parents are wealthy Austrians, who own a jewellery shop. Esther has come of age and has finally found a man who she feels she would suit and who she loves but before she can finally become his wife she needs to go to finishing school. where she is taught how to properly run a household and how to become the perfect wife. What Esther doesnt expect is the war to completely take over and her family to be run out of their home and country.
When she leaves the school and needs to head home, she heads to her family in Norway. Esther continues to take on the primary care and household role but as events infold she has to do this in a different way to the one she envisioned. Until a fateful day when the Germans Take her family leaving her alone with only the support of Tore and his family.
Esther Vows to take revenge and to avenger her family in order to get them back. SO she goes out to fight for Norway and her family, What she doesn't expect is just how good she is at it. catching not only her but plenty of others by surprise. Whilst Esther fights she makes friends in everything she does. She proves that being a women doesn't stop her from doing the best she can and it also proves her place amongst the men out on the battlefield.
I wont go into any more detail as I feel that the story speaks for itself and needs to be read in order to understand not only its importance but also just how good it really is.
My Passion Rating on this is slightly different to normal, as the passion within this book is of passion towards the cause, the ones she loves and the fight that she has in her.
My Overall Rating is 5 💋💋💋💋💋
My Passion Rating is 5 💋💋💋💋💋
Firstly this is not a romance but a historical fiction novel and boy is it incredible.
I absolutely loved reading every second of this story, i learn soo much from every single scene that unfolded. there were scenes in this book that I had no idea even happened in the war. Ok it is not exactly how is went down but the scenes themselves were completely captivating.
Esther Weiss is a young Jewish women who has lived a life of superiority. Her parents are wealthy Austrians, who own a jewellery shop. Esther has come of age and has finally found a man who she feels she would suit and who she loves but before she can finally become his wife she needs to go to finishing school. where she is taught how to properly run a household and how to become the perfect wife. What Esther doesnt expect is the war to completely take over and her family to be run out of their home and country.
When she leaves the school and needs to head home, she heads to her family in Norway. Esther continues to take on the primary care and household role but as events infold she has to do this in a different way to the one she envisioned. Until a fateful day when the Germans Take her family leaving her alone with only the support of Tore and his family.
Esther Vows to take revenge and to avenger her family in order to get them back. SO she goes out to fight for Norway and her family, What she doesn't expect is just how good she is at it. catching not only her but plenty of others by surprise. Whilst Esther fights she makes friends in everything she does. She proves that being a women doesn't stop her from doing the best she can and it also proves her place amongst the men out on the battlefield.
I wont go into any more detail as I feel that the story speaks for itself and needs to be read in order to understand not only its importance but also just how good it really is.
My Passion Rating on this is slightly different to normal, as the passion within this book is of passion towards the cause, the ones she loves and the fight that she has in her.
My Overall Rating is 5 💋💋💋💋💋
My Passion Rating is 5 💋💋💋💋💋
February 13, 2022
The Norwegian Assassin is a brilliant story about a young Jewish woman during World War II. It is definitely well written, worthwhile reading, and is thorough in character and location descriptors. The author completed excessive research about the era, making her story credible. Hannah Byron carefully researched her subject and provided significant information to assist her readers in comprehending the historical significance of the characters, locations, and events without the reader having to find other sources to collaborate or explain terminology found in the book. Following Esther Weiss through the events of World War II in Austria, Norway, and Sweden gives the reader a greater appreciation of the suffering, trauma, and family connections during the war. The story leads the reader to experience the thoughts and feelings of the characters and the sense of the devastation of World War II and its far reaching consequences. Following the characters through their resistance efforts in Norway is intriguing, thrilling, and powerful. This book is difficult to set down because the reader feels immersed in the story. It is a terrific action-packed page-turner with romance and goodness built into the story, giving the reader a sense of joy, at times, to counter the tragedies that occur.
This book was given freely as an advanced copy, yet the review above is my honest opinion.
This book was given freely as an advanced copy, yet the review above is my honest opinion.
February 21, 2022
The Norwegian Assassin
Austria 1938/ Norway 1940
Another wonderful book by Hannah Byron. This is book #4 in a series of The Resistance Girls. Having read the other three books it was easy to see where this book was going. Esther Weiss was a true Austrian. Her Jewish family had lived in Vienna. Austria for hundreds of years. When the Anschluss happened things changed before their eyes, so much so that it was not immediately coherent to their family. Changes had to immediately be made and her family had to flee to Oslo Norway. In 1940 Oslo was invaded, and her life changed again. Esther’s Family goes missing when the Nazi’s occupy Norway, this is when she decides to join the Resistance. Esther doesn’t care how she has to kill in order to get her revenge on all that she has lost. She is unstoppable. She has only one reason in life now, and that is to be in the resistance and decimate the Nazi’s.
This is an excellent book, and one could understand in Esther’s place how her reactions were to all the suffering she endured and saw. Definitely a 5 star book that grabs your attention right to the end.
Austria 1938/ Norway 1940
Another wonderful book by Hannah Byron. This is book #4 in a series of The Resistance Girls. Having read the other three books it was easy to see where this book was going. Esther Weiss was a true Austrian. Her Jewish family had lived in Vienna. Austria for hundreds of years. When the Anschluss happened things changed before their eyes, so much so that it was not immediately coherent to their family. Changes had to immediately be made and her family had to flee to Oslo Norway. In 1940 Oslo was invaded, and her life changed again. Esther’s Family goes missing when the Nazi’s occupy Norway, this is when she decides to join the Resistance. Esther doesn’t care how she has to kill in order to get her revenge on all that she has lost. She is unstoppable. She has only one reason in life now, and that is to be in the resistance and decimate the Nazi’s.
This is an excellent book, and one could understand in Esther’s place how her reactions were to all the suffering she endured and saw. Definitely a 5 star book that grabs your attention right to the end.
February 18, 2022
The Norwegian Assassin: A Riveting and Heart-Wrenching Nordic Family Saga From World War 2: A Resistance Girl Novel Book 4 is written by Hannah Byron. I had already read the three novels leading up to this book. Four girls from very different section the world met at a finishing school in Switzerland. The books tell how these girls went from learning to be a great hostesses to being resisters during World War 2. This is Esther Weiss’s story. Esther was as brought up in Vienna, Austria in a wealthy jewelry family. She had become engaged to Carl Berenstein of another wealthy family. When she left Vienna for Switzerland, she didn’t know she would never see him again. By the time the war broke out, her parents moved to Oslo, Norway to her mother’s sister’s home. How and why she became the resistor she did is definitely quite the story.
February 6, 2022
Definitely a novel for history lovers, especially for WW2. This book follows Esther and her experience during WW2. Her family owns a jewelry story, seem pretty well off, they are Jewish and refuse to leave until absolutely necessary. They do what they must to survive and Esther decides she wants to work with the rebellion. She becomes strong, and independent while proving she’s as capable as the men on her team. The series follows the girls from the finishing school before, during and after the war. The books are largely independent of the others with the exception of their time at the school. These books are a unique take on the war and how women were involved, although fiction it’s very realistic. I received an early copy and have provided my review honestly.
December 9, 2024
Another Stunning Resistance Girl
Another Stunning Resistance Girl from Hannah Byron. The Norwegian Assassin is the fourth book in the Resistance Girl series. And it has all the emotion and passion as the other novels. This book is just as enthralling as the others. Again, I couldn't help but becoming just as immersed in the Norwegian story also. Esther and Tore are so brave. The books invite me to be more. More brave. More strong. More passionate. I don't do "recap reviews", so I will not say more about the characters, but I will say that, even though this book could stand-alone, reading the previous books will give more depth to this book. I definitely recommend this novel.
Another Stunning Resistance Girl from Hannah Byron. The Norwegian Assassin is the fourth book in the Resistance Girl series. And it has all the emotion and passion as the other novels. This book is just as enthralling as the others. Again, I couldn't help but becoming just as immersed in the Norwegian story also. Esther and Tore are so brave. The books invite me to be more. More brave. More strong. More passionate. I don't do "recap reviews", so I will not say more about the characters, but I will say that, even though this book could stand-alone, reading the previous books will give more depth to this book. I definitely recommend this novel.
September 27, 2022
I did not realise this was the 4th book in the series but I will go back and read the others. The occupation of Norway during WW2 seems to fall below the radar of WW2 books but this was very well written. The author's ability to weave fact and fiction into a particularly good storyline made for great reading. The Norwegian population although occupied with a traitor as their head showed immense courage and fortitude when dealing with the occupiers and this was woven skillfully into the story of the protagonists. A well written, interesting tale although the ending was of necessity predictable.
April 17, 2025
For some reason I am thoroughly hooked on these Resistance Girl books. Girls who all originally meet and a Swiss finishing school and go on to become freedom fighters during WW2. Through perseverance, love, hate and downright will, they fight for what they believe is the right thing. After losing her family to the Nazis, Ester changes her name and joins the Norwegian resistance. She has hope that when the war is over, she may be able to find out what happened to her family and her fiancé. The years that follow are very hard, but she never gives up hope. The author has done an excellent job of telling Ester's story and all that happened to her. An excellent read and a somewhat tidy ending.
September 29, 2025
Wenen, 1938. De Oostenrijkse Esther Weiss is van goede komaf en leidt een welvarend leven vrij van problemen. Met een prachtige bruiloft in het verschiet wacht haar een stralende toekomst met verloofde Carl Bernstein. Tijdens haar verblijf op de Zwitserse finishing school Le Manoir verneemt ze het nieuws van de Anschluss. Esther en Carl zien hun idyllische toekomst in één klap in duigen vallen. Wanneer de juwelenzaak van Esthers vader door de nazi’s wordt vernietigd, vlucht de familie Weiss in The Norwegian Assassin van Hannah Byro naar Oslo om te schuilen bij een familielid op het Scandinavische platteland.
Lees de volledige recensie op elineschrijfthier.nl
Lees de volledige recensie op elineschrijfthier.nl
November 20, 2022
Another great read from this author. At first it was a struggle for me as I had just finished reading a previous novel by this author and the characters were confusing me. In saying that I think this book is really well written and again the bravery of these women during the war years in all of the countries is truly amazing. I had seen the movie of Telemark in Norway and must re visit it at some point. What brave people they were. Will have a bit of a break from reading her novels for a bit so I can be fresh for the next one.
February 8, 2022
The Norwegian Assassin by Hannah Byron
This book starts with a table of contents where chapters are listed along with epilogue and excerpt of next book in the series, authors note, glossary of terms, about the author and other works by the author are highlighted.
A quote by Rumi is listed and note about historical things that were changed for sake of storytelling. Book starts in Austria Feb 1938 at the engagement party.
What I like about this book is how personable it is. It's about war but author makes it feel far from the front but there are scenes where the fighting in intense.
We learn so much more about Esther and her family as they are forced to flee for their lives. She is sent to a charm school in the mountains to learn how to become the mistress of her own house once she's married.
Love influence her grandmother has on her and her place in society and what that means to the whole family.
Things do not go according to plan as their country is at war and the family leaves and she meets up with them later. She gets to grow up and become a lady as she forms bonds with other females who are there at the school for various reasons.
The war gets in the way of everything and it tears at her as the family flee to take care of a farm in the country, hiding out from the enemy. Somebody turns them in and the family is removed, put on trains heading to concentration camps. Esther was not with them and when she returns she vows to seek vengeance.
She meets with someone who has connections and she heads into war doing what she can. Love that she dresses like a guy to get through her training and fighting right alongside the men. Some have come to her aid, and they look out for one another.
Took my time reading this book because I did not want it to end, so fascinating and heartbreaking.
So much travel over the years, Es's journey as she matures, surprises with who she finds at the end and how they are able to bond again.
Losses are so devastating they do bring tears to my eyes, nobody should have to go through what she and many others went through.
Glad there were no indepth parts of the camps, that would've spoiled the story for me but you know what happened all along.
Super enjoyed this story along with the history. Detailed descriptions of food, table settings, scenes outside, clothing, places they skied and traveled to, how they kept safe and swapped out clothes, etc to fit in, no matter what the circumstances were, anything to keep safe.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
This book starts with a table of contents where chapters are listed along with epilogue and excerpt of next book in the series, authors note, glossary of terms, about the author and other works by the author are highlighted.
A quote by Rumi is listed and note about historical things that were changed for sake of storytelling. Book starts in Austria Feb 1938 at the engagement party.
What I like about this book is how personable it is. It's about war but author makes it feel far from the front but there are scenes where the fighting in intense.
We learn so much more about Esther and her family as they are forced to flee for their lives. She is sent to a charm school in the mountains to learn how to become the mistress of her own house once she's married.
Love influence her grandmother has on her and her place in society and what that means to the whole family.
Things do not go according to plan as their country is at war and the family leaves and she meets up with them later. She gets to grow up and become a lady as she forms bonds with other females who are there at the school for various reasons.
The war gets in the way of everything and it tears at her as the family flee to take care of a farm in the country, hiding out from the enemy. Somebody turns them in and the family is removed, put on trains heading to concentration camps. Esther was not with them and when she returns she vows to seek vengeance.
She meets with someone who has connections and she heads into war doing what she can. Love that she dresses like a guy to get through her training and fighting right alongside the men. Some have come to her aid, and they look out for one another.
Took my time reading this book because I did not want it to end, so fascinating and heartbreaking.
So much travel over the years, Es's journey as she matures, surprises with who she finds at the end and how they are able to bond again.
Losses are so devastating they do bring tears to my eyes, nobody should have to go through what she and many others went through.
Glad there were no indepth parts of the camps, that would've spoiled the story for me but you know what happened all along.
Super enjoyed this story along with the history. Detailed descriptions of food, table settings, scenes outside, clothing, places they skied and traveled to, how they kept safe and swapped out clothes, etc to fit in, no matter what the circumstances were, anything to keep safe.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
April 15, 2022
This story starts out a bit slow but once it gets going, hold on! Truly captivating! The characters were relatable, brave and showing the strength in the will to live and help others. I only wish the author would have been a bit more historically accurate with some of the big moments in history and some things didn’t seem realistic that happened in the book. All in all I loved the characters and I was pleasantly surprised with the ending.
July 29, 2022
Absolutely riveting!
Talk about hard to put down! Byron is one amazing author who keeps you flipping pages until the tears start flowing. I had to put the book down long enough to stop the tears and be able to breath again. The details she goes into with everything she writes causes every possible emotion to be evoked at some point during the story. A definite should be on your to read list book.
Talk about hard to put down! Byron is one amazing author who keeps you flipping pages until the tears start flowing. I had to put the book down long enough to stop the tears and be able to breath again. The details she goes into with everything she writes causes every possible emotion to be evoked at some point during the story. A definite should be on your to read list book.
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April 4, 2022Review of this book.
This book was spellbinding. To see what these people went through was heartbreaking and heart warming at the same time. The bravery and heroism at the same time. Knowing that this was for the most part based on truth was enlightening. I am so proud of the men and women who fought so valiently for what was right was awe inspiring. God bless them all.
This book was spellbinding. To see what these people went through was heartbreaking and heart warming at the same time. The bravery and heroism at the same time. Knowing that this was for the most part based on truth was enlightening. I am so proud of the men and women who fought so valiently for what was right was awe inspiring. God bless them all.
November 13, 2022
Stirs me to be courageous
Hannah Byron did a masterful job of bringing history to life. While emphasizing that she was writing fiction, she also gives us a picture of real life in Norway during WWII. The bravery of everyday people is strengthening for me. I feel appreciative of reading this story of courage.
Hannah Byron did a masterful job of bringing history to life. While emphasizing that she was writing fiction, she also gives us a picture of real life in Norway during WWII. The bravery of everyday people is strengthening for me. I feel appreciative of reading this story of courage.
February 3, 2023
I love the strong female characters and the fact that at the end of each book, Byron explains what happens to the characters for their future lives. Love when everything is all wrapped up. Also love reading about resistance fighters in World War II as it makes me feel closer to my mother who was one.
February 13, 2022
I really enjoyed this WWII novel - second of her books I have read. In this one the story begins with an Austrian Jewish family who leaves Vienna hoping to be safe with family in Norway. But the Nazi reach is far, and after tragedy befalls them, Esther joins the Norwegian resistance. Great novel
May 23, 2022
This novel tells the story of strength & what a person will do when their family & friends are in danger. I won't give away spoilers but Esther is a hero indeed. Wonderfuly written & creative yet truth & fact telling.
April 17, 2023
Excellent book
This is a wonderful book to read for people who love, as I do, reading resistance stories of ww2.
Loved everything about this book , especially the ending, which is full of Hope.
This is a wonderful book to read for people who love, as I do, reading resistance stories of ww2.
Loved everything about this book , especially the ending, which is full of Hope.
July 14, 2023
This was wa excellent read. The characters were well defined to the point that I felt that I actually knew them. Great plot and sub plots. Loved the real historical references and thr not real historical references...great read
July 3, 2024
Holocaust and survivors of the terrible war
I sincerely enjoyed reading this series. The strength and determination to live and how they endured the punishment for helping their country. Everyone should read these books and especially now that Israel is in turmoil.
I sincerely enjoyed reading this series. The strength and determination to live and how they endured the punishment for helping their country. Everyone should read these books and especially now that Israel is in turmoil.
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