The Gathering Storm

Zion Diaries #1

by Bodie Thoene, Brock Thoene

As Nazi forces tighten the noose, Loralei Kepler, daughter of a German resistance leader, must flee her beloved Germany. But is any place safe from Adolf Hitler's evil grasp? Loralei's harrowing flight leads her into the arms of needy child refugees, who have sacrificed everything in exchange for their lives, and toward a mysterious figure, who closely guards an age-old secret. Explore the romance, the passion, and the danger of the most anticipated series of the last twenty years. Born from the highly acclaimed and best-loved novels of three generations of readers -- The Zion Covenant series and The Zion Chronicles series -- Zion Diaries ventures into the lives of the inspiring and intriguing characters who loved intensely, stood up for what was right, and fought boldly during Hitler's rise to power and the dark days of World War II.

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

380 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2010

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

[Janna Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, when you want excellent historical fiction on WWII in Europe the Thoene's are the authors to go to. They have outstanding series already (The Zion Chronicles and The Zion Legacy books) and now this new series is filling in the gap between those two series. So we enter Europe in the early 1940's. How do you expound on the writings of the Thoenes? Their research is amazing, their characters are incredible, the settings are so well written that I fell like I'm there... Then there are the story lines. I was telling my husband about this one because I loved that it is the perspective of an American citizen who is stuck on the wrong side of the ocean and is witness to all of these horrible atrocities. The perspective is amazing. I only had one minor issue with this book, there is a legend that is introduced in the story that leads us to believe that the legend is true and it messed with my mind a little (I'll admit it certainly made me think and that's not all bad and I certainly spent a lot of time thinking about it in the days that followed finishing the book!) That was the only thing that seemed a little off to me. Outside of that, this book is another testament to the historical brilliance of Brock and Bodie Thoene.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back in 1990 I first discovered a genre called Christian fiction. The very first Christian novel I'd ever read was Vienna Prelude by Brock and Bodie Thoene. The story was excellent. From that point on I was hooked, and it was then that I discovered an affection for historical fiction, especially set during the devastation of WWII Europe. The characters in their books faced uncertain peril, but trusted in a powerful and loving God to save them. Since that time I have read at least 30 of their books up through 2005, but then stopped when the number of available Christian novels exploded to the point I had too many choices and couldn't keep up. It wasn't until this year that I started reading again stories they've written together.

On an emotional level, this story blew me away. At first I'd thought it would be good like some of the others. Engaging and interesting; maybe even a bit heart-rending. This book was so much more. It had passion in it that I don't recall from earlier books. My heart was hurting and I even cried a few times. I read those intense scenes over again...and cried a second time. My heart was totally engaged in the story and invested in this characters' lives. I didn't want it to end.

Yet while the ending was painful--agonizing even--it resolved in an awesome way. But then it changed again. While the second ending was obviously improbable, I still found it more than satisfying. I was willing to suspend disbelief because I wanted to believe the resolution even though it was impossible. I wanted to believe that if you gave up the one thing your heart loved most in this world, that God would restore that to you eventually if you were obedient and followed through with releasing your most beloved person to Him. I wanted to believe that such a passionate and sacrificing love could live forever.

I highly recommend this story for WWII buffs. It's full of action and terror, war and misery, but more than that, it is chocked full of love demonstrated between neighbors, self-sacrifice, and a pure devotion to helping the helpless. I felt so inspired by the character's lives and their faith it left me breathless. I often forgot they weren't real people. I found Eben's revelation about his past incredible and even wondered if it were possible. With God, anything is possible. While the story behind his life is too incredible to be real, it still felt real to me. That is an example of fantastic storytelling. As a result, this book is making my favorites list of 2010 and is staying on my keeper shelf. I absolutely loved it!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written, but lacked a little believability at the end.

The Thoenes are two of my favorite authors and I've read a lot of their books.

The Gathering Storm is an excellent story about Jews in World War II, and as always I really enjoyed their insights into what life was like during the war. They do a great job of painting a picture of what Jewish families went through in Europe. I particularly liked their portrayal of England and the attitude of the English people--both their courage and their slight denial of reality regarding the inevitability of the German's advance toward their country.

I was disappointed with the last portion of the book. Normally I'm ok with a twist in a story and a little bit of fantasy, but I thought it was too much in this story. I didn't buy into how the two main characters reacted to the a key event (trying to avoid a spoiler here) at the end of the book. I just don't think two people who are that in love would react in the way the Thoenes describe.

[Kami · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this book would be a better bridge from Zion Covenant to Zion Chronicle. However, the reference to the Murphys and TENS seemed forced and out of place. Also there was a surprising amount of lite romance that could have been excluded. I enjoyed the details regarding refugee efforts in Britain. I was left craving more history and less fiction.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's impossible to go wrong with a Bodie and Brock Thoene book. Once again the reader is reminded of the horrors of war. Loralei Kepler has to flee the Nazis and with difficulty reaches Britain. While there she continues her fight to save the Jewish people. She also becomes acquainted an ancient mystery that changes her life forever.

[Paula · Rating 1 out of 5]

This story didn't know what it wanted to be. Felt like several stories shoved together.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love historical fiction and Christian literature. This book did a great job of combining both. Through the book you follow Lorelei and here family and friends through the beginnings of World War Two. Her family is fighting for those who have no voice and as Lora gets older and flees from the Nazis she too carries on this legacy. You walk with her through suffering, helping, loss and love with a surly at the end. This story was well woven and intense. We can only hope that we can learn from the mistakes and brokenness of the past so it will not repeat itself.

[Brevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thrilling story of indeed a desperate escape and romance in Nazi occupied Europe

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all, this is the first book I've been able to finish since school started. It took me almost 2 months of 20 minute "Magical Mondays" to complete! Second of all, this is my first read by Bodie Thoene. That being said...

I was instantly attracted to this book based on the cover and the premise. I love reading books about the Holocaust (I really don't know why, it's such a sad point in history) and this cover instantly drew me in. The flag, the burning, the couple, told me that I might enjoy this book. I feel that the fact that it took me so long to read, I my have missed some points, as I struggled a bit with the ending.

Lorelei (love the name!) is a young girl from a missionary family who struggles to find her way in life after losing her mother and then choosing to marry Varrick to save him from being sent to the concentration camp. Her life is full of struggle from the beginning and just never seems to end. Varrick is sent away to fight in the war and Lorelei, her dad, her sister Jessica, and her nieces begin a journey to leave their homeland. More lives are lost along the way and soon Lorelei finds herself all alone. She is proficient in several languages so her skills come in handy in churches and other refugee places for those who are misplaced due to the war.

As far as characters go, Judah is a favorite of mine, as are the other Tin Man army. Their stories are inspiring to me. I was also intrigued by Helga, but found her character's choices to be very frustrating. Eben was another intriguing character although I do not like how things ended up with him. I felt that his character took a poorly scripted turn that was set up to be spiritual and I do not believe it was in the least bit. It was too much of a stretch for me personally. I have read other reviews where readers felt entirely different so please read this book and decide for yourself.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and will read other titles by the Thoenes. I have read many great reviews on other books they have written and they tend to focus on a time period in history that I enjoy reading.

I was provided this book by the publisher in exchange for my honest review, of which you have received without any coercion.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: THE GATHERING STORM
Authors; Bodie and Brock Thoene
Publisher: Summerside Press
August 2010
ISBN: 978-1-60936-033-7
Genre: Inspirational/historical

American born Loralei Kepler is the daughter of a missionary family in Belgium. Nazi’s are invading Brussels and the Jews are trying to make a quick getaway. The Kepler family isn’t safe, and Loralei’s father makes the difficult decision to take his two daughters, one eight months pregnant, and his young niece and flee the country. But before they leave, they learn the horrifying news that the German’s have slaughtered everyone on the front lines, meaning its likely that the husbands of both daughters died in the battle.

The harrowing flight of Loralei and her family lead them into the arms of child refugees who have sacrificed everything for their lives, and toward a mysterious figure that guards an ancient secret…

THE GATHERING STORM is book one in the Thoene’s newest series The Zion Diaries. It is a continuation of The Zion Covenant series and The Zion Chronicles series.

The story starts out with a prologue in modern times, written as though Ms. Thoene herself has met with and talked to one of the characters in this book. Then the first part moves on to 1940 when Nazi’s invade Brussels, and the next part goes back further to 1936.

I found the jumping forward and backwards in time disruptive, and I had to take the time to get myself grounded into the story again after the break and the jump. There is also a bit of fantasy in the book which is a bit…weird and also disruptive. The story is written in first person, which I actually don’t mind but I know some people do, so I thought I’d mention it. But over all the whole story was worth it and the Thoene’s have once again written a tale that will stay with the readers for a long time to come. I recommend this book to anyone who has read the Thoene’s previous books. Discussion questions are included at the end. $14.99. 380 pages.

[Jomariem · Rating 3 out of 5]

I usually enjoy reading the Thoene's stories, but I was rather disappointed in this one. The back-and-forth in time narratives at the beginning are somewhat jarring, IMO there's WAY too much romance in the following two-thirds of the book, and the ending is downright bizarre, not at all like the Thoene's usual novels that are always at least SOMEWHAT realistic. Also, we never really find out what happens to some of the characters in the story, like Lora's sister Jessica, who is a major part of the book at the beginning and then toward the end, it's like she just drops off the face of the earth, as Lora just seems to forget about her in her obsession with Eben. We know that she lives with Lora much later on, but why? Did she get widowed? And what about Gina and the two little Jewish girls that Lora and Jessica helped to bring to safety? They seemed to have been forgotten about too. This is a common problem in many of the Theone's books -- introducing WAY too many characters that we learn to care about, and then suddenly they just vanish into thin air and we never find out what happened to them. And as for the ending, it left me going "WHAAAAAT?" It also didn't make sense to me when they were in the inn that was bombed, and Eben just disappeared right out of Lora's life even though he obviously loved her and the book didn't say that he was dead. This was a compelling story in some parts, but IMO this was NOT the Theone's best work. If you're going to work some kind of Jewish mysticism into a historical novel, then it needs to be in a book that's a stand-alone work, not part of an established series. This book was kind of the red-haired stepchild sandwiched in between two series. IMO, The Zion Covenant and Zion Chronicles series are MUCH better, and those are the ones I would recommend to first-time readers of books by these authors.

[Rebecca Lewitt · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm really sorry I finished this one--wasn't worth the time (and it was a quick read for me). Sad to say it was actually really poorly written, I thought. But I slogged through that because I truly loved the Zion Covenant Series and liked okay the Zion Chronicles books--plus the history was good. I do know a lot more about the Nazi takeover of Belgium and the refugee situation in the early London blitzkrig. I kept expecting it to get better written i guess, to live up to the other books. But then she got all into these 36 witnesses and truly weird stuff--things that ought to be relegated to the fantasy section and not the historical fiction shelf. Plus (and this is just probably me) but I felt it was a little risque--at least for a Christian work. Just because the couple are married doesn't make it somehow better for me to read...scripture one page, then a bedroom scene? It wasn't really that bad, just not what I expect from a Christian work--and I dont' remember the other Thoene books I've read being this descriptive...they were safer, I thought. Anyway, by the end I was thoroughly put out and sorry I bothered with it. The romances weren't well done, the people weren't fully drawn characters, the story was boring and outlandish, the writing was poor...a true one star, sad to say.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a bit of a disappointment. I love the Zion Covenant and Zion Chronicles series and reread them every few years. This book moved into the mystic, instead of portraying real life as the others had.

[M.C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ll just start by saying that I liked this book. But... I also feel somewhat guilty for liking this book. For one, the romance level. Wow. Lots of detailed kisses and a semi-detailed sex scene put this a bit over the top for me. It definitely wasn’t as bad as it could have been, but still; I don’t know if that really has a place in Christian fiction.
But the thing that really threw me off about this was the mysticism. Central to the plot is a Jewish legend about these thirty-six righteous people who avert God’s wrath from the world. This wouldn’t have bothered me so much if it hadn’t been that it was portrayed as real. As in, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Thoenes actually believed this legend. It was mildly disturbing, especially since several Bible verses were taken out of context to support this legend. I did not appreciate that, and it definitely dampened my enjoyment of the book.
That being said, though, if you can read this more as a fantasy work than historical fiction, it becomes much better. And for the most part, I really did like the story. It kept me hooked all the way through, and it was interesting to get a glimpse of what life might have been like in London during the early stages of WWII.
So, my final verdict: If you can handle the romance and have a solid handle on Biblical teachings, this book is worth a read. But just be aware: the mysticism will probably mess with your mind.

[Rosa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was very disappointed in this book. Having loved the other Thoene series I was excited to find this at the library as a series I didn't know about! Ugh. I plodded through because, well, I kept hoping it would get better. But an overall interesting story was marred by some very bad theology, framed with the author introducing herself into the prologue and epilogue potentially leading some to believe this theology is not mere fantasy. (Indeed, if you search it, you find that it is a real belief of many, so I wonder if the Thoenes also ascribe to this.) In addition, the romance scenes were quite racy for a Christian novel - definitely PG-13! I wish I had picked up the other book I was looking at that day.

[Sarah Case · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty good for about two thirds, then...

I love the excellently researched, well developed books of the Theones, so I read this one with eagerness. At first, it did not disappoint. Then, about two thirds of the way in, the mystery turned out to be mystical, an immortal living from the time of Christ. While I don't mind a good Christian fantasy fiction, it doesn't mix well with rock solid realism of the historical fiction the Thoenes write. It was a real letdown. (Formatting in the kindle version needs a lot of work,too.)

[mary Mariano · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixed feelings about this story

I feel very dense about this book . I enjoyed reading the first 2\3 but have to admit thinking the parts about Eben were too strange and obscure. The last section of the book was strained and awkward to me and sorry but I didn't understand it. And so THE ending was unsatisfying and disappointing. As I said maybe its my fault but I'm usually more insightful. Would never tell someone not to read it, but I love the Throne historical novels and this seemed like some mystical fairy tale.

[Stephanie Fitzpatrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was unexpectedly good! I didn't expect to get into it but after the first few chapters I couldn't put it down! The historical grounding of WW2 gets me every time! Flowing Loralai through the great Jewish exodus of Brussels across the English Channel and into the Luftwaffe bombing of England. Through trial and Triumph. Lost love and new love. This book holds a plot twist that I still can't get my head around! I have already started the next book in the Zion Diaries!

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a lifeline fan of the Thoene's. Their novels have drawn me closer to God as well as history itself. So many times I've grabbed my Bible to learn more, then with a few words on the page, I'm grabbing a Kleenex for the tears that fall. I did not know the two book series existed, and on this New Year's Eve, I sit and marvel at the story of Loralye and Eben. I pray there are the 36 watching and waiting for Jesus to return. I can't wait for that day. Let it be soon dear Jesus - soon!!

[Sue Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a gripping story of a family in the midst of fleeing the Nazis invading Belgium. The development of the characters brings a true caring for their welfare in this process. The way this story is woven you won't be able to guess what's coming next. I highly recommend it to you.

[Charlotte Gunther · Rating 3 out of 5]

it's historical setting in especially interesting regarding the Tin Nose Brigade. But it is basically a romance, its premise is a bit fantastical.

[Terreen Haynes · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not their best one

I have read many of their books and absolutely loved them but I had to force myself to finish this one. It felt weird and unrealistic.

[Bob Spears · Rating 3 out of 5]

from church library

[Cathy Wacksman · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn’t finish this book. I gave it 100 pages and realized I didn’t need to feel guilty for giving up but it was awful.

[Linea Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book

[Holli Schoch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A whirlwind story of love and historical fiction. A quick read that I could not put down!

[Beth Chandler · Rating 2 out of 5]

Way too many stories going on at once without good transitions. It couldn’t decide what story to tell.

[Erica Young · Rating 3 out of 5]

So many things to appreciate about this book, but the ending somewhat lost me

[Julissa Vela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book! It takes you to a journey through World War 2 since the very beginning to the very end of it. It shows us a beautiful story of resilience and faith of Lorelei Bittick, a pastor’s daughter; who flees with her family from occupied Belgium and is able to escape through Dunkirk and arrive to England.

The way she puts herself in danger to help the fleeing Jews is so inspiring and really presents that labor that was done with refugees during the war. There is a lot of mystery through the pages that presents us the life of Eben, who will be one of the main characters of a marvelous love story.

It is a beautiful and inspiring book I would recommend a lot!

[Lori Twichell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brock and Bodie Thoene are artisans of storytelling. Their books tend to cut through the history and straight into the hearts of people who lived it. This helps separate it from grainy black and white pictures or words written on a page. It feels, while you’re reading, that these characters are very real. They live and breathe as much at Thoene’s incredible plots and storylines do. Reading one of Thoene’s books is like stepping into a time machine and traveling to the past. A wealth of knowledge and information transport you into the story and in many instances, make you come out a different person on the other side. (I know of no one who has read Thoene’s incredible Zion series that has not come out affected and changed when looking at modern day politics.) This story is no different.

When we begin the story, we are as innocent as Loralei Kepler herself and yet, by the end, we’ve grown with her through the trials and traumas of war. We’ve watched as Eben, a mysterious and enigmatic character, weaves his way in and out of the story and also, Loralei’s life. As she struggles with her feelings of being a young widow, she also struggles through the loss and depravity of war. When she finally sees Eben again after many years apart, it is with a sigh of relief at the familiar caring man that she knew when she was young. We, as the observers of her story, also breathe a sigh of relief, though we all know that Eben is much more than just a handsome man. We may not know what exactly he is, but a prophet is at least one of his many titles.

At times it feels like Eben is trying to hold back the waves of the ocean with a teaspoon and still he fights. Loralei, determined to stand up against the war in any way she can, fights at his side and we get to witness their love story ripen and grow.

For anyone who loves Brock and Bodie Thoene’s previous work, this book is a must read. A magical nearly mystical tale of romance, history and drama, it is a delight to devour. To join the Thoene’s in their world is a superb honor and you’ll find it difficult to put down. Be prepared to set aside time in your schedule do devour this new tale. You’ll be glad you did.

Review copy provided by Wynn Wynn Media.