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32nd out of 308 books
—
223 voters
The Gates of Zion (Zion Chronicles #1) (The Zion Chronicles #1)
by
Bodie Thoene (Goodreads Author),
Brock Thoene
The Zion Chronicles series covers the events surrounding Israel's statehood in 1948. Each book vividly portrays the intense struggle of the Jewish people in the aftermath of the Holocaust and the forces, within and without, which engulf the Middle East in conflict and controversy even today. "Will there ever be peace in Zion?" The Jewish people wonder as they stream into t...more
Paperback, 386 pages
Published
April 1st 2006
by Tyndale House Publishers
(first published 1986)
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I wasn't so sure I was going to like this book. It was a book club selection so I was coerced into reading it. I was greatly surprised to find it very interesting and enjoyable. I don't think I will read the rest of the series, but I am glad I read this one. I liked that I learned about an event in history that I never-ever thought about before, the partition of Israel and Palestine or rather the creation of modern day Israel soon after the holocaust (definitely biased towards the Jews and Chris...more
This is the type of book that really makes you think. This time period is very popular with historical authors, but this is the first I have seen about the response of WW2 in the Middle East especially Jerusalem and Palestine.
This novel tells the story of Ellie and her Uncle Howard who is an archeologist. Ellie is an aspiring photographer and is working for the University photographing the artifacts unearthed by her Uncle. She is involved with Moshe who is archeologist by day and a Jewish fighte...more
This novel tells the story of Ellie and her Uncle Howard who is an archeologist. Ellie is an aspiring photographer and is working for the University photographing the artifacts unearthed by her Uncle. She is involved with Moshe who is archeologist by day and a Jewish fighte...more
The reason I chose 5 stars was because this series usually I walk past, but on a friends recommendation I picked up the first book. I was pleasantly surprised. I loved this book. So much that I bought the entire series in a nice collection. I loved the History and the fact that the characters and the events are actual events and real people that lived in these most trying times of faith and perseverance. I loved the fact that this book brought this History to life for me about the creation of th...more
This book covers an interesting and often overlooked piece of history, the establishment of Israel for the Jewish people after World War II. Unfortunately, the characters failed to draw me in or make me care about them. The women are so beautiful it is difficult for the men to decide which one they love, and the women suffer similarly because both men are handsome and courageous. The dialog is unrealistic and at times cringeworthy. As others have pointed out, the "bad guys" are all ignorant and...more
I think this book was an excellent book to read if your looking for a book that is in a time span of the holocaust and world war 2. This book has a lot of amazing sequences, but it is sort of confusing when it is an adult book. So, if you are a above-grade-level or an adult I highly persuade you to try this book chronicles. The thing about this book is that some of the book is a bit boring at times, but those parts are the parts where you get all bored, then something violent or suspensful happ...more
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This book takes you through the period in time known as the Palestine Partition 1947-1948. It is through the eyes of a few characters that the story is heard each with their own motives, dreams, fears and effects of the partition. While it does touch at times on the actual history, it more deals with the fictional lives of the main characters. Some of them are Jewish, but some are not. The plot, however, is the same for all. A series book this is the 1st.
Very well-written and researched book. I...more
Very well-written and researched book. I...more
This book was like reading a "B" movie. Some books can seamlessly blend historical fiction, romance, adventure, suspense, cultural issues--this is not one of them. The closest is comes to fulfilling any of these would be historical fiction. The characters are generally stereotypical and shallow, the premis is grossly biased, and I have to balk at any theme that makes one race of people 'the bad guy'; it takes a subject that is complex, historical, and sensitive and reduces it to the cognitive le...more
In this story the author takes the reader back to the events that transpired after the United Nation split Palestine into two separate nations, one for the Jews and one for the Arabs. Through the fictional characters the author weaves historical events into their lives bringing to life what happened during the month after the declaration. I love these types of books that bring history to life through believable characters and with events/people that actually lived.
A friend recommended this book and I gave it a try and loved it. It's set in 1947 when the UN divides Jerusalem. A young American photojournalist is there helping her uncle who's an archilogist and she becomes the eyes of the world as she sends her photo to Life magazine for the world to see the hatred toward the Jews and the awful things that are done to them. There is enough of a side story to make all the facts interesting. I will read the next installment.
This was not my favorite Thoene book, but it was interesting, mostly because of the time period/subject (the creation of Israel after WWII). It's not something I've thought much about, so it was enlightening to learn about the complications and the passions surrounding that event -- and that are still being enacted today. I just didn't find it as well-written as some of their other books.
This historical fiction series is written by a Christian author. It goes through what was happening in Isreal in 1947-48 while while trying to become a state. The characters are well developed and the history is accurate. There is adventure and love stories- something for everyone. Sometimes the author gets a bit preachy, but the information gleaned overshadows it.
I own this series and would be happy to lend it.
I own this series and would be happy to lend it.
This is a historical fiction novel based on the formation of the Jewish nation, Israel, right after WWII. Good explanation of the tension between the Jews and the Arabs. Also, good explanation of the Jewish view of God's promise to rebuild the nation of Israel before the Messiah comes. Really enjoyed this book. First of a series. Christian author but it wasn't full of "christianese" and wasn't predictable (like a lot of Christian novels). Looking forward to reading the next one. Couldn't put thi...more
This book was very informative. I learned a lot about the Partition in the middle east that happened after WW2. It was engaging and intriguing. At the same time, it was pretty real. I know that there are bad things that happen in the world, I am just torn if I want to read about them in detail or not. I am not sure I'll continue the series just for that reason.
I really like the fact that this book was historically accurate and intriguing. I have come to really enjoy historical fiction lately, and this is one of my absolute favorite series of all time. I was completely attached to the series almost immediately. I cannot wait to read the rest of the series, as well as the other books linked to The Gates of Zion.
This was a powerful series. It was very, very hard for me to read about this topic. It was very gripping and I spent a fair amount of time in tears and appalled shock. My friends/family were not all effected quite as strongly so perhaps I got a little to engrossed. It was a good series but even now thinking about the books makes me a bit tense.
Ellie, a young American photojournalist, finds herself in Jerusalem in 1947. She unwittingly becomes a pawn in a political chess game when she photographs ancient scrolls discovered by Bedouins. Through it all, Ellie discovers a people, a spirit, and a person who profoundly change the direction of her life
Why does this book deserve four stars?
The dialogue between the characters and the many uber cheese ball scenes made me chuckle in disbelief and at some points shake my head in disdain, but I couldn't help but really really like it.
It must be because of the history that she is writing about - the events surrounding the Partition of Palestine. Interesting stuff.
I read this book right after high school and read it mostly for the characters and not the history. This time I enjoyed learning about a l...more
The dialogue between the characters and the many uber cheese ball scenes made me chuckle in disbelief and at some points shake my head in disdain, but I couldn't help but really really like it.
It must be because of the history that she is writing about - the events surrounding the Partition of Palestine. Interesting stuff.
I read this book right after high school and read it mostly for the characters and not the history. This time I enjoyed learning about a l...more
This is the story of an American photo journalist who is in Jerusalem in 1947. She is involved in a mystery when she finds an ancient scroll. The story gave a good description of what it was like to be an American in the country at this time period.
A very successful combination of Christian and Jewish religions in this telling of the birth of Israel in 1947. As a Christian GofZ left me wanting to follow God's command to aid His people in any way we can. Simple enough for teens, yet interesting and informative.
okay so this book was amazing. character development was fantastic, the plot was well intertwined but not confusing, and the story was engaging. one of those books i just couldn't put down! getting ready to start #2 in the series, Daughter of Zion. :)
The struggle for the Jewish people did not end with the end of WWII. This series tells the lesser heard tales of what things were still to be encountered as these people searched for their place in this world.
these books ROCK!!!!! i loved them SO much. they are a BIT scary but not bad. i personly think they're better for 12/13+ cause a bit lovey (if you get what i mean) but besides that they're cool!!!! =]=]
One if the best historical fiction series I've read. The Thoenes do an amazing job creating a vast network if characters that intertwine so beautiful with the larger story and historical events! I loved learning about the conflict in Israel and why it happened!
Feb 05, 2012
Kendyl
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
favorite-christian-fiction
I didn't think I would like this at first, but it got really good the farther I read. I'm probably going to end up reading at least the second book in the series though. Really good.
I really enjoyed all 5 books in this series. I read them all in less than a week and was completely drawn into the characters lives and experiences. They need to be read in order.
This series takes minor characters from the first series and embellishes them. Also set in WWII and its aftermath, I love each of the books here. (I'm a sucker for WWII-related novels.)
I really enjoyed this book. It was a great reminder of what is really going on around the world while we Americans enjoy all the comforts and safety that is so foreign to others.
These are great stories about Jerusalem and the fight to live for Christ. The love story is wonderful...and is one I will let my 12 year old daughter read (if I can get ahold of the 1st book!).
I can't believe I haven't read this series! The first book was great, and I have high hopes for the rest of them. It starts with the beginning of the State of Israel.
I enjoyed reading this book, but had the same problem with it that I do with most Christian literature - I get distracted from the story by the author's attempts to preach the Christian message. That, and the fact that all of the main characters convert to Christianity, and the paths they take seem like contrived devices for them to reach that end. The writing wasn't strong enough for me to feel like these were natural parts of the story. And most of the characters were very stereotypical.
Even s...more
Even s...more
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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 E...more
More about Bodie Thoene...
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 E...more
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