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The Sentinels #1
The Sentinels: Fortunes of War
In this riveting amalgam of political intrigue, poignant romance, and bare-knuckled action, six friends risk everything to thwart an international Nazi conspiracy.
In the financial devastation of the 1930s, a greedy, power-hungry group of German industrialists plot to usher in the National Socialist Party in order to rearm Germany and reap the financial rewards. Thus rises Hitler.
With Hitler in power, the Six Sentinels, graduates of an elite American doctoral program, uncover the industrialists' plan to hoard hundreds of millions of dollars in illegal war profits. Using their financial and familial connections around the globe, they work to foil the machinations of the financiers of the Third Reich. In a daring strategy of Robin Hood-style thievery, the sentinels put their lives on the line to serve justice - and thus become embroiled in a dangerous and violent international conspiracy.
In the financial devastation of the 1930s, a greedy, power-hungry group of German industrialists plot to usher in the National Socialist Party in order to rearm Germany and reap the financial rewards. Thus rises Hitler.
With Hitler in power, the Six Sentinels, graduates of an elite American doctoral program, uncover the industrialists' plan to hoard hundreds of millions of dollars in illegal war profits. Using their financial and familial connections around the globe, they work to foil the machinations of the financiers of the Third Reich. In a daring strategy of Robin Hood-style thievery, the sentinels put their lives on the line to serve justice - and thus become embroiled in a dangerous and violent international conspiracy.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 19, 2009
38 people are currently reading
310 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
December 22, 2020
A clear case of "if this weren't a freebie, I'd ask for my money back". A nonsensical plot that stretches credulity to the breaking point, a writing style that is all showing, no telling, dreadfully stilted dialogue, and interchangeable cardboard characters I couldn't have cared less about. Watching paint dry would have been more thrilling than this book - at least in that case, one might derive some entertainment from getting high on the fumes.
January 10, 2010
Sounds good, right? All espionage-y and sneaky and dangerous? The blurb sounds exciting!
And then you start reading it . . .
And realize it's the dullest fucking espionage book in the history of the world. Well, I shouldn't say that. I don't read very many of these kinds of books but you'd think, considering the subject, it'd be relatively interesting and fast paced, right?
Nope.
The only reason I read it quickly was because it's in a larger font with big margins. Zoomed right through it. Thank god.
This book is PURE telling. PURE. TELLING. From the entire book I didn't give a shit about one character. I had no idea what they were going through except what was being told to me. One of the chicks was kidnapped and held hostage and during that time, she slowly lost her mind. Do I feel any of that? Nope. I'm barely told any of it. I just keep getting told her hair's longer, her nails are longer, she's getting weaker, and she has to stay focused. When she's rescued, all of a sudden she's near catatonic. WTF? When did that happen? Trying to escape writing the hard parts, are we?
Another girl has to escape her captors by cross country skiing through the Alps. Do I feel how cold she is or how scared shitless she is? Nope. I'm just told she's huddled under a tarp, waiting for the dudes to pass.
One of the guys is in love with two women. Apparently he was this girl-jumping French playboy and now not only is he in a pickle with some Germans, he's genuinely fallen in love with two women. Do I feel any of this? Of course not. Why would I? I'm simply told that he has sex with one, has sex with the other, oh what is he to do?
I felt nothing throughout the entire book. No suspense, no adrenaline rush, no giving a shit about any of the characters. It just plain sucked. In the right hands, this could have been an awesome book. You know, with someone that knows the proper sentence constructs that creates the element of suspense. Not to mention knows what "show, don't tell" means.
Really, I was waiting for one of the Germans to just up and stab someone to make it interesting. No dice. And apparently everyone sounds the same in this little spy universe. Not sure why.
You know, maybe reading so much YA has completely sapped my patience with adult books. Maybe there's a literary value here that I'm missing. But I really don't think that's going to change the fact that I was talked at for the entire book.
Blah.
And then you start reading it . . .
And realize it's the dullest fucking espionage book in the history of the world. Well, I shouldn't say that. I don't read very many of these kinds of books but you'd think, considering the subject, it'd be relatively interesting and fast paced, right?
Nope.
The only reason I read it quickly was because it's in a larger font with big margins. Zoomed right through it. Thank god.
This book is PURE telling. PURE. TELLING. From the entire book I didn't give a shit about one character. I had no idea what they were going through except what was being told to me. One of the chicks was kidnapped and held hostage and during that time, she slowly lost her mind. Do I feel any of that? Nope. I'm barely told any of it. I just keep getting told her hair's longer, her nails are longer, she's getting weaker, and she has to stay focused. When she's rescued, all of a sudden she's near catatonic. WTF? When did that happen? Trying to escape writing the hard parts, are we?
Another girl has to escape her captors by cross country skiing through the Alps. Do I feel how cold she is or how scared shitless she is? Nope. I'm just told she's huddled under a tarp, waiting for the dudes to pass.
One of the guys is in love with two women. Apparently he was this girl-jumping French playboy and now not only is he in a pickle with some Germans, he's genuinely fallen in love with two women. Do I feel any of this? Of course not. Why would I? I'm simply told that he has sex with one, has sex with the other, oh what is he to do?
I felt nothing throughout the entire book. No suspense, no adrenaline rush, no giving a shit about any of the characters. It just plain sucked. In the right hands, this could have been an awesome book. You know, with someone that knows the proper sentence constructs that creates the element of suspense. Not to mention knows what "show, don't tell" means.
Really, I was waiting for one of the Germans to just up and stab someone to make it interesting. No dice. And apparently everyone sounds the same in this little spy universe. Not sure why.
You know, maybe reading so much YA has completely sapped my patience with adult books. Maybe there's a literary value here that I'm missing. But I really don't think that's going to change the fact that I was talked at for the entire book.
Blah.
July 7, 2023
The Sentinals: Fortunes Of War by Gordon Zuckerman falls into one of only a handful of non-romances I've read recently.
This historical fiction is a well conceptualized, well executed, thought provoking book about financial aspects to World War II. I loved seeing a different side to this war and the what-ifs if this group of the six Sentinals had existed! Note that the audiobook narrator is incredible, also.
This novel is perfect for crime fiction readers and history buffs alike.
Thank you Book Publicity Services for the complimentary copy to read and review.
This historical fiction is a well conceptualized, well executed, thought provoking book about financial aspects to World War II. I loved seeing a different side to this war and the what-ifs if this group of the six Sentinals had existed! Note that the audiobook narrator is incredible, also.
This novel is perfect for crime fiction readers and history buffs alike.
Thank you Book Publicity Services for the complimentary copy to read and review.
March 20, 2012
Okay where to begin???
That’s effectively several hours of my life lost that I will never get back... The government should roll this out en-masse for use as an anaesthetist in hospitals. It really is that dreadful I had to put it down several times – crap really doesn’t do it justice.
You would think someone writing about WWII wouldn't have a problem getting it right, especially considering the amount of research material available at hand, but this author does, spectacularly so. And just keeps on getting it so horribly wrong all the way through!
None and I do mean none, of the main protagonists are believable... It's full of ludicrous characters or stereotypes. The Frenchman (called Jacques... dear god) is a ladies’ man/playboy and former captain of the French football team FFS.
Halfway through the book I found myself longing for all of the characters to meet a sticky end, because they were all so bloody annoying!!! The only thing of remote interest was the financial aspect regarding the German industrialists, but that was lost amongst the utter dross of everything else.
I have no idea how this book got published, it's written so poorly that it beggars belief that ANYONE could actually enjoy it. I've subsequently found out there is a book number two in the series. I for one will not be wasting my time with it.
Avoid this book and its author, nothing good can come of it!
That’s effectively several hours of my life lost that I will never get back... The government should roll this out en-masse for use as an anaesthetist in hospitals. It really is that dreadful I had to put it down several times – crap really doesn’t do it justice.
You would think someone writing about WWII wouldn't have a problem getting it right, especially considering the amount of research material available at hand, but this author does, spectacularly so. And just keeps on getting it so horribly wrong all the way through!
None and I do mean none, of the main protagonists are believable... It's full of ludicrous characters or stereotypes. The Frenchman (called Jacques... dear god) is a ladies’ man/playboy and former captain of the French football team FFS.
Halfway through the book I found myself longing for all of the characters to meet a sticky end, because they were all so bloody annoying!!! The only thing of remote interest was the financial aspect regarding the German industrialists, but that was lost amongst the utter dross of everything else.
I have no idea how this book got published, it's written so poorly that it beggars belief that ANYONE could actually enjoy it. I've subsequently found out there is a book number two in the series. I for one will not be wasting my time with it.
Avoid this book and its author, nothing good can come of it!
August 30, 2023
3.5 stars, rounded up
.
I enjoyed this book quite a bit actually. I thought the pace was good and the topic was interesting. I didn't really understand a lot of the banker lingo, so that was a bit hard to process. Also, sometimes I felt like I was reading a modern day novel instead of a historical one.
The thing that made me not round it fully up to more than 3.5 stars though, was the romance. Jaques made me So. Angry. The entire story he is leading 2 girls on, and when he finally decides on which girl he wants(after sleeping with both multiple times), he still goes to see the other girl, instead of sending like a "Dear John" letter which I really thought he should have done instead. I dislike players in stories and in real life, so that really ruined his character for me.
Otherwise, I thought the story itself was good.
Thankyou to Book Publicity Services for sending me this book to read and review!
.
I enjoyed this book quite a bit actually. I thought the pace was good and the topic was interesting. I didn't really understand a lot of the banker lingo, so that was a bit hard to process. Also, sometimes I felt like I was reading a modern day novel instead of a historical one.
The thing that made me not round it fully up to more than 3.5 stars though, was the romance. Jaques made me So. Angry. The entire story he is leading 2 girls on, and when he finally decides on which girl he wants(after sleeping with both multiple times), he still goes to see the other girl, instead of sending like a "Dear John" letter which I really thought he should have done instead. I dislike players in stories and in real life, so that really ruined his character for me.
Otherwise, I thought the story itself was good.
Thankyou to Book Publicity Services for sending me this book to read and review!
May 28, 2023
This isn’t typically the kind of book I’d picked up but i think it was okay for the most part.
I’m not big into historical books but this held my attention enough. I will say that I did struggle getting into it at the being and trying to keep straight who each character was. That is mainly because I don’t read many historical books I think. I couldn’t really relate with the characters, so they stuff they went through didn’t really bother me I guess you could say.
Also, I do think this book has potential. It had good action packed scenes and I think the plot of the book is awesome and interesting enough but the execution of it was just lacking a bit for me; I’m not sure if it was the writing or what. If the characters were more relatable or maybe just like able I think it could’ve been a more fun read for me.
If you like historical reads then I’m sure you’d enjoy this book. My review is based solely on me not reading a lot of historical books, so I just can’t get into it. I am trying to dive more into the genre, so I’m hoping once I start liking it I can reread this with a different perspective.
3 stars!
Thank you to the publisher for giving me a copy of this book to read and review. These thoughts and comments are my own!
I’m not big into historical books but this held my attention enough. I will say that I did struggle getting into it at the being and trying to keep straight who each character was. That is mainly because I don’t read many historical books I think. I couldn’t really relate with the characters, so they stuff they went through didn’t really bother me I guess you could say.
Also, I do think this book has potential. It had good action packed scenes and I think the plot of the book is awesome and interesting enough but the execution of it was just lacking a bit for me; I’m not sure if it was the writing or what. If the characters were more relatable or maybe just like able I think it could’ve been a more fun read for me.
If you like historical reads then I’m sure you’d enjoy this book. My review is based solely on me not reading a lot of historical books, so I just can’t get into it. I am trying to dive more into the genre, so I’m hoping once I start liking it I can reread this with a different perspective.
3 stars!
Thank you to the publisher for giving me a copy of this book to read and review. These thoughts and comments are my own!
August 29, 2023
A group of German industrialists seize control of their government in the 1920s to 1930s. Due to this action, they are responsible for placing Adolf Hitler in command and their actions lead to WWII. The sentinels have recently discovered that these same industrialists are attempting to smuggle their accumulated wealth out of Germany before the invasion by the Allies. The sentinels realize this must be stopped. There can never be a fourth reich.
There are a lot of moving parts to this novel. One minute it is espionage, money laundering and war…then it is a romance story. It is a bit disjointed in places. But, it is fascinating. I would love to know more about how the author came up with the money laundering scheme. Is it based on actual knowledge or just something he made up?
I also enjoyed the intelligence surrounding this plot. Then we have some major intensity…this story definitely kept me on my toes.
The narrator, Scott Fleming, did a very good job. He could have been better on the female voices…just a thought.
Need a unique look at the money side of WWII…This is it! Grab your copy today.
I received this novel in exchange for a honest review.
There are a lot of moving parts to this novel. One minute it is espionage, money laundering and war…then it is a romance story. It is a bit disjointed in places. But, it is fascinating. I would love to know more about how the author came up with the money laundering scheme. Is it based on actual knowledge or just something he made up?
I also enjoyed the intelligence surrounding this plot. Then we have some major intensity…this story definitely kept me on my toes.
The narrator, Scott Fleming, did a very good job. He could have been better on the female voices…just a thought.
Need a unique look at the money side of WWII…This is it! Grab your copy today.
I received this novel in exchange for a honest review.
May 22, 2023
Six friends set out to change the world and stop the Nazi's while they do it
When this group of friends discover the corruption of those financing the Third Reich they have to use every bit of know-how and every connection they have to put into action their daring plan that if exposed could get them all killed.
I really enjoyed this action packed WWII story of political intrigue with cat and mouse chases, high drama and romance. I found this to be a very quick read as the tension built and the plot thickened. The plan that the six sentinels have drawn up is intelligent and thought provoking. Did the author use actual events as his guide? This story makes it seem very plausible and it is an angle I haven't seen used before. Either way, it's captivating and very well crafted. If WWII novels interest you, I highly recommend this thrilling story. It's the beginning of a trilogy and I look forward to what The Sentinels do next.
Thank you to the author and Book Publicity Services for the gifted copy for me to read, review and enjoy.
When this group of friends discover the corruption of those financing the Third Reich they have to use every bit of know-how and every connection they have to put into action their daring plan that if exposed could get them all killed.
I really enjoyed this action packed WWII story of political intrigue with cat and mouse chases, high drama and romance. I found this to be a very quick read as the tension built and the plot thickened. The plan that the six sentinels have drawn up is intelligent and thought provoking. Did the author use actual events as his guide? This story makes it seem very plausible and it is an angle I haven't seen used before. Either way, it's captivating and very well crafted. If WWII novels interest you, I highly recommend this thrilling story. It's the beginning of a trilogy and I look forward to what The Sentinels do next.
Thank you to the author and Book Publicity Services for the gifted copy for me to read, review and enjoy.
June 8, 2023
The Sentinels: Fortunes of War
By: Gordon Zuckerman
Let me start by saying it sounds super interesting the espionage the spy the set back in history Hitler times. The blurb had me interested in trying a new genre.
As I stated this isn’t my usual genre the history type so I’m so glad I tried it on Audio the narrator was good but I did have to have the speed pretty high at 1.7x because at normal speed it felt way too slow.
It’s a slow book about espionage & if you like historical books with a dash of romance you would enjoy it.
Some parts felt like I needed more details instead of the ok well this happened and that’s done now. Overall a good book just not my typical reads.
Thank you to the publisher for the Audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
By: Gordon Zuckerman
Let me start by saying it sounds super interesting the espionage the spy the set back in history Hitler times. The blurb had me interested in trying a new genre.
As I stated this isn’t my usual genre the history type so I’m so glad I tried it on Audio the narrator was good but I did have to have the speed pretty high at 1.7x because at normal speed it felt way too slow.
It’s a slow book about espionage & if you like historical books with a dash of romance you would enjoy it.
Some parts felt like I needed more details instead of the ok well this happened and that’s done now. Overall a good book just not my typical reads.
Thank you to the publisher for the Audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
June 11, 2023
“Clearly, we aren’t spies. We aren’t criminals, at least not in the classical sense. And we aren’t soldiers of war. If we aren’t any of those things, what are we and why are we being chased? We are the enemies of fascism.”
Just before Hitlers rise to power, six Berkeley doctoral graduates to introduce their “Power Cycle” theory that could be used to predict the rise and fall of world powers, and to snuff out corruption before plunging the world into war. In 1943 when the industrial elites who financed Hitlers rise to power try to move their money out of Germany while they still can, these old friends reunite to do their part in bringing down Hitlers reign, holding his financiers responsible and preventing them from future disastrous political influence.
An interesting perspective on WWII I hadn’t read before - exploring how the industrial elites power and money had such a large part in putting Hitler and his regime in power, and how their influence can create these problems throughout history. It was part heist and part politics, with a peppering of romance. I definitely found myself rolling my eyes at Jacques romantic entanglements, and there were definitely some slow/boring bits, but I enjoyed the story nonetheless.
Just before Hitlers rise to power, six Berkeley doctoral graduates to introduce their “Power Cycle” theory that could be used to predict the rise and fall of world powers, and to snuff out corruption before plunging the world into war. In 1943 when the industrial elites who financed Hitlers rise to power try to move their money out of Germany while they still can, these old friends reunite to do their part in bringing down Hitlers reign, holding his financiers responsible and preventing them from future disastrous political influence.
An interesting perspective on WWII I hadn’t read before - exploring how the industrial elites power and money had such a large part in putting Hitler and his regime in power, and how their influence can create these problems throughout history. It was part heist and part politics, with a peppering of romance. I definitely found myself rolling my eyes at Jacques romantic entanglements, and there were definitely some slow/boring bits, but I enjoyed the story nonetheless.
August 1, 2023
At Berkeley, California, in 1932, post-graduate students began their doctoral studies at the influential and highly respected Institute for World Economic Studies. By mid-year 1938, 6 doctoral candidates claimed they had
Unknown to the students, German industrialists were plotting in closed-door meetings to use their connections around the globe to hoard a vast sum of money from illegal war profits, hiding their agenda from those financing the Third Reich.
I have read many riveting WWII historical fiction novels, many of which are based on meticulous research of actual events and people. This novel is gripping in a different way, using the backdrop of World War II to shed light on powerful people using their social status in society in combination with their financial profits to obtain power behind-the-scenes to change the course of history for their monetary gain. Each turn of the page brought new dramatic twists as the scenes changed from the United States to England to Switzerland, including unplanned diversions taken by air, land, and sea.
The scope of political intrigue, greed, secrets, lies, romance, danger, conspiracy, and violence illustrate a compelling narrative of good vs. evil. A thought-provoking novel, leaving a reader to wonder if one-day evil will win or if we admit that evil has won many times around the globe and simply wonder what the future might hold.
"discovered a pattern that explains and can even predict repeating cycles of the rise and fall of world powers."The students were the sons and a daughter of highly respected and influential families in the banking and financial world, a son from a family known for fine wine production and a son from a family owning a prestigious auction house.
Unknown to the students, German industrialists were plotting in closed-door meetings to use their connections around the globe to hoard a vast sum of money from illegal war profits, hiding their agenda from those financing the Third Reich.
I have read many riveting WWII historical fiction novels, many of which are based on meticulous research of actual events and people. This novel is gripping in a different way, using the backdrop of World War II to shed light on powerful people using their social status in society in combination with their financial profits to obtain power behind-the-scenes to change the course of history for their monetary gain. Each turn of the page brought new dramatic twists as the scenes changed from the United States to England to Switzerland, including unplanned diversions taken by air, land, and sea.
The scope of political intrigue, greed, secrets, lies, romance, danger, conspiracy, and violence illustrate a compelling narrative of good vs. evil. A thought-provoking novel, leaving a reader to wonder if one-day evil will win or if we admit that evil has won many times around the globe and simply wonder what the future might hold.
September 4, 2023
I really liked the premise of this novel and thought the political aspect of it was executed well. I listened to the audio, and it was a fast listen that kept my attention but at times I wanted a little bit more emotion. There was never really a change in POV because it was more tell than show when it came to the actions of the characters. Some characters I do feel were more developed than others, but I was missing the emotion and suspense that comes with fleeing from the Reich. For some reason it was a little hard for me to keep the two women’s names separate. Once the scene started to develop, I knew which woman it was following but I kept getting their names mixed up when it came up in conversation between the men. I liked how this book focused more on freezing (and steeling) money from the Germans. We got a good amount on how the funds were tracked and transferred. It was an interesting read but I’m not sure if it will be one that will stick with me.
Thank you @bookpublicityservices for the gifted copy.
Thank you @bookpublicityservices for the gifted copy.
September 23, 2023
I was sent this book by @bookpublicityservices for review. This is a solid three stars for me. First, do not judge this book by the cover. I would have never picked it up and read the blurb so I am glad it was sent to me. It is compelling from the beginning. There is plenty of action, intrigue and romance. While not a difficult read there are a LOT of characters to keep track of and rapid scene changes. I almost wonder if it was written with the hopes of becoming a tv series. I am not dying to read the second in the series right away, but will probably pick it up at some time. I read this while traveling for work and found it a good airplane read.
June 17, 2023
Historical fiction is not what I typically gravitate towards when I want to read a book. But, while this story line can be complex, my attention was held the entire time imagining the characters go about their lives.
August 27, 2023
I really enjoyed this fictional plot set during WWII. I learned a lot more about the wealth that surrounded the German socialist party and how that led to the power Hilter and his followers had.
I loved following the romance within the group of six. I loved all the POVs. I love the thrill and many times I was biting my nails and couldn’t wait to read further!
Some parts were slow for me and I didn’t necessarily understand what was going on about the bank and finance aspect of things, but that didn’t stop me from being totally engulfed in this book!
I loved following the romance within the group of six. I loved all the POVs. I love the thrill and many times I was biting my nails and couldn’t wait to read further!
Some parts were slow for me and I didn’t necessarily understand what was going on about the bank and finance aspect of things, but that didn’t stop me from being totally engulfed in this book!
August 16, 2023
Thank you to Kelsey @bookpublicityservices for the opportunity to read this book! This is the first book of three in The Sentinels Series.
It was a very interesting read. I really enjoyed it and it was well written. Overall it was a slower paced book than I usually read but still held my attention. I really liked the characters and the premise behind the book. I recommend this book those who love historical reads and historical fiction.
My Rating: 3.5 stars
Summary:
The Sentinels is a group of graduates from an Elite American doctoral program that plan to take down the financial establishment from the Third Reich. In a Robin Hood style thievery they put their lives on the line to serve justice. They become involved in espionage and a very dangerous international conspiracy.
#read #bookstagram #books #readmore #readersofinstagram #thriller #historical #historicalfiction #gordonzuckerman #fortunesofwar #fiction #bookaddict #tbr #bookie #avidreader #booksbooksbooks
It was a very interesting read. I really enjoyed it and it was well written. Overall it was a slower paced book than I usually read but still held my attention. I really liked the characters and the premise behind the book. I recommend this book those who love historical reads and historical fiction.
My Rating: 3.5 stars
Summary:
The Sentinels is a group of graduates from an Elite American doctoral program that plan to take down the financial establishment from the Third Reich. In a Robin Hood style thievery they put their lives on the line to serve justice. They become involved in espionage and a very dangerous international conspiracy.
#read #bookstagram #books #readmore #readersofinstagram #thriller #historical #historicalfiction #gordonzuckerman #fortunesofwar #fiction #bookaddict #tbr #bookie #avidreader #booksbooksbooks
August 23, 2023
I thought the premise of the book sounded interesting. It starts out slow and it just doesn’t hold my attention. I really struggled to finish it . I’m sure there are many who will enjoy this book but it just didn’t do it for me.
July 30, 2023
“Friends, a toast: to the Six Sentinels.”
In the 1930s, Hitler has risen to power and a few money-hungry German industrialists have found a way to make a profit from the war. Unfortunately for them, the “Six Sentinels” are aware of their scheme. The six friends, who attended the same doctoral program, reunite for a dangerous mission. They have a plan to steal money from the German industrialists in the hopes of putting an end to the war. Along the way, each member of the group becomes the target of a group called Samson who has been hired to stop the Sentinels by whatever means necessary. The story follows the friends in their race against time as they flee from danger while trying desperately to complete their initial plan.
The novel kept me interested and invested in the plights of the six friends. I appreciated the character development and the pace of the story. Thank you to Book Publicity Services for a complimentary copy of this title in exchange for my honest review.
In the 1930s, Hitler has risen to power and a few money-hungry German industrialists have found a way to make a profit from the war. Unfortunately for them, the “Six Sentinels” are aware of their scheme. The six friends, who attended the same doctoral program, reunite for a dangerous mission. They have a plan to steal money from the German industrialists in the hopes of putting an end to the war. Along the way, each member of the group becomes the target of a group called Samson who has been hired to stop the Sentinels by whatever means necessary. The story follows the friends in their race against time as they flee from danger while trying desperately to complete their initial plan.
The novel kept me interested and invested in the plights of the six friends. I appreciated the character development and the pace of the story. Thank you to Book Publicity Services for a complimentary copy of this title in exchange for my honest review.
July 25, 2023
Normally I do not pick up historical fiction books. I decided to give this one a chance because the blurb sounded interesting.
In the midst of a financial downfall in the 1930's, a group of graduates from an elite program at University of California, Berkeley determined to dismantle Hitler's reign of terror come up with a plan against a group of greedy German businessmen who are looking to hoard millions of dollars in illegal war profits.
I will admit it took me forever to get into this book because it started way too slow for my liking. I'm just not used to history/war books. The financial lingo takeover turned me off a bit as well. I believe the author could've done a bit better delivering the book. The characters were a bit flat, and sound so familiar. Sometimes it was hard to keep track of who was who. A better experience while reading the book is . We were just being told the story, and not making us experience it.
I do appreciate the little bit of romance that was sprinkled in the book. At least it made it feel a bit more realistic, and shows that within chaos, emotions can be felt, and the heart still craves affection.
Thank you to Book Publicity Services for a copyi of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In the midst of a financial downfall in the 1930's, a group of graduates from an elite program at University of California, Berkeley determined to dismantle Hitler's reign of terror come up with a plan against a group of greedy German businessmen who are looking to hoard millions of dollars in illegal war profits.
I will admit it took me forever to get into this book because it started way too slow for my liking. I'm just not used to history/war books. The financial lingo takeover turned me off a bit as well. I believe the author could've done a bit better delivering the book. The characters were a bit flat, and sound so familiar. Sometimes it was hard to keep track of who was who. A better experience while reading the book is . We were just being told the story, and not making us experience it.
I do appreciate the little bit of romance that was sprinkled in the book. At least it made it feel a bit more realistic, and shows that within chaos, emotions can be felt, and the heart still craves affection.
Thank you to Book Publicity Services for a copyi of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2023
Book Publicity Services gifted me this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for a free copy of this novel.
I finished Fortunes of War by Gordon Zuckerman today after reading a physical copy of the book and audiobooking through Audible. Overall, the idea of this book was intriguing and inviting; however, I don’t think the book reached its full potential. The novel contained its fair share of espionage, love triangles, and miscellaneous ways to evade capture by the enemy, but I think the concept of it all was unrealistic. I had a hard time believing six college graduates could successfully plot and steal money from Hitler and Germany without being discovered. Additionally, there were too many tangents, random details, or excessive explanations of logistics that left this story feeling confusing, non-cohesive, and unsatisfactory. I wish I had liked this book more, but I may try his remaining books to see if I enjoy his other novels more.
I finished Fortunes of War by Gordon Zuckerman today after reading a physical copy of the book and audiobooking through Audible. Overall, the idea of this book was intriguing and inviting; however, I don’t think the book reached its full potential. The novel contained its fair share of espionage, love triangles, and miscellaneous ways to evade capture by the enemy, but I think the concept of it all was unrealistic. I had a hard time believing six college graduates could successfully plot and steal money from Hitler and Germany without being discovered. Additionally, there were too many tangents, random details, or excessive explanations of logistics that left this story feeling confusing, non-cohesive, and unsatisfactory. I wish I had liked this book more, but I may try his remaining books to see if I enjoy his other novels more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2023
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December 12, 2024
*Sighs*
I wanted so much to like this book. A merry band of friends working together to bring down the National Socialist Party by pulling the strings in the background sounds like it would be exciting right? RIGHT? Alas, it was not so. This has to be the least thrilling espionage-spy novel I have read in a really long time.
Generally when you get into a thriller/suspense novel, you worry for the characters and the things that they are going through. A really great thriller/suspense novel has you on the edge of your seat wondering what is going to happen. You become invested in the characters, their actions and the outcomes of their choices. When you are halfway through the book and you can't remember one character from another that is a huge problem.
I am a huge believer that the characters make the story. How a reader identifies with character from a book has a direct impact with how they enjoy it. For me, I could not have cared less for anyone that was in the story.
Playboy who is torn between two women? Ho hum. Information smuggler held hostage by the enemy? Boring. Women who is running away from killers cross country in snow? Trolololol.
Any of these situations should have evoked SOME emotion - BUT THEY DIDN'T and that is my biggest problem with this book. It felt like someone was giving a debriefing of events that happened. If I wanted to be talked at I would read a debriefing not a suspense thriller.
I wanted so much to like this book. A merry band of friends working together to bring down the National Socialist Party by pulling the strings in the background sounds like it would be exciting right? RIGHT? Alas, it was not so. This has to be the least thrilling espionage-spy novel I have read in a really long time.
Generally when you get into a thriller/suspense novel, you worry for the characters and the things that they are going through. A really great thriller/suspense novel has you on the edge of your seat wondering what is going to happen. You become invested in the characters, their actions and the outcomes of their choices. When you are halfway through the book and you can't remember one character from another that is a huge problem.
I am a huge believer that the characters make the story. How a reader identifies with character from a book has a direct impact with how they enjoy it. For me, I could not have cared less for anyone that was in the story.
Playboy who is torn between two women? Ho hum. Information smuggler held hostage by the enemy? Boring. Women who is running away from killers cross country in snow? Trolololol.
Any of these situations should have evoked SOME emotion - BUT THEY DIDN'T and that is my biggest problem with this book. It felt like someone was giving a debriefing of events that happened. If I wanted to be talked at I would read a debriefing not a suspense thriller.
July 6, 2023
For me, this was just “eh”. It fell flat. The characters were kind of all over the place and not fully developed. I just didn’t care.
November 12, 2023
I was gifted a copy by @bookpublicityservices in exchange for an honest review. This isn’t something I would normally choose to read but the book trailer was intriguing. With that said…there was so much packed into this under 300 page book that I think it would have been more enjoyable as a movie.
There was a lot going on and a lot of characters to keep track of. It was equal parts interesting and equal parts confusing. I think that was due to it having such a heavy focus on the world of international finance, banking, and economics during the first half of the book. For me, that made it hard to follow and I sort of skimmed through the last 1/3rd.
What I did enjoy: the characters were interesting, there is a love story component mixed in, and I really enjoyed the government aspect involving Cecelia, her personal involvement/work, and her life.
Zuckermans writing style was descriptive and fantastic. While I likely won’t continue this particular series…He is an author that I would certainly read again if the main topic were something I was more interested in and familiar with.
Read if you enjoy: historical fiction, World War II, government/politics, international finance/banking, espionage, action packed stories, short chapters, and multiple POV.
Rounding up to 3/5⭐️. In fairness, I think in order to be able to truly enjoy and appreciate this book fully it has to be the right audience (and I probably wasn’t it).
There was a lot going on and a lot of characters to keep track of. It was equal parts interesting and equal parts confusing. I think that was due to it having such a heavy focus on the world of international finance, banking, and economics during the first half of the book. For me, that made it hard to follow and I sort of skimmed through the last 1/3rd.
What I did enjoy: the characters were interesting, there is a love story component mixed in, and I really enjoyed the government aspect involving Cecelia, her personal involvement/work, and her life.
Zuckermans writing style was descriptive and fantastic. While I likely won’t continue this particular series…He is an author that I would certainly read again if the main topic were something I was more interested in and familiar with.
Read if you enjoy: historical fiction, World War II, government/politics, international finance/banking, espionage, action packed stories, short chapters, and multiple POV.
Rounding up to 3/5⭐️. In fairness, I think in order to be able to truly enjoy and appreciate this book fully it has to be the right audience (and I probably wasn’t it).
October 8, 2023
3.5 stars!
While this isn’t a book I’d typically pick up myself, I’m glad I read this! I was really intrigued by the premise and it definitely held my attention. The espionage of this was really fascinating, and was an angle I haven’t read much about in WWII historical fiction. The book itself is well paced and the topic is interesting.
I will be honest and say that some of the bond and banking lingo went over my head, so I found myself googling a lot to be able to follow what the Sentinels were up to on a micro-level, but I still understood most of what was happening and where the story was going.
My qualms with the story lie with two big pieces: the language and the romance. Sometimes it felt too modern—I was expecting it to read more like a WWII novel, but the language felt very modern…not 1940s.
The romance was also not my favorite. It felt really fake and annoying. Jacques, a notorious ladies man, finds himself in love with two women at once after sleeping with them. He then proceeds to sleep with both women until he figures out who he wants. It’s annoying!!! I digress.
Overall, I enjoyed this & I’m glad I read it!
Thank you to Book Publicity Services for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 15, 2023
It’s the 1930’s and Hitler’s popularity is on the rise in Germany.
In the U.S. six friends discover that a group of German industrialists used their money and power to help Hitler rise to the top for their own benefit.
The problem- these Germans didn’t count on Hitler becoming so popular among their people. Now they want to smuggle their immense wealth out of Germany without Hitler finding out. Possibly to set up the next Reich and to continue benefiting from war.
When the six friends happen across this plan of the Germans, they decide to try to thwart their plans…by stealing a huge amount of the money. They soon find themselves being hunted down one by one. Everyone is in danger, Hitler has found out that large amounts of money have been leaving Germany and the industrialists have found out who is stealing their money…
If you want to find out what happens next you’ll have to read this one for yourself! The Sentinals: Fortunes of War by Gordon Zuckerman is book one in this series. This book as well as all books featured on our page can be found in our Amazon Storefront, link in bio. Thank you @bookpublicityservices for gifting us this copy! 🌺🧜🏻♀️
In the U.S. six friends discover that a group of German industrialists used their money and power to help Hitler rise to the top for their own benefit.
The problem- these Germans didn’t count on Hitler becoming so popular among their people. Now they want to smuggle their immense wealth out of Germany without Hitler finding out. Possibly to set up the next Reich and to continue benefiting from war.
When the six friends happen across this plan of the Germans, they decide to try to thwart their plans…by stealing a huge amount of the money. They soon find themselves being hunted down one by one. Everyone is in danger, Hitler has found out that large amounts of money have been leaving Germany and the industrialists have found out who is stealing their money…
If you want to find out what happens next you’ll have to read this one for yourself! The Sentinals: Fortunes of War by Gordon Zuckerman is book one in this series. This book as well as all books featured on our page can be found in our Amazon Storefront, link in bio. Thank you @bookpublicityservices for gifting us this copy! 🌺🧜🏻♀️
January 25, 2013
What an utter waste of my time. A book has to be pretty bad for me to stop reading it, and this one has that distinction. Unbelievable, unsympathetic characters, lackluster dialogue, and gross inaccuracy.
My turning point was Chapter 4 - a Pan American Clipper commercial trans-Atlantic flight lands at Southampton, on the Thames. Well... Southampton isn't on the Thames. And as I understand it, trans-Atlantic clipper flights were redirected to Lisbon or Ireland during WWII.
Authors aren't perfect, but I certainly have some expectation of accuracy in the books I read. This one didn't make the cut, and after less than 100 pages, in the recycle bin it goes - I can't even be bothered to subject some other innocent reader anticipating a good historical espionage story to this sort of disappointing crap.
My turning point was Chapter 4 - a Pan American Clipper commercial trans-Atlantic flight lands at Southampton, on the Thames. Well... Southampton isn't on the Thames. And as I understand it, trans-Atlantic clipper flights were redirected to Lisbon or Ireland during WWII.
Authors aren't perfect, but I certainly have some expectation of accuracy in the books I read. This one didn't make the cut, and after less than 100 pages, in the recycle bin it goes - I can't even be bothered to subject some other innocent reader anticipating a good historical espionage story to this sort of disappointing crap.
November 24, 2023
Fortunes of War is the first book of The Sentinels series by Gordon Zuckerman. This is a part historical fiction and espionage story.
Set in 1943 during World War Two, six friends try to hold German industrialists responsible for their crimes. In doing so, they put their lives at stake. This book is full of heist, daring escapades, and courage.
I enjoyed reading this book. This book does need complete attention while reading, though. I had a bit of difficulty following the financial aspect of this book, and there are quite a bit of characters popping in and out. I would have liked the characters to be a bit fleshed out as well.
Thank you, Book Publicity Services, for this book.
Set in 1943 during World War Two, six friends try to hold German industrialists responsible for their crimes. In doing so, they put their lives at stake. This book is full of heist, daring escapades, and courage.
I enjoyed reading this book. This book does need complete attention while reading, though. I had a bit of difficulty following the financial aspect of this book, and there are quite a bit of characters popping in and out. I would have liked the characters to be a bit fleshed out as well.
Thank you, Book Publicity Services, for this book.
January 17, 2024
This was an interesting take on a WWII novel. Six scholars work to foil the financial ties of the Third Reich. The banking lingo went a little over my head and I found some plot points to be rather abrupt & not throughly flushed out. The dialogue and language also felt a little too modern for the era. However, the nonstop action and espionage secrets kept me interested and I was invested in the outcome of the Six Sentinels. Claudine’s storyline was my favorite.
Thank you to Book Publicity Services for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Book Publicity Services for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 25, 2023
I love thrillers and historical fiction, but unfortunately this wasn't the book for me.
I found it hard to concentrate and keep engaged. Some parts I found hard to understand certain languages that were used for professions i'm not as familiar with. Perhaps also too many characters.
However, just because it wasn't the book for me, doesn't mean it isn't the one for you!
I found it hard to concentrate and keep engaged. Some parts I found hard to understand certain languages that were used for professions i'm not as familiar with. Perhaps also too many characters.
However, just because it wasn't the book for me, doesn't mean it isn't the one for you!
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