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King's Ransom
The Faith to Face Tyranny
Faith to Face the Third Reich
Two Stories of Undaunted Courage
Set during the darkest days of World War II, King’s Ransom tells the heroic story of Tsar Boris III, King of Bulgaria, and his extraordinary efforts to save his country’s Jewish population from Hitler’s concentration camps. Aware of the price he might pay for his risks, Boris faced the Third Reich with courage and resolve, firm in his Christian convictions that would not permit him to abandon nearly 50,000 Jews. Boris, along with members of the Orthodox Church, Jewish religious leaders, and others, ultimately ensured that no Bulgarian Jews lost their lives to Hitler’s regime.
Based on a True Story
Historically accurate, Boris’s quest to save Bulgaria’s Jews is interwoven with the love story of Daria, the Jewish attendant to the Bulgarian royal family, and Dobri, a sergeant in the king’s guard. With courageous characters and passionate storytelling, King’s Ransom reveals how individuals acting on faith can change the course of history.
Faith to Face the Third Reich
Two Stories of Undaunted Courage
Set during the darkest days of World War II, King’s Ransom tells the heroic story of Tsar Boris III, King of Bulgaria, and his extraordinary efforts to save his country’s Jewish population from Hitler’s concentration camps. Aware of the price he might pay for his risks, Boris faced the Third Reich with courage and resolve, firm in his Christian convictions that would not permit him to abandon nearly 50,000 Jews. Boris, along with members of the Orthodox Church, Jewish religious leaders, and others, ultimately ensured that no Bulgarian Jews lost their lives to Hitler’s regime.
Based on a True Story
Historically accurate, Boris’s quest to save Bulgaria’s Jews is interwoven with the love story of Daria, the Jewish attendant to the Bulgarian royal family, and Dobri, a sergeant in the king’s guard. With courageous characters and passionate storytelling, King’s Ransom reveals how individuals acting on faith can change the course of history.
384 pages, Paperback
First published September 21, 2004
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106 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 4, 2012
I liked this historical fiction--it is the story of the king of Bulgaria who walked a fine line in preserving his country during WWII. He was a reluctant ally with Hitler in order to preserve his country and his people from being in the midst of the war, yet refused to send the Bulgarian Jews to concentration camps and was most likely poisoned by Hitler as a result. It did make me want to read the true accounts, though: A Crown of Thorns, written by the son of a member of his cabinet, and Beyond Hitler's Grasp.
August 4, 2016
The story of Bulgaria's Jewish population and Bulgaria's precarious position as a nation during the WWII years comes to vivid life in this novel. The authors dig into the varying points of view, from on high with Tsar Boris and from the everyday person like servant Daria, and really make the reader experience the era.
I'd never really given much thought to Tsar Boris during WWII. I knew some rough information about Bulgaria's position in WWII and on its Jews, but the struggle to balance allegiances to both Germany and Russia came to vivid life in this book. He's a man caught in a very hard situation. Cultural ties link Bulgaria to Russia, but the power of Nazi Germany all around them make Boris pay court to them as well. The authors are able to make that struggle come to life in their characterization of Boris, a gentle but determined man whose main focus is on Bulgaria's safety and security. I really felt for him and his struggle.
Dobri, a palace guard, and Daria, the royal family's Jewish servant and companion, had this sweet romance going that I enjoyed. Despite all the darkness of the information coming out of Poland on the fate of the Jews, they were still able to experience the light of romance. They also shined as individuals, from Dobri's devotion to the royal family and love to Daria's finding her identity as a Jew among all the turmoil around her.
I only wish their authors had maybe stuck with these points of view and told the story from them. Yet, there are many more in this book that made for some hard reading. I can think of at least five or six more points of view explored within, from the main churchman in Bulgaria to a Jew in a small Bulgarian town with relatives in Macedonia to a virulent anti-Semitic government man. And while all these points of view provide varying ways in which to see the situation of the Jews of Bulgaria, at times the story was bogged down from switching between them.
Overall, this book was an enjoyable and moving read on Bulgaria during WWII. I felt connected with our main characters, their trials, and their triumphs. And while switching points of view made for, at times, a hard read, I would definitely recommend this book for anyone who enjoys WWII and Holocaust fiction.
I'd never really given much thought to Tsar Boris during WWII. I knew some rough information about Bulgaria's position in WWII and on its Jews, but the struggle to balance allegiances to both Germany and Russia came to vivid life in this book. He's a man caught in a very hard situation. Cultural ties link Bulgaria to Russia, but the power of Nazi Germany all around them make Boris pay court to them as well. The authors are able to make that struggle come to life in their characterization of Boris, a gentle but determined man whose main focus is on Bulgaria's safety and security. I really felt for him and his struggle.
Dobri, a palace guard, and Daria, the royal family's Jewish servant and companion, had this sweet romance going that I enjoyed. Despite all the darkness of the information coming out of Poland on the fate of the Jews, they were still able to experience the light of romance. They also shined as individuals, from Dobri's devotion to the royal family and love to Daria's finding her identity as a Jew among all the turmoil around her.
I only wish their authors had maybe stuck with these points of view and told the story from them. Yet, there are many more in this book that made for some hard reading. I can think of at least five or six more points of view explored within, from the main churchman in Bulgaria to a Jew in a small Bulgarian town with relatives in Macedonia to a virulent anti-Semitic government man. And while all these points of view provide varying ways in which to see the situation of the Jews of Bulgaria, at times the story was bogged down from switching between them.
Overall, this book was an enjoyable and moving read on Bulgaria during WWII. I felt connected with our main characters, their trials, and their triumphs. And while switching points of view made for, at times, a hard read, I would definitely recommend this book for anyone who enjoys WWII and Holocaust fiction.
July 23, 2012
With Bulgaria back in the news with a bombing attack on Jewish tourists, this is an interesting tale of how Czar Boris overcame the pressures of Hitler and the Nazi conquerors to protect his Jewish citizens throughout World War 2.
The story gets derailed with a love story between the Queen's Jewish assistant and the handsome bodyguard.
The story gets derailed with a love story between the Queen's Jewish assistant and the handsome bodyguard.
December 19, 2022
The fictionalized story of Bulgarian Tsar Boris III during WWII. With pressure from Hitler to take an active role in the war, the Tsar’s goal was twofold: first, to appear supportive of Germany while at the same time keeping Bulgarian troops out of the war, and secondly, to protect Jewish Bulgarians from being transported to the death camps. The Tsar’s diplomatic efforts as represented here were delicately and craftily successful, until 1943.
Apparently he was dearly and deeply loved by his people at the time, and he truly loved All his people and his country.
I like historical fiction because there is always something to learn. Though I’ve probably read hundred of books, both fact and fiction, over the years about WWII, this was all new information to me. And the first half was a struggle with all the difficult-to-pronounce names; almost abandoned it. But midway through, the story really picked up and got exciting.
Tsar Boris III was an honorable man who undoubtedly saved thousands of lives of his countrymen and women. A true diplomat who cared about his people.
Apparently he was dearly and deeply loved by his people at the time, and he truly loved All his people and his country.
I like historical fiction because there is always something to learn. Though I’ve probably read hundred of books, both fact and fiction, over the years about WWII, this was all new information to me. And the first half was a struggle with all the difficult-to-pronounce names; almost abandoned it. But midway through, the story really picked up and got exciting.
Tsar Boris III was an honorable man who undoubtedly saved thousands of lives of his countrymen and women. A true diplomat who cared about his people.
January 15, 2025
Excellently plotted, a compelling historical fiction of Tsar Boris of Bulgaria and his attempts to navigate the demands of the fascist government to ally with the Third Reich and yet save his Jewish citizens. The characters are well drawn and well developed, mainly from historical evidence - notwithstanding the fictitious romance which is entwined with the historical reality. At times this reads like a political thriller. It brings out the importance of humanity in time of war. The book has inspired me to read more about the political history of 20th century Bulgaria and the personalities who governed the country in perilous times.
June 30, 2021
This book is amazing. The story of Tsar Boris III, King of Bulgaria, fight to save the Jewish people in his country is captivating. I think it’s a must read for anyone who desires the courage to fight the unreasoning hatred we experience today. Or anyone who wants to read a good, realistic story about WW II.
April 23, 2019
Fascinating true story...made even more as I have just returned from a tour of Bulgaria where I heard his story ...
Well written too...
Well written too...
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April 1, 2023Stopped at 150. It was interesting but I just can’t keep reading about WW2.
June 25, 2025
There are so many books about WWll, but this one was about a country/monarch that I haven’t heard much about - Tsar Boris of Bulgaria.
February 4, 2017
Another book chipping away at the heterodoxy that everyone in every country that was swallowed up by the Reich was the same degree of evil, and that all were equally devoted to the "Final Solution" of the "Jewish question." King's Ransom takes us to the often-overlooked nation of Bulgaria under the reign of King Boris III, trying to chart a course for his country, which was sandwiched between hostile powers. He joined the Reich unwillingly, and with the least amount of involvement possible, but with his country at risk of being moved around like a pawn (or obliterated) and the Allies giving him nothing but words, he made the hard choice to save as many of his people as possible.
That is the pattern we follow him through over the majority of the war, as he tries to strike the balance and find the compromise that will allow him to keep the most control of his country and save the most lives. The cost, of course, is increasing restrictions on Bulgaria's Jewish population, something he would not have chosen but frequently cannot avoid or prevent. At best, he can refuse to condone, or try to mitigate.
I think it is a mistake to say that this is "one man's struggle," as the book focuses on many different people who fought for the rights of their fellow Bulgarians. Unlike some other reviewers, I didn't mind the side stories of Dobri and Daria, Metropolitan Stefan, Boku, Daniel Tsion, and the rest. They filled out the story and made it clear that we were not just looking at one or two people who were fighting for their country and their people, it was an entire nation. People of all walks of life banded together to stand for what was right, and that is an important reminder, and lesson, in our current climate.
Although published by a Christian publishing house, the book is not preachy; it merely sets out people of faith acting according to their beliefs and principles. So if you're deciding whether or not to read the book, don't let that be a sticking point for you.
This is the historical fiction, so I will be looking up the nonfiction accounts of Boris's reign to fill in the blanks and give me "the rest of the story" that this novel wasn't designed to provide. It isn't an exhaustive work and wasn't meant to be, just an introduction to the story. But it was a great introduction, and definitely well word the read.
That is the pattern we follow him through over the majority of the war, as he tries to strike the balance and find the compromise that will allow him to keep the most control of his country and save the most lives. The cost, of course, is increasing restrictions on Bulgaria's Jewish population, something he would not have chosen but frequently cannot avoid or prevent. At best, he can refuse to condone, or try to mitigate.
I think it is a mistake to say that this is "one man's struggle," as the book focuses on many different people who fought for the rights of their fellow Bulgarians. Unlike some other reviewers, I didn't mind the side stories of Dobri and Daria, Metropolitan Stefan, Boku, Daniel Tsion, and the rest. They filled out the story and made it clear that we were not just looking at one or two people who were fighting for their country and their people, it was an entire nation. People of all walks of life banded together to stand for what was right, and that is an important reminder, and lesson, in our current climate.
Although published by a Christian publishing house, the book is not preachy; it merely sets out people of faith acting according to their beliefs and principles. So if you're deciding whether or not to read the book, don't let that be a sticking point for you.
This is the historical fiction, so I will be looking up the nonfiction accounts of Boris's reign to fill in the blanks and give me "the rest of the story" that this novel wasn't designed to provide. It isn't an exhaustive work and wasn't meant to be, just an introduction to the story. But it was a great introduction, and definitely well word the read.
March 21, 2016
With slight hesitation, I gave this book four rather than three stars because it brings to light a little known historical drama--the King of Bulgaria vs The Third Reich during World War II. The authors deserve credit for an interesting narrative, though at times seek to cover too many stories that slow the narrative unnecessarily. The book takes the reader to the little known country of Bulgaria ruled by Tsar Boris III who vainly tries to keep a balance between the Third Reich's demands and his own country's best interests.
The crux of the struggle revolves around the rounding up of Bulgarian Jews, long an integrated population, and Hitler's desire to transport them to Polish concentration camps. The king is tormented by a desire to protect his small nation from being swallowed up in a post-war world and his desire, not always foremost, to protect his Jewish citizens. He is finally swayed to stop the exportation of Jews, though many nonetheless suffer in Bulgarian prison camps, by the outstanding opposition of articulate Jewish leaders and the strong passions of the Metropolitan of the Bulgarian Orthodox church who rallies others to plead for an end to the madness.
Despite these counter-forces, it seems that it is the plight of Daria, his wife's Jewish attendant, and Dobri, a young member of his personal guard, that seems to be the deciding factor. The two young people have fallen in love and both the Tsar and Tsarina are in their corner, but then there's the Jewish question. In the end it his desire to protect Daria and preserve her relationship with Dobri that seems to be the tipping point that leads to his standing up to the Third Reich's brutal deportation orders.
Although the book is historical fiction, the authors have remained faithful to the history of the era and provided a feeling of what it was like to live in tense, terrifying times. An additional positive is the inclusion of how the stories of the main characters unfold into the twentieth century.
The crux of the struggle revolves around the rounding up of Bulgarian Jews, long an integrated population, and Hitler's desire to transport them to Polish concentration camps. The king is tormented by a desire to protect his small nation from being swallowed up in a post-war world and his desire, not always foremost, to protect his Jewish citizens. He is finally swayed to stop the exportation of Jews, though many nonetheless suffer in Bulgarian prison camps, by the outstanding opposition of articulate Jewish leaders and the strong passions of the Metropolitan of the Bulgarian Orthodox church who rallies others to plead for an end to the madness.
Despite these counter-forces, it seems that it is the plight of Daria, his wife's Jewish attendant, and Dobri, a young member of his personal guard, that seems to be the deciding factor. The two young people have fallen in love and both the Tsar and Tsarina are in their corner, but then there's the Jewish question. In the end it his desire to protect Daria and preserve her relationship with Dobri that seems to be the tipping point that leads to his standing up to the Third Reich's brutal deportation orders.
Although the book is historical fiction, the authors have remained faithful to the history of the era and provided a feeling of what it was like to live in tense, terrifying times. An additional positive is the inclusion of how the stories of the main characters unfold into the twentieth century.
August 24, 2013
King’s Ransom, Jan Beazely and Thom Lemmons (3.5)
It is hard to find unique World War II stories that have unknown endings since much of the war has been discussed. ‘King’s Ransom’ was able to keep the suspense for me through a sad but thoughtful tale of Bulgaria’s role in WWII. While this book is historical fiction, only one of the main characters is completely fabricated and it follows Bulgaria’s actions accurately. It was interesting to follow the fate of a small, relatively powerless country trapped between Germany and Russia as the King tried to protect his citizens while dealing with Hitler and his thirst for the eradication of all Jewish people from Europe. The King’s attempts to placate the Third Reich and a sizable anti-communist faction within his country (who believed what the Germans were selling) were balanced against the common Bulgarian citizen and a powerful religious group to whom the behavior towards Jews was preposterous and unforgivable. Since I only knew the status of Bulgaria after the war ended, the delicate and only partially tragic path was interesting to follow.
It is hard to find unique World War II stories that have unknown endings since much of the war has been discussed. ‘King’s Ransom’ was able to keep the suspense for me through a sad but thoughtful tale of Bulgaria’s role in WWII. While this book is historical fiction, only one of the main characters is completely fabricated and it follows Bulgaria’s actions accurately. It was interesting to follow the fate of a small, relatively powerless country trapped between Germany and Russia as the King tried to protect his citizens while dealing with Hitler and his thirst for the eradication of all Jewish people from Europe. The King’s attempts to placate the Third Reich and a sizable anti-communist faction within his country (who believed what the Germans were selling) were balanced against the common Bulgarian citizen and a powerful religious group to whom the behavior towards Jews was preposterous and unforgivable. Since I only knew the status of Bulgaria after the war ended, the delicate and only partially tragic path was interesting to follow.
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September 4, 2007set during world war ii, this book focuses on the household of the king of bulgaria, who is portrayed as a decent man caught in the midst of forces that threaten to tear about his beloved homeland. he doesn't want to condemn the jews of his kingdom to death, but he also doesn't want to see the nazi's come in and forceably take over. to make the story more interesting, the author insersts the character of daria, and adopted jewess who is the nanny of the kings children and in love with one of his bodyguards. in the novel, her influence helps the king put a face to the people his decisions will impact. [return]i was fascinated by this aspect of history that i knew little about before reading this book. i could tell that parts of it had to be made up, but overall the author captured the sense of the time period well and it wasn't too hard to imagine such things really happening. fans of world war ii fiction will enjoy seeing an overlooked aspect of that period brought to life in this novel.
March 2, 2010
king boris was forsed to do some things he did not want to do like not spending time with his sun and little girl he was stresrd with bulgera and how hitler was killing all the men and trying to over thron hem he is going to transefer his kids and wif becuse he dos not want his fanily to get heart he is think of a stragy roght know but his jard dobri is worid the plain will failand mor of the men will get killed and put throw mor pain then that are having know he is fased with alot of responsabilty hitler is killing all the jus and he is not happy at all wiith what he is doinh wit all of his men and he is trying to stip hem byt it is slowley working
August 6, 2007
This book is about the plight of the jews in bulgaria during WW2 and while the book advertises it as the Kings stance against the reich, I found the TRUE hero ( actually heroin) to be Daria richeti, a jewish nanny that takes on esther-esc qualities.
The book doesn't flow as well as I perfer. I think the authors attempt to make it more "real life" by injecting itallian, german, bulgarian and russian words cause confusion in the dialogue.
The ending also felt a little thrown together I enjoyed the last paragraph though.
all in all an okay book.
The book doesn't flow as well as I perfer. I think the authors attempt to make it more "real life" by injecting itallian, german, bulgarian and russian words cause confusion in the dialogue.
The ending also felt a little thrown together I enjoyed the last paragraph though.
all in all an okay book.
November 22, 2011
Taking a little known piece of history - Bulgaria saving their Jews during World War II - this book interweaves the story of Tsar Boris III, Metropolitan Stefan, and other decision makers with a fictionalized romance between the tsar's driver and one of the Queen's maids.
I've long said that I knew that good Christian fiction could be written, and this book proves it - excellent weaving of faith and reasons for decisions (and even though the authors are not, I believe, Orthodox, they did a good job of showing Orthodoxy) throughout the storyline without being either heavyhanded or cheesy.
I've long said that I knew that good Christian fiction could be written, and this book proves it - excellent weaving of faith and reasons for decisions (and even though the authors are not, I believe, Orthodox, they did a good job of showing Orthodoxy) throughout the storyline without being either heavyhanded or cheesy.
July 10, 2008
Tells the story of Tsar Boris III, King of Bulgaria and his efforts to save his country's Jewish population for Hitler's concentration camps. Through his resolve, along with members of the Orthodox Church, Jewish religious leaders, he ultimately ensured that no bulgarian Jews lost their lives to Hitler's regime. Based on a true story.
I appreciate what I learned in this book but the story did not hold me as much as "The Book Thief" or old reads - "Exodus" and "Milia 18" by Uris.
I appreciate what I learned in this book but the story did not hold me as much as "The Book Thief" or old reads - "Exodus" and "Milia 18" by Uris.
December 21, 2013
Set during WWII,King's Ransom tells the tale of Tsar Boris III, King of Bulgaria's efforts to save his country's Jews from Hitler's concentration camps. A story of faith and courage, heart-stopping intrigue, giving an insight into the Bulgarian culture.
This book is based on a true story.
This book is based on a true story.
June 14, 2015
Not a bad read The details about Tsar Boris III and the Bulgarian Orthodox Church were interesting indeed.
September 24, 2012
Very fascinating. Learned a lot about Bulgarian history and enjoyed getting to know the characters in this book.
September 4, 2013
inspiring true story of sacrificial leadership during World War II
April 2, 2017
This remarkable historical fiction narrative of Tsar Boris III's rescue of 50,000 Bulgarian Jews is the story of a hero-king whose life, especially when under the pressure cooker of encompassing evil, is marked by unimaginable sacrificial honor and love. To refuse Adolf Hitler, to his face while surely knowing this would likely mean death, must have required strength of which the rest of us can only imagine! The self-denying character of King Boris of Bulgaria, while part of the Axis forces is akin to that of Denmark's King Christian X and probably many others of whom I've not met, who led their countrymen during WWII to protect the fate of defenseless, vulnerable human beings. These stories must be told and remembered not only because they inspire and ignite hearts but also cause us to recognize warnings of history's repetitive tendencies.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews