The Amber Room

Priceless Collection #2

by T. Davis Bunn, Davis Bunn

In a sequel to "Florian's Gate," secret East German papers lead Alexander Kantor and his assistant, Jeffrey Sinclair, to clues concerning the whereabouts of the amber room, a priceless treasure stolen by the Nazis during World War II

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Historical Fiction, Suspense, Christian, Christian Historical Fiction

334 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1992

About the author

Also writes under the names Thomas Locke and Davis Bunn.

Reviews

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blown again once more. I read the first book of this series a couple years ago and wanted the second book so bad. By the time I found the sequel, my reading wasn't as consistent and I struggled to get into this one. Time past and this sad reader decided it was time to focus on the beautiful world of books again and I picked this one up once more. Only after a few pages, did I remember how well this author writes with richness and historical accuracy. He brought forth the good and bad of the Cold War years in Europe, the reality of people and their depravity without God, and very honestly painted the struggle of Christians to have love for others. I didn't always agree with the Christian worldview, but I was challenged and I loved watching Jeffrey, Katja, and many of the others as they journeyed through treasures and mysteries and history. A truly captivating read!

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rich in christian teaching and tradition, two of my favorite things and throw in all the places in and around Krakow and you have the makings of one of my favorite fiction books. This time period (just after the fall of Communism) is one I have not studied but will do so as a result of this book and the current situation in Ukraine. The costs of freedom are high but the costs of lack of freedom are even higher. Please let us not permit the situation to return to Eastern Europe that devastated generations and destroyed the traditions both religious and cultural, of the nations. That is the nation's soul. Excellent book and looking forward to reading book 3 - Winter Palace.

[Trudy L · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the conclusion to Florian's Gate. What a tremendous testimony of rich heritage, incredible loss, and the indomitable spirit of peoples crushed by decades of oppression...
Jeffrey, Alexander and Katya are back again, united in the cause of restoring ownership of national treasures to Poland. The characters are deep and spiritual, and as their eyes are opened to new insights, mine have been in some respects as well. Very well done.

[Kristen Joy Wilks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm just reading this again after picking up the e-book. I first read this as a teen. This is the first book that made me seriously consider God's creation as something believers should be fighting to protect. Was raised to think of environmental issues as made up. The Amber room isn't even about the environment, but the author's obvious first hand experiences in the terrible pollution of early 1990's Poland stuck with me and changed how I thought about the lovely world that God gave us. Only drawback, the book does ramble a bit. I really do love this book though. It is fun, adventurous, and thoughtful. Love the antiques and the quest for treasure. A lovely book.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. There was the suspense of two mysteries in Poland. And a trip to see the Black Madonna. Having been to Jasna Gora myself this brought back good memories. My one complaint is with the telling of the legend of the painting of Our Lady of Czestochowa. The author made it sound like the original had been destroyed and repainted with the marks to denote a copy. In contrast, every story I have read says this is the original and the marks are from a failed attempt to destroy the painting by invaders.

[Allison Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think all three of these books are so important in todays times especially. They highlight from the people who lived through it, what East Germany, Poland, and the Soviet Union was like during the times following the fall of the Berlin Wall. Socialism and Communism took its toll on not only the countries heritage, but its people, its heart. I love the stories Bunn put into these books and I treasure these books so that very reason. And the writing just kept me up into the night, which is a very high compliment, I love my sleep.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Amber Room is an extraordinary novel in an excellent historical series. I love every page! My favorite character is Gregor, an old man who is very wise and who passes on much of his wisdom to those who thirst for knowledge. When asked the definition of a pilgrimage: ‘”Our modern world is too swift to criticize what it does not understand and to condemn what it finds the least bit uncomfortable,’ Gregor replied. ‘A pilgrimage is nothing more than a prayer with feet.’”

[Gayle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Continuing this series is a matter of wanting closure more than greatly enjoying the books. The historical research is interesting and I enjoyed very much learning about The Amber Room but the book isn't thrilling. Bunn has done so much better on others.

[Denise High · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent history

Bunn’s impeccable research and faithful retelling of eyewitness accounts give amateur historians like myself a window into another time, place and culture. Thanks for weaving so much truth (historical and spiritual) into great read!

[Sophiepedia · Rating 4 out of 5]

No me atrapó tanto como pensé, pero si es un libro que te abre el panorama de cómo es que las grandes colecciones personas y museos llegaron a tener grandes obras.
Muy descriptivo, callendo en lo redundante.

[Kenny Sargent · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Priceless Collection wasn't my favorite, but I found this one to be quite interesting

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author does a great job of weaving personal faith stories and other Christian thoughts into this historical novel. Learned a lot about Eastern Europe around the time of WWII.

[Colleen Schoenecker · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was difficult to get into. Hard to follow the characters. I slogged thru it. Interesting history of Poland and it's art, culture, and aristocracy, but not worth the read.

[Rachel Berkowitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy read, narrative weak and plot predictable, but paints beautiful landscapes of countries and people. Made me want to go see the places in the story. Interesting characters. An American goes to work for Polish Survivor in London, becomes prodigy in the London antique-dealership who finds adventure as he travels deep into post-soviet Eastern Europe searching for antiques. Could do without the religious-faith narratives.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Engaging but not exceptional

These are early books by Bunn, a master of suspense. Set in Eastern Europe as the “iron curtain “ was crumbling they do make a good escapist adventure. Bunn researched the art market well, so they are compelling to anyone interested in art and fine antiques. i reread them for my favorite character Gregor, who figures in all three books, though he is not the main character in any of them.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intriguing story set in post-Communist Eastern Europe. His attention to detail and thorough research paint a vivid and historically accurate picture of what Eastern European countries faced after the collapse of Communism. The legends surrounding the Amber Room added a layer of richness to the story. Very nicely written.

[Barbara · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit tedious to get through. Despite all the research, the story line seemed to get lost at times in historical details and didn't seem to flow as well as some. Not one of his fast paced reads for sure.

[Muriel Hammond-teusink]

Another great book

[Ellen · Rating 1 out of 5]

boring

[Lizpeveto · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like all of his books. He writes in a little different style from his earlier books, more detail and intrigue.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story of post WWII Europe. An antique dealer has friends who allow him to hear of treasures hidden from war

Merged review:

Fascinating story of post WWII eastern Europe

[Edith Lommerse · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well the theme was interesting and the descriptions of landscapes and places were good.

[Mj Mccoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Priceless Collection are some of my favorite books. I have two sets I bought used because I like to loan one set and keep one for myself. I'm glad they have be reissued.

[Nancy Major · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of three books in the series. Well written and well researched. Kept my interest throughout the book.

[Brad Francis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very satisfying read once again.

[Morag · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story - Fabulous characters - wonderful plot!!! A superb author! A great second book in the trilogy.

[Viviene Wood · Rating 3 out of 5]

learned a lot from this book of how difficult recovering from WWII Germany had it

[Laura]

It's been so long ago - I would like to read it again.

[Phyllis C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeffrey and Kalya hold this story together.