What do you think?
Rate this book
Zion Chronicles #2
A Daughter of Zion
THE GATES OF ZION vividly portrayed both the indomitable courage and hope of the Jewish people streaming into Israel after the Holocaust as well as their intense battle to protect their new homeland. The sequel, A DAUGHTER OF ZION, centers around a returning Jewess named Rachel who survived the Nazi desolation, but only at a great personal cost. Smuggled into the besieged Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem, she discovers members of her long-lost family. Rachel decides she cannot leave the Old City or the people who stand as one thin line between its survival.
When secrets of her past are uncovered, she is discredited before the very people she wants so desperately to help. Alienated from her own people and left in despair, she is not aware of the enemy forces which threaten her very life
A SWEEPING HISTORICAL NOVEL OF A YOUNG NATION STRUGGLING TO KEEP ITS MANDATE AND A YOUNG WOMAN STRUGGLING FOR HER LIFE.
When secrets of her past are uncovered, she is discredited before the very people she wants so desperately to help. Alienated from her own people and left in despair, she is not aware of the enemy forces which threaten her very life
A SWEEPING HISTORICAL NOVEL OF A YOUNG NATION STRUGGLING TO KEEP ITS MANDATE AND A YOUNG WOMAN STRUGGLING FOR HER LIFE.
296 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 1987
199 people are currently reading
1432 people want to read
About the author
Bodie Thoene
201 books1,363 followersBODIE AND BROCK THOENE (pronounced Tay-nee) have written over 45 works of historical fiction. These best sellers have sold more than 10 million copies and won eight ECPA Gold Medallion Awards.
Bodie began her writing career as a teen journalist for her local newspaper. Eventually her byline appeared in prestigious periodicals such as U.S. News and World Report, The American West, and The Saturday Evening Post. She also worked for John Wayne’s Batjac Productions (she’s best known as author of The Fall Guy) and ABC Circle Films as a writer and researcher. John Wayne described her as “a writer with talent that captures the people and the times!” She has degrees in journalism and communications.
Bodie and Brock have four grown children—Rachel, Jake Thoene, Luke Thoene, and Ellie—and five grandchildren. Their sons, Jake and Luke, are carrying on the Thoene family talent as the next generation of writers, and Luke produces the Thoene audiobooks.
Bodie and Brock divide their time between London and Nevada.
Bodie began her writing career as a teen journalist for her local newspaper. Eventually her byline appeared in prestigious periodicals such as U.S. News and World Report, The American West, and The Saturday Evening Post. She also worked for John Wayne’s Batjac Productions (she’s best known as author of The Fall Guy) and ABC Circle Films as a writer and researcher. John Wayne described her as “a writer with talent that captures the people and the times!” She has degrees in journalism and communications.
Bodie and Brock have four grown children—Rachel, Jake Thoene, Luke Thoene, and Ellie—and five grandchildren. Their sons, Jake and Luke, are carrying on the Thoene family talent as the next generation of writers, and Luke produces the Thoene audiobooks.
Bodie and Brock divide their time between London and Nevada.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
January 2, 2018
Part two of the historical saga about the founding of Israel.
The character Rachel is the focus on this one. She has a terrible secret from her years of trying to survive in Germany, and wants to make up for it now.
Very melodramatic.
The character Rachel is the focus on this one. She has a terrible secret from her years of trying to survive in Germany, and wants to make up for it now.
Very melodramatic.
October 25, 2020
“How many times had she prayed to die, and the heavens had answered in stony silence?”
This book touched every heart string I have.
It convicted me of my ‘Shallow Christianity’ to the core. I. We have so many freedoms in North America. To read what these people went through, simply because they were Jews destroyed me.
Rachel is the main character in this story. She doesn’t know why she chooses to live anymore. The quote above was describing her. The horrors she went through in Nazi Germany I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemies. She was brave through it all, but always thought she was worthless because of the brand the terrible Nazi soldiers gave her. Why did she have to live when everything and everyone she knew was peaceful in the grave? Why did nightmares chase her when she thought it was over? Rachel is one the strongest characters I have ever read about.
This is a work of fiction, but I cannot help but believe thousands upon thousands of Jewish girls went through just what Rachel went through. I understand these people in the story were Jewish, but I cannot help but think about how easy it is to live my Christian life.. Imagine living in this era as a young woman and every day not knowing if you would make it to the end. Would a Palestinian soldier find you and take you to do who knows what horrible things to you? Would a bomb go off on the streets you walk on? Would a bullet pierce your flesh from a Palestinian look-out who shot at you just... because?
There are some details in this book described. Nothing ever over-and-above graphic, but I wouldn’t recommend to read this if that greatly affects you. I did not lower my rating because I believe the author used these details to portray just how terrible and despicable this era was.
This book was suspenseful, emotional, and just enough a touch of love.
Some of my favourite quotes from Leah, quite possibly my favourite character:
“If we do not draw a line and say to the enemies of peace, ‘This far and no farther,’ then someday this child I bear will be forced to fight an enemy a thousand times stronger than the one I face.” -Leah
“It is a mystery, Rachel. God made us one and all, did He not? And was it not His pleasure to make us all different? And yet people try always to make everyone the same...” -Leah
This book touched every heart string I have.
It convicted me of my ‘Shallow Christianity’ to the core. I. We have so many freedoms in North America. To read what these people went through, simply because they were Jews destroyed me.
Rachel is the main character in this story. She doesn’t know why she chooses to live anymore. The quote above was describing her. The horrors she went through in Nazi Germany I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemies. She was brave through it all, but always thought she was worthless because of the brand the terrible Nazi soldiers gave her. Why did she have to live when everything and everyone she knew was peaceful in the grave? Why did nightmares chase her when she thought it was over? Rachel is one the strongest characters I have ever read about.
This is a work of fiction, but I cannot help but believe thousands upon thousands of Jewish girls went through just what Rachel went through. I understand these people in the story were Jewish, but I cannot help but think about how easy it is to live my Christian life.. Imagine living in this era as a young woman and every day not knowing if you would make it to the end. Would a Palestinian soldier find you and take you to do who knows what horrible things to you? Would a bomb go off on the streets you walk on? Would a bullet pierce your flesh from a Palestinian look-out who shot at you just... because?
There are some details in this book described. Nothing ever over-and-above graphic, but I wouldn’t recommend to read this if that greatly affects you. I did not lower my rating because I believe the author used these details to portray just how terrible and despicable this era was.
This book was suspenseful, emotional, and just enough a touch of love.
Some of my favourite quotes from Leah, quite possibly my favourite character:
“If we do not draw a line and say to the enemies of peace, ‘This far and no farther,’ then someday this child I bear will be forced to fight an enemy a thousand times stronger than the one I face.” -Leah
“It is a mystery, Rachel. God made us one and all, did He not? And was it not His pleasure to make us all different? And yet people try always to make everyone the same...” -Leah
July 18, 2022
4 ,5 stars - Dutch paperback
This book kept me wanting to read more.
The characters are so real that you feel their pain and sorrow and their joy in their faith.
It is the kind of book that you don't want to end, and it doesn't. The next book in the series keeps the story moving.
I think these books belong in schools. They would surely keep the interest in the history classes!
This book kept me wanting to read more.
The characters are so real that you feel their pain and sorrow and their joy in their faith.
It is the kind of book that you don't want to end, and it doesn't. The next book in the series keeps the story moving.
I think these books belong in schools. They would surely keep the interest in the history classes!
November 7, 2021
Caveat:: my ratings are based on genre meaning this is a 5 star historical romance NOT a great piece of literature like Hugo or Dostoevsky. I think that's how a lot of people rate things but I feel the need to mention it::
This focused most on one of my favorite characters from book one, Rachel. It is a story of redemption.
This focused most on one of my favorite characters from book one, Rachel. It is a story of redemption.
March 1, 2022
3.5
I love the character of Rachel, I think her struggle was so important to address and I love the way the author’s did so.
The fact that a dog played a major role definitely gave this review a half a star more.
The fact that **SPOILER** Leah died **END OF SPOILER** knocked it back down. (Leah was the face of wisdom)
Still a little bit confused on Rachel’s backstory, that could be because I haven’t read the first book… not exactly sure what the first book addresses, so I have no idea. :)
Also the knowledge I gained was amazing, definitely don’t regret reading for that reason. Not that I regret reading this, because I don’t.
Overall, it’s got history, romance (which I wasn’t a huge ship of but it is what it is) (also not like kissing, more along the lines of a man trying to save the girl from her certain doom so he can confess his love and marry her all while she’s completely oblivious), learning to love, overcoming the past, and a whole lot more. Do I recommend? Yes, I do. It honestly didn’t take that long to read (before you start rolling your eyes at 13 days, it’s only because I read for a few minutes every night before bed, okay? Forgive me, please.). While it didn’t hold my interest completely throughout the story, it picked up a lot at the end and I was glad I continued reading.
I love the character of Rachel, I think her struggle was so important to address and I love the way the author’s did so.
The fact that a dog played a major role definitely gave this review a half a star more.
The fact that **SPOILER** Leah died **END OF SPOILER** knocked it back down. (Leah was the face of wisdom)
Still a little bit confused on Rachel’s backstory, that could be because I haven’t read the first book… not exactly sure what the first book addresses, so I have no idea. :)
Also the knowledge I gained was amazing, definitely don’t regret reading for that reason. Not that I regret reading this, because I don’t.
Overall, it’s got history, romance (which I wasn’t a huge ship of but it is what it is) (also not like kissing, more along the lines of a man trying to save the girl from her certain doom so he can confess his love and marry her all while she’s completely oblivious), learning to love, overcoming the past, and a whole lot more. Do I recommend? Yes, I do. It honestly didn’t take that long to read (before you start rolling your eyes at 13 days, it’s only because I read for a few minutes every night before bed, okay? Forgive me, please.). While it didn’t hold my interest completely throughout the story, it picked up a lot at the end and I was glad I continued reading.
March 13, 2012
Rachel helps the Haganah smuggle weapons into Israel, and gets stuck inside the Old City when passage in and out of the gates is denied. She makes friends with Leah and Shimon. Moshe is in love with Rachel, but hasn't told her. Unable to bear the distance between them, he plots to gain entrance into the Old City.
Great story, with lots of compelling action. The author does juggle a lot of POV characters and head hop. The romance between Rachel and Moshe didn't reach my emotions--suddenly they were in love with no clear journey to that point, and the final scene between them, though sweet, was riddled with unnatural dialogue and thought. But even though the romance fell short for me, I cried over other characters--twice. A beautiful historical, both entertaining and educational, and definately worth reading.
Great story, with lots of compelling action. The author does juggle a lot of POV characters and head hop. The romance between Rachel and Moshe didn't reach my emotions--suddenly they were in love with no clear journey to that point, and the final scene between them, though sweet, was riddled with unnatural dialogue and thought. But even though the romance fell short for me, I cried over other characters--twice. A beautiful historical, both entertaining and educational, and definately worth reading.
October 9, 2021
A beautiful book to read! A wonderful story! Keeps getting better!
May 11, 2020
My heart is in at least three pieces after reading that.
Setting: January 1948, Israel. Of course this time period and region of the world is what the plot revolves around, so it is heavily involved and explained. This is the book (and series) to read if one wants to learn about the Zionist movement post-WWII. It is chocked-full of big-picture information.
Characters: Exactly the reason my heart is broken. But actually, it was put back together at the end. Near the beginning, I didn't have a real special attachment to anyone. Of course they were from previous books, so I kind of liked Ellie, David, Howard, Rachel, and the rest. And yes, I always love Moshe. The minor characters stayed enjoyable to read, but not particularly captivating. But this story brings out Rachel more than ever, and it broke my heart. And she and Moshe are so precious. Also Captain Luke Thomas and Ehud are amazing supporting characters. (Luke is the other reason my heart isn't so healthy anymore)
Plot: Honestly, I would like the entire conflict over the Holy Land to end in one book, but I know that can't happen--and then infinitely more pressing matters come up, and I forget about national-level matters. (All that matters is that Mose lives, okay??) Once there is a specific plotline to focus on, it's amazing. One part of the solution was remarkably similar to Les Misérables. Also, sometimes Moshe acted like he had two perfectly good arms and hands, when he most certainly did not. So I don't know how realistic some of that was (Here's my question: can a person tie a tourniquet with only one hand?)
Faith content: The handling of Jewish and Christian faith combined, both being portrayed as good religions, is done exceptionally well. The gentle expression of the Messiah's true identity doesn't in any way overwhelm any of the story, although it does appear in some amusing ways. Also, the story doesn't hide at all the militant, violent goals of Islam and Jihad.
Heartily recommended for readers who have interest in history, especially World War II and the aftereffects. Also for anyone with interest in Jewish history.
Setting: January 1948, Israel. Of course this time period and region of the world is what the plot revolves around, so it is heavily involved and explained. This is the book (and series) to read if one wants to learn about the Zionist movement post-WWII. It is chocked-full of big-picture information.
Characters: Exactly the reason my heart is broken. But actually, it was put back together at the end. Near the beginning, I didn't have a real special attachment to anyone. Of course they were from previous books, so I kind of liked Ellie, David, Howard, Rachel, and the rest. And yes, I always love Moshe. The minor characters stayed enjoyable to read, but not particularly captivating. But this story brings out Rachel more than ever, and it broke my heart. And she and Moshe are so precious. Also Captain Luke Thomas and Ehud are amazing supporting characters. (Luke is the other reason my heart isn't so healthy anymore)
Plot: Honestly, I would like the entire conflict over the Holy Land to end in one book, but I know that can't happen--and then infinitely more pressing matters come up, and I forget about national-level matters. (All that matters is that Mose lives, okay??) Once there is a specific plotline to focus on, it's amazing. One part of the solution was remarkably similar to Les Misérables. Also, sometimes Moshe acted like he had two perfectly good arms and hands, when he most certainly did not. So I don't know how realistic some of that was (Here's my question: can a person tie a tourniquet with only one hand?)
Faith content: The handling of Jewish and Christian faith combined, both being portrayed as good religions, is done exceptionally well. The gentle expression of the Messiah's true identity doesn't in any way overwhelm any of the story, although it does appear in some amusing ways. Also, the story doesn't hide at all the militant, violent goals of Islam and Jihad.
Heartily recommended for readers who have interest in history, especially World War II and the aftereffects. Also for anyone with interest in Jewish history.
October 23, 2022
We met Ellie, Moshe, David, Uncle Walter, Yacob, Grandfather, Rachel, and so many more interesting characters in book one. Ellie befriends Rachel, of whom jealousy almost disrupted this beautiful friendship, setting the course for Moshe to pursue the one he jumped ship to save in book one. We learned of one faithful dog Shaul, who would give his life for his beloved ten year old Yacob and those Yacob loves in both books 1 & 2. Rachel's star is rising, as she steps out to pursue the peace of Jerusalem with her Rabbi Grandfather's blessing, risking her own reputation. The Holocaust had already destroyed her soul at a tender young age, she carried that surviving disgrace like a burdensome lock and chain without a key into her new life. Moshe is driven to dangerous pursuit of his love for Rachel. If not for his British friend Luke, his courage might have failed. But the small group of Jews hanging on for dear life in the Old City and those in the New Jerusalem continue to face day to day threats from the Arab terrorists. The slowly dwindling emergence of hope for Jerusalem and a continued Jewish presence is what each weary heart holds tight to at all cost.
June 10, 2021
This is the story of a young woman named Rachel who in the Gates of Zion is smuggled into Jerusalem after nearly being destroyed by the Nazi.
In A Daughter of Zion, Rachel enters Old Jerusalem while smuggling arms for Zion’s defensive. Once in the Old City Rachel stays in spite of the difficult living conditions of its citizens.
As the heroine, Rachel has enemies who try to undermine her but she also has those who love and support her. One of these people is a man named Moshe who goes to great length to join her in the Old City of Jerusalem. Moshe and his friend Luke Thomas travel through an old, underground tunnel (scary, deadly, old tunnel) that goes from the New City to the Old City. Traveling this tunnel reminded me of an Indiana Jones movie and is the best part of the book, in my opinion. Through deadly peril, the hero, Moshe is reunited to his love and future wife Rachel.
I liked this sequel better than Gates of Zion but I liked them both.
In A Daughter of Zion, Rachel enters Old Jerusalem while smuggling arms for Zion’s defensive. Once in the Old City Rachel stays in spite of the difficult living conditions of its citizens.
As the heroine, Rachel has enemies who try to undermine her but she also has those who love and support her. One of these people is a man named Moshe who goes to great length to join her in the Old City of Jerusalem. Moshe and his friend Luke Thomas travel through an old, underground tunnel (scary, deadly, old tunnel) that goes from the New City to the Old City. Traveling this tunnel reminded me of an Indiana Jones movie and is the best part of the book, in my opinion. Through deadly peril, the hero, Moshe is reunited to his love and future wife Rachel.
I liked this sequel better than Gates of Zion but I liked them both.
February 6, 2025
It's hard to realize what the Jewish people have had to live through all through their existence. This is mainly about Rachael who survived the holocast but felt she shouldn't have lived, especially as she had been a whore for the German officers. She couldn't believe anyone could care for her let alone love her. She ended up in the part of the Old City where the Jews lived, taking care of a baby whose parents were killed, and eventually the one who loved her managed to get to her through the underground sewer system and catacombs.
May 5, 2018
This was probably my favorite book of the series as a teenager (teenage me definitely had a bit of a crush on Moshe), and I still enjoy it as an adult. I especially like the scenes in the underground passageways, and I also like Rachel's journey. Yes, the book has its flaws, but the things I like about it are enough for me to look past those and appreciate the story for what it is. 3.5 out of 5 stars, rounded up for the sake of nostalgia, since I read this series multiple times in my teens.
July 3, 2019
After finishing the first book of the Bodie Thoene series The Zion Chronicals, I read book two. Continuing where book one left off the story moved to 1948 and the story of the Jews after World War II. Covering historical events written in a novel format makes reading the books much easier to read.
I am enjoying the series and if you are interested in this period of history, I am sure you will too.
I am enjoying the series and if you are interested in this period of history, I am sure you will too.
August 19, 2020
Suspenseful to the end. Again Bodie gives us excellent background and even details that lead us deeply into the trauma of keeping the Jewish enclave in Jerusalem from being overrun by Palestinians. We gain a glimpse into the horrific odds the Jewish community faced from not only Palestinians by antagonistic British soldiers. We also read about the labyrinth of tunnels and ruins beneath Jerusalem. We could have used a sympathetic Palestinian in the book. They are too much of an evil caricature.
November 22, 2023
Read and Reread!
This is either my 4th or 5th time through this series, and gets better each time. I laugh when they laugh and I weep when they weep. I love these distant relatives of mine who were there when HaShem resurrected His beloved Bride from the ashes of the Holocaust! Seventy three years later and Israel is still fighting for her right to exist. And so, we pray for the peace of Jerusalem! Am Yisrael chai!
This is either my 4th or 5th time through this series, and gets better each time. I laugh when they laugh and I weep when they weep. I love these distant relatives of mine who were there when HaShem resurrected His beloved Bride from the ashes of the Holocaust! Seventy three years later and Israel is still fighting for her right to exist. And so, we pray for the peace of Jerusalem! Am Yisrael chai!
June 21, 2018
Excellent Read. Very Engaging!
I am a huge fan of Bodie and Brock Thoene’s books, and this one is no exception! The writing was vivid, and engaging. The characters were real, and sympathetic (especially Rachel). A+
I am a huge fan of Bodie and Brock Thoene’s books, and this one is no exception! The writing was vivid, and engaging. The characters were real, and sympathetic (especially Rachel). A+
March 31, 2021
A fast paced historical fiction
A demonstration of how love covers a multitude of sins. No matter how dark someone's past is, it is not a hindrance to experience a love that is pure, doesn't condemn, and forgiving.
A demonstration of how love covers a multitude of sins. No matter how dark someone's past is, it is not a hindrance to experience a love that is pure, doesn't condemn, and forgiving.
November 10, 2021
I appreciated the look into this time period and learning about what the Jewish people went through after the Holocaust. I could of done with out the cheesy romance and the author’s repetitive writing.
3.5
3.5
February 10, 2017
Good continuation of an increasingly addictive series.
May 27, 2017
Re-read.
October 18, 2017
I really enjoyed reading this book
March 31, 2018
Never disappointing when reading these authors
September 11, 2018
Preparing for a trip to Israel, I decided to re-read this series. Great historical information, believable characters, fast writing style.
March 27, 2019
Thoroughly held my attention as modern day Israel is born through the characters of this historical novel. Lots of action, espionage, chases, courage.
April 30, 2019
Litterally could not put it down!
Litterally could not put it down! I was so captured by the drama that I didn't go to sleep! Bodie; you're a master! Thanks
Litterally could not put it down! I was so captured by the drama that I didn't go to sleep! Bodie; you're a master! Thanks
Read
September 13, 2019Series is historically accurate so it is easy to slip into the character's mind and place.
mountain-loop
April 28, 20202 trade
June 24, 2020
The character Rachel made this book almost unbearable to read. I found her to be incredibly self centered and whiny, feeling sorry for herself. It was slow reading for me.
September 22, 2020
Loved this book.
I first this series in the 1990s. Good plot and history lesson. I love the description of the old Jerusalem
I first this series in the 1990s. Good plot and history lesson. I love the description of the old Jerusalem
November 9, 2020
A slow read. Way too much detail in the writing of this book. I am reluctant now to carrying it on readings the rest of the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews