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The Lion's Den #2
A New Dawn
The Past Never Stays Past.
Berlin 1933. The new dawn that Hitler promised has taken place. Propped up by business interests and a fragile political coalition, the Nazis and their stormtroopers start to run riot throughout the city. The ghosts of Lisa and Seamus’s recent past come back to haunt them when a figure emerges from the shadows of their lives to threaten their future. Seamus will have to protect his family, his workers and his own life from the threats against them, no matter what it takes.
Meanwhile, as the Reichstag burns and the Nazis begin to solidify their grip on power in Germany, Lisa’s mother, Ingrid, falls ill. In a state of delirium, Ingrid reveals a puzzle from Lisa’s past to Maureen. It will be up to Lisa and her new stepdaughter to uncover a secret that will change all of their lives life forever.
A NEW DAWN is the sequel to THE LION’S DEN, and the second book in The Lion’s Den Series by the #1 Amazon bestselling author or WHITE ROSE, BLACK FOREST, and THE LONGEST ECHO set in Hitler’s Germany in the 1930s. Download it and discover Eoin Dempsey’s books today.
Berlin 1933. The new dawn that Hitler promised has taken place. Propped up by business interests and a fragile political coalition, the Nazis and their stormtroopers start to run riot throughout the city. The ghosts of Lisa and Seamus’s recent past come back to haunt them when a figure emerges from the shadows of their lives to threaten their future. Seamus will have to protect his family, his workers and his own life from the threats against them, no matter what it takes.
Meanwhile, as the Reichstag burns and the Nazis begin to solidify their grip on power in Germany, Lisa’s mother, Ingrid, falls ill. In a state of delirium, Ingrid reveals a puzzle from Lisa’s past to Maureen. It will be up to Lisa and her new stepdaughter to uncover a secret that will change all of their lives life forever.
A NEW DAWN is the sequel to THE LION’S DEN, and the second book in The Lion’s Den Series by the #1 Amazon bestselling author or WHITE ROSE, BLACK FOREST, and THE LONGEST ECHO set in Hitler’s Germany in the 1930s. Download it and discover Eoin Dempsey’s books today.
265 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 4, 2022
811 people are currently reading
408 people want to read
About the author
Eoin Dempsey
37 books1,045 followersEoin Dempsey was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1977. He grew up in the beautiful Dublin suburb of Dalkey, where he and his friends would jump into the icy waters of the Irish Sea (during summertime) to prove their manliness. Eoin had a fantastic time attending Blackrock College, where he played rugby (poorly) and did his best to coast his way through. Eoin’s first ambition was to play rugby for Ireland. Due to a lack of talent, he soon abandoned that goal for the more reasoned path of the rock star. He played in bands through his teens and well into his twenties before harsh reality came calling, and his dreams of being the next Keith Moon faded.
Eoin made the ill-reasoned decision to study business in university and was accepted into University College Dublin to study Commerce in 1995. While Eoin did attend college, studying wasn’t his priority there.
He met his beautiful wife, Jill, while traveling to the USA in 1997, though it would be several years before he managed to break her down and they got together as a couple. It was during Eoin’s second stint in the USA, which he spent with his brother in New York City, that he decided to start writing a novel, for the express purpose of impressing women. This effort was met with mixed success. Eoin finished his first novel a year later. The over hundred and fifty rejections he received from publishers didn’t discourage him. He pinned them to his wall. After spending a year in Australia, where he was fired from many jobs, including picking red and green peppers and toiling for scallops miles out to sea on a fishing trawler, he returned home and decided to write again. Another novel followed while he phoned it in at a number of jobs in financial services in Dublin.
By this time Eoin had managed to convince Jill, the girl he’d met in the USA years before to move over to Dublin. She did so in 2004. It was the best negotiation he ever undertook. They were married in 2007. Jill’s more brilliant negotiating skills led Eoin to move to her hometown of Philadelphia in 2008, just in time for the economy to collapse. The plan to live with her parents for a few weeks turned into eighteen months, as Eoin struggled to retain employment in a fractured economy. It was during this time that he wrote FINDING REBECCA, which would go on to be his first published novel and be translated into fourteen different languages.
Eoin and Jill have three beautiful sons, Robbie, who was born in 2015, Sam, born in 2017, and Jack who came in 2019. Eoin enjoys playing with them and marveling at how much more talented they are at the sports that he loves, particularly golf.
Eoin made the ill-reasoned decision to study business in university and was accepted into University College Dublin to study Commerce in 1995. While Eoin did attend college, studying wasn’t his priority there.
He met his beautiful wife, Jill, while traveling to the USA in 1997, though it would be several years before he managed to break her down and they got together as a couple. It was during Eoin’s second stint in the USA, which he spent with his brother in New York City, that he decided to start writing a novel, for the express purpose of impressing women. This effort was met with mixed success. Eoin finished his first novel a year later. The over hundred and fifty rejections he received from publishers didn’t discourage him. He pinned them to his wall. After spending a year in Australia, where he was fired from many jobs, including picking red and green peppers and toiling for scallops miles out to sea on a fishing trawler, he returned home and decided to write again. Another novel followed while he phoned it in at a number of jobs in financial services in Dublin.
By this time Eoin had managed to convince Jill, the girl he’d met in the USA years before to move over to Dublin. She did so in 2004. It was the best negotiation he ever undertook. They were married in 2007. Jill’s more brilliant negotiating skills led Eoin to move to her hometown of Philadelphia in 2008, just in time for the economy to collapse. The plan to live with her parents for a few weeks turned into eighteen months, as Eoin struggled to retain employment in a fractured economy. It was during this time that he wrote FINDING REBECCA, which would go on to be his first published novel and be translated into fourteen different languages.
Eoin and Jill have three beautiful sons, Robbie, who was born in 2015, Sam, born in 2017, and Jack who came in 2019. Eoin enjoys playing with them and marveling at how much more talented they are at the sports that he loves, particularly golf.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
October 12, 2024
I am continuing to enjoy Eoin Dempsey’s latest historical fiction series, set in 1930’s Berlin. The series focuses on the family of Seamus Ritter, an Irish-German man who spent time working in the US and is now in Berlin to take over his recently deceased uncle’s factory after a lengthy separation from his children. His oldest daughter Maureen took the years where she had to raise her younger siblings especially hard, and the relationship with her father isn’t the best. Fortunately, Seamus is more likeable in this book versus the last one. I also liked the greater focus on his German wife Lisa, her mother Ingrid, and their past. There’s a bit of a mystery regarding her heritage, and as things continue to develop in the 30’s with the Nazi party, it’s just very interesting, and haunting historical reading, all very well written. Looking forward to the next book in the series. 5/5 stars.
April 21, 2022
Seamus, his wife Lisa and the children experience the rise of fascism in Germany and particularly in Berlin. They don't always see the danger that's around them.
January 8, 2022
Rise of fascism in Germany, not unlike what is happening again today.
I found the chronological events in the USA and Germany very interesting, explaining how nazism became so popular and democracy disappeared. Well researched and I look forward to the next installment. The story line was somewhat too predictable, I really thought her father would be Josef Mengele.
I found the chronological events in the USA and Germany very interesting, explaining how nazism became so popular and democracy disappeared. Well researched and I look forward to the next installment. The story line was somewhat too predictable, I really thought her father would be Josef Mengele.
January 20, 2022
This part of the story does not disappoint. It is very readable, and continues to depict the rise of Nazism in Germany in a way that makes history come to life in front of your eyes. Some of the plot turns are a bit expected here, but you still care about the imperfect and human characters and ask yourself continuously what you'd have done in their place. The moral dilemmas add another layer of interest and emotional involvement to the novel. I can't wait for the third part to come out (this April, yay!!).
February 28, 2022
Looking forward to book 3
I can't say this author is the greatest literary talent, but he's a very good story teller. I have thoroughly enjoyed the first two books. I hope readers can see the similarities of prewar Germany and the current state of affairs. Totalitarianism does not start at once; it creeps in inch by inch. The West thinks it can never happen again as the tell-tell signs are so obvious and incrementally sliding into every avenue of life.
I can't say this author is the greatest literary talent, but he's a very good story teller. I have thoroughly enjoyed the first two books. I hope readers can see the similarities of prewar Germany and the current state of affairs. Totalitarianism does not start at once; it creeps in inch by inch. The West thinks it can never happen again as the tell-tell signs are so obvious and incrementally sliding into every avenue of life.
April 24, 2022
A New Dawn is the second book of Dempsey's The Lion's Den series. The rise of Nazism is shown in depth during pre-war Germany. The joys and tragedies of the Ritter family keep a fast pace. I didn't want this book to end. I'm looking forward to reading The Golden Age, the next book in this extraordinary series.
May 27, 2022
This novel is Book two of "A New Dawn" series. It is Berlin: January 30, 1933. Adolph Hitler has been sworn in as Germany's new Chancellor. Changes are immediate, and it is not for the betterment of Jews, Communists dissidents of any kind. Seamus Ritter and his family are the main protagonists. Seamus is the owner of Ritter Metal Plant in Berlin. He co-owns the plant with his Nazi sympathizer cousin, Helga. Seamus is now being blackmailed by a man from Seamus's past who knows secrets about him and his new wife, Lisa. All the while, in the backdrop of this novel, the Stormtroopers begin their riots, muggings and fires against those who oppose this new regime. The Reichstag at this time has been burned. Hitler blames the Communists. Meanwhile Lisa's mother is on her death bed with a long held secret about her and Lisa. Before dying Lisa's mother reveals the family's past. And it is devastating. And this "secret" will forever change the Ritter family under this new Third Reich. The entire novel was written with the background of history in mind.
February 28, 2022
The second book in the series didn’t disappoint! Anxiously awaiting the next! Mr. Dempsey does a remarkable job of giving us an upfront and personal look at pre war Germany. Characters in the story are being exposed to some part of the political climate in one way or another. What they believe is beginning to be tested in telling ways that we in the modern age could never comprehend. Great character development leads you right along. Well done Mr. Dempsey well done!
August 1, 2025
3.5 stars
January 25, 2022
kinda blah
The first book had me up all night literally reading, I couldn’t put it s down. The characters had me enthralled. This one was okay but I wish it had more. I’m not sure more what though. It was kind of boring. I think the next one will have more of Maureen and thomas. The reunion with Maureen and her real father happened to quick for me. There was no excitement when they met. It all happened to quickly for me. He believed her and that was it. It left me asking questions such as his friendship with the man father she killed. Will he find out his daughter killed his son? He got rid of the homeless man but what about the kid he hung around that he told everything to? It all seem so predictable. And Seamus cousin helga who is in love with hitler she is die hard Nazi but had no voice in this one. I forget about her. I don’t know this book was good but as good as the first one. I’m not sure about the third book but I hope it’s better than this one. This was a fast read and I honestly kept reading it just hoping that the plot would thicken haha I don’t know, we shall see
The first book had me up all night literally reading, I couldn’t put it s down. The characters had me enthralled. This one was okay but I wish it had more. I’m not sure more what though. It was kind of boring. I think the next one will have more of Maureen and thomas. The reunion with Maureen and her real father happened to quick for me. There was no excitement when they met. It all happened to quickly for me. He believed her and that was it. It left me asking questions such as his friendship with the man father she killed. Will he find out his daughter killed his son? He got rid of the homeless man but what about the kid he hung around that he told everything to? It all seem so predictable. And Seamus cousin helga who is in love with hitler she is die hard Nazi but had no voice in this one. I forget about her. I don’t know this book was good but as good as the first one. I’m not sure about the third book but I hope it’s better than this one. This was a fast read and I honestly kept reading it just hoping that the plot would thicken haha I don’t know, we shall see
January 25, 2022
WWI I and the Nazis from a different perspective
A down on his luck American barely surviving the Great Depression, moves to Germany to start a new life with his children - just as Hitler comes to power. A well-written story about family, politics, war and the the things people do to survive. I didn't want to put it down.
A down on his luck American barely surviving the Great Depression, moves to Germany to start a new life with his children - just as Hitler comes to power. A well-written story about family, politics, war and the the things people do to survive. I didn't want to put it down.
January 2, 2022
Here’s a historical fiction novel that whirls like a tornado, with events affecting much in its pathway. From the start, it gulps you up and you’re hooked! The setting for this momentum is Berlin, Germany, 1930s.
Swift like lightning comes the plot and its subplots, that pound in waves with consistent tension regarding Nazi power, ghosts from the past, and intellectual questioning. You find yourself participating with the characters, as you walk along with them to face conflict, deceptions and moral dilemmas.
Best-selling author, Eoin Dempsey, has nailed it once again. In A New Dawn, he displays his knack for making historical events come alive. Through his dialogue, Dempsey demonstrates authenticity, and accentuates the flavors of the period. He shares a sensitivity of ethics, in allowing the reader to actualize their own moral judgements. He allows us to see how moral decisions are guided by ethics, principles and convictions, and that they are also altered by our personal emotions.
This novel will uproot your thinking, demanding that you think about life, senseless destruction, and mortality. And the ending will certainly leave you thunderstruck!
If you enjoy stepping into life, at the beginning of WW2, then this novel is
highly recommended!
I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Swift like lightning comes the plot and its subplots, that pound in waves with consistent tension regarding Nazi power, ghosts from the past, and intellectual questioning. You find yourself participating with the characters, as you walk along with them to face conflict, deceptions and moral dilemmas.
Best-selling author, Eoin Dempsey, has nailed it once again. In A New Dawn, he displays his knack for making historical events come alive. Through his dialogue, Dempsey demonstrates authenticity, and accentuates the flavors of the period. He shares a sensitivity of ethics, in allowing the reader to actualize their own moral judgements. He allows us to see how moral decisions are guided by ethics, principles and convictions, and that they are also altered by our personal emotions.
This novel will uproot your thinking, demanding that you think about life, senseless destruction, and mortality. And the ending will certainly leave you thunderstruck!
If you enjoy stepping into life, at the beginning of WW2, then this novel is
highly recommended!
I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 2, 2022
This second book in The Lion’s Den series continues in Germany in the 1930’s with the rise of Hitler and the Nazi Party, much to the denial of perhaps a large population of Germany. They simply did not believe he would prevail. The story clearly illustrates one aspect of human nature and history: youth in any culture can be persuaded to actively support an evil movement through ideals and misrepresentation. This book helps to understand a seemingly incomprehensible scenario where one man mustered together enough support to dominate a country and lead it to do unthinkable acts to dominate the world with his very sick definition of a superior race. The main characters in the story strive to continue with life in Germany within the bizarre advancement of the Nazi Party.
Eoin Dempsey continues to portray history through an excellent writing style and historic integrity in what I believe is an accurate representation of events through fictitious but seemingly real people. It is the characters who bring life and interest to the story. Reporting history accurately through fictional characters is a true art.
I received an advance copy to provide my independent opinion, which this is. Admittedly, it was a difficult read during the glorious pre-Christmas season. I very much look forward to the third and final book in this series!
Eoin Dempsey continues to portray history through an excellent writing style and historic integrity in what I believe is an accurate representation of events through fictitious but seemingly real people. It is the characters who bring life and interest to the story. Reporting history accurately through fictional characters is a true art.
I received an advance copy to provide my independent opinion, which this is. Admittedly, it was a difficult read during the glorious pre-Christmas season. I very much look forward to the third and final book in this series!
January 22, 2022
Interesting book
Wow! This book is the full gamete in the start of the Nazi. And these young Irish/German Americans have no idea what they are getting into. These books are well researched and well written. Looking forward to next one in the series.
Wow! This book is the full gamete in the start of the Nazi. And these young Irish/German Americans have no idea what they are getting into. These books are well researched and well written. Looking forward to next one in the series.
December 26, 2021
This novel picks up where The Lions's Den left off and the story just continues to flow. Seamus and Lisa are starting their lives together and feel the past is behind then until Seamus gets an unexpected visitor at the office one day. Someone who has some very interesting information that could upend their lives. Lisa is settling into the role of wife and mother and caretaker to her mother when she overhears a secret that changes everything she knows about her past. Meanwhile, the Nazi party is getting stronger, and places and people are starting to show their allegiance as banners of red and black start being strung up across the cities. Seamus and Lisa being newlyweds are certainly putting their marriage and trust to the test with all that is coming their way- somethings are within control but a lot are not. Another great read- historical, suspense and mystery. Thank you to the author for the free ebook and allowing me to be part of the beta team. I am really loving this series and cannot wait to see where the next book takes us!
January 13, 2022
I’ve read all of Eoin Dempsey’s novels and enjoyed each one! The author captures and holds my interest from page one! I read the prequel to and The Long Echo and immediately became invested in the storyline and the characters. I just read A New Dawn and eagerly reconnected with Seamus and his family.
Set in Berlin at the rise of Hitler as the American Ritter family relocated to rebuild their life, Dempsey drops hints as to the challenges they now encounter. There are unexpected twists that add to the story. Tension, emotion, secrets and family are well developed themes set in a pre-war Germany.
There is a well drawn story that develops and keeps the reader anticipating what might happen. There is potential for more to happen. I cannot wait for the next book!
Dempsey is a talented writer who engages the reader to follow him along as he shares a well researched history of an unsettling time.
Kudos to Eoin Dempsey!
Set in Berlin at the rise of Hitler as the American Ritter family relocated to rebuild their life, Dempsey drops hints as to the challenges they now encounter. There are unexpected twists that add to the story. Tension, emotion, secrets and family are well developed themes set in a pre-war Germany.
There is a well drawn story that develops and keeps the reader anticipating what might happen. There is potential for more to happen. I cannot wait for the next book!
Dempsey is a talented writer who engages the reader to follow him along as he shares a well researched history of an unsettling time.
Kudos to Eoin Dempsey!
January 19, 2022
Beautiful story based on history.
This is ths second book in the series and another excellent story. The characters are so real and lovable and down to earth and there is plenty of action love and mystery. An excellent read and I'm loking forward to the next book in this Saga.
This is ths second book in the series and another excellent story. The characters are so real and lovable and down to earth and there is plenty of action love and mystery. An excellent read and I'm loking forward to the next book in this Saga.
December 1, 2021
Thank you to the author for my ARC copy; all opinions are entirely mine.
This is the continuing story of Seamus, his new wife, Lisa and the children as they make their new life in Germany amid the Hitler rise to power. A doctor who also plays God with patients he feels unworthy also is introduced. Michael casually slips into the youth brigade and Maureen will undoubtedly enter the resistance. I find these books very chilling as I see the parallels between the period between WW I and WW II in Germany and the unrest and division that is going on in the US right now.
This is the continuing story of Seamus, his new wife, Lisa and the children as they make their new life in Germany amid the Hitler rise to power. A doctor who also plays God with patients he feels unworthy also is introduced. Michael casually slips into the youth brigade and Maureen will undoubtedly enter the resistance. I find these books very chilling as I see the parallels between the period between WW I and WW II in Germany and the unrest and division that is going on in the US right now.
December 6, 2021
This is the continuing story of Seamus and Lisa on their journey for a better life for their blended family. You can feel the unrest coming to life that so many felt all those years ago and that many feel in our world today. Follow them as they face down past mistakes that come back to threaten to destroy their family. See how those in power use their positions to play judge and jury. You will fall in love with this family and find yourself comparing their experiences to those of your own.
I can't wait to continue on this journey and see what the future has in store for them.
I can't wait to continue on this journey and see what the future has in store for them.
December 10, 2021
Eoin Dempsey writes another terrific book. This is the sequel to "The Lion's Den"
and an amazing picture of Berlin in the 1930's as the Nazi party comes to power.
The main character having moved from USA during the depression brings his family
to Berlin to work for his uncle. The story unravels into a page turner that you will not put down.
All Eoin's books may one feel as they actually know these people and
the historical info is spot on.
I do not want to give any more details as once you read one
of Eoin's books you will search for his next.
and an amazing picture of Berlin in the 1930's as the Nazi party comes to power.
The main character having moved from USA during the depression brings his family
to Berlin to work for his uncle. The story unravels into a page turner that you will not put down.
All Eoin's books may one feel as they actually know these people and
the historical info is spot on.
I do not want to give any more details as once you read one
of Eoin's books you will search for his next.
December 10, 2021
WOW! Just Wow!
I have yet to read another author that can stir up the emotions that Dempsey does, on topics I thought I knew. A New Dawn is a book that allows the reader to be engrossed by a new perspective that most people probably haven’t read (I know I haven’t) of the rise of Hitler to power in 1930’s Germany.
What a completely enthralling, soul crushing, unputdownable book and with one more to come in this series, I’m almost afraid to see where this story will take us.
I have yet to read another author that can stir up the emotions that Dempsey does, on topics I thought I knew. A New Dawn is a book that allows the reader to be engrossed by a new perspective that most people probably haven’t read (I know I haven’t) of the rise of Hitler to power in 1930’s Germany.
What a completely enthralling, soul crushing, unputdownable book and with one more to come in this series, I’m almost afraid to see where this story will take us.
December 25, 2021
Another amazing book from Eoin Dempsey. I can't wait for the next one!!! He is the 1st author that has engaged me to read with interest, anything on the subject of World War II and what let up to it. This for me, gave World War II time and place with humbleness and humility. I love history mostly because I love to learn about why our human nature and the philosophy of different cultures drive us to do the things that make history. An amazing read!!!
January 1, 2022
Book two in The Lion’s Den series did not disappoint. Eoin Dempsey’s stories will keep you guessing! You will also get an added bonus of learning about Germany while Hitler was taking over. But the characters come to life and you cannot wait to find out what’s next. Suspense combined with historical fiction. What’s not to like? Enjoy
January 7, 2022
Very Good
A pre WW2 historical novel, A New Dawn, continues the story of the the Ritter family. Hitler is in charge, making many changes to life in Germany. The book is well written and researched with just enough mystery and drama to keep the reader entertained. I look forward to the 3rd book
A pre WW2 historical novel, A New Dawn, continues the story of the the Ritter family. Hitler is in charge, making many changes to life in Germany. The book is well written and researched with just enough mystery and drama to keep the reader entertained. I look forward to the 3rd book
January 29, 2022
A Good Read
If you think the strongest character in thus book is Seamus, then you are mustaken, its his daughter Maureen. It is she that holds the key to the stability in the family. If she faulters, then I think the family will be in real trouble.
If you think the strongest character in thus book is Seamus, then you are mustaken, its his daughter Maureen. It is she that holds the key to the stability in the family. If she faulters, then I think the family will be in real trouble.
June 17, 2024
I absolutely love Eoin Dempsey; he’s one of my all-time favorite historical writers. However, it pains me to rate A New Dawn only two stars. The book felt plain and seemed to be just going through the motions instead of truly drawing me into the story or characters.
What I liked about A New Dawn:
Eoin Dempsey is a masterful historical fiction writer, and A New Dawn offers an intriguing glimpse into the terrifying rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazis solidifying their grip on power in Germany. As the story unfolds, we witness the insidious spread of Nazi ideology, seeping into the minds of more and more people. Dempsey deftly weaves this pivotal historical context into the narrative, lending depth and invaluable perspective on one of history's darkest chapters. A bright spot amidst the ominous backdrop is the engaging backstory of Seamus's children, especially his daughter Maureen, whose own compelling series lies ahead.
What I disliked about A New Dawn:
While A New Dawn offers an intriguing exploration of the chilling early days of Hitler's rise to power in Germany, the novel itself failed to captivate me the way Eoin Dempsey's later works have. Rather than drawing me into the world and connecting me to the characters, the narrative felt plain and by the book - as if just going through obligatory motions. Despite the historical backdrop, I struggled to invest in the narrative and connect with the main character Seamus. In Dempsey's other novels, his characters virtually leap off the pages, their fears, hopes, and inner turmoil lingering vividly long after the final page. Tragically, A New Dawn's characters never attained that same level of realness and connection. While the premise carried the potential to keep readers on the edge of their seats, the overall experience instead felt unfinished.
What I think would have made A New Dawn better:
Firstly, Seamus, the main character, could have used more depth. Diving deeper into his inner psyche and personal struggles with the rising Nazi tide could have made his story more gripping. Additionally, the book lacked the emotional gut punch that Dempsey delivers so well in his later works. In those novels, the characters' choices are so personal and heart-wrenching that you feel every triumph and tragedy. With A New Dawn, I longed to experience the seismic historical shifts of that time through Seamus's eyes in a more profound, emotional way.
Would I recommend A New Dawn by Eoin Dempsey:
A New Dawn has its merits, offering an interesting glimpse into the chilling early days of Hitler's rise to power and the Nazis' tightening grip on Germany. However, when measured against Dempsey's other work, it falls short. While I can't give A New Dawn a glowing recommendation, readers fascinated by that pivotal era in history and the rise of the Nazi regime may still find it a worthwhile, if flawed, read. For those captivated by Dempsey's usual masterful character work and gut-wrenching dramatic storytelling, though, this early novel will likely prove a disappointment.
****
It's now 1933, and Berlin is seeing the beginnings of Hitler's promised new dawn. The Nazis and their stormtroopers begin to wreak havoc across the city. Seamus must protect his family, workers, and his own life from emerging threats. Amidst the chaos, Lisa’s mother, Ingrid, falls ill and, in her delirium, reveals a secret from Lisa's past to Maureen. Together, Lisa and Maureen must uncover this secret that will change their lives forever.
What I liked about A New Dawn:
Eoin Dempsey is a masterful historical fiction writer, and A New Dawn offers an intriguing glimpse into the terrifying rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazis solidifying their grip on power in Germany. As the story unfolds, we witness the insidious spread of Nazi ideology, seeping into the minds of more and more people. Dempsey deftly weaves this pivotal historical context into the narrative, lending depth and invaluable perspective on one of history's darkest chapters. A bright spot amidst the ominous backdrop is the engaging backstory of Seamus's children, especially his daughter Maureen, whose own compelling series lies ahead.
What I disliked about A New Dawn:
While A New Dawn offers an intriguing exploration of the chilling early days of Hitler's rise to power in Germany, the novel itself failed to captivate me the way Eoin Dempsey's later works have. Rather than drawing me into the world and connecting me to the characters, the narrative felt plain and by the book - as if just going through obligatory motions. Despite the historical backdrop, I struggled to invest in the narrative and connect with the main character Seamus. In Dempsey's other novels, his characters virtually leap off the pages, their fears, hopes, and inner turmoil lingering vividly long after the final page. Tragically, A New Dawn's characters never attained that same level of realness and connection. While the premise carried the potential to keep readers on the edge of their seats, the overall experience instead felt unfinished.
What I think would have made A New Dawn better:
Firstly, Seamus, the main character, could have used more depth. Diving deeper into his inner psyche and personal struggles with the rising Nazi tide could have made his story more gripping. Additionally, the book lacked the emotional gut punch that Dempsey delivers so well in his later works. In those novels, the characters' choices are so personal and heart-wrenching that you feel every triumph and tragedy. With A New Dawn, I longed to experience the seismic historical shifts of that time through Seamus's eyes in a more profound, emotional way.
Would I recommend A New Dawn by Eoin Dempsey:
A New Dawn has its merits, offering an interesting glimpse into the chilling early days of Hitler's rise to power and the Nazis' tightening grip on Germany. However, when measured against Dempsey's other work, it falls short. While I can't give A New Dawn a glowing recommendation, readers fascinated by that pivotal era in history and the rise of the Nazi regime may still find it a worthwhile, if flawed, read. For those captivated by Dempsey's usual masterful character work and gut-wrenching dramatic storytelling, though, this early novel will likely prove a disappointment.
****
It's now 1933, and Berlin is seeing the beginnings of Hitler's promised new dawn. The Nazis and their stormtroopers begin to wreak havoc across the city. Seamus must protect his family, workers, and his own life from emerging threats. Amidst the chaos, Lisa’s mother, Ingrid, falls ill and, in her delirium, reveals a secret from Lisa's past to Maureen. Together, Lisa and Maureen must uncover this secret that will change their lives forever.
January 23, 2022
I read the first book in this series and I'm currently reading this one, but I think I'll let it go unfinished. They're just too formulaic. Oh look! Americans in Berlin in the early 1930s speculating about the rise of a crackpot! Will he fade into obscurity or will something more sinister happen?? Long-suffering Seamus, whose fraught relationship with his oldest daughter Maureen ticks all the "bad dad, resentful smart daughter" boxes. Seamus, who meets a mysterious, dark (literally, dark-haired) stranger with a huge secret. The factory, with an owner who's a Nazi voter and workers who include Jews and Communists...what EVER will happen. The alcohol-addled homeless man who witnesses an event central to the main characters who somehow manages to formulate a plan that could bring the main characters down...reader, do you think it will happen?? (Even without spoilers: NO.) The setting is intriguing, the character of Seamus himself fairly well-developed, but all the other characters are part of the book to tell his story in this time, and I find I neither like them nor care about what happens to them -- the latter because it's all so predictable, even without any spoilers.
However, I do know that some people enjoy what are basically historically-situated soap operas, and if that is your gig, then you may like these books a great deal more than I did.
However, I do know that some people enjoy what are basically historically-situated soap operas, and if that is your gig, then you may like these books a great deal more than I did.
March 17, 2022
I decided to read part 2 after reading part one, even though I only rated it 3 stars. I enjoyed reading the storyline, but yet again it was cut short. Im giving 3 stars again, because I feel this entire triology could be just one book. The experiences this family goes through are thrilling for the reader, but splitting it up into 3 books was a bit overly dramatic in my opinion. Obviously I haven't gotten to 3rd book but I felt the way both book 1 &2 ended was so ubrupt. Maybe the author's intent was to leave me onnthe edge of my seat? But for me it felt unfinished. Since Im already knee deep into this story, I plan on reading it to the finish and have hope it will end well. The story does give you a reminder of the hard times of the people hit hard by wars. In-between 2 ww we had recover from an economic disaster and this family really went through the ringer of hard ship. I have hopes for a happy ending.
April 29, 2022
Fascinating
Reading about the Germany of the years leading up to World War II, the years of the rise of Hitler and Nazism is always fascinating. Here, in the form of a novel chronicling one family, a family with secrets, the steps of the takeover, the insane takeover in what was, at that time, one of the most civilized countries in Europe, the home of Thomas Mann. The first country to begin the process of recognizing gay rights, exploded into one of the most horrific episodes in recorded history, worse than the crusades, worse than the inquisition. The only problem with my downloaded kimble version was that for the first half of the book, every five to ten pages, a page was blank, with unknown details necessary, perhaps, to comprehension. Nonetheless, I persevered.
Reading about the Germany of the years leading up to World War II, the years of the rise of Hitler and Nazism is always fascinating. Here, in the form of a novel chronicling one family, a family with secrets, the steps of the takeover, the insane takeover in what was, at that time, one of the most civilized countries in Europe, the home of Thomas Mann. The first country to begin the process of recognizing gay rights, exploded into one of the most horrific episodes in recorded history, worse than the crusades, worse than the inquisition. The only problem with my downloaded kimble version was that for the first half of the book, every five to ten pages, a page was blank, with unknown details necessary, perhaps, to comprehension. Nonetheless, I persevered.
April 25, 2022
As the story of Seamus’s new life in Germany unfolds in Germany, so do the ups and downs of life as a new husband, with a new blended family. Beneath the day to day experiences, the Ritter Family also are adjusting to a new rising revolution in Germany. Lisa’s mother stricken with cancer will reveal a dark secret that could potentially change Lisa’s future. And the death of Ernst Milch is still a concern for Seamus and Lisa. This book is weaving a network of experiences and relationships that I believe in Book #3 will unfold a complex set of decisions for the Ritter Family.
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