Thunder from Jerusalem: A Novel of the Struggle for Jerusalem

This is great fiction. Or is it fiction? The Thoenes blend the two seamlessly and left me wondering where the two separated. The characters are believable, the setting authentic, and the descriptions vivid. But...Don't even try to pick this book up if you haven't read "Jerusalem Vigil." In fact, even that book is greatly enhanced by a prior reading of the Zion Covenant and Zion Chronicles, not to mention "The Twilight of Courage." The number of characters can be overwhelming, if not disorienting if you're not already familiar with them. The story jumps right in where the previous book left off, and I even considering waiting to read them all together when the series is completed, as though they were a massive Michener novel. I couldn't wait, though. I admit it. I just had to know what happens with Rachel and Moshe, David, Lori, Daniel, etc. By delivering the scenes of a couple days in short segments, the story flew by, and I couldn't set it down. Once again, I'm left waiting for the follow-up, "Jerusalem's Heart," this time. I've come to love these characters and their struggle for freedom.

The Thoenes have again written a spell-binding, heart-wrenching story about Jerusalem, the city of God. Many of the main characters from the Zion Chronicles and Zion Covenant series are here, and their lives are more intertwined than ever. Plot twists, mystery characters, and suspenseful writing made the book hard to put down.What captured me the most, though, was reading the book at the same time fighting is going on in Israel right now. The book made the real-life fighting seem even more real. Real people with real lives and real stories are fighting for Jerusalem today. The book helped me bridge time and space and compels me to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

A brilliant reading is delivered by Tim Pigott-Smith (whom many remember for his renderings of Patrick O'Brian's novels). Few can convey danger or suspense as convincingly as Pigott-Smith does in this, the second audiobook in the popular Zion Legacy Series. These stories which focus on the peoples engaged in combat for the ancient city of Jerusalem continue to fascinate with their blend of history, craftsman-like story telling and unabated adventure. For this tale the date is May 19, 1948, five days after the birth of the new State of Israel. Amidst the celebration there are omens of a continuing ancient battle.

WOW! Another excellent book from the Thoenes. Thunder from Jersualem is a wonderful installment in the Zion Legacy series. Some of the most beloved Thoene characters, such as Jacob, Lori, Ellie, David, Rachel, and Moshe have returned. I was thrilled to find my favorites, Ellie and David, in this one.I enjoyed Jerusalem Vigil, but I think Thunder clarifies a bit more. The storyline is brilliant, and true. You connect one on one with the characters. The description in this book is so vivid, one can clearly see the struggle of the Jews for their homeland.The emotions of the characters are so deep. Lori has changed so much since we heard from her in the Zion Covenant. The loss of her son and living without her husband has changed her personality and view on life. But baby Abe is so much like Lori, and the connection between the two was incredible. The Thoenes really outdid themselves this time.The most wonderful and thrilling part about this book is probably the gardener. It gives me chills to think about. Thunder from Jerusalem, in typical Thoene style, delivers thrilling action, heartwrenching emotions, and inspiring moments. The Thoenes have truly been blessed.

The fast paced follow up to Jerusalem Vigil, Thunder from Jerusalem is an engaging, emotionally powerful book. Through the use of riveting action scenes, well drawn characters, and clever scriptural references, the Thoenes have written a novel that enthralls, inspires, and entertains. Whether you are new to the Zion series, or have loyally read every book, Thunder from Jerusalem is a must read.