Early reviews show lots of love for this book. I have mixed feelings.
The book is well written and truly paints a picture of WWII Germany and how life affected all Germans (those turning toward and away from the Nazi regime); work-life, fear, terror, torture and execution. It is easy to visualize the scenes. And of course, one is rooting for the non-party individuals. The premise is totally fun with the occult and an entity known as the Historian. He is a puppet master. However, this book leans mostly on historical fiction and less on actual occult action, which is disappointing.
We get it early – Historian ain’t a German fella. He isn’t human. He has powers and be careful what you wish for. We also get the Spear of Destiny tossed in to add to the paranormal. But all of this still falls short to really fuel this book beyond a historical fiction story of family, community, culture, and loss.
In my opinion, Historian is a device to thread the scenes together. Yes, he engages and does his thing. Just not enough. I kept reading to see some revelations or payoff, but I felt the book falls flat in that aspect.
Overall, it is a good read - pretty long - but lacks the hook that I was searching for.The author provided a review copy. 3 of 5 stars. Author provided copy.
From the Publisher:
An ancient enemy. A debt. For a life..
He does not record history, he creates it. Austria 1907. An occult sect raised a swastika flag above Castle Burg Werfenstein and called on the 'New Man' to come. He answered the call.
Germany 1942. In a war torn country gripped by an iron fist, Terrell Engels' family are fighting to survive the spiraling insanity. And then arrives the real danger, an entity, darker than the mighty armies intent on slaughter, fiercer than the Gestapo or Secret Police. That danger is Historian. In the fog of war, everyone needs something and Historian can provide. A creature who’s journeyed through the ages manipulating history, his motives are driven by one need.
From the lowest levels of society to the Fuhrer himself, none can escape when they are in his debt.
