~ Kommentary by Kritter ~

I just wanted to say...

I started reading the Thoene books about 12 years ago. However, I started with their WW2/Holocaust series, The Zion Covenant. The friend who loaned them to me wouldn't let me read them unless I started with the Zion Covenant and then moved on to the Zion Chronicles. There are excellent reasons for this, mostly because nearly all the characters in the Zion Chronicles are introduced and explained in the Zion Covenant - that entire series (5 books or is it six? plus they just did three more this past summer, I think) is their backstory, if you will.

So, the Chronicles ends up being much more focused. While the Covenant takes place over a several-year-period, as I recall all of the Zion Chronicles IS over the period of a couple of weeks, specifically to focus on that era of Israel's emergence as a nation.

I've always loved those books, but haven't read them in, oh, a few years at least, and that's probably jaded me towards the writing style. I don't gravitate towards ANY Christian fiction these days because I find that general style....generally annoying...at this point in my life, but I still will always love those books. :)

Definitely different from Penman, though. You might go back to the Zion Covenant books and read those first, then try the Zion Chronicles again. I'm pretty sure you could get all the books at the library.

I have loved The Zion Covenant and The Zion Chronicles for many years. I actually read the Chronicles first, too. I think maybe they were written first, because I think we bought the books when they first came out (around middle school/high school for me), but I could be wrong. I'm in the middle of re-reading the Covenant books right now, and I agree that age and maturity have affected my views on the writing style. It can be a bit annoying. But I still find myself getting wrapped up in the characters.

I think part of it, though, is my attachment to the books for nostalgic reasons, as well as my interest in all things Jewish or WWII/Holocaust-related.

There is another book by the Thoenes, The Twilight of Courage, that doesn't really deal with the same characters, but does fit chronologically sort of in-between the two series(es?).

Tanya, I had no idea there were 3 more Zion Covenant books! I will have to investigate and will likely buy them, as well, out of curiosity.

No, it's not the best writing ever, and I also tend not to gravitate toward Christian fiction anymore, either. But I have always appreciated the research and attention to historical detail (though fictionalized) in the Thoenes' work. I have 3 or 4 of the Shiloh books as well, and the first of the series based in Ireland (another pet ethnic group of mine).

Kristen, if you're interested, you are welcome to borrow any of my books. To recap, I have:
The Zion Covenant (6 books)
The Zion Chronicles (5 books)
The Twilight of Courage (WWII story concentrating on the soldiers)
The Shiloh Legacy (3 or 4 books - America around WWI)
Only the River Runs Free (Book 1 of The Galway Chronicles

What I don't understand is why they are considered Christian books when they are all about Jews. LOL. I mean, I know some of the characters are Christian, but it's still weird.

I may have to look into the Covenant series. I've seen it before at the library of course. But since I am not so moved by this writing, I might have to pursue some other books first. They are definitely quick reads though.

And I did read the whole Galway Chronicles series. Maybe Brock makes the writing more interesting. Joan, I didn't know we had similar ethnic interests. I have no Irish or Jewish in me, but am always fascinated. Strange. Of course, Israel was the first country I went to abroad. Being in Jerusalem and seeing the countryside of Israel makes it all different. Dramatically different.

Kristen,

yes, they're all about Jews (at least in the Chronicles), but in the Covenant series, a good number of the characters are also Christian. Also, the publisher is a well-known Christian publishing house and the authors have that reputation of being good Christian historical fiction writers. they're simply incorporating the Jewish history into Christian history...or something like that?

Joan - the latest 3 books came out...this summer, I believe. Haven't had a chance to look at them yet, but I will.

Kristen, incidentally, brock has always been involved in the writing; Bodie is dyslexic and they have always worked together on the writing (he reads it back to her, for instance, because she can't read it herself. I'm even thinking that he might type it up for her, but I might be stretching it). But yeah, they teamed up for the Chronicles, the Covenant, and even, I believe, for the Shiloh Legacy trilogy (I LOVE those books!!!). I don't know why his name wasn't on it at first; perhaps because at the time, he was more focused on his own series of books - largely set in the old west.

their kids write, too...

Well SOMEONE has read the fan website!
;-)
That's cool. I just had noticed that his name wasn't on these books. And I liked the Galway Chronicles better than these. I didn't know the character of their writing relationship.

Actually, the fan website only confirmed stuff I'd heard when I'd started reading years ago. :)

Also, about 12 years ago there was another Christian historical fiction series by BJ Hoff regarding some Irish folks coming to Ameria...very good; I was never able to finish it because I wasn't able to borrow the fourth book in the series. If you can find them, you might like.

Maybe for the Irish bit. I don't know that I seek out Christian writing. Sometimes Catholic... Like Andrew Greeley or Bud MacFarlane Junior's series.

There's so much to read... Just not enough time.

"There's so much to read...Just not enough time."

AGREED. :)

I read STORY OF A SOUL a couple of years ago. I liked it quite a lot. I'm always impressed at how easily faith comes to some people, so naturally, and I found Therese very inspiring. They made a movie about her a year ago or so, but I missed it.