The Key to Zion (Zion Chronicles, #5) by Bodie Thoene

The Key to Zion (Zion Chronicles, #5) Reviews

• 
  Ed

  I finally finished reading the complete Zion Chronicles. The whole story is in chronological order from the beginning to the end, outside chapter 1 in each volume that takes you back to the year 70 AD and gives you something that could relate to each volume. If you decide to read through this series, then I recommend you read it in order starting with volume 1 and ending with volume 5. If you jump around to reading them in a different haphazard way, you will not get the full meaning of each story. I also liked the way that Bodie Thoene used Scripture in dealing with the main characters. I have learned a lot about witnessing to the lost through the examples that were given in the stories. Also a lot of Scripture was used in dealing with Christian growth.
• 
  Heidi

  Not my favorite though it's the last in the series. There were too many scenes with Gerhardt, or maybe I was just tired of him and his evil by this book.
  The introduction of the character Sarai and her relationship to Rachel was precious and beautiful though. And the book ended well to tie up the series.
• 
  Christy

  The Zion Chronicles series covers the events surrounding Israel's statehood in 1948. Each book vividly portrays the intense struggle of the Jewish people in the aftermath of the Holocaust and the forces, within and without, which engulf the Middle East in conflict and controversy even today. "Will there ever be peace in Zion?" The Jewish people wonder as they stream into t...more The Zion Chronicles series covers the events surrounding Israel's statehood in 1948. Each book vividly portrays the intense struggle of the Jewish people in the aftermath of the Holocaust and the forces, within and without, which engulf the Middle East in conflict and controversy even today. "Will there ever be peace in Zion?" The Jewish people wonder as they stream into the British Mandate of Palestine after the devastation of World War II. What has happened to God's promises to their nation? These updated classics feature a new look and added study questions suitable for individual use or group discussion.
• 
  Derek

  The reason I chose 5 stars was because this series usually I walk past, but on a friends recommendation I picked up the first book. I was pleasantly surprised. I loved this book. So much that I bought the entire series in a nice collection. I loved the History and the fact that the characters and the events are actual events and real people that lived in these most trying times of faith and perseverance. I loved the fact that this book brought this History to life for me about the creation of the Jewish state of Israel. I liked the characters and the fictional conversations. I think sometimes the folks that give this book a dismal review are probably not Christians and every book they read has to be epic of sorts. I cat wait to get into the other continuing series from Thoene.
• 
  Emily

  *the occasional spoiler*
  Awesome sauce! i loved the end to the series! yay for Yehudit and Dov! i knew they were meant to be!
  for three quarters of the book, i thought Kane and Crabtree were the same people! i was so confused until i realized i made a dumb mistake.
  I'm so sad that Sarai died, but so glad that she took Gerhardt with her ... i loved how her lilac dress was called 'the garden'...a wonderful way to describe it! Sarai and Rachael making peace by finding the connection between them was amazing. Rachael was definitely a good example for Moshe, loving her enemies.
  excellent, excellent ending!
• 
  Mary Chambers

  I love Bodie Thoene's books. She is one of my top favorite authors. I recommend her books to anyone interested in history or historical fiction. Her husband, Brock, does magnificent research on each book. Whether you read one of her series or a stand-alone book, they are great. I've never been disappointed by a Bodie Thoene book.
• 
  Hanna

  Wow. I'd say I need more of these books--there is so much more to do in Jerusalem, this can't be the last book in the Zion Chronicles series!--but that epilogue stopped me in my tracks. And nearly made me tear up.
  
  Setting: A thorough overview of the setting in this book would basically just be transcribing the entire book. This book begins after the Hadassah Convoy massacre, in April of 1948, just outside the Old City of Jerusalem. The characters go everywhere, from the Old City to Italy, Yugoslavia, Austria, and about everywhere else, it seems, in Europe. We even cross the ocean and visit the private quarters of President Truman in the U.S. The past troublesome journeys are mentioned, beautifully integrated with the plot, including the prologue, a flashback to 70 A.D. The future is likewise not ignored; the epilogue assures the reader (in almost too-vague terms) how this certain story ends, keeping to the historical factual events and God's sometimes maddening "Wait ... wait ... and a little more waiting" timing. Simply put, historical setting is everything in this book--really, of course the whole series.
  
  Characters: The adorable scenes with Moshe and Rachel and David and Ellie abound in this book, and I couldn't get enough. Rachel is so precious and godly and amazing, and I completely understand her need to be always near her husband--because her husband is so perfect and amazing ... and such a man. He's nearly at the perfection of God, but the Thoenes cleverly slip a human weakness into his character, and he instantly becomes the most relatable man transcending generations.
  
  But I can't forget David and Ellie! Their faithfulness combined with somewhat bumbling ways and occasional ignorance--but never total stupidity--never fails to capture my heart. You really can't blame them for their failures; after all, their tasks are monumentally difficult, and very few people could accomplish them. (As a side note--after reading about David's exploits, you may hesitate to enter public restrooms.)
  
  I'm so glad for all the other characters, too (believe me, there are plenty!): Grandfather and Yacov, Yehudit and Dov, Ehud ... even Sarai. There's actually a long list of characters about whom I'm not glad: Haj Amin, Gerhardt, Captain Stewart, Maryanne, Crabtree ... seriously, how many antagonists does one book need? At some point I stopped caring about the proper flow of the plot and wished for all of these wicked scum to just drop dead.
  
  Plot: Do I need to elaborate? You could read a history book and some newspapers, and perhaps glean the same historical facts--maybe--but you wouldn't experience the heartfelt struggles, love the Jewish people, adopt the characters' indomitable faith, and desire to head to the Old City and pick up a gun, even though it means certain death. If you're looking for a happy-ever-after and every plot point to be wrapped up perfectly, you're looking in the wrong place, because spoiler alert, Jesus hasn't yet returned and established his kingdom in Jerusalem.
  
  In conclusion, this whole series is a masterpiece of post-WWII Jewish statehood history, and anyone who wants to learn about it--history or just for the story--should read it.
• 
  Joy Lokey

  Excellent final book in this series. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Ms. Thoene's exciting rendition of the establishing of the State of Israel. What huge challenges these faithful went through is well represented in this series. Getting a bird's eye view of what occurred through this historical fiction series brought great insight to this seeker of our Jewish Messiah and the country that our God favors and promised to fulfill His promises upon. Each character brought to life the excitement of the knowledge and hope living within the recovered Isaiah scrolls as the story unfolded. The reminder of the sting of the Holocaust was well represented, still so fresh and painful in the hearts of those who'd survived. Watching Rachel rise from the ashes and then pour fresh salve from her heart, from her Savior's heart upon the Arab girl whose soul had been destroyed was so humbling. O my soul, ye have been fed from these chapters well. If you have any love for Israel at all, these are a must read! Many more stories like this could stir up well our understanding of the realities of the unravelling of Israel's oppressors and the rebuilding of this tiny nation. Write more Ms. Thoene!
• 
  Stephanie Fitzpatrick

  This series has officially made my top Five!
  I was recommended the Zion Chronicles by my 'in laws' and needless to say I'm so happy I picked up the first book!
  I can not believe how engaging, entertaining and teaching it is! If you love history, intrigue, war, romance and faith. This is worth while reading!
  I promise you'll love it as much as I did!
  You may even find yourself putting the book down to google and research various aspects of the Israel war and realise how little you know about the subject!
  
  These authors are becoming my "must reads" and I've already started another of their series! I am obsessed!
  
  Seriously, just read it.
• 
  Carol Goodpaster

  Of the 5 books in the series, I liked this one best maybe because it was the finale and loose ends were caught up. Enjoyed the continuing intrigue and denouement of the bad guys as well as learning the historical basis for the American pilots who were hired to fly war-surplus German planes and provide defense for newly created State of Israel (1948). Switching from one location to keep track of characters was not so much challenging as engaging.
  
• 
  Lynn Orser

  This book is the last in the series of 5 that covers the statehood of Israeli in 1948. Great historical information on the war between the Jews and the Arabs during that tie frame. Covers all the historical figures and captures the romance and atrocities during a time of was. I really enjoyed the information i got from these novels since I was 8 in 1948 and remember hearing the names portrayed in these books. Enjoy!
• 
  Linda

  All good things must come to an end. This is true of good book series, too. This series ended when Israel became a country but oh how I wish more had been written about the four main characters. I gather from the ending of The Key to Zion that all went well for the four main characters. But I had to design an ending in my mind based on the rough details given in Epilogue. This was unsatisfactory in my opinion. Otherwise, this is another great Bodie Thoene book.
• 
  Jeri

  In the last of these books, you remain pretty spellbound by the main characters as they fight in their own ways for the future of Israel. Not going to tell you more because if you'd read the first four in this saga, you are certainly are hooked to read this last one.
  Enjoy.....
• 
  Shirley Conley

  I think the book is wonderful. I love the way it ended. I know the history of Iseal. But there is so much more to learn. The whole series was great never a dull moment
• 
  Jan Curry

  WonderfuL
  
  I will miss these people, that I have grown to love! This is the last of five books and I wish it has gone on and on!
• 
  Bright Boy Books

  2 trade
• 
  Trudy

  This one was very tense and riveting. Fortunately, Gerhardt was destroyed by his own bomb; thankfully for Sarai.
• 
  Pen

  A beautiful and moving look at love and friendship and what unites and divides people.
• 
  Kirstin

  I am truly sad for this series to end. It is very fast paced with all 5 books fitting into just 6 months. This was an extremely volatile time. The world was still trying to process the truths of the Holocaust and what should be done to help all the suriviors. A Jewish homeland in Palestine was a kind of dream and one that came true throughout this series.
  
   
  
  These characters are wonderful and will get under your skin in such a great way. Rachel and Ellie were my favorites. Rachel went through so much and  I am still in awe of her and her ability to overcome and forgive. The world would be a much better place if there were more Rachels in it. Ellie was strong in her own way. She was given a lot of power and accepted it even though she doubted her abilities. She loved so hard and I was so glad that she found her own happiness amidst all the choas.
  
   
  
  This series is like nothing else in my opinion.  There are plenty of books about the Holocaust and WW2 but they all end at the end of the war. Here is the story of what happens next because there was not an easy solution. The establishment of the State of Israel was nothing less than a miracle. It was a hope for so many people and a new start. I would recommend this series to anyone who loves unique parts of history. My only advice would be to read them in close succession.  They span a very short time period and there is little to no review between the books so it is important you remember what has already happened. You will not regret picking these up.
• 
  Sandy

  A couple of weeks ago, Jon and I finished listening to this book on CD, the fifth and final in the Zion Chronicles series. Each set of CDs was 11-13 hours, so multiply that by five and Bodie Thoene managed to write an intriguing historical fiction of the area of Jerusalem and Palestine in the 1940s that kept us wide awake for many long hours of driving together in the car. By the fourth novel, we so looked forward to what would happen next to our favorite heroes that we took advantage of every 5-10 minutes in the car, as well as the longer trips. The plot twists kept us off guard, and sometimes a little frustrated. This is in large part due to the fact that many of the main characters in this series were real people. Their successes did not come easy, and were interspersed with setbacks. The one thing we both could have done without was a little excess of the mushy romance conversations and thoughts Thoene would write frequently for our heroes. However, the riveting action came often enough to help us through the lengthy emotional stuff. The books showed detailed and insightful research had been done, mostly by Bodie's husband. As they say, real life usually makes the best stories. The books abound with heroes, as well as villains. We really miss hearing of their adventures and look forward to starting another Bodie Thoene series in the future. As a result of hearing these novels, I am much more aware of a lot that was going on in the Middle East in the 1940s. Well done!
• 
  Beth Goehringer

  On a scale of 1 to 5, 'The Zion Chronicles' series is a TEN! Historically accurate fiction of the birth of modern Israel. Bravo!
  
  I have just finished reading this series for the second time - this time out loud to my husband. It played in our imaginations like an intense, suspenseful video. Only the limitations of my voice kept us from speeding through to the end. On a scale of 1 to 5, The Zion Chronicles are a 10! A time capsule of history that made us feel like we were right there.
  
  A blockbuster history of the final days of the British mandate and the birth of the modern State of Israel. Using historical incidents like the horrific attacks on Kastel and Hadassah Hospital, and populated with actual participants like Ben-Gurion and Haj Amin al-Husseini, author Bodie Thoene paints a historically accurate portrait of the siege of Jerusalem. The Zion Chronicles five-book series, follows freedom fighter Moshe and his holocaust survivor wife, Rachel, as well pilot, David and his magazine photographer wife, Ellie, in the life and death struggle for the independence of Israel. There is absolutely no better way to learn history than through a Bodie Thoene novel. Entertaining and educational. Just as intriguing the second time around. Bravo!
• 
  Lady

  This book made me realize how I don't like Ellie much and how little there is to her character. She's the focus of the first book but has very few scenes in any if the others (some for very specific reasons). But it seems like she's only capable of a handful of emotions: fear and stubbornness. She's constantly saying, "David, I'm scared." or freaking out about something and he has to calm her down or crying.
  
  It's never fun to see the flaws in something beloved.
  
  But the odd thing is, even though I read this series with a whole different perspective this time around, there's still something about it I love. All the other characters are pretty great. And the picture if faith and the culture and the history if it are very poignant. That's what I keep coming back to again and again.
• 
  Lisa

  Based on true events, researched through actual historical documents, news stories, and eyewitness accounts, THE KEY TO ZION is the exciting 5th installment of the Zion Chronicles series.
  
  "The Zion Chronicles series covers the events surrounding Israel's statehood in 1948. Each book vividly portrays the intense struggle of the Jewish people in the aftermath of the Holocaust and the forces, within and without, which engulf the Middle East in conflict and controversy even today. Will there ever be peace in Zion? The Jewish people wonder as they stream into the British Mandate of Palestine after the devastation of World War II. What has happened to God's promises to their nation?"
• 
  Cinda

  More of the same. I can't read it very long at one setting--too depressing. Occasionally I'm irritated over Thoene's preachiness. She seems to throw every bad thing she can think of at the main characters. There's nothing lacking in their bad luck. I don't think I'll keep these books; I'll never read them again.
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  Toni Rae Halladay

  The Zion Chronicles are historical novels. I enjoyed reading these books and they helped me understand in some small measure the Israel/Palestine conflict even though the books favored Jewish statehood.