The Gathering Storm by Bodie and Brock Thoene - REVIEWED

“Eternity is always just a breath, a heartbeat away.” (p. 339)

The Gathering Storm is a story that spans time and eternity and speaks an ageless truth about mankind and his need for a Savior. This story speaks of human desire so poignant that it steals your breath and human suffering so great you will cry for the sorrow endured by so many.

Bodie and Brock Thoene take their readers to Europe as the Nazi regime marches across one country after another. The reader experiences first-hand what it was like to flee before the German troops, to hide in the bunkers as the bombs fell and experience despair and hope as it crashes upon the human soul.

The Thoene’s set the reader up for the ultimate reading experience as they introduce a spectacular young English woman in the prologue of the story. Loralei Kepler and her family begin their flight to freedom during the Blitzkrieg of Brussels and by the time the reader reaches England with the characters they have vicariously experienced the events leading up to WWII through the eyes of a woman who is destined to understand truth in a way few ever experience it.

Bodie and Brock Thoene understand this truth: “The sages say that the ink of the scribe is as precious in the eyes of the Lord as the blood of the martyr.” (p. 373) For you see, dear reader, the human race is once again watching a storm gathering on the horizon. We would do well to remember the past and its mistakes, and choose a different path. Until then, may we heed the words of the watchmen set upon the walls and the warning they so faithfully trumpet!

The Gathering Storm in an unforgettable reading experience that carries a powerful message of truth. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to share this story with you.

“You’ll bridge the gap between the wide world and those who are lost in it. You’ll speak for those who have no voice.” (p. 236)

About the Authors:

Bodie and Brock Thoene (pronounced Tay-nee) have written over 50 works of historical fiction. That these best sellers have sold more than 20 million copies and won eight ECPA Gold Medallion Awards affirms what millions of readers have already discovered—the Thoenes are not only master stylists but experts at capturing readers’ minds and hearts.

In their timeless classic series about Israel (The Zion Chronicles, The Zion Covenant, and The Zion Legacy), the Thoenes’ love for both story and research shines. Vienna Prelude, in The Zion Covenant series, was a finalist in two categories for the 2008 Audie audiobook award. Prague Counterpoint, in The Zion Covenant series, was the 2009 Audie Award winner for Most Inspirational Audiobook of the Year.

Early in her career as a journalist, Bodie’s byline appeared in prestigious periodicals such as U.S. News and World Report, The American West, and The Saturday Evening Post. She also worked for John Wayne’s Batjac Productions (she’s best known as author of The Fall Guy) and ABC Circle Films as a writer and researcher. John Wayne described her as “a writer with talent that captures the people and the times!” She has degrees in journalism and communications.

With degrees in both history and education, Brock has, in his role as researcher and story-line consultant, added the vital dimension of historical accuracy. Due to such careful research, the Zion Covenant and Zion Chronicles series are recognized by the American Library Association, as well as Zionist libraries around the world, as classic historical novels and are used to teach history in college classrooms.