Olympic champion Judith Rosner once had the world at her feet. But after Austria’s annexation by Nazi Germany, her victories no longer matter—only the fact that she is Jewish. Friends turn away, the Gestapo is closing in, and survival becomes her only goal. Hiding with a fearless woman who risks everything to protect the persecuted, Judith meets Koloss, a German deserter with nowhere left to run. But when the SS arrests their protector, the two must make a desperate escape. Their only hope? Switzerland—just across the treacherous waters of Lake Constance. But with patrol boats on the prowl and strict regulations on rowboats, the journey is nearly impossible. Will they find freedom?

This is the second in the Escaping the Reich series. I read the first one and really like the author and the way she describes her characters and Europe as Germany begins its march to conquer and the danger to all Jewish people. When NetGalley and the publisher offered the next in the series, I was quick to request it and thank you for offering it and granting my request. It is a harrowing tale of the lengths the persecuted peoples--especially Jews--would go to escape Hitler's henchmen. Anyone who likes Kummerow's writing will like it as well as those who -- like me-- read a lot of historical fiction that takes place during the WWII time frame.

“Dark Shadows Looming Ahead” is the second book in the “Escape from the Reich” trilogy by prolific writer Marion Kummerow. This is the only book of hers that I’ve read. I received an advanced reader’s copy from NetGalley prior to its publication. My opinions are voluntary.

From the trilogy’s title it’s obvious the stories focus on Nazi Germany during World War II. “Dark Shadows Looming Ahead” focuses alternately between a man and woman fleeing the Nazis for different reasons that fate has thrown together as they seek their escape and between the people, mostly a young German woman and her contacts, who assist people in escaping the Reich. The two parallel story lines have very little relation to each other and easily could have singularly been embellished to stand on its own independently. Together, however, they make the book disjointed and not cohesive. Both stories could have been flushed out much more vigorously. As they stand, both leave many questions unanswered and endings cut abruptly short.

The next volume in the series doesn’t suggest to resolve these issues, as it will feature new characters plotting different means of escaping the Nazis. For these reasons, I was disappointed after finishing the book, particularly since I had become interested and invested in the well being and fates of many of the characters.

This is the story of Judith (a Jew) and Koloss (a German opposed to Hitler). Both are trying to flee the country for different reasons. Then they meet up and the story really heats up. There is so much drama and intrigue in these stories. It is like hearing first hand accounts of what went on in Germany during the time of Hitler. This story also continues some storylines from the first book (Three children in danger) also a really incredible book. I cannot say enough good things about these stories!

Many of the current crop of novels about resistance movements during WWII are set in France. But Kummerow takes a less traveled path, setting her story in Nazi Germany and structuring it around internal resistance, a story seldom told. Using three separate story lines, Kummerow weaves a tale of intrigue, danger, bravery, and fear. Some of her characters are based on real people involved in undermining the Nazi regime and saving those facing the wrath of the Gestapo and the camps.

The novel starts with a unique thread of Koloss a big hunk of a man who receives his draft notice. As an ardent hater of the regime, he decides to dodge the draft. If caught it is an instant death sentence. Other major characters are several wealthy aristocrats who use their wealth and privilege to hide Jews and help them escape the country. One of the other main characters is a gold medal Olympian who happens to be Jewish and forced to escape deportation to the camps. The intersection of their lives highlights the danger of life in Nazi Germany.

One very unique aspect of the novel revolves around the role of the Swedish church and government in helping the resistance movement. Using the power of its neutrality and Germany's need for it's iron ore, the Swedes double down on their power to help those inside Germany. This is in stark contrast to Switzerland, the other neutral, that easily complied with orders from the Nazis. Kummerow does a good job of showing the shadow of Hitler' regime and the Gestapo shadow everyone's life's.

Another aspect of Dark Shadows deals with the aspect of those who support the regime and are true followers of Hitler and enabling his hold on power. Their blind loyalty to doctrine and dogma allow the subtle theory of collective guilt to pervade the story. Kummerow also introduces the reality of the Jew catcher, a fascinating aspect of Holocaust history that is very seldom explored.

While it is evident that there will be another novel drawn from the events in Dark Shadows, the reader is not left hanging at the end. Most of the storylines come to a conclusion and one isn't compelled to buy the next in the series. This novel is a stand alone book. It's a quick read; I finished it in three hours. Compelling and well written, Dark Shadows holds your attention. Kummerow keeps her characters realistic and flawed and avoids cloying sentimental storyline.

This is the second in a loosely connected series of 3 books. I have not read either of the other two, but it was understandable without the first book, and made me want to read books one and three. The book follows two women in different environments as they try to help/save Nazi victims. The women have been highly placed in German society, still have contacts, and are acquainted with each other. One lives in a small apartment, works as a “seamstress” to make up for her mistakes, and still manages to hide and feed two ‘enemy’ Jews. The other lives alone in a mansion on an island in the middle of Lake Constance on the German-Swiss border and hides an Austrian Olympic champion woman swimmer and a German army deserter in her house until she is betrayed. The suspense continues to the end of the book, which may not be ended completely until the final volume.

What a great book, exciting escapes, of two differing people in war time Germany. Intriguing storyline which keeps you ready for the next page. Have thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

Olympic champion Judith Rosner once had the world at her feet. But after Austria’s annexation by Nazi Germany, her victories no longer matter—only the fact that she is Jewish. Friends turn away, the Gestapo is closing in, and survival becomes her only goal.

Hiding with a fearless woman who risks everything to protect the persecuted, Judith meets Koloss, a German deserter with nowhere left to run. But when the SS arrests their protector, the two must make a desperate escape.

Brilliant! Have you ever read a historical fiction book that you related to on some level happening in your own life? This feels relevant right now. That aside, this was an excellent story with wonderful characters! It was nice to see cameos from some of her earlier books! 4.5⭐

I received an advanced complimentary digital copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed are my own.

I do enjoy, if that is the right word, books by this author as she explains the historical facts in easy to understand language but also has a great storyline. it was left with what was going to happen next.
this is the second book in the series but can be read as a standalone but would be better as a series

When historical fiction is engaging and written right, I'm HOOOKED. This book grabbed me by the heart and held it in a death grip for the entire book. I enjoyed how brave the characters and I was stressed out rooting for them throughout the book. I loved htis book as much as I enjoyed the first one.

This is a book everyone should read if they have the chance!

I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.

This is Book 2 called Escaping the Reich by Marion Kummerow did not disappoint.
It can be read as a standalone novel and I really enjoyed it as I always do by this author .
Recommended as always

This book is the second in the series, but it is a story by itself.
We see the interaction of characters met in earlier books, so it is nice to see the connections.
Judith Rosner a Jewish Austrian Olympic medal holder. Going from been a celebrity to a person that constantly afraid of been send to the concentration camps.
Koloss a German laborer tries to escape serving in the army making him a deserter.
Circumstances bring these two people from diverse backgrounds together in their plans to escape to Switzerland. Thinking that it was the way to go they did not expect The Swiss authorities to deliverer any Jewish person back to the Nazis.
The story itself is fiction but based on some real events. After you finish take a bit of time to read the author’s note explaining the events she uses as inspiration.

A sports hero and someone who doesn’t want to fight in the war. Now they have to escape, and they only can do it together, but will they survive?
This story was heartbreaking but also uplifting. I enjoyed reading it.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc. This review is my honest opinion.

Book 2 of the Escaping the Reich series sees the return of some characters from book 1, plus some new people to get to know to. I did wonder why I was reading, why I had never heard of Judith Rosner, Jewish Olympic champion; and it's because she isn't a real person. The fact that I believed she was shows Kummerow's skill in creating believable characters. I also didn't realise that there is actually only a lake separating the borders between Germany and Switzerland, and I really hope that at least one person really did escape the Nazis in this way.

The story was exciting, gripping and educational, even though it's largly fiction. Countess Sophie is based on a real Countess who helped people flee from Nazi persecution. The bravery of everyday people like her will never stop astounding me.

I'm looking forward to the next book in this series, and definitely need to make the time to read some of the author's other books.

Resisting Evil

This is a story of resistance against the Nazi’s. It has some very brave participants from very different walks of life. All of them are courageous, kind, and humane. They want to help those which the Nazi’s are persecuting. They did it at the peril of their own death and sometimes they were killed or imprisoned for their actions.

I was impressed by the actions and help from the countesses Mimi, Anni and Sophie. They were helping with time, money and any way they could. Unfortunately, there were consequences for their actions at times.

The story of the factory worker koloss the Jewish swimmer Judith was quite a story and very inspirational. I enjoyed this story very much.

I await the next book in the series, I would like to find out what happens to Koloss and Judith I hope it is covered in the next book. Also Mimi and Sophie are in danger as well and Jurgen, hope it all turns out well for those characters as well.

Although they are only characters in a book the author portrays them so well that you can’t help rooting for them and wondering what happens next.

I enjoyed reading this book very much, and I know you will as well.

I was gifted an advance copy of the book to read and review. The review is my own.

Set in Germany during ww2, this is the story follows the lives of a Jew and a German deserter on the run from Nazis. This is a real page turner and a book that I couldn’t put down! This beautifully written book pulls at the heartstrings as it describes both the feelings of the Jew and deserter in hiding and also those brave Germans who risked their lives to hide them. This book does have a dual POV of Judith ( the Jew) and Koloss ( the deserter) however I found this to be very interesting to read their thoughts and opinions. This is probably one of my favourite books I’ve read this year, beautifully written and well researched, lots of twists and turns along the way. You also learn so much especially about Switzerland during the war which even though was a neutral country it didn’t welcome the Jews with open arms.
I absolutely loved this book and would definitely recommend it.
Just wish it was a bit longer to see what happened next, can’t wait to read the next book.
Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book, all opinions expressed are my own.

Dark Shadows Looming Ahead by Marion Kummerow is a World War II story. This is the second book in a new series ‘Escaping the Reich’. While this second book it is part of a new series it can definitely be read as a stand alone. The reader will only see some of the secondary characters carried over from the first book. The main characters and their story are new.

The main characters in this second book are Judith and Koloss. Judith is Jewish. Koloss is against being a soldier in the Third Reich so he leaves before he can be conscripted. Both are in grave danger if they are found anywhere in Germany. They need to get out of the country. The closes country to escape to would be Switzerland. They are not under Nazi rule. However Judith and Koloss would have to have proper papers, money and a viable route to escape.

The novel describes how they manage from day to day as they work to gather all that they need. Obviously being in hiding everything is met setback after setback. Ms. Kummerow’s narrative has you on the edge of your seat. It is rather nerve-wracking. Will they make it to Switzerland or will they be caught and turned over to the Gestapo? This is the second book by author Ms. Kummerow that I've read. This story keeps you in suspense and turning the pages to see what comes next.

The characters are such that you find yourself cheering them on and worried if something goes wrong. The settings are vivid and you can easily place yourself there wandering in the forest. I was shocked by the ending. I enjoyed the book immensely but was so disappointed in that I now have to wait for the other book to see what happens next. I am not fond of stories that you hanging. Other than that I was very happy with the book.

I would like to thank the author, Book Whisper and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

A captivating and suspenseful novel by Marion Kummerow. Dark Shadows Loom Ahead is the second book in the "Escaping the Reich" trilogy, and it delivers an unforgettable reading experience. Although part of a trilogy, it can certainly be enjoyed as a standalone. However, reading the first book offers an introduction to recurring characters that will capture your heart for their heroism, kindness, courage, and resilience. This book was thoroughly enjoyable. I can’t wait for the next installment. 5 stars
I would like to thank the author, Book Whisperer and Netgalley for my free copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest review.
#DarkShadowsLoomingAhead #NetGalley

I have read many books by Marion Kummerow. When a new one comes out, I know I am in for a really good read. This novel is no exception. The setting is Berlin, Germany midway through World War II. It is about two sets of people, the first includes Sophie, a socialite working for the resistance. She hides Jews in her apartment and does other many things. The other set of people includes a non Jewish machinist slowing the cogs of Germany’s war machine on his own. When he is drafted, he knows he cannot serve in Hitler’s army and he deserts. Along his escape, he meets a young Jewish athlete, who is also trying to escape the Nazi regime. Each chapter goes back-and-forth between these two sets of people. It is a real page turner; sitting on the edge of your seat along the way. The story of their escapes and ultimately what happens to them makes this book very special.

A very well written book. During WW II it was necessary to use whatever help you could get. What they went through was unbwliwvablw and very well,portrayed in this book. I was glad to read in the end that this story was non fiction in a lot of instances.

these books truly come off the pages to you. it makes you feel. it make you think. it makes you sit for a few beats every now and then just to reflect and contemplate. and sometimes you have to sit so as not to get too angry at a time in our history that still does and still should bring that anger.
this book is more angst than others of the time. there is a real risk and compulsion then as a reader to read on and on. you need to be right alongside our characters as they face the dangers ahead.
because this story brings us just that, dangers ahead for Judith and Koloss who are fleeing the Nazis.
they have been helped alone the way but then tragedy strikes when the brilliant and brave woman protecting and hosting them is arrested by the enemy. frightened, they know they have to escape and run for it, there is no time to waste or wait.
the only option available to them now is Switzerland. and yes that involved crossing water. but for many known and unknown reasons this will be a heroic and heart hurling mission to the other side.
and oh i felt i was wishing and wary for them all the way across. and could feel their fear and their bravery. again, i dont know how these people did what they did in those times. i honestly cant get my head around it.
there is so much to this book. i would and could write far too much and still not do what i want to put down in some form of correlated understand of just how much this book hooked me.
this book reached out and never let go right until the end.