A substantial number of Net Galley reviewers have given this novel high praise. Unfortunately, I cannot join them. Instead, having found the story and the characters far less interesting and believable than hoped for, and the writing problematic, I’m quitting halfway through.

The time is 1943. The place is Berlin.

Koloss, a train mechanic exempted from military service because his job is vital to the war effort, and a member of a resistance group, has just seen his exemption canceled and been ordered to begin training as a soldier. Vowing never to fight for Hitler, he deserts.

Judith Rosner, a Jewish swimmer who won gold for Austria at the 1928 Olympics, and who now works as a seamstress in a factory, has just been warned that she’s about to be sent to a concentration camp. Faking her own suicide, she goes on the run.

Both find their way to the home of Countess Marianne von Wellendorf (Mimi) on the island of Reichenau near the Swiss border. Mimi hides them. But then she is arrested for treason and Koloss and Judith are forced again to flee

Meanwhile, back in Berlin, Countess Sophie Borsoi works as a government censor during the day while providing assistance, including shelter in her apartment at times, to Jews and others on the run. Indeed, right now, she has two young men hiding at her place, even though she’s being watched by the Gestapo.

Will any of these characters be able to escape Nazi Germany or will they be caught, tortured, and executed for treason?

Clearly, “Dark Shadows” promises conflict, adventure, and suspense. But, for me, that promise was never fulfilled.

First, I found substantial credibility problems—to the point where my willingness to suspend disbelief was constantly challenged. I never believed that the characters were citizens of the Third Reich living in 1933 Berlin. They seemed more like contemporary Americans, one character even crying “Awesome!” in response to something another character did.

I found the Judith Rosner character especially problematic. A Jewish woman living and working in the heart of the city in 1943 and seemingly free to move around as she pleases, despite the fact that the “Final Solution” has been underway for over a year and the entire rest of her family has been transported?

And, while other characters are involved in perilous resistance work, their actions and attitudes often seem to belie the danger, which often robs scenes of the tension and suspense they otherwise might have.

Second, we’re shown very little of what life was like for Berliners in 1943. The war has been going on for four years. The Allies have repeatedly bombed the city, reducing many buildings to rubble. The war in Russia is not going well. There are shortages. The airwaves and movie houses are filled with Nazi propaganda. But none of this seems to have much impact on the story.

Third, the writing is just not very good. Often, the dialogue seems designed more to impart information to the reader than to create drama or suspense or to reveal character. I constantly found myself thinking, people just don’t talk this way. Not to mention that the prose is filled with tropes and cliches and is often melodramatic and repetitive. For example, some 20 times throughout the novel various characters’ spines suffer icy chills or cold goosebumps or shivers or crawling despair or raking fury or creeping anger, etc., etc. It's so repetitive as to be extremely noticeable.

However, there is a cognizable story here which some seem to enjoy. Which is why, even though I’m quitting half-way through, I’m giving it two and a half stars rounded up to three.

My thanks to Net Galley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with a complimentary electronic ARC. All of the foregoing is my honest, independent opinion.

Dark Shadows Looming Ahead is a pulse pounding, hold your breath gripping read that will have you turning the pages as fast as you possibly can.

Judith is an Olympic athlete who along with Koloss a German desserter are fleeing for the lives from the Nazis.

There are good people that desperately try to help them but when their hostess is arrested they know they must escape and time is of essence.

The solution was to swim to Switzerland but the odds are against them from the beginning.

My heart was in throat as they attempt to escape, I could feel the iciness of the water and felt their fear.

Dark Shadows Looming Ahead is about more than escaping. It is the heroism, the tenacity, bravery and courage and so much more.

Marion Kummerow writes beautifully and makes her characters and story come alive. If you have not read any of her books you are in for a treat.

This book can absolutley be read as a stand alone although you are missing out on the amazing first book in this series Three Children in Danger.

I hope we see more of Judith soon .

Thanks to NetGalley and Book Whisper for the privilege of reading and reviewing Dark Shadows Loomin Ahead.

What a lovely story of heroism, sacrifice, love and resilience. Once again Marion has written this story which is written into the historical facts of the time. Berlin: with the risky lives of resistance workers and the Jews and half Jews living in secret. Side by side with the collaborating neighbours who are watching everything. The main characters are strong and determined and the reader gets the feeling that they know the people too. I hope to read at some point the story of how these people made lives for themselves after the war. How do you settle back into normal living after hiding in a flat for years and having to hide in the base of a wooden sofa when someone comes to call? Or, living life on the run, how do you live knowing that you are not being hunted...? How do you begin again in a land where the language is not your first and the culture is different? Can you ever fit in again? Thank you Marion for writing this book. As usual I have enjoyed asking in my head what part I would have been comfortable doing. I look forward to reading the next in the series. Thank you Net galley for the ARC and to the publisher, book whisperer,

Marion Kummerow has done it again with Dark Shadows Looming Ahead. This gripping sequel in the Escaping the Reich series pulls you into the desperate and courageous world of Judith Rosner, a Jewish Olympic athlete fleeing the Nazis. The tension is palpable as she teams up with Koloss, a German deserter, to escape across Lake Constance. Kummerow’s writing is vivid and immersive. She captures the era’s dread and hope with masterful detail, balancing historical accuracy with emotional depth. The characters are layered, their choices complex, and their journey absolutely unforgettable. If you enjoy stories of resistance, survival, and unexpected alliances during WWII, this book will not disappoint. Highly recommend. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This is a story set in WWII that depicts what people went thru during the war. It is a compelling book, but I had trouble with the ending. I wanted to find out what happened to a couple of characters but it wasn’t address. That is the only criticism I have, otherwise I found the story a page turner. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

I've read many of Marion Kummerow's books, but this one might be my favorite. Although this is the second book in the Escaping the Reich series, it can absolutely be read as a standalone, so if you are new to this author, don't let that stop you. That said, if you've read the German Wives series, you'll recognize the cameo appearances of a few characters. Because this book is set in 1943, it addresses pivotal historical events, such as the infamous International Red Cross visit to the Theresienstadt Concentration Camp. (The commandant is a familiar character!)

This is more than Judith Rosen's story, although she is such a fascinating character that it would have been enough for me. Her escape plan is interwoven with that of Koloss, the familiar, massive welder from the Berlin train car factory/Resistance member. Although he is 42 years old, he receives a draft notice but cannot bear to serve in the Wehrmacht. The third person of importance in this story is Countess Sophie Borsoi and her continued work with the Swedish pastor, Perwe. Combined, the tensions in the plot were almost more than I could bear. Characters that I was sure would be "safe" weren't. For the last 100 pages, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough while also being afraid to see what the next page would bring. Kudos to the author for a plot twist at the end of Dark Shadows Looming Ahead that I never saw coming, but was perfect!

"Without the many followers who looked the other way instead of acting, Hitler could never hold on to power. The silent masses have become the guarantors of his rule."

"For every active perpetrator, there are ten people who look the other way. They are the reason the Nazis manage to do their evil work."

I'll be thinking of what I learned in this book for a very long time and I highly recommend it to all historical fiction lovers.

This was a very well written book. It was very heart breaking to see what people went through during this time just to stay alive. Would definitely recommend.

Another gripping story by Marion Kummerow! Based (loosely) on real characters and their courageous acts, this novel has hooked my attention up to the end. I was never sure whether the helpers would be successful in hiding or providing escape! Really suspenseful! I enjoyed the characters, their wit and boldness. They felt very real . This is the second book of the trilogy, but definitely can be read as a standalone. The first book was as gripping as well as interesting (based on real help organisations) as this second novel. I now wait impatiently for the third story!
A great read!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.