This historical fiction was set in the 1930s during Hitler’s rise to power. It was challenging at first to understand all the different characters, and the “romance” side-story was not needed. However overall, the book is a suspense filled, fast and interesting read. ( )

A group of German industrialists seize control of their government in the 1920s to 1930s. Due to this action, they are responsible for placing Adolf Hitler in command and their actions lead to WWII. The sentinels have recently discovered that these same industrialists are attempting to smuggle their accumulated wealth out of Germany before the invasion by the Allies. The sentinels realize this must be stopped. There can never be a fourth reich.

There are a lot of moving parts to this novel. One minute it is espionage, money laundering and war…then it is a romance story. It is a bit disjointed in places. But, it is fascinating. I would love to know more about how the author came up with the money laundering scheme. Is it based on actual knowledge or just something he made up?

I also enjoyed the intelligence surrounding this plot. Then we have some major intensity…this story definitely kept me on my toes.

The narrator, Scott Fleming, did a very good job. He could have been better on the female voices…just a thought.

Need a unique look at the money side of WWII…This is it! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel in exchange for a honest review. ( )

At Berkeley, California, in 1932, post-graduate students began their doctoral studies at the influential and highly respected Institute for World Economic Studies. By mid-year 1938, 6 doctoral candidates claimed they had

"discovered a pattern that explains and can even predict repeating cycles of the rise and fall of world powers."

The students were the sons and a daughter of highly respected and influential families in the banking and financial world, a son from a family known for fine wine production and a son from a family owning a prestigious auction house.

Unknown to the students, German industrialists were plotting in closed-door meetings to use their connections around the globe to hoard a vast sum of money from illegal war profits, hiding their agenda from those financing the Third Reich.

I have read many riveting WWII historical fiction novels, many of which are based on meticulous research of actual events and people. This novel is gripping in a different way, using the backdrop of World War II to shed light on powerful people using their social status in society in combination with their financial profits to obtain power behind-the-scenes to change the course of history for their monetary gain. Each turn of the page brought new dramatic twists as the scenes changed from the United States to England to Switzerland, including unplanned diversions taken by air, land, and sea.

The scope of political intrigue, greed, secrets, lies, romance, danger, conspiracy, and violence illustrate a compelling narrative of good vs. evil. A thought-provoking novel, leaving a reader to wonder if one-day evil will win or if we admit that evil has won many times around the globe and simply wonder what the future might hold. ( )

I enjoyed this book, especially the beginning and the conversations between the characters. Even though it is fiction, I liked reading this book due to the action and suspense, which made me want to continue reading the series. ( )

A really good read - I read it twice already. Part of a series that I want to finish.