Review: When Twilight Breaks by Sarah Sundin

About the Book

Munich, 1938. Evelyn Brand is an American foreign correspondent as determined to prove her worth in a male-dominated profession as she is to expose the growing tyranny in Nazi Germany. To do so, she must walk a thin line. If she offends the government, she could be expelled from the country--or worse. If she fails to truthfully report on major stories, she'll never be able to give a voice to the oppressed--and wake up the folks back home.

In another part of the city, American graduate student Peter Lang is working on his PhD in German. Disillusioned with the chaos in the world due to the Great Depression, he is impressed with the prosperity and order of German society. But when the brutality of the regime hits close, he discovers a far better way to use his contacts within the Nazi party--to feed information to the shrewd reporter he can't get off his mind.

This electric standalone novel from fan-favorite Sarah Sundin puts you right at the intersection of pulse-pounding suspense and heart-stopping romance.

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My Thoughts

Sarah Sundin has done it again! When Twilight Breaks is another stellar read from a master of WWII fiction. It's my new favorite of hers.

I always find it so interesting to read about what life was like in Germany before and during WWII. There's so many questions I find myself asking. How did the Nazis get so much power? How did the people come under the Nazis spell? What was the allure? Why didn't more people fight back against their atrocities? This book answers those questions and so many more. It gives such a fascinating look into the country during that time.

Journalist Evelyn Brand is doing her best to get the grim truth of what's really going on in Germany out to the American people, all while trying not to anger the Nazi government. It's not an easy job, but she's definitely up to the task. But because she's a woman in a traditionally man's job, she's gotta work twice as hard to prove herself. She's gotta be a strong, independent, formidable force. And she was. She was such an admirable character, steadfast and brave. I appreciated how diligently she fought for truth and justice.

Peter Lang is in Germany working on his PhD. He's disillusioned with the violence and chaos he experienced in America because of the Great Depression and is wowed by the seeming success and prosperity of Germany. He doesn't see the evil underbelly, the injustice, of it all, not at first. I didn't know what to think of Peter in the beginning, but he really came around. His character illustrated how easy it could've been to be fooled by the shiny, “perfect” facade the Nazis presented to the world. I loved watching him discover the truth and fight so hard for what was right. He ended up being one of my favorite heroes I've read about recently.

I know it's early in the year to say this but When Twilight Breaks is a serious contender for 'book of the year'. It might just be the best WWII book I've ever read. Needless to say, I highly, highly recommend it to everyone. It's a must read.

Five Stars