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Nick Lassiter-Skyler International Espionage #3
Altar of Resistance
In this second thriller in the bestselling WWII series, the Eternal City of Rome during the Nazi Occupation of 1943-1944 is a besieged city. In this perilous wartime setting, Rome is a tinderbox of four conflicting parties: the Allies—represented by Major John Bridger of the American-Canadian First Special Service Force—trying to capture Rome as the first Axis prize of war but encountering stiff opposition; the Germans—represented by Waffen-SS Colonel Wilhelm Hollmann, the German father of John Bridger—trying to throw the Allies back into the sea while holding Rome hostage and using it as a staging ground and supply line to the front; Pope Pius XII, deeply involved in the plot to remove Hitler from power while struggling to maintain Vatican impartiality, mediate between the West and Nazi Germany, save Rome from destruction, and protect the city’s Jews and others from extermination; and finally, the Partisans represented by Teresa Kruger, daughter of Hollmann and half-sister of John Bridger, who during the German Occupation is transformed from a passive member of Rome’s aristocracy to an active Resistance fighter.
Based on actual historical events and newly released OSS/CIA and KGB documents, Altar of Resistance recounts in detail the long, hard road that led to the Allied liberation of Rome. War is about simple survival, and Bridger and Teresa must battle their father and the Nazi occupiers in the name of freedom; while the Allies’ secret agent—the Supreme Pontiff and leader of the Vatican’s Church of Spies, Roman-born Pope Pius XII—orchestrates events behind the scenes in an effort to thwart German oppression, ensure the overthrow of the Führer, and usher in a viable post-Hitler government.
Based on actual historical events and newly released OSS/CIA and KGB documents, Altar of Resistance recounts in detail the long, hard road that led to the Allied liberation of Rome. War is about simple survival, and Bridger and Teresa must battle their father and the Nazi occupiers in the name of freedom; while the Allies’ secret agent—the Supreme Pontiff and leader of the Vatican’s Church of Spies, Roman-born Pope Pius XII—orchestrates events behind the scenes in an effort to thwart German oppression, ensure the overthrow of the Führer, and usher in a viable post-Hitler government.
368 pages, Paperback
First published January 24, 2017
905 people are currently reading
794 people want to read
About the author
Samuel Marquis
13 books112 followersThe ninth-great-grandson of legendary privateer Captain William Kidd, Samuel Marquis, M.S., P.G., is a professional hydrogeologist, expert witness, and bestselling, award-winning author of twelve American non-fiction-history, historical-fiction, and suspense books, covering primarily the period from colonial America through WWII. His American history and historical fiction books have been #1 Denver Post bestsellers and received multiple national book awards (Kirkus Reviews and Foreword Reviews Book of the Year, American Book Fest and USA Best Book, Readers’ Favorite, Beverly Hills, Independent Publisher, Colorado Book Awards). His historical titles have garnered glowing reviews from bestselling authors, colonial American history and maritime historians, U.S. military veterans, Publishers Weekly, Booklist, Kirkus Reviews, and Foreword Reviews (Starred Reviews, 5 Stars). His website is samuelmarquisbooks.com and for publicity inquiries, please contact BooksForward at [email protected].
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
February 2, 2017
To date, I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing two previous Samuel Marquis novels: The Coalition, a political assassination thriller, and Bodyguard of Deception: Volume One of his World War II Trilogy.
Now, I’ve read Altar of Resistance, the second book in that trilogy. Without question, Marquis has really upped his game with this one. In Bodyguard, much of the setting was in the Rocky Mountains where two escaped Nazi POW brothers with very different attitudes try to send secret information back to Germany. One is a die-hard, ruthless Nazi; the other is a loyal German whose patriotism does mean national pride but doesn’t extend to Hitler. In the mix, their Americanized mother tries to make sure law enforcement and counter-espionage entities chasing her sons capture and not kill them.
In Altar, Marquis compounds that family dynamic with a more epic sweep set during the Allied invasion of Italy, with many events occurring in the occupied, besieged city of Rome in 1943-1944. SS Colonel Wilhelm Hollmann represents the Germans trying to control the Italians while fulfilling the dictates of Adolf Hitler that include mass slaughters of Jews and the Italian resistance. He has two children. One is Major John Bridger of the American-Canadian First Special Service Force who has changed his name to distance himself from a family he feels is cursed , after his mother tried to kill his father 11 years before. His half-sister is Teresa Kruger, who becomes a partisan fighter killing Germans on Roman streets as she wishes to destroy the father she despises.
While we see Bridger go behind enemy lines and narrowly escape torture and death before joining the Allied invasion, we also witness Teresa and her resistance compatriots trying to fight their oppressors. We see Hollman interact with a large number of German and Italian fascists engaged in savage reprisals and cruelty of every variety. We also see Pope Pius XII wrestling with what his proper role should be in protecting the Jews and his people. Perhaps it’s the story of the Pope that could be the most controversial element of the novel.
For decades, the Pope’s role during the war has been debated with no easy resolutions. Did he do enough to protect the Jews? Why didn’t he be more public in denunciations of Hitler? In Marquis’s portrayal, the Pope wanted to preserve the Vatican’s neutrality, feared there would be harsher reprisals if he said much publicly, felt he couldn’t fairly denounce Hitler without doing the same to the Russians, and seemed very concerned about his august presence being forced out of Rome. He’s described as a secret agent for the allies, supporting three assassination attempts on Hitler, and he made all Catholic institutions in and around Rome safe havens for Jews for as long as he could before German betrayal.
With such a complex tableau with many significant players, no synopsis can possibly do the book justice. It’s more than evident considerable research went into establishing the events, settings, and especially the characters. In several appendices, Marquis spells out the biographies of the actual personages that populate his novel and explains who the models were for his fictional characters. For me, it’s astonishing how much went into this book that was published so quickly after his other recent novels. The man is prolific as well as deep. I look forward to volume three of the trilogy which, no doubt will come our way sometime in 2017.
This review first appeared at BookPleasures.com on Jan. 24, 2016:
goo.gl/mZj8B5
February 5, 2017
This is the second book I have read by this author. The first one was fine but this book was great. More than great, Altar of Resistance is spectacular! While, this book may have been the second one in this series I had no issues jumping right into it. In fact, I felt like it could stand on its own.
Instantly, I was drawn to this story and the characters. Although, the time period is what gave this book the cherry on top. If Colonel Wilhelm and his children, John and Teresa had been in modern day times, I still would have liked them but what they all endured during this time period is what gave them that extra depth of intensity. Once, I started reading this book, I could not stop reading. I read it in a few hours. Strong beginning, middle, and ending. I plan to go back and check out the prior book in this trilogy as well as patiently awaiting the final book.
Instantly, I was drawn to this story and the characters. Although, the time period is what gave this book the cherry on top. If Colonel Wilhelm and his children, John and Teresa had been in modern day times, I still would have liked them but what they all endured during this time period is what gave them that extra depth of intensity. Once, I started reading this book, I could not stop reading. I read it in a few hours. Strong beginning, middle, and ending. I plan to go back and check out the prior book in this trilogy as well as patiently awaiting the final book.
February 8, 2017
Author Samuel Marquis is the new Ken Follett of the WWII thriller—but he’s even better. I have read Bodyguard of Deception and Altar of Resistance, Books 1 and 2 of his WWII Trilogy, and they both take you on a thrill ride through the Second World War with spellbinding suspense and very detailed research that makes it fun to read but where you also learn a lot. In Altar of Resistance, Marquis describes one family’s struggle for survival during the Battle for Rome and Italy in 1943 and 1944. Packed with war action, suspense, Tom-Clancy-like detail, and even a dash of romance, I literally could not put Altar of Resistance down. Bravo once again Mr. Marquis!
March 16, 2023
Deus in Machina
This story is based on the Nazi occupation of Rome during WWII.
The brutal occupation of Rome and the activities of Pope Pius are all brought into focus here.
The story brilliantly describes the tension in the city brought on by the Nazi occupiers and the suffering of the Roman residents.
My problem with this story by the author is the insertion of the fictional struggle of one family to make sense of it all. The family story element sometimes works as an awkward device that the author uses to move the story along. I believe this “ deus in machina” was unnecessary and towards the end of the book this device became very tiresome.
The Italian campaign during WWII and the brutal occupation of Rome is a story worth standing on its own merit. The activities of the Pope during this period definitely deserve greater scrutiny.
Altar of Resistance is a book worth reading on its own merit. This book is a five-star read, however, there is a one-star deduction for the clumsy insertion of the fictional family drama.
This story is based on the Nazi occupation of Rome during WWII.
The brutal occupation of Rome and the activities of Pope Pius are all brought into focus here.
The story brilliantly describes the tension in the city brought on by the Nazi occupiers and the suffering of the Roman residents.
My problem with this story by the author is the insertion of the fictional struggle of one family to make sense of it all. The family story element sometimes works as an awkward device that the author uses to move the story along. I believe this “ deus in machina” was unnecessary and towards the end of the book this device became very tiresome.
The Italian campaign during WWII and the brutal occupation of Rome is a story worth standing on its own merit. The activities of the Pope during this period definitely deserve greater scrutiny.
Altar of Resistance is a book worth reading on its own merit. This book is a five-star read, however, there is a one-star deduction for the clumsy insertion of the fictional family drama.
February 2, 2017
Wow!!!! While this book is the second of Marquis' WWII trilogy, it can be read easily as a stand alone. I've followed this author's works from the Coalition on through both the Higheagle Geopolitical thrillers and Bodyguard of Deception. I naturally gravitated toward the Higheagle series as I had the pleasure of knowing the author back in our undergrad days at Denison where we both majored in Geology. With each of his books, I hear "his voice", and usually can identify one of the main characters who reminds me of his unique, ever curious, devil's advocate type of personality. He enlivened many class discussions with very esteemed profs from which we were so incredibly lucky to have learned from. Many would wonder how you can enliven an advanced Paleontology class- just add Sam to the mix, any subject, any topic. He was capable of turning a lecture into an eager interactive debate, and those who knew him really appreciated his wit and easy going persona.
It's been an honor to be an Advanced Reader for his venture into turning his hobbies into different types of adventure fiction that I'm sure no one could fault the research that Sam weaves into his storylines and conspiracy theories. The very fact that he can incorporate such volumes of historical fact into thoroughly fun, readable fiction never ceases to amaze me still. He holds a full time career as a Hydrogeologist in Colorado, is very involved in his home and family life, yet STILL can write such thought provoking works that make you wonder"" "hmmmmm" long after.
His latest thriller focuses on the Nazi occupation of Rome, and masterfully winds fictional and real players into a great spy thriller. I learned about my Italian heritage and had not fully understood how desperate the times were for all Italians after Mussolini's fall but left with the occupation of their homeland, especially Rome. The idea of creating a fictional family in crisis that each have very personal affiliations and ties to opposing worldwide forces fuels his plot lines. Controversy will probably always shadow Pope Pius XII and this book taught me history that I had not forayed into. Imagine the burden that a Pope carried keeping his huge congregation and especially the Vatican and Rome itself from being torn apart. I personally choose to believe that the rumors about the Pope's role in undercover operations to rescue rebels and Jews threatened by the Nazis and their deranged leader are all true. Imagine an icon of Peace having to decide the fate of the church promoting world peace while involving himself privately in several failed assassination attempts to remove Hitler, as this book effectively shows. It also emphasizes how fearful, yet conflicted some high ranking officers of Hitler's own regime and SS struggled mightily with his evil plan of a supreme race to rule after his reign mercifully was ended.
This isn't a book that you can read fast! It is very intricately woven in plot to describe conflicting forces that played critical roles during the occupation, but if you choose to read this power packed novel, you're in for a hell of a historical read and will be thinking about it long after you're done!
By the way, I finished this just as HBO's very intriguing series was released: the Young Pope who chooses Pius XIII as his name. I've caught a few references to how controversially the Vatican still regards the rumors of Pius XII's secret involvement in assistance to Italian rebels and to eliminate Hitler vs. lack of involvement that remains mysterious to this day.
It's been an honor to be an Advanced Reader for his venture into turning his hobbies into different types of adventure fiction that I'm sure no one could fault the research that Sam weaves into his storylines and conspiracy theories. The very fact that he can incorporate such volumes of historical fact into thoroughly fun, readable fiction never ceases to amaze me still. He holds a full time career as a Hydrogeologist in Colorado, is very involved in his home and family life, yet STILL can write such thought provoking works that make you wonder"" "hmmmmm" long after.
His latest thriller focuses on the Nazi occupation of Rome, and masterfully winds fictional and real players into a great spy thriller. I learned about my Italian heritage and had not fully understood how desperate the times were for all Italians after Mussolini's fall but left with the occupation of their homeland, especially Rome. The idea of creating a fictional family in crisis that each have very personal affiliations and ties to opposing worldwide forces fuels his plot lines. Controversy will probably always shadow Pope Pius XII and this book taught me history that I had not forayed into. Imagine the burden that a Pope carried keeping his huge congregation and especially the Vatican and Rome itself from being torn apart. I personally choose to believe that the rumors about the Pope's role in undercover operations to rescue rebels and Jews threatened by the Nazis and their deranged leader are all true. Imagine an icon of Peace having to decide the fate of the church promoting world peace while involving himself privately in several failed assassination attempts to remove Hitler, as this book effectively shows. It also emphasizes how fearful, yet conflicted some high ranking officers of Hitler's own regime and SS struggled mightily with his evil plan of a supreme race to rule after his reign mercifully was ended.
This isn't a book that you can read fast! It is very intricately woven in plot to describe conflicting forces that played critical roles during the occupation, but if you choose to read this power packed novel, you're in for a hell of a historical read and will be thinking about it long after you're done!
By the way, I finished this just as HBO's very intriguing series was released: the Young Pope who chooses Pius XIII as his name. I've caught a few references to how controversially the Vatican still regards the rumors of Pius XII's secret involvement in assistance to Italian rebels and to eliminate Hitler vs. lack of involvement that remains mysterious to this day.
February 2, 2017
Altar of Resistance, provided great perspectives and insights into World War II. His choice of German occupied Rome and the plot development involving the Vatican and Pope provides quite the behind the scenes story line into World War II. The through historical research allowed for Marquis to layer in a very enjoyable story. The character development and high stakes moments drew me into the heat of the action. I look forward to reading more of Samuel Marquis's books
March 8, 2021
Whose side are they on.
When a brother & sister witness there parents arguing shots are fired and obviously nothing is ever the same again, they all end up in Rome having been in Innsbruck, Austria .
Now the Second World War is raging the Germans have taken control of Rome as well as the rest of Italy, our family are there and Pope Pius XII remains in the Vatican a virtual Prisoner in the City within a City. This is obviously a historic novel set around the going on at this time based on the truth but with a story of the family telling it their way, plus the story of some of what Pope Pius XII did under huge pressure to be true to His calling. There is the full works the battles fiction based on truth, there is the tale of a family and a Pope dealing with Nazis and trying to protect the People of Rome and the Catholics in Germany as well.This
There are several twists the characters are great in Hollywood style & all with real emotions and feelings. The Germans play there part and the Americans but the heart is the Romans this was truly a horrendous time for them yes it was for all Europe some a lot more than others but those occupied it is something that I don't think I can imagine the half of it. This is as realistic as you can get in a novel so it's a brutal experience at times but surprising as well at times.
So yes for me a 5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 I hope you enjoy it as well and learn something of the time in Italy.
When a brother & sister witness there parents arguing shots are fired and obviously nothing is ever the same again, they all end up in Rome having been in Innsbruck, Austria .
Now the Second World War is raging the Germans have taken control of Rome as well as the rest of Italy, our family are there and Pope Pius XII remains in the Vatican a virtual Prisoner in the City within a City. This is obviously a historic novel set around the going on at this time based on the truth but with a story of the family telling it their way, plus the story of some of what Pope Pius XII did under huge pressure to be true to His calling. There is the full works the battles fiction based on truth, there is the tale of a family and a Pope dealing with Nazis and trying to protect the People of Rome and the Catholics in Germany as well.This
There are several twists the characters are great in Hollywood style & all with real emotions and feelings. The Germans play there part and the Americans but the heart is the Romans this was truly a horrendous time for them yes it was for all Europe some a lot more than others but those occupied it is something that I don't think I can imagine the half of it. This is as realistic as you can get in a novel so it's a brutal experience at times but surprising as well at times.
So yes for me a 5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 I hope you enjoy it as well and learn something of the time in Italy.
January 2, 2017
In the tradition of Ken Follett, Leon Uris, Tom Clancy, Alter of Resistance is an engaging World War II thriller. Sam Marquis tells the story of the liberation of Rome in 1944. Packed with historical detail and compelling characters, Marquis provides new insights into one of the largest and most violent armed conflicts in history, and the human dimension of its participants. It is a model for how the history, military strategy, and ethics of war can be combined in an accessible and enjoyable fictional framework. A must read for every fan of the literary genre and the history of World War II.
February 3, 2017
A family curse, a hidden secret, a papal plan to assassinate Hitler and a LOT of Nazis!
World War Two Rome as you've never known it. In Altar of Resistance, Samuel Marquis seamlessly blends well researched facts with fiction in this harrowing tale of a family torn apart by tragic events and cursed to play out the war on opposite sides for the battle of Italy. The brutality of the Nazi occupation of Rome is seen through the eyes of the American soldier, the Nazi commander, the Italian partisan and Pope Pius XII. A great read for war and history buffs as well as anyone that enjoys a well told story.
World War Two Rome as you've never known it. In Altar of Resistance, Samuel Marquis seamlessly blends well researched facts with fiction in this harrowing tale of a family torn apart by tragic events and cursed to play out the war on opposite sides for the battle of Italy. The brutality of the Nazi occupation of Rome is seen through the eyes of the American soldier, the Nazi commander, the Italian partisan and Pope Pius XII. A great read for war and history buffs as well as anyone that enjoys a well told story.
April 27, 2019
Elimination of the Central Family Characters would improve this book
... Samuel Marquis is fatalistically STUCK on including a central, fictitious family in at least the 1st 2 books of his trilogy — and the effort to focus on these family members detracts from otherwise OK stories. The details and lifelines of these family members is incredibly opportunistic — they have huge roles that intertwine and are ridiculous. Further, there’s NO NEED for such family members — the author could simply just create other characters, and the stories would be far more believable.
... Samuel Marquis is fatalistically STUCK on including a central, fictitious family in at least the 1st 2 books of his trilogy — and the effort to focus on these family members detracts from otherwise OK stories. The details and lifelines of these family members is incredibly opportunistic — they have huge roles that intertwine and are ridiculous. Further, there’s NO NEED for such family members — the author could simply just create other characters, and the stories would be far more believable.
April 11, 2022
Brilliant!
This book is a wonderful blend of fact and fiction with amazing characters. I gained a greater understanding of the complexities that created and sustained World War II while enjoying a look into the lives of brave men and women who gave the war a personal presence. What a desolate time for mankind! Brilliantly written, this book takes you on an imaginary journey that has so much fact in it that you will dwell closely on the author's afterwards that explain the facts and the fiction and how they were melded into a wonderful book. Again, brilliant!
This book is a wonderful blend of fact and fiction with amazing characters. I gained a greater understanding of the complexities that created and sustained World War II while enjoying a look into the lives of brave men and women who gave the war a personal presence. What a desolate time for mankind! Brilliantly written, this book takes you on an imaginary journey that has so much fact in it that you will dwell closely on the author's afterwards that explain the facts and the fiction and how they were melded into a wonderful book. Again, brilliant!
February 26, 2023
I started reading this book and ended up giving up. It just didn't move fast enough for me. I think the best way to find a book that "is for you" is to take a book you really liked and see how many other five star reviews there are. I'm sure Samuel is a good writer and sometimes I hate giving less than five star reviews but I do that not for my satisfaction but rather to lead similar types of readers to books they will like
April 5, 2021
Suspenseful and informative story of wwII battle for Rome
The author is truly a master at placing real characters and fictional ones into the true settings of wwII. He holds the reader in suspense during each occurrence of battle , even through you know the final results. Certainly a book any history buff should have in their library.
The author is truly a master at placing real characters and fictional ones into the true settings of wwII. He holds the reader in suspense during each occurrence of battle , even through you know the final results. Certainly a book any history buff should have in their library.
November 26, 2021
Miscallings
Very well written historical novel. I recommend it highly for readers looking for Vatican WW2 interest. Author resources novel indepth with actual events. Characters very believable and keep reader asking like the citizens of Rome asked "Why did it take you (Allies) so long to get here."
Very well written historical novel. I recommend it highly for readers looking for Vatican WW2 interest. Author resources novel indepth with actual events. Characters very believable and keep reader asking like the citizens of Rome asked "Why did it take you (Allies) so long to get here."
January 3, 2023
Altar
A very excellent novel! The author has captured the Italian portion of WWII very well through the eyes of the Pope and a family who fought on both sides of the conflict. I was extremely impressed by the ability of the author to intermingle actual people with the fictional characters.
A very excellent novel! The author has captured the Italian portion of WWII very well through the eyes of the Pope and a family who fought on both sides of the conflict. I was extremely impressed by the ability of the author to intermingle actual people with the fictional characters.
August 14, 2018
Well written
This book is well written and well researched. It is also very descriptive of Time and the battles and events leading up to liberation. Not an easy book for me to read since I don't care for battle scene descriptions.
This book is well written and well researched. It is also very descriptive of Time and the battles and events leading up to liberation. Not an easy book for me to read since I don't care for battle scene descriptions.
March 10, 2019
Good book
Really enjoyed this book in everyway. It was very obvious all the hard work you went through to produce this book. Looking forward to reading the others in the series. I will recommend this book.
Really enjoyed this book in everyway. It was very obvious all the hard work you went through to produce this book. Looking forward to reading the others in the series. I will recommend this book.
March 13, 2021
A story of the Italian campaign.
The fictional story of the fight to free Rome from the German occupation during WWII as told through the eyes of a family of Austrian an Italian origins. There are surprising things that appear near the end of the story.
The fictional story of the fight to free Rome from the German occupation during WWII as told through the eyes of a family of Austrian an Italian origins. There are surprising things that appear near the end of the story.
May 19, 2021
Well-written historical fiction that weaves history to provide some real lessons and background of the period. Also includes some great fictional characters who provide a plausible storyline integrating real events throughout. A page-turner...
May 23, 2021
Excellent story and presented an aspect of WW2 history unknown to me. The characters were well developed, with the very human mixture of light and dark, good and bad. Look forward to reading more by the author.
November 3, 2023
I felt that there were far too many "coincidences of bumping into relatives at the exact right place & at precisely the right time thereby saving a lot of the families bacon."
Be that as it may, it was a readable book.
Be that as it may, it was a readable book.
March 9, 2018
Rome
A very thorough account of people who lived during the German occupation of Italy during WW11. This was partly fiction, but the characters referred to were real people.
A very thorough account of people who lived during the German occupation of Italy during WW11. This was partly fiction, but the characters referred to were real people.
May 17, 2018
Great entertainment
This is a great book which is difficult to stop reading again. One of the best books from Samuel Marguis.
This is a great book which is difficult to stop reading again. One of the best books from Samuel Marguis.
July 14, 2018
So-So
It had a lot of history, but in my opinion the story constructive was week with many assumptions th a did not quite fit.
It had a lot of history, but in my opinion the story constructive was week with many assumptions th a did not quite fit.
March 2, 2021
Rome at war
A well researched and written history with fictional elements brought in to make it more readable. A little slow at the start but it built up momentum in a short time.
A well researched and written history with fictional elements brought in to make it more readable. A little slow at the start but it built up momentum in a short time.
March 3, 2021
If you are a WW II buff this is for you. Well thought out, researched and written.
You will be caught up in characters stories along with the historical bases the story is wrapped around.
You will be caught up in characters stories along with the historical bases the story is wrapped around.
March 10, 2021
Disappointed
Shallow characters with more than a third of the book is repeated dialogue. Very disappointing and not recommended. A waist of time.
Shallow characters with more than a third of the book is repeated dialogue. Very disappointing and not recommended. A waist of time.
March 20, 2021
First class
Great story based on real facts and people. Looking forward to reading more of Marquis work in the near future
Great story based on real facts and people. Looking forward to reading more of Marquis work in the near future
March 23, 2021
Excellent, very detailed and at the same time puzzling because of Pope Pius' decisions whether or not to speak out about the Nazi occupation of Rome. The author gives you many historical facts.
May 17, 2021
Excellent book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews