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Katarina's Dark Shadow: 1915-1917: The Early Years in Ukraine (Russian Mennonite Chronicles Book 1) Kindle Edition
The only uncertainty in war is uncertainty.
1915-1917: Katarina is a feisty fifteen-year-old Ukrainian girl with wild dreams that conflict with her family's traditional Mennonite ways. When a rebel gang attacks the family farm during her sister, Anna's wedding, Katarina's life falls apart. As the storms of civil war threaten her safe world, Katarina tries to make sense of it all. Everything is changing and no one can be trusted. She has one chance to escape the war. But leaving means giving up everything and every one she holds dear. Staying in Ukraine may be dangerous. Life has never been so uncertain.
1951: Peter stumbles on his adopted mother’s diaries from the Russian Revolution. What happened during those early years that prompted Katarina to go back to Ukraine during WW2? What secrets lie behind the Iron Curtain?
Set in Ukraine during the Russian civil war, Katarina’s Dark Shadow prequels the courageous human struggle inside a distinct faith during violent political times. This is a continuing saga with an ending that will have you reaching for Book two.
Inspired by true stories and actual events based on the harrowing tales of the author's ancestors, this book will particularly interest those with German-Prussian, Ukrainian, or European Mennonite ancestry.
If you enjoyed The Memory Keeper of Kyiv and The Girl with the Silver Star, you’ll enjoy stepping into this intriguing and unusual world with its unique cultural dynamics. Witness the Russian Revolution from an entirely different perspective.
***** “A chillingly realistic, yet fictional, account of what happened to ordinary people in Russian Ukraine when their world was overthrown by social unrest, war, and then a revolution. I couldn’t put it down.” *****Author P.C. James.
***** “A gripping historical fiction and true to its time. Highly recommended for those interested in a different viewpoint from WWI.” ***** Author Nola Li Barr.
If you enjoy strong women of faith and suspenseful reads, get the first book of this dynamic series today. Katarina’s Dark Shadow will pull you into a world almost erased from the pages of history.
Read this book for a fuller understanding of the culture of the German Mennonite people once living in south Russia and the history of Ukraine's struggle for freedom. The sequel:Katarina's Dark Journeyis now available.
SCROLL UP AND GET BOOK ONE OF RUSSIAN MENNONITE CHRONICLES: KATARINA'S DARK SHADOW. BUY IT TODAY.
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication dateSeptember 4, 2021
- Reading age16 - 18 years
- File size2566 KB
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From the Publisher
Book Awards
Global Book Award 2022
Author Shout Top Pick Award 2022
5* Readers Favorites 2022
5* Reader Views 2022
Editorial Reviews
Review
Set in the early 1900s during WWI, the story opens with Katarina and her family celebrating the wedding of her older sister, Anna. It soon becomes clear that marital bliss is an illusion, as evil overtakes the world, with little hope for current love. Katarina's family are Mennonites - faithful followers of Christ's word, but separate themselves from others. Katarina's family lives in a time when men hold a more prominent social standing than women, with women expected to have one goal in life: to become a wife and mother. Readers follow Katarina as she strives to find her place in society while battling the effects of trauma inflicted at a young age. Fast forward several decades, Peter has found Katarina's diaries in a pile of rubble amongst the chaos. Katarina has been declared dead for years, yet the discovery of her diaries must be more than a coincidence? Peter pours over her vulnerable words from her teenage years and studies them to discover their hidden meaning, along with their relevance to his life.
"Katarina's Dark Shadow" will hold up well over the years. While discussing just some of the horrors of the Russian Revolution, the story is both historical and entertaining. The author relays facts to the reader through the dialogue, with some artistic liberties, to make the story enjoyable and worthwhile. Living in twenty-first-century America, it's tough to imagine living in a society with men viewed as superior to women; it is unheard of nowadays due to pride and such a strong push for equality among not only men versus women. Living firmly in your faith, such as the Mennonites claim to do, is commendable, as this is nearly unheard of in today's society. Standing firm in your personal beliefs is also admirable, given any situation. Lastly, mental health due to a traumatic event could not have been presented better; Krause-Chivers shows how, even today, this topic is viewed similarly as in the past among some, even though mental health is more well-known today than ever.
"Katarina's Dark Shadow" is a lovely play on words that is suitable for history buffs and really anyone. The end of the story concludes part one of the Russian Mennonite Chronicles, leaving anticipation of what part two will reveal.
Reviewed by Rachel Dehning for Reader Views (11/2021)
From the Author
The Mennonites were a peace-loving religious people who respected law and order and appreciated good government. But their connection to the German language was a fatal flaw. Treated as outsiders by Lenin and local anarchists, they were demeaned, persecuted and tortured. Leaving everything behind, my grandparents fled. Others never survived. The few who stayed were banished to Kazakhstan or Siberia. The Land of the Mennonites no longer exists as it once did. My characters and their experiences are fictional, but the history is true. I hope the reader can appreciate the challenges inherent in bringing this complex era to life.
Book One introduces the culture, the religion, and the characters. It foreshadows the apocalyptic era faced by not only the Mennonites, but all Ukrainian and Russian peoples during this time. Future books will delve into the sinister events and frightening future. Please follow me to be notified of further developments in this series.
From the Back Cover
Book One: While the Great War rages, the Russian Revolution sparks.
As a young Mennonite woman in Ukraine, Katarina dreams of defying tradition to become a missionary school teacher. But when she's injured during a rebel attack on the family farm, her future is upended.
Suddenly aware of Russia's political crisis, Katarina sees the growing distrust between the locals and the peace-loving German Mennonites. Fear rises, loyalties shift, and death threats appear. Increasing violence spawns grave and hasty decisions, and some colonists succumb to the pressure to leave. As Katarina's world unravels, decisions loom. Will she depend on her passive faith to fight the forthcoming evil? Or will Katarina abandon all hope and flee with the others?
1951: The German government says Katarina died during WW2. Her son, Peter, isn't convinced. Do her diaries from the Russian Revolution hold the clues? Is there a chance that she's still alive?
Set during the darkest days of Ukraine's history, Katarina's Dark Shadow portrays the courageous human struggle inside a distinct faith during violent political times.
Inspired by true stories and actual events, this book will interest those with German-Prussian, Ukrainian, or Russian Mennonite ancestry.
***** "A chillingly realistic, yet fictional account of what happened to ordinary people in Russian Ukraine when their world was overthrown by social unrest, war, and then a revolution. I couldn't put it down." ***** Author P.C. James.
***** "A gripping historical fiction and true to its time. Highly recommended." ***** Author Nola Li Barr
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
This Award-winning Canadian Christian Author (Miranda J. Chivers), grew up surrounded by family storytellers reciting their harrowing personal accounts of fleeing Russia under the threat of death. After a visit to her ancestral regions in Poland and Ukraine, she yearned to share this unique Mennonite history. When she isn't researching, writing or watching true-life movies, MJ travels the world exploring cultural history. She lives in Niagara, Canada.
About the Author
Product details
- ASIN : B098LY2Z3N
- Publisher : Sanctified Hearts Publishing (September 4, 2021)
- Publication date : September 4, 2021
- Language : English
- File size : 2566 KB
- Text-to-Speech : Enabled
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Not Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 318 pages
- Best Sellers Rank: #1,088,000 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #2,920 in Religious Historical Fiction (Books)
- #3,370 in Christian Historical Fiction (Kindle Store)
- #3,438 in Inspirational Religious Fiction
- Customer Reviews:
About the authors
"I believe life is a curious and unpredictable adventure full of opportunities for personal growth. Trials can either enrich or destroy us. Either way, they change us. I believe what we learn during the angst of our life defines us as human."
Award-winning author, Miranda J. Chivers/MJ Krause-Chivers writes about faith, mental health and diversity.
Her fiction work contains characters who use their wits and faith to overcome challenging circumstances.
The author is a Canadian descendant of Mennonite refugees from Russian-occupied Ukraine (19234/24) and is a PTSD survivor. She has a professional background in social work and tourism; and is a parent and sibling of special needs adults.
When she isn't writing, the author is hiking, globe-trotting, or participating in local cultural events in the beautiful Niagara region with her family.
Please check out her books on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.
AWARDS: “Unequally Yoked: Staying Committed to Jesus and Your Unbelieving Spouse” won the Silver Medal in the 2018 Readers' Favorite Award (Christian Biblical Counseling); 2019 Author's Academy Awards (Advice) Top Ten; 2019 Top Shelf Awards Finalist.
Katarina's Dark Shadow is the bronze medal winner of the 2021 historical fiction Global Book Awards.
Katarina's Dark Journey won the finalist ribbon for Historical Fiction in the 2023 Global Book Awards.
Children of War: an anthology, won the 2022 Readers' Favorites gold medal award. (first place: anthologies).
Healing Trauma through Story
MJ Krause-Chivers is a Canadian multi-genre author currently writing Historical Fiction set in Ukraine during the Russian civil war.
The author is a former social worker, trauma survivor, and a descendant of Mennonite refugees from Soviet Ukraine.
Her fictional stories contain complex characters driven by perseverance, faith and hope. Grief, loss, and overcoming trauma are central themes in her stories.
When she isn't writing, she hikes through forests, harvests herbs, and invents recipes. She spends her quiet evenings reading historical fiction and watching movies inspired by true stories.
The author currently resides in the picturesque wine country of Niagara-on-the-lake, Ontario.
Customer reviews
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book an engaging historical fiction based on actual events. They find the story informative and thought-provoking, with well-written dialogue and descriptions. Readers are engaged in the characters and can easily visualize their internal conflicts, dreams, and fears. The book is described as a quick, easy read with a fast-paced flow.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoy the historical fiction. They find the story engaging and well-researched, describing it as an entertaining read that fills in an unknown history. The book is described as a meticulous reconstruction of an historical moment through the eyes of a teenager.
"...Definitely a must read for any reader that loves a good historical story based on factual information, with powerful characters and a fast-paced flow." Read more
"...How fun for me to read her story knowing she very well could have been one of my ancestors...." Read more
"The story was intense. While I was reading I couldn't help but draw parallels to the events of today's world...." Read more
"...The intriguing plot line and story development kept me involved until the very end - and because of today's news - I am eagerly anticipating the..." Read more
Customers find the book informative and engaging. It considers thought-provoking questions and concepts. Readers appreciate the well-researched content and descriptive dialogue. The historical value is immense, presenting a critique of raw human nature.
"...It is a dualistic book. Historical fiction and factual information come together to give us a twisted mystery. “Her words hung in the air...." Read more
"...Told clearly with heart and thoughtfulness in a way that does doesnt disappoint...." Read more
"...We readers must wait for the next book in this well documented, excellent, historical fiction series." Read more
"...Don't skip this one. The historical value is immense, presenting a critique of raw, unabashed human nature, applicable to today's political climate...." Read more
Customers find the book well-written and easy to read. They appreciate the descriptive dialogue and thoughtful storytelling.
"...experienced this also, not just the Mennonites, so....if you like an easy read with tons of relatively unknown history sprinkled heavily through out..." Read more
"...Well written and illuminating as the author helps readers to see all of the viewpoints from the privileged employers and landowners, to under-..." Read more
"...Told clearly with heart and thoughtfulness in a way that does doesnt disappoint...." Read more
"This book was well written, and despite it changing from one viewpoint to another, it wasn’t too hard to keep track of who was “narrating”...." Read more
Customers find the characters engaging. They can easily visualize the protagonists' internal conflicts, dreams, and fears. The book critiques raw, unabashed human nature and is applicable to today's political climate.
"...a good historical story based on factual information, with powerful characters and a fast-paced flow." Read more
"...The characters were well developed. I disliked Katarina...." Read more
"...The historical value is immense, presenting a critique of raw, unabashed human nature, applicable to today's political climate. It's worth the read!..." Read more
"...I, as a reader, easily visualized the protagonist’s internal conflicts, dreams, and fears. I am looking forward to Book 2." Read more
Customers find the book easy to read. They say it's a quick, timely read with powerful characters and a fast-paced flow.
"...based on factual information, with powerful characters and a fast-paced flow." Read more
"Katarina's Dark Shadow is a quick read of a teenage Mennonite girl in the early 1900's...." Read more
"...I read the book in one sitting. It was filled action, intrigue, love, family, life events, and history. I can't wait for the next book." Read more
"Timely read - today's headlines in yesteryears..." Read more
Reviews with images
A powerful and beautifully written novel
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2022I learned about this book on the Story Origin website. I liked the subject and was intrigued by the synopsis. Even the book cover appealed to me, and I bought the book right there.
The book is written from two protagonists’ point of view: forty years apart. The mother’s ordeal begins during a wedding celebration at fifteen, in 1915.
The other, from her son, Peter, who has discovered his mother’s diaries and wants to publish it. With the help of his publisher, they explore the possibilities available on how to make this book sellable. A step most writers are familiar with.
Katarina, a well-versed young woman that long for more than her community allowed. In 1915, women were expected to be mothers, stay at home and not be involved in work outside the home. They were kept in the dark about the ensuing war, political troubles etc but through this story we learn the women were in fact well-informed.
The footnotes, a detailed script of who Katarina was, and the facts of this group.
“Mennonites valued education and multi-lingual abilities. Raised in a wealthy family, Katarina could be fluent in Low German, High German, Russian, and the local Ukrainian dialect. She may also understand some Yiddish, French, English and/or eastern European languages. She would easily slip between the various tongues depending to whom she was speaking.”
It is a dualistic book. Historical fiction and factual information come together to give us a twisted mystery. “Her words hung in the air. Two years ago, as an innocent and carefree young woman, Katarina expected a promising and fun-filled future with the freedom to pursue her dreams. Then, politics and war were abstract concepts. The black stallion had changed that — making her aware of unpredictable, sinister forces and diabolical political intent. She sensed the scary event pivoted her into an invisible intersection and she’d made a wrong turn.”
This coming-of-age series portrays the true heroic struggle of the German Mennonites before Ukraine became a country. Set during one of the most tragic times of the early twentieth century.
A heartfelt story that gives you a glimpse of the struggles of one woman as she tries to make a mark for herself and her son’s recollection of her story. Ready to tell about this dark time.
As with most children, they never listen to the parent’s story and it’s only when they pass do you realise the value of their life and the struggles they faced.
First Came the Horses, the last part of the synopsis, shows the mystery part, with darkness and violence lurking in the shadows. Ready to trample you the moment you come into their path. Definitely a must read for any reader that loves a good historical story based on factual information, with powerful characters and a fast-paced flow.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2021Katarina's Dark Shadow is a quick read of a teenage Mennonite girl in the early 1900's. I generally read biographies or autobiographies, but was intrigued when my group facebook friend, Miranda Krause-Chivers presented her book on facebook. I recognized Krause as a Mennonite name possibly related to my culture. I spent many of my Covid days reading scrapbooks, genealogy books, & stories of my heritage. it turns out Katarina leads a life very similar to my ancestors' lives. How fun for me to read her story knowing she very well could have been one of my ancestors. Of course there are the gut wrenching times with more to come that aren't fun. Even so, I think these Eastern European events need to be revealed to increase our understanding of current & future events. This is happening right now to other cultures! 2 years ago I knew nothing of this aspect of my heritage. If it was negative my family didn't share it with the next generation. MKChiver's book has continued to educate me about a time in history I have only just recently been delving into. Many other cultures experienced this also, not just the Mennonites, so....if you like an easy read with tons of relatively unknown history sprinkled heavily through out this is your book. I loved it and am looking forward to the second one!
- Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2021The story was intense. While I was reading I couldn't help but draw parallels to the events of today's world. You could tell by the author's writing and telling of the story that this was a topic near and dear to her. The characters were well developed. I disliked Katarina. However, with that being said Katarina lived at a time in history and in a culture that is beyond my comprehension. All in all The story's historical value was a wake-up in a sense. I have read historical stories for years and this was the first I have read or knew of this culture.
- Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2022I bought this book back in Oct. 2021 but did not get around to reading it until three weeks ago. Little did I know that this would read like today's headlines as we witness evil powers trying to invade and take over Ukraine, yet again. The intriguing plot line and story development kept me involved until the very end - and because of today's news - I am eagerly anticipating the next book in this series. Well written and illuminating as the author helps readers to see all of the viewpoints from the privileged employers and landowners, to under-skilled workers barely getting by, and a Mennonite population having trouble fitting in. The limitations placed upon women seeking non-traditional roles are clearly set as the backdrop to the women's suffrage movement that will more fully surface in the next book. Highly recommend.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2021Beautifully told tale that manages to fill in an unknown history, unknown at least to me. Told clearly with heart and thoughtfulness in a way that does doesnt disappoint. Katrina totally pulled me and I had to find out what was happening next.
The set up for how the story was told was intriguing right from the beginning.
The continuing story and follow up does not disappoint I am looking forward to the next books. It’s a emotional and richly woven telling of a struggle for a life with strength and self-determination. You just can’t read this without feeling changed in some way.
Top reviews from other countries
- Gary BarberoReviewed in Canada on March 16, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars History at a personal level
This book attempts to provide the reader with a Mennonite History at a personal level. It follows the life and experiences of a young Mennonite girl, and her family, caught between Russian and Germany.
- A WaiReviewed in the United Kingdom on September 5, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping and Heartfelt
Spine-chillling and filled with intrigue, I found myself fully immersed in Katarina's world. If you love gripping historical fiction you should definitely read this book!
- Catherine F.Reviewed in Canada on September 8, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars For History Lovers
I wasn’t familiar with the history so this read was quite educational even as fiction. Katarina’s story is compelling and I’m curious to find out what happened to her and her son. The puzzle is definitely left unfinished at the end of the book.
- Marie MurisonReviewed in Canada on September 10, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars Russian Mennonite chronicles
I absolutely loved this book. I usually read historic novels but this was history I was completely unaware of and found it fascinating. The book sucked me in from start to finish. Cant wait for the next volume.