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Loyal To A Degree: Growing Up Under the Third Reich: Book 2 Kindle Edition
A World War Two Historical Fiction Novel Based On A True Story
A young boy in Nazi Germany is forced to become a man well before his time, or perish.
As 14-year-old Karl Veth listens to the German special OKW report, the news he has feared and anticipated becomes a reality. Russian tanks have broken through the German defense lines east of the KLV evacuation camp in Poland where he and 120 other German boys are living. The time has come to leave the camp and return to Berlin.
Despite his young age, Karl is a trained member of the Hitler Jugend (Hitler Youth) and assistant to KLV camp leader. Due to injuries sustained in battle, the camp leader is handicapped and unable to see to the evacuation of the boys from the camp. The job falls squarely on Karl’s shoulders as orders come from headquarters putting him in command of the mission. He must refine and execute an evacuation plan that will reunite the boys with their families and he must do it on his own. Berlin has no soldiers to spare.
Once back in Berlin, Karl is reunited with his good friend and fellow Hitler Jugend member, Harold. The two boys are close and share a common bond – they are both “subway rats.” They earned the nickname because of the time they spent playing in and exploring the subway tunnels under Berlin when they were younger. They are experts when it comes to the subway system but little do they know, their unique knowledge of the tunnels will put them in grave danger.
When SS leaders learn Karl is a subway rat, they take advantage of his knowledge and order him to act as a guide for SS demolition commandos in the tunnels. Having been relieved of his previous post, Harold is ordered to assist Karl. The SS cannot be trusted and Karl walks a fine line between life and death as he follows orders while working on a secret plan with Harold. The fall of Berlin is imminent and it’s only a matter of time before the Russians take over the city.
Facing death at every turn, Karl must use his wits simply to stay alive. As the chain of command breaks down, the SS starts conducting courts-martial on the fly, executing anyone with a single bullet in their pocket. Meanwhile, the nightly air raids continue, scorching the city and leaving the stench of death in the air. Chaos reigns as the Russian Army moves closer and closer.
As a member of the Hitler Youth growing up, Karl has been taught that loyalty to the Fatherland comes first, yet he is fighting for a cause he does not understand. In the final days before Berlin falls, Karl finds himself hungry, scared, and completely disillusioned with the war. He also realizes that he can only afford to be loyal to a degree as he is forced to make a crucial decision – live or die.
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication dateJanuary 6, 2014
- File size1858 KB
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About the Author
Product details
- ASIN : B00CVDLXFA
- Publisher : Horst Christian; 2nd edition (January 6, 2014)
- Publication date : January 6, 2014
- Language : English
- File size : 1858 KB
- Text-to-Speech : Enabled
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 329 pages
- Page numbers source ISBN : 1491068132
- Best Sellers Rank: #224,068 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #631 in World War II History (Kindle Store)
- #1,548 in War Fiction (Kindle Store)
- #2,178 in World War II History (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
Horst Christian was born in Berlin, Germany in 1930. His father, a mathematician and a banker, taught him to read and write before the age of 5. He discovered his love for writing by the time he was 10 years old and wrote vacation reports and several articles for the German school periodical “Hilf Mit.”
Drafted to help defend Berlin against the Soviets at the age of 14 because of his unique knowledge of the subway system, he served as a guide for various SS demolition commandos.
In the early 1950s, Horst immigrated to the United States and became a US citizen after the mandatory 5-year waiting period. He loves to travel and has visited all 50 states in the US, most of Europe, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and some Central American countries. He now resides with his wife Jennifer in Idaho.
Customer reviews
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To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book engaging and well-written. They appreciate the detailed account of the true story and the unique perspective it provides on life at the lowest levels during the fall of Berlin. The writing style is described as easy to read with a personal touch. Readers praise the loyalty, faith, and heroic survival of the characters. The portrayal of the characters is described as human, almost heroic, and likable. Overall, customers find the book offers a different look at Germany during World War II from a different perspective.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoy the book's readability. They find it engaging and enjoyable, with a nice cliffhanger ending that encourages readers to purchase the next book in the series. The story is described as masterful and autobiographical history at its best.
"...A fantastic read for anyone who wants to better understand what their family went through during WWII and for those that just have an interest in..." Read more
"...Very compelling from start to finish. You'll want to keep going at the end of each Book, which is why I've just ordered Book 3...." Read more
"...This is an engrossing read that will take many modern readers out of their comfort zone...." Read more
"...I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed it...." Read more
Customers enjoy the compelling story. They find the details clear and well-written, allowing them to visualize each scene. The story is told from the author's perspective as a young boy during World War II.
"...It is a very interesting series about young German boys during World War II in Berlin. The story takes place right up to the fall of Berlin...." Read more
"...His reporting holds our interest with highly detailed accounts that seem in accord with other historical accounts of the final stand of the Nazis..." Read more
"...This book is written so well that you can imagine every scene...." Read more
"...This ongoing drama, while a work of historical fiction, provides detail that could only have been provided by one who survived the horrors of the..." Read more
Customers find the book interesting and engaging. It provides a unique perspective on life at the lowest levels during World War II. They appreciate the details and insights into a young man's perspective.
"...His reporting holds our interest with highly detailed accounts that seem in accord with other historical accounts of the final stand of the Nazis..." Read more
"...This ongoing drama, while a work of historical fiction, provides detail that could only have been provided by one who survived the horrors of the..." Read more
"...I felt so...educated and informed by Horst's books. My father was also a "small" German. Not important in anyway, of course...." Read more
"...Christian is not the finest writer I have ever read, but he offers a unique perspective...." Read more
Customers enjoy the writing quality of the book. They find it well-written and easy to read, with no plot twists or turns. The personal touch and descriptive language are appreciated. The translation into English is flawless, and the simple English makes it easy for foreign readers to understand.
"...This book is written so well that you can imagine every scene...." Read more
"...I like the writing style, as it is very easy to read and follow along. Hopefully I can find more books from this author, cause I'm hooked." Read more
"...It was very easy reading as there are no twists and plot turns...." Read more
"...There are some editing and formatting flaws here, as well as a few minor grammatical issues, which I suppose result from translation...." Read more
Customers praise the book for its survival story. They find it a powerful and detailed account of heroic survival during the Nazi occupation in World War II. Readers appreciate the author's loyalty to his nation and Hitler.
"...Reich is quite revealing. His almost unquestioned loyalty to Hitler and what he stood for comes through loud and clear...." Read more
"...I call it, Surviving against all odds. As a mother, I wanted to laugh, cry and shout out for help with him...." Read more
"...It addresses the fanaticism of any culture, and unquestioned loyalty to one's nation when a person realizes that nation is doing wrong...." Read more
"...I was also impressed with the ingenuity and faithfulness of so many hardworking Germans who found themselves in the net of political evil...." Read more
Customers find the characters well-developed and relatable. They appreciate the sympathetic SS supporting characters. The story is based on real people and places, dealing in depth with the end of the regime. The book is described as an intelligent, likable tale that is incredibly courageous.
"...The personalities of these two main characters bring life and, amazingly, humor and optimism to an otherwise bleak and terrifying landscape that..." Read more
"...This is the story of an intelligent, likable boy who did not understand much other than his immediate duty...." Read more
"...in a compelling manner and, although fictional, they are based upon real people and real events...." Read more
"Super historical novel that is autobiographical. I particularly see it as a study of leadership by a young teen, at levels way beyond his years...." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's perspective. They find it offers a different look at Germany during World War II from a young person's perspective. The author paints a picture of WWII in Berlin from a young person’s perspective, showing not only from a child's version, but also from a young person who lived through the fall of Berlin. The descriptions of Berlin and how it was for the civilians are appreciated. It is a rare inside look at what it was like to live and try to survive, and excellent for information from inside Germany during WWII.
"...I appreciate the descriptions of Berlin and how it was for the civilians and children as the Russians advanced into the city...." Read more
"...It is a rare inside look at what it was like to live and try to survive during those times, when the SS was as much a danger to other Germans as to..." Read more
"I could not put this down. These are details of the Fall of Berlin that could only come from one who lived through it...." Read more
"...'s first book, Children To A Degree, offers a totally different look at Germany during WW II, showing not only from a German point of view but from..." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's fast-paced story. They find it easy to follow along and say it grabs their attention from the first page.
"...I like the writing style, as it is very easy to read and follow along. Hopefully I can find more books from this author, cause I'm hooked." Read more
"Fast-paced story that’s gritty without an extreme amount of gore. The focus is definitely on survival rather than death...." Read more
"...I am amazed at the quick thinking, resourcefulness, and ongoing kindness to his fellow civilians during this incredible journey." Read more
"Really interesting and fast paced. Shows the mind set of the Hitler Youth and how effective the brainwashing was" Read more
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2016Loyal to a Degree is book two in a series by Horst Christian. The series is historical fiction based on a true story and events. The names were changed but the story is the same. It is a very interesting series about young German boys during World War II in Berlin. The story takes place right up to the fall of Berlin.
Karl Veth is second in charge of a KLV camp for boys in Poland. The Lieutenant in charge was injured and had his leg and hand amputated. He is not healing well and is simply marking his time before being allowed to go home. Basically, Karl is in charge. Karl is only fourteen but has had training as a sniper in the HJ. He has made some preparations for the evacuation of the 122 boys at the camp. His assistant is Peter Zahn, another fourteen year old. One of the things he had done was to let one of the boy’s Father know that the camp needed to be evacuated for his son to be safe. This father was a top SS official and he sent trucks to take the boys back to Berlin. However, there was not enough room for all the boys in the trucks. Karl had the oldest boys taken to a nearby railroad where they were to stop a train and hopefully get a ride. The remainder of the boys went in the trucks. The plan worked as intended except the Lieutenant was unable to get on the train in time; he was being left behind so Karl turned the boys over to Peter and jumped off the train to help the Lieutenant. While he attempts to get the Lieutenant medical help, he makes some connections with people who will help him in later days. Meanwhile, Karl gets back to Berlin and meets up with Harold once more.
Harold Kellner, his friend from school, was in charge of the HJ at this time. He helps Karl find food for the agency which cares for the boys from the KLV camps when they returned to Berlin. He also helps Karl get another position which keeps him in Berlin. He and Karl work together in Berlin and eventually work together for the SS. The two devise a scheme to hopefully keep them alive during the coming battle of Berlin.
Will the two boys survive the Battle of Berlin? Will they survive working for the SS? Can these two fourteen year old boys make it on their own?
- Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2014Horst Christian's fascinating account of his (own) protagonist's role in the final days of the 3rd. Reich is quite revealing. His almost unquestioned loyalty to Hitler and what he stood for comes through loud and clear. This is obviously a very resourceful, clever kid in the Hitler Youth who took on great responsibilities beyond his years and still managed to survive under extreme conditions. His reporting holds our interest with highly detailed accounts that seem in accord with other historical accounts of the final stand of the Nazis and the Allied victory in Europe.
This brainwashed 14 year old child shows devotion to, and no qualms about, the values and ideals of Chancellor Hitler. Even in the face of imminent Nazi collapse, he believed total victory would come when Hitler used his promised "Wonder Weapons" on the Soviet troops surrounding Berlin. His only expressed doubt of not trusting the SS, was gained from warnings made by trusted Wehrmacht soldiers. His self-preservation mode finally kicked in and saved him before it was too late.
I can't find any clues to how he rationalized Nazi persecution of Jews and others. He does not even mention the issue. He must have noticed they were a disappearing population. There are no signs of any doubt, on his part, concerning the correctness of such persecution.
I would expect, he later came to grips with those issues, but I believe he was honest in not noting any doubts, at the time. This is a clear display of the awesome power propaganda and fear of punishment hold in the totalitarian state. We can see the effect it had in the moulding of this, otherwise very clever, young mind. It is a cautionary tale as well as an very interesting inside account of this important historic period.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2018My heritage is German, from Hesse, Marburg an der Lahn. As I was reading the book, I felt as if I was there with Karl and Harold. My Father had told me stories of his youth (he was born in1924) and a bit about the time he spent in the Hitler Youth and as a member of a Panzer division. This book made me respect and love my Papa even more because I now have an insight as to how times truly were. How horrible with death all around and never knowing from one day to the next if you would survive. I know my family and their friends went thru a living Hell. My Mother's father was killed in Russia somewhere. I know nothing more.
This book and the second book in the series and I am sure the rest of the books that I will read, will live inside of me forever. The emotions that I felt as each page was read, were those of excitement, horror ... I cried and yes, I even omitted a laugh here and there just as the characters were doing.
This book is written so well that you can imagine every scene. I feel like I know Karl and Harold personally and at this moment at the end of the book, I am terrified for them!
A fantastic read for anyone who wants to better understand what their family went through during WWII and for those that just have an interest in history.
Vielen Dank Herr Christian! Jetzt verstehe Ich alles ein bisschen besser. Auch wenn Mein Deutsch nicht so gut ist.
Top reviews from other countries
- K. BlueReviewed in Canada on November 13, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Product
My Dad loves this series, I buy him one each Christmas!
- Sue MaynesReviewed in Australia on February 1, 2018
5.0 out of 5 stars Although the writing was somewhat stitled, I found this ...
Although the writing was somewhat stitled, I found this book so fascinating, I immediately bought the next 2 books in the series to continue the adventures of the main 2 characters. Disturbing in so many ways, but worth the read.
-
C. JonesReviewed in Brazil on December 14, 2015
5.0 out of 5 stars Série interessantíssima
Comecei a ler esta série pelo livro Children to a degree, que achei muito interessante e envolvente. Este segundo livro é ainda mais interessante, uma leitura que recomendo a todos os que gostam de estudar sobre a Segunda Guerra Mundial. Mesmo sendo ficção, é baseado em fatos reais, vividos pelo autor. Através das aventuras de Karl, podemos conhecer o cotidiano da juventude alemã pouco antes da invasão russa. Vale a pena ler.
- MANASA.T.KReviewed in India on May 9, 2015
5.0 out of 5 stars Truly awesome!!!!!
Well, I had read the prequel of this book called "Children to a degree" and immediately bought this book by reading the reviews and my hopes were high about the book. Turns out,the book left me dumbfounded,shocked and surprised when I finally closed the book..... Even made me shed a tear or two! This book Was even better than I had expected it to be!!! The book took me to a whole new world I had never seen...Made me actually experience the fear of the world war! Obviously I am going to read the next book in the series to dive back into the aftermath of the WWII. I also suggest this book to everyone who is interested about the World war.
- Thomas HardyReviewed in the United Kingdom on August 19, 2013
5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful read.
Loyal To A Degree
This is a wonderful read for anyone interested as I am in the Second World War period. Loyal To A Degree is seen through a very personal viewpoint in the closing period of the war, with the final fall of Berlin, pretty much in the same devastating way London was in the blitz. I've read many books on this period now, but this is extremely poignant as you see the story through the eyes of a child, in fact a 14 year old German boy Karl Veth who has become a KLV leader, a young member of the hitler youth. When the children of Berlin are evacuated to KLV camps many of them in Poland many of them have no idea whether they will see their families again or if they will have a home to go to. Its interesting to see a child forced into an adult world simply because of the horrifying circumstances of war. I think the author has shown an almost unseen area of German life at that time.
Of course its important to remember that children from many countries were affected and caught up in something they played no part in causing.
Great characters and a story impeccably told.
I really hope there is a follow up.
Highly Recommended. And thank you to the author.