I finally got to read the third book in the Escaping the Reich series by Marion Kummerow, which I had been really looking forward to after reading the first two books. Perilous Journey to Freedom is a gripping and evocative tale set during the harrowing days of WWII, capturing the immense desperation and unwavering courage of those fleeing Nazi persecution. Although this is Book 3 in the Escaping the Reich series, it can be read as a standalone, offering a powerful narrative of survival, trust, and countless sacrifices.
The story centers on Astrid, a young Jewish woman in Munich whose life takes a dangerous turn when she is accused of defying the Nazi regime’s laws. With the Gestapo closing in, her only chance of survival is to flee to Switzerland. There, she meets Bärbel, a medical student with ties to the White Rose resistance group, and Felix, a mysterious smuggler with deep knowledge of the Alpine trails, all of whom play pivotal roles in her perilous journey to freedom.
I love how Kummerow excels at writing vivid, immersive scenes that transport readers to the unforgiving terrain of the Alps. You can really feel the tension in the cold, and the constant fear for their lives.
The dynamic between the three characters—Astrid, Bärbel, and Felix—evolves throughout the novel. There’s always tension, even though they can only depend on each other.
This novel was better paced than the last one in the series, especially in the second half, which kept me on the edge of my seat, particularly during the Nazi patrol scenes.
I do feel, however, that some of the plot elements, especially the backstories of the characters, were a bit underdeveloped. A little more exploration of their pasts could have added more emotional depth to the story.
While this third book isn’t exactly groundbreaking compared to other WWII stories, it is a beautiful tribute to the courage and resilience of the survivors of the Nazi regime and those who helped them. Their bravery and selflessness offer a beautiful reminder that even in the darkest times, goodness can still be found.
For fans of historical fiction and those who have followed this series, Perilous Journey to Freedom is a great read that will leave a lasting impression. As I mentioned earlier, it works as a standalone, but reading the first two books will provide more context. I highly recommend this one!
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Publication Date: October 10, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Book Whisperer for the ARC in exchange for an honest and impartial review.
About the Author
Marion Kummerow was born and raised in Germany, before she set out to “discover the world” and lived in various countries. In 1999 she returned to Germany and settled down in Munich where she’s now living with her family.
After dipping her toes with non-fiction books, she finally tackled the project dear to her heart. UNRELENTING is the story about her grandparents, who belonged to the German resistance and fought against the Nazi regime. It’s a book about resilience, love and the courage to stand up and do the right thing.
PADDYLAST INC. 