Triumph and Tragedy
A Novel of World War II
by John Rhodes
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Pub Date May 08 2026 | Archive Date May 07 2026
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Description
1945. World War II is now in its sixth agonizing year. In Europe, the Allies are closing in on Hitler’s horrific Third Reich, but victory remains elusive. In the Pacific, US forces are locked in a grinding island-by-island struggle against Imperial Japan.
Summoned from the battlefields of Europe, veteran tactical analyst Eleanor Shaux finds herself unexpectedly thrust into the greatest secret of the war: the Manhattan Project. Agonizing decisions must be made about the dangerous new weapon that could end the war in both theaters in a single stroke. Eleanor—pulled apart by the moral ambiguities and nuances of war, worn down by the stress of living through years of incessant conflict, and shocked by personal disaster—struggles to survive.
Meanwhile, even as victory beckons, the great alliance between Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin is in danger of unraveling, strained to the breaking point by rivalries and ambitions. No one doubts that Germany will lose the war in Europe, but who will win it?
The future of the world hangs in the balance as the war reaches its shattering climax in a time of triumph and tragedy. Which fate awaits Eleanor?
A Note From the Publisher
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
John Rhodes is the award-winning author of the World War II Breaking Point series, which follows his protagonists through the tumultuous years from the Battle of Britain to final triumph—and tragedy—in 1945. With a Cambridge University MA in history, his focus on World War II stems from his earliest memories of war-torn London where, he says, the shells of bombed-out buildings “served as our adventure playgrounds.” John blogs regularly at Johnrhodesbooks.com and at facebook.com /JohnRhodesAuthor/
Advance Praise
PRAISE FOR TRIUMPH AND TRAGEDY
“Triumph and Tragedy by John Rhodes is an ambitious and thought-provoking work of historical fiction that places readers at the crossroads of military strategy, scientific innovation, and deeply personal loss during the final months of World War II. . . . Rhodes demonstrates a clear command of historical detail. . . . A thoughtful and layered novel that lives up to its title. It captures both the promise of victory and the high cost that accompanies it.” —Manhattan Book Review
“Rhodes surveys the complexity of World War II in this sixth Breaking Point series installment, following Dangers and Difficulties. . . . Coupled with Shaux’s biting wit, it’s an information-packed tour de force. . . . Readers—particularly fans of little-known WWII details—will be riveted. Insightful, educational WWII novel buoyed by a strong female lead.” —BookLife Review
“[Readers] seeking a novel about World War II that delves deeper into the impact and vision of the atom bomb than most and uses the perspective of a capable, thinking woman as its vehicle of delivering these contemplative moments will relish how Triumph and Tragedy brings history to life with emotional and philosophical reflection.” —Midwest Book Review
PRAISE FOR THE SERIES
“The latest entry in the Breaking Point series by John Rhodes is a real page-turner and a must read for people who enjoy World War II historical fiction. The book . . . is tightly written and moves at a brisk, satisfying pace. Rhodes is a master of weaving fictional characters into the fabric of true historical events. His characters have depth and nuance.” —Robert Kofman, author of Ike’s Journey
“A smart and gripping portrait of the many facets of conflict . . . This is a clever novel that ably moves between the politics of Whitehall and the white-knuckle ride of aerial combat while also offering an unconventional love story. Rhodes’s enviable knowledge of military history successfully keeps the narrative moving.” —Kirkus Reviews
“His scholarship is impeccable, but he wears it lightly. His prose moves as fast as a Spitfire in pursuit, and his characters speak like real human beings. Imagine a Herman Wouk or a James Michener who didn't run on for seven hundred pages or more.” —Ben Steelman, Star News Online
“With striking, lived-in detail that will dazzle history buffs, the polished and compelling fifth installment of Rhodes’s Breaking Point Series opens on D-Day and ends shortly after the Battle of the Bulge, bringing life to these epochal events through the perspectives of Johnnie and Eleanor Shaux.” —BookLife Reviews, Editor’s Pick
Marketing Plan
- Targeted outreach to author's community through website and social media
- Digital galley distribution on NetGalley
- Book review submissions
- Award submissions
- eBook discount campaigns
- Targeted outreach to author's community through website and social media
- Digital galley distribution on NetGalley
- Book review submissions
- Award submissions
- eBook discount campaigns
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9798993908908 |
| PRICE | $16.95 (USD) |
| PAGES | 308 |
Links
Available on NetGalley
Average rating from 8 members
Featured Reviews
Trudy D, Reviewer
I have become obsessed with this series. The author has brought World War Two to life answering questions, giving me glimpses into a past we all need to remember. . I have learned so much from thse books. I have taken the author's written words and researched, discovering so much that has been glossed over or ignored in history classes.
I have been counting down to Triiumph and Tragedy. Eleanor and Johnnie had finally reunited at the end of Trial and Tribulation.. I couldn't wait to watch see how they celebrated. I had so many predictions. So many of them were wrong.
Eleanor made the geek in me so happy. when she asked to share her opinions. She was flying all over the place. She was involved in numerous conferences between leaders as they planned the end of the war in Europe. She found herself in war torn Germany. She walked concentration camps. I was really excited when she got involved in the Manhattan Project. The details, the conficts had me excited for each and every page.
It was the tragedy that broke my heart. I kept hoping their would be a happily ever after. I am still hoping. How did all those mothers, wives and family members deal not knowing?
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