The Fall of the Reich

The Final 100 Days

De: Cyril Marlen

Narrado por: Lt Col Tom Briggs (US Army ret)

As the curtain fell on the Second World War in Europe, the world witnessed a regime in collapse—day by day, street by street. The Fall of the Reich: The Final 100 Days tells the harrowing and historically rich story of how the Third Reich unravelled during its final, desperate months between January and May 1945.

What was once a seemingly invincible Nazi war machine had by 1945 become a hollow shell—crumbling under the weight of defeat, dissent, and destruction. From the failed final offensive in the Ardennes to the thunder of Soviet artillery at the gates of Berlin, this book tracks the intense and often chaotic events that sealed Hitler’s fate and reshaped the modern world.

This is more than just a military timeline. It is an exploration of collapse—political, ideological, and human. Through a blend of battlefield reporting, psychological insight, and sweeping historical analysis, Cyril Marlen delivers a compelling and vivid account of the war’s last 100 days in Europe.

Inside, you’ll uncover:

• The Aftermath of the Battle of the Bulge: The Reich’s final gamble in the West ends in disaster, leaving Germany drained of resources and momentum.
• The Soviet Juggernaut: As Stalin’s Red Army smashes its way from Poland to Berlin, Eastern Germany is consumed by fire, revenge, and chaos.
• Crossing the Rhine: The Western Allies breach Hitler’s last natural defensive barrier, sealing Germany’s fate from the West.
• The Race to Berlin: Political tensions mount as Eisenhower steps back and Stalin pushes forward—determined to raise the Soviet flag over the Reichstag.
• The Battle for Berlin: One of history’s most brutal urban battles unfolds in April 1945, fought among rubble, civilians, and shattered dreams.
• Hitler’s Suicide: Isolated in his Berlin bunker, the Führer takes his own life as the city burns above him—his vision of a thousand-year Reich ending in smoke.
• V-E Day and Surrender: On May 8, 1945, Germany formally capitulates. Joy erupts across the globe—but so too does reflection on the war’s toll.
• The True Cost of Victory: Cities lie in ruins, millions are dead or displaced, and the psychological scars will last for generations.
• Liberation and Revelation: As Allied soldiers liberate concentration camps, they come face-to-face with the horror of the Holocaust.
• The Beginning of a New World Order: The war’s end births a divided Germany, a rising Cold War, and a renewed global effort to prevent future atrocities.

Through compelling narrative and sharp historical perspective, The Fall of the Reich captures the emotional intensity, political drama, and human cost of Nazi Germany’s final collapse. It is a story of destruction—but also of liberation and reckoning.

This is the story of how the world ended a nightmare—and how history was forever changed.

For history listeners, military enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to understand how power can unravel under pressure, The Fall of the Reich: The Final 100 Days is an essential, immersive journey through the death throes of one of the darkest regimes in human history.

©2025 Deep Vision Media t/a Zentara UK (P)2025 Deep Vision Media t/a Zentara UK

From the Ardennes to Berlin

This audiobook perfectly maps the Reich’s downfall—from its last desperate offensive in the Ardennes to the Soviets’ march into Berlin. I liked how the author explained each turning point without overwhelming the listener. The pacing was excellent, and the narration clear and commanding. A must-listen for those who love strategic war history.

A Masterpiece of Historical Storytelling

Few WWII audiobooks have held my attention like The Fall of the Reich. The level of research is outstanding, yet it’s told in a gripping narrative style. The pacing, the atmosphere, and the narrator’s calm yet commanding tone make it unforgettable. I’d recommend this to anyone who loved Antony Beevor’s Berlin: The Downfall 1945.

Immersive, Sobering, and Essential Reading

From the first chapter, this book pulls you into the grim reality of 1945. The author’s description of the Battle of the Bulge’s aftermath sets the tone for a series of devastating blows to the Nazi war machine. The sections on the Soviet push to Berlin are filled with urgency and brutality, while the political maneuvering between Allies adds another layer of drama. Marlen’s writing brings history to life without sensationalism, reminding readers of the immense cost of war. By the time I reached the final pages, I felt both relief at the end of the conflict and sorrow for the countless lives lost. This is not just a war book—it’s a human story.

Meticulously Researched and Deeply Moving

The Fall of the Reich is more than a military history—it’s a sweeping, multi-dimensional account of a regime’s collapse. Marlen’s depiction of the Soviet advance, the fall of Berlin, and Hitler’s final moments is deeply compelling and emotionally resonant. The chapter on liberation and the Holocaust is particularly sobering. The book does an excellent job explaining not only what happened, but why, providing valuable context for one of history’s most pivotal moments. Highly recommended for both history buffs and general readers.

A Riveting, Day-by-Day Chronicle of Collapse

This book offers an intense, well-researched account of Nazi Germany’s final 100 days. The author masterfully combines battlefield events with political unraveling and personal stories, giving readers a holistic understanding of the Reich’s downfall. It's both haunting and educational—perfect for WWII enthusiasts and students of history.

A Powerful and Unflinching Look at the Reich’s Las

This book paints a haunting picture of the collapse of Nazi Germany in its final 100 days. Cyril Marlen weaves together military history, psychological insight, and firsthand accounts to create a vivid narrative of desperation and defeat. I particularly appreciated how the book didn’t just focus on battles but explored the human toll—civilians caught in crossfire, soldiers disillusioned with lost causes, and the horror revealed in the camps. A must-read for anyone interested in the end of World War II and the fragile nature of power.

Intense, Informative, and Emotionally Powerful

This book goes beyond military maneuvers to explore the human, political, and psychological dimensions of the Reich’s final days. From the Ardennes offensive to Hitler’s suicide and the liberation of concentration camps, Marlen paints a full, nuanced picture of history’s most dramatic conclusion.

History That Reads Like a Thriller

From the doomed Ardennes offensive to the fall of Berlin, this book had me riveted. The way the author blends battlefield analysis with personal stories and political consequences makes it incredibly engaging. The section on the liberation of concentration camps is particularly haunting and powerful. It’s informative, sobering, and necessary for understanding how the world transitioned from war to a new global order.

Vivid, Gripping, and Deeply Human

I’ve read many books on World War II, but this one stands out. It not only recounts military actions but also captures the fear, desperation, and confusion of a regime crumbling from within. The Battle for Berlin section was particularly powerful. A must-read for those seeking more than just dates and names.

History Told with Power and Precision

The Fall of the Reich is a gripping and well-documented account that brings the war’s final months into sharp focus. Marlen manages to cover military movements, political maneuvers, and the psychological collapse of the Nazi regime without losing momentum. The pacing is perfect—each chapter delivers a mix of historical insight and human stories that keep you turning pages. The section on the Battle of Berlin is especially intense, capturing the brutality of urban warfare. The epilogue’s reflection on the post-war world and the dawn of the Cold War ties the narrative together beautifully. A must-read for anyone passionate about WWII history.