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

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.

Gripping, Harrowing, and Incredibly Well-Researche

This is one of the most comprehensive and accessible accounts I’ve read on the end of WWII in Europe. Marlen doesn’t just tell you what happened—he explains why events unfolded the way they did, weaving in strategic decisions, leadership failures, and the shifting morale of soldiers and civilians alike. The section on the Battle for Berlin was especially striking; I could almost hear the artillery and feel the claustrophobia of fighting in rubble-filled streets. For anyone who wants both the big-picture strategy and the human perspective, this book is a must-read.

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.

A Gripping, Day-by-Day Account of Nazi Germany’s C

This book delivers an intense and deeply researched look into the final 100 days of the Third Reich. Cyril Marlen masterfully captures not only military events but the psychological unraveling of a regime in freefall. The pacing is fast without skipping important details, and the human cost is never overlooked. A must-read for anyone interested in World War II history or the fragility of authoritarian power.

A Masterclass in Capturing the End of a Regime

Cyril Marlen’s The Fall of the Reich: The Final 100 Days is one of the most vivid and well-structured historical accounts I’ve read about the closing chapter of WWII in Europe. The author balances battlefield strategy with political intrigue and human tragedy, making it accessible to both history enthusiasts and casual readers. I particularly appreciated the way the book weaves together events on the Eastern and Western fronts, showing how both contributed to the Reich’s collapse. The descriptions of Berlin in its final days are especially haunting. This is not just a military history—it’s a sobering reminder of the cost of war.

Essential Reading for WWII Enthusiasts

Marlen’s account of the final 100 days of the Third Reich is both meticulously researched and highly readable. The book balances strategic analysis with vivid storytelling, covering battles, political tensions, and the immense human cost, making it a must-read for anyone seeking a complete understanding of WWII’s closing chapter.

An Engaging and Well-Researched Timeline of Collap

This book takes you through the last 100 days of Nazi Germany with incredible clarity and detail. The narrative moves seamlessly from the Battle of the Bulge to the Soviet push into Berlin, all while maintaining a human focus. Marlen doesn’t shy away from describing the horrors uncovered in the liberated camps or the chaos civilians endured as the front lines shifted. What makes this book stand out is its ability to capture both the big-picture geopolitical changes and the personal suffering that marked this period. For anyone seeking to understand how the war truly ended, this is an excellent choice.

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 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.