*If you have not read/listened to Wolf by Wolf, despite my efforts, this review may contain spoilers. Please check out my review of Wolf by Wolf.
- Wolf by Wolf was a brilliantly written tale that led us on a daring cross-country motorcycle race in the year 1956. It introduced us to our heroine Yael, a former death camp prisoner. As part of the Resistance, she had to win the race to gain admittance to the Victor’s Ball in Tokyo. Adolf Hilter would be in attendance, and her mission was to kill him. In Blood for Blood, the story picks up with Yael on the run after the ball. The story contains three POV's from Yael, Luka Lowe, a National Socialist poster boy, and Felix Wolfe. However, Yael's narrative was the focal point. Graudin sometimes provided the perspectives of all three during the same period, and it worked brilliantly. I found it added depth and emotional connection. Within these pages, you will find friendship, loss, betrayal, hardships, romance and even death.
- Classified as Young Adult, due impart to the character's age. Given the subject matter both books are dark, brutal, and at times bloody. For that reason, I recommend them for older youth nd adults. I had my heart ripped out during flashbacks at the encampments and again each time we experienced a loss. I felt Wolf by Wolf provided some relief due to the friendships, snark and witty banter between the racers but we did not get such a reprieve in Blood for Blood. While listening my palms were sweating, and there was this overwhelming sense of foreboding. My heart bled and still bleeds as the memories of this tale resurface.
- This is an alternate historical fantasy where Hilter won the war. It has paranormal elements and scientific advancements. Yael is a skin shifter and can take the form of others. Yael is one of the bravest, strongest and compassionate heroines I have ever had the pleasure to read. The poor girl cannot even remember what she looked like before she shifted. She has experienced more pain and loss than anyone should. Yet she gets up, runs and fights to help others. Despite betrayals, she still trusts, and I loved that Graudin showcased the impact one person can have. So many folks complain, "I am but one voice/person what can I do? " ...Yael is inspirational.
- This is the third book I have read by Ryan Graudin, and her writing is breathtaking. She creates three-dimensional characters who worm their way under your skin and into your heart. She shares with the reader the goodness in them and exposes their flaws. In doing so, the reader ends up rooting for them, crying for their loss and screaming at their betrayals. She twists historical events without allowing them to lose their significance or by making light of the tragedies. In this world, things changed considerably, but the persecution of Jews and others remained. She does not cover up or make light of the ugliness and horrors that occurred.
- Christa Lewis narrated bringing the story and emotions to life. She has a voice that pulls the emotion from each word, aiding to build suspense while providing additional connections.
Audio provided by publisher. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer