- Set in 1956, Germania, capital to the Third Reich. Ten years ago, Imperial Japan and the Third Reich won the World War. Some aspects of the original history ring true as we meet Yael our heroine. As a child, she was experimented on in Auschwitz. These experiments left her with a unique ability. Now as a teenager, Yael has joined the rebel faction and is assigned a treacherous mission. Each year to commemorate their great victory over Britain and Russia, Emperor Hirohito and Hitler host the Axis Tour. This motorcycle race takes place from Berlin to Tokyo. It is brutal and tests the rider’s limits of endurance. The winner aside from recognition gets to attend the Victor’s Ball and gain an audience with Adolf Hitler. Yael task is to win the race and kill Hitler at the Ball. To do this, Yael must use her abilities to assume the identity of last year’s female victor.
- Wolf by Wolf was a fascinating story blending alternate history and fantasy. Graudin breaks the tale into past and present with chapters on the race and darker chapters that shed light on Yael, her tattoos, abilities and the time she spent at Auschwitz. Her research and attention to detail made these accounts both harrowing and fascinating. The race itself was intense and complicated by friends, fellow participants and snares Yael encounters. It pushes Yael to the edge and I was spellbound.
- Yael is a character that will immediately capture the reader. She is strong, brilliant and fearless on the surface but her heartbreaking story will rip at your heartstrings. She wears tattoos hidden from view and their symbolism..eek gads, grab the truffles. Graudin weaved in a subtle romance and shared the bonds of siblings and friendship. She gave us a complex heroine who will etch herself into your heart.
- Narration: Christa Lewis narration was brilliant. Her interpretation of Yael, allowed me to feel all of her emotions. Sometime the fear was so real, I found myself holding my breath.
- Ryan Graudin tells stories that shed light on our own tragic, dark history and wraps them in a fascinating tale that grabs the reader and stays with them long after the story ends. Her writing is lyrical and the switch between past and present was seamless. Her characters are unique, strong and leave the reader feeling as if they knew them personally.
Audio provided by publisher. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer