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3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
3 stars. I really liked the plot of this book, even though I don't think it's being marketed right. The synopsis makes it seem like it is just a love story about Hitler's niece falling in love with a Jewish reporter, which it is but it actually is more than that. The romance is not the driving force of this book which I really liked. It was more about the suspense and mystery of the murder of our main character's father. The romance is really just after thought.
The writing was great, and again the plot was great. I also liked the way the author used her setting. I felt I was right there in the middle of it all at certain times.
On the negative side, I really didn't like the romance. It was kind of insta-love and it wasn't believable at all. It actually made me cringe how fast they fell in love. My main problem with this book though were the characters. They just were so one dimensional and flat. The only character that I felt actually had a personality was her portrayal of Hitler. He was a really fleshed out character and it was interesting to think about the other side of him than what we learned in history books. I was fascinated by his character every time he was on the page.
Gretchen was an okay character but there really wasn't much to her. I liked her determination to find out what happened to her father and I really the strength she gained in the end and how she stood up to. She just wasn't really interesting other than that because we didn't know anything about her.
Daniel was, just like Gretchen, a very dull character. There was nothing that set him apart or made him stand out in comparison to other YA male characters. He was just kind of there and while it would it would've been nice to get something from his character, in the end I just didn't care enough about him.
The plot and the writing were strong enough to where I will definitely continue on with the series.
The writing was great, and again the plot was great. I also liked the way the author used her setting. I felt I was right there in the middle of it all at certain times.
On the negative side, I really didn't like the romance. It was kind of insta-love and it wasn't believable at all. It actually made me cringe how fast they fell in love. My main problem with this book though were the characters. They just were so one dimensional and flat. The only character that I felt actually had a personality was her portrayal of Hitler. He was a really fleshed out character and it was interesting to think about the other side of him than what we learned in history books. I was fascinated by his character every time he was on the page.
Gretchen was an okay character but there really wasn't much to her. I liked her determination to find out what happened to her father and I really the strength she gained in the end and how she stood up to
Spoiler
HitlerDaniel was, just like Gretchen, a very dull character. There was nothing that set him apart or made him stand out in comparison to other YA male characters. He was just kind of there and while it would it would've been nice to get something from his character, in the end I just didn't care enough about him.
The plot and the writing were strong enough to where I will definitely continue on with the series.
*3.75* I'm absolutely fascinated by this time in history, and it's obvious that Blankman has done her research. For the most part, this was absolutely thrilling and really enjoyable. However, there were some bits I disliked, which is why I've tentatively given this four stars, I almost gave it three and a half but I did really enjoy it and I couldn't fault the writing or the plot. I don't agree that Hitler was a psychopath - all the research I've done has pointed in the opposite direction. The only thing I found was, as Blankman mentions, the diagnosis by Forster as a 'psychopath with hysterical symptoms'. Personally, I believe this to be a misdiagnosis - I have no doubt that he was mentally ill and very disturbed, but I think psychopathy isn't an accurate description.
At times, though I'm loathe to say it, I was a little bit bored. I'm not sure how, because there was always stuff going on and there was never really a dull moment. At some points I just found myself not at all interested and maybe that's a reflection on my mood as of late and not necessarily the book. I loved Gretchen's character development - watching her go from Hitler's puppet into someone who values herself and her own values was incredible. I do think, however, that the Jewish culture was somewhat swept under the rug. Considering one of the main characters is Jewish I would have liked to see more aspects of Jewish lifestyle.
The writing was lovely and I can't fault the plot (although the revelation that Hitler murdered her father didn't come as much of a surprise to me). I'll probably be picking up the next book when it comes out, because I would love to see where the story goes.
At times, though I'm loathe to say it, I was a little bit bored. I'm not sure how, because there was always stuff going on and there was never really a dull moment. At some points I just found myself not at all interested and maybe that's a reflection on my mood as of late and not necessarily the book. I loved Gretchen's character development - watching her go from Hitler's puppet into someone who values herself and her own values was incredible. I do think, however, that the Jewish culture was somewhat swept under the rug. Considering one of the main characters is Jewish I would have liked to see more aspects of Jewish lifestyle.
The writing was lovely and I can't fault the plot (although the revelation that Hitler murdered her father didn't come as much of a surprise to me). I'll probably be picking up the next book when it comes out, because I would love to see where the story goes.
2* only because anne blankman can write decently. otherwise, this was stunningly ridiculous.
I really enjoyed this book. On one level, it's just another historical fiction book about Hitler's Germany. But I found myself consistently compelled to read just one more chapter. On another level, I think I needed a text with this level of hopefulness. At its core, the book is about a young women who was raised and indoctrinated to be a Nazi, but was able to break the patterns of thinking and make up her own mind. We need more of that right now in the United States.
fast-paced
this book sent me. I wanted to write the author just to say "hey you did your research and it SHOWS. THANK YOU SO MUUCH" When I found out there was a second novel, I ordered it immediately.
This book was an amazing treat. Fans of historical YA novels such as Rose Under Fire, The Book Thief, and In the Shadow of Blackbirds will be in a real delight with Prisoner of Night and Fog. This book is a well-researched and emotional masterpiece.
My main concern going into the book was a gut feeling that I wouldn't like the main character, Gretchen. She calls the nasty Hitler "Uncle Dolf" after all. However, I am happy to report that I couldn't be more wrong about this lovely main character. Gretchen may be a bit naive, but she was strong-willed from the beginning and was a truly brave heroine.
Also, I was a bit nervous about how the author would handle Hitler. Once again, my worries turned out to be all for nothing. Hitler was quite the characters, one I loathed fiercely but could see how others in the past could be so blind. The author clearly did her research on him, making him a three dimensional character. Anne Blackman even incorporated some shocking facts I hadn't known about Adolf Hitler!
Also, the romance was perfect. While the book was (thankfully) not centered around Gretchen and Daniel's romance, it was still very sweet. I loved the two of them together.
Overall, this historical fiction is among my new favorites. The amazing characters, setting and romance, mixed with the true facts and time period made Prisoner of Night and Fog quite the hit in my eyes. I would highly recommend this novel!
My main concern going into the book was a gut feeling that I wouldn't like the main character, Gretchen. She calls the nasty Hitler "Uncle Dolf" after all. However, I am happy to report that I couldn't be more wrong about this lovely main character. Gretchen may be a bit naive, but she was strong-willed from the beginning and was a truly brave heroine.
Also, I was a bit nervous about how the author would handle Hitler. Once again, my worries turned out to be all for nothing. Hitler was quite the characters, one I loathed fiercely but could see how others in the past could be so blind. The author clearly did her research on him, making him a three dimensional character. Anne Blackman even incorporated some shocking facts I hadn't known about Adolf Hitler!
Also, the romance was perfect. While the book was (thankfully) not centered around Gretchen and Daniel's romance, it was still very sweet. I loved the two of them together.
Overall, this historical fiction is among my new favorites. The amazing characters, setting and romance, mixed with the true facts and time period made Prisoner of Night and Fog quite the hit in my eyes. I would highly recommend this novel!
If I could do half stars I would give this book a 3.5...
I think towards the end is when I got to the action I was waiting for. I dont want to misconstrue the nature of this book. It is extremely well written, the author did A LOT of research and made sure to get details..wait, no.. FACTS correct in this fictional book. I am left intrigued in these times, and I am fascinated about Hilter's personality, being a psych major, I feel the need to use the author's bibliography and read up on all these theories.
But I must say I think the book and I were not compatible. I found myself extremly bored throught the first half (and then some) of the book. I pulled through knowing that these details were important to take note of, but it was HARD for me. So difficult to push through. What eventually hepled was, as I mentioned earlier when the actions starts, and yes the kissing helped too! LOL.
But I have much respect for this author, her author's note in the end really blew me away too.
If your into Historical Fiction this is def for you!
I think towards the end is when I got to the action I was waiting for. I dont want to misconstrue the nature of this book. It is extremely well written, the author did A LOT of research and made sure to get details..wait, no.. FACTS correct in this fictional book. I am left intrigued in these times, and I am fascinated about Hilter's personality, being a psych major, I feel the need to use the author's bibliography and read up on all these theories.
But I must say I think the book and I were not compatible. I found myself extremly bored throught the first half (and then some) of the book. I pulled through knowing that these details were important to take note of, but it was HARD for me. So difficult to push through. What eventually hepled was, as I mentioned earlier when the actions starts, and yes the kissing helped too! LOL.
But I have much respect for this author, her author's note in the end really blew me away too.
If your into Historical Fiction this is def for you!
This has been on my TBR for years! I love the time period it takes place in, female lead, and right before Hitler takes presidency. Make sure to read the Author’s Note after you finish the book. Blankman really did her research in mixing fiction with history.
The only reason why it isn’t a 5 star is
My favorite character was Daniel. During the 1920-30’s men were taught to be masculine, and to treat women as... objects instead of people. Daniel treated Gretchen as an equal, and that helped her character development.
The only reason why it isn’t a 5 star is
Spoiler
because Gretchen was very submissive until she was finally cornered. I wish she had more... guts? But, she redeemed herself by the end. It was just hard to get through some scenes tbh.My favorite character was Daniel. During the 1920-30’s men were taught to be masculine, and to treat women as... objects instead of people. Daniel treated Gretchen as an equal, and that helped her character development.