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3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
I loved everything about this book. Loved the characters, loved the story, loved how it was written and mostly the fact that there is a historical reality to most of it. Of course there's fiction, but it is all so well mixed, it turned out great. I love reading books that have a time frame from WWII, and this one was really great. I highly recommend it :) Picking up the sequel Conspiracy of Blood and Smoke straight away, have to know how the story ends :)
My original review of this title can be found here on The Book Hookup.
**SPECIAL NOTE:** An eARC of this title was provided by the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. However, that did not influence this review in any way. All thoughts, quotes, and opinions will be of this version and not of the published edition.
♥ Initial Thoughts and Rating: 4.5 stars! Prisoner of Night and Fog is an enriching expedition, taking the reader on a journey back in time to experience firsthand such a monumental point in our world’s history and giving us an inside look of one of the world’s most lethal man’s inner circle on his rise to fame. The author chose to approach such a well-known villain’s story differently, masterfully crafting this plot by weaving in a few fictitious characters and situations to keep the reader enticed while sticking very closely to the facts of how Hitler managed to capture the attention of an entire nation. This novel was wonderfully done, and, for a history nerd like myself, I gobbled up every word.
♥ The Lowdown: This isn’t the Adolf Hitler story or testimonies layered with hatred over the cruelty of his actions that you’ll find in your history textbooks. Narrated in third person point-of-view, we get a different side of the coin connected to Hitler’s life story, told through the eyes and witnessed accounts of seventeen-year-old Gretchen Müller. You see, Gretchen is the daughter of the martyred patron who saved Hitler’s life in the putsch, as well as fought alongside him in the trenches during World War I. This had earned the Müllers Hitler’s favor, and so he became Gretchen’s “Uncle Dolf” and she became his “beloved sunshine,” lighting his way in such a dark world. But a chance encounter with a Jew reporter named Daniel Cohen casts doubt on the faithful events that happened on the day of the putsch. As Gretchen and Daniel dig deeper into the mystery surrounding her father’s death, they grow closer and Gretchen soon finds herself wondering about not only the events leading to her father’s untimely demise, but also questioning the very beliefs about Jews and purifying Germany that she’s been taught to believe her entire life.
This first installment of the Prisoner of Night and Fog trilogy comes loaded with a powerful punch. It’s the heart-racing journey of girl on the verge of womanhood who’s finally had the blinders removed from her eyes to see her beloved leader for the man he really is, and about her choosing which path she wants to set herself on. It’s a dangerous road to travel and, as time will surely tell, you don’t want to be on the opposing team of Hitler.
♥ My Thoughts: This was such an invigorating tale! At this point, I’ve written this section of my review over a dozen times and I’m getting a little frustrated because I can’t seem to capture my thoughts in a favorable light to completely express my utter adoration of Blankman’s debut novel. I have so much to say and not the right words in which to say them. Yet, I must try.
I knew with absolute certainty this was a book that I’d have to get my hands on once I read the synopsis. Though it started out a tad slowly for me, it wasn’t long before I was enamored by the storyline, easily transported back in time to a politically torn Munich setting and held captivated by this thrilling journey of a girl manipulated by one of the world’s most hated men. Blankman took such a notable period in history and perfectly inserted her work of fiction into it, seamlessly intertwining the two until it was hard to pick out the parts that were blurred together– even for an admitted history junkie like myself. Prisoner of Night and Fog truly has something for every reader to grasp on to: history, forbidden romance, murder-mystery, psychoanalysis of a crazed tyrant, politics, wonderful character development, and infuses it all with such a rich prose that you can’t help but to mesmerized page after page. Even if you didn’t read the Author’s Note at the end of the book, it’s undeniably noticeable that Blankman put her history degree to good use and that she thoroughly researched her work before giving a detailed account of that time.
Often when you think of Hitler, your automatic association is to think of the Holocaust and the millions of innocent lives trapped in concentration camps and their days upon days of persecution. However, this story is told from a side you don’t often hear about, Hitler’s inner circle. Due to Blankman’s storytelling , it was easy to imagine how his charm and intelligence so effortlessly influenced a nation and its people, especially when they were looking for someone- anything, really- to blame for their rapidly declining economic system. His campaign was to bring people out of suffering, and the Jews were a scapegoat, but his propaganda for their eradication was never outright spoken about in the early days, only the undertone of his speeches. So, what made Gretchen’s story so intriguing was being able to follow along as she made the transition from star-struck golden child of position all the way down to a lowly “blood traitor” because she simply refused to submit to the lies she was being fed for so long. Her journey was a fulfilling one, and though her romance with Daniel was never a key element in this book until later on, I think it was believable and only enriched the novel further.
Special Note: With a book like this, one surrounding such a delicate subject for many, I can understand why readers would be hesitant to pick this novel up. However, I think is worth mentioning that this first installment only deals with the years in which Hitler is campaigning for office and hasn’t been elected yet. While I’m sure that the road ahead with the final two books deals with the more troubling times usually surrounding Hitler’s presence, this novel can be read as a complete stand-alone, and I think it’s satisfying one at that.
♥ Swoons: Daniel was quite the charismatic character when Gretchen finally opened up to him. I really liked him.
♥ Swoony Teaser:
♥ Rec It? I would be hesitant to recommend it to everyone even though its such a compelling read. It was easy for me to be swept up in this story filled with such undeniable historical presence, romance, mystery, and betrayal, but I don’t think it would appeal to every reader. However, if you love historical romance heavily rooted in truths of years long gone, definitely pick up this title. If you’re still a bit skeptical, I’d say it’s absolutely worth a try to see if it’s your cup of tea. You may find yourself surprised.
I know for myself, I can’t wait to continue on in this world, though the course ahead is sure to be an emotional ride. The second installment is set to pick up in 1933 when Hitler is named Germany’s newest chancellor.
♥ A very special thanks to Balzer+Bray/HarperCollins and Edelweiss for providing me with an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.
**SPECIAL NOTE:** An eARC of this title was provided by the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. However, that did not influence this review in any way. All thoughts, quotes, and opinions will be of this version and not of the published edition.
“How Hitler had smiled when he set his drained cup down. The boy’s life snuffed out by the night and the fog, while his father watches but sees nothing. He laughed. This is how we shall make our enemies disappear, too, one day.“
~quote taken from the eARC of Prisoner of Night and Fog at 44%
♥ Initial Thoughts and Rating: 4.5 stars! Prisoner of Night and Fog is an enriching expedition, taking the reader on a journey back in time to experience firsthand such a monumental point in our world’s history and giving us an inside look of one of the world’s most lethal man’s inner circle on his rise to fame. The author chose to approach such a well-known villain’s story differently, masterfully crafting this plot by weaving in a few fictitious characters and situations to keep the reader enticed while sticking very closely to the facts of how Hitler managed to capture the attention of an entire nation. This novel was wonderfully done, and, for a history nerd like myself, I gobbled up every word.
♥ The Lowdown: This isn’t the Adolf Hitler story or testimonies layered with hatred over the cruelty of his actions that you’ll find in your history textbooks. Narrated in third person point-of-view, we get a different side of the coin connected to Hitler’s life story, told through the eyes and witnessed accounts of seventeen-year-old Gretchen Müller. You see, Gretchen is the daughter of the martyred patron who saved Hitler’s life in the putsch, as well as fought alongside him in the trenches during World War I. This had earned the Müllers Hitler’s favor, and so he became Gretchen’s “Uncle Dolf” and she became his “beloved sunshine,” lighting his way in such a dark world. But a chance encounter with a Jew reporter named Daniel Cohen casts doubt on the faithful events that happened on the day of the putsch. As Gretchen and Daniel dig deeper into the mystery surrounding her father’s death, they grow closer and Gretchen soon finds herself wondering about not only the events leading to her father’s untimely demise, but also questioning the very beliefs about Jews and purifying Germany that she’s been taught to believe her entire life.
This first installment of the Prisoner of Night and Fog trilogy comes loaded with a powerful punch. It’s the heart-racing journey of girl on the verge of womanhood who’s finally had the blinders removed from her eyes to see her beloved leader for the man he really is, and about her choosing which path she wants to set herself on. It’s a dangerous road to travel and, as time will surely tell, you don’t want to be on the opposing team of Hitler.
♥ My Thoughts: This was such an invigorating tale! At this point, I’ve written this section of my review over a dozen times and I’m getting a little frustrated because I can’t seem to capture my thoughts in a favorable light to completely express my utter adoration of Blankman’s debut novel. I have so much to say and not the right words in which to say them. Yet, I must try.
I knew with absolute certainty this was a book that I’d have to get my hands on once I read the synopsis. Though it started out a tad slowly for me, it wasn’t long before I was enamored by the storyline, easily transported back in time to a politically torn Munich setting and held captivated by this thrilling journey of a girl manipulated by one of the world’s most hated men. Blankman took such a notable period in history and perfectly inserted her work of fiction into it, seamlessly intertwining the two until it was hard to pick out the parts that were blurred together– even for an admitted history junkie like myself. Prisoner of Night and Fog truly has something for every reader to grasp on to: history, forbidden romance, murder-mystery, psychoanalysis of a crazed tyrant, politics, wonderful character development, and infuses it all with such a rich prose that you can’t help but to mesmerized page after page. Even if you didn’t read the Author’s Note at the end of the book, it’s undeniably noticeable that Blankman put her history degree to good use and that she thoroughly researched her work before giving a detailed account of that time.
Often when you think of Hitler, your automatic association is to think of the Holocaust and the millions of innocent lives trapped in concentration camps and their days upon days of persecution. However, this story is told from a side you don’t often hear about, Hitler’s inner circle. Due to Blankman’s storytelling , it was easy to imagine how his charm and intelligence so effortlessly influenced a nation and its people, especially when they were looking for someone- anything, really- to blame for their rapidly declining economic system. His campaign was to bring people out of suffering, and the Jews were a scapegoat, but his propaganda for their eradication was never outright spoken about in the early days, only the undertone of his speeches. So, what made Gretchen’s story so intriguing was being able to follow along as she made the transition from star-struck golden child of position all the way down to a lowly “blood traitor” because she simply refused to submit to the lies she was being fed for so long. Her journey was a fulfilling one, and though her romance with Daniel was never a key element in this book until later on, I think it was believable and only enriched the novel further.
Special Note: With a book like this, one surrounding such a delicate subject for many, I can understand why readers would be hesitant to pick this novel up. However, I think is worth mentioning that this first installment only deals with the years in which Hitler is campaigning for office and hasn’t been elected yet. While I’m sure that the road ahead with the final two books deals with the more troubling times usually surrounding Hitler’s presence, this novel can be read as a complete stand-alone, and I think it’s satisfying one at that.
♥ Swoons: Daniel was quite the charismatic character when Gretchen finally opened up to him. I really liked him.
♥ Swoony Teaser:
“Am I still surprising you?” she asked.
“Yes,” he said. “And I have never been gladder of anything in my life.”
Then he cradled her face gently, touching her so tenderly she could scarcely breathe, and brought his face to hers until their lips met in a kiss that burned her mouth.
~quote taken from the eARC of Prisoner of Night and Fog at 58%
♥ Rec It? I would be hesitant to recommend it to everyone even though its such a compelling read. It was easy for me to be swept up in this story filled with such undeniable historical presence, romance, mystery, and betrayal, but I don’t think it would appeal to every reader. However, if you love historical romance heavily rooted in truths of years long gone, definitely pick up this title. If you’re still a bit skeptical, I’d say it’s absolutely worth a try to see if it’s your cup of tea. You may find yourself surprised.
I know for myself, I can’t wait to continue on in this world, though the course ahead is sure to be an emotional ride. The second installment is set to pick up in 1933 when Hitler is named Germany’s newest chancellor.
♥ A very special thanks to Balzer+Bray/HarperCollins and Edelweiss for providing me with an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.
If the intended audience is YA, this is too long and too slow-paced to keep their interest.
Started out really slow, but I'm excited to read more. Very interesting plot line.
ARC Review
This one isn't out until April so I won't say much other than I loved it! If you are a fan of historical fiction you will love this. This takes place as Hitler is coming to power prior to WW2 and takes a very interesting angle. I definitely recommend it! I really enjoyed the story and the main characters, it will keep you on the edge of your seat. This is definitely one of my favorite books of 2014! I can't wait for more!
This one isn't out until April so I won't say much other than I loved it! If you are a fan of historical fiction you will love this. This takes place as Hitler is coming to power prior to WW2 and takes a very interesting angle. I definitely recommend it! I really enjoyed the story and the main characters, it will keep you on the edge of your seat. This is definitely one of my favorite books of 2014! I can't wait for more!
I loved this book. Such a rollercoaster. A beautifully written and researched rollercoaster.
The romance was well paced, not love at first sight or anything of sort. It was totally believable. Speaking of the romance, the book did not revolve around Gretchen and Daniel's relationship. It was at the side of the mystery, which was well thought out and easy to follow.
A great read, a perfect combination of fact and fiction. Can't wait for the sequel!
The romance was well paced, not love at first sight or anything of sort. It was totally believable. Speaking of the romance, the book did not revolve around Gretchen and Daniel's relationship. It was at the side of the mystery, which was well thought out and easy to follow.
A great read, a perfect combination of fact and fiction. Can't wait for the sequel!
Read my full review here.
If you don’t already know this, I simply love historical fiction. What drew me to this book is my fascination with history, and the truly unique take on the events surrounding and during WWII.
Blankman certainly picked a unique plot by having a main character who’s spent years interacting with Hitler, but not knowing the kind of man he really is. For that reason, the novel has mysteries for Gretchen to solve for herself. Who really is Uncle Dolf? What does he really plan to do in Germany? What happened to her father? These are some of the biggest plot points the novel tackles, and it’s done very well. The story is absolutely riveting, and I was horrified by each thing Gretchen uncovered. Of course, the answers weren’t unclear to me as they were to Gretchen, at first. But that didn’t make the novel any less enjoyable.
Gretchen is such an intriguing character. We see her begin as a young woman who doesn’t question what she’s been taught, who makes excuses for her brother’s abuse, longs for her mother’s love and protection. She wants to finish school and accomplish something worthwhile. In the midst of this, she’s also learning what is means to be a woman, and what it means to be an adult. She has to question everything she thought she knew, even her beloved father, once she begins to realize that Hitler’s hatred of Jewish people should be questioned, not blindly followed. She has clear character growth, and it’s wonderful to read. She learns how to be strong and brave, how to form opinions for herself. She’s such a complex, inspiring character.
Daniel Cohen is also a wonderful character. He’s passionate, determined, and more. He helps Gretchen - literally holds her hand - as she learns shocking truths about her family. Although he does mock her at first, he offers her protection after her brother beats her. I really do think the love he has for her is beautiful. He knows being with her is a risk, but he’s willing to do so anyway because he loves her.
Overall, Prisoner of Night and Fog is such a strong first instalment with compelling characters, an emotional plot, and an important message. I highly recommend this book.
If you don’t already know this, I simply love historical fiction. What drew me to this book is my fascination with history, and the truly unique take on the events surrounding and during WWII.
Blankman certainly picked a unique plot by having a main character who’s spent years interacting with Hitler, but not knowing the kind of man he really is. For that reason, the novel has mysteries for Gretchen to solve for herself. Who really is Uncle Dolf? What does he really plan to do in Germany? What happened to her father? These are some of the biggest plot points the novel tackles, and it’s done very well. The story is absolutely riveting, and I was horrified by each thing Gretchen uncovered. Of course, the answers weren’t unclear to me as they were to Gretchen, at first. But that didn’t make the novel any less enjoyable.
Gretchen is such an intriguing character. We see her begin as a young woman who doesn’t question what she’s been taught, who makes excuses for her brother’s abuse, longs for her mother’s love and protection. She wants to finish school and accomplish something worthwhile. In the midst of this, she’s also learning what is means to be a woman, and what it means to be an adult. She has to question everything she thought she knew, even her beloved father, once she begins to realize that Hitler’s hatred of Jewish people should be questioned, not blindly followed. She has clear character growth, and it’s wonderful to read. She learns how to be strong and brave, how to form opinions for herself. She’s such a complex, inspiring character.
Daniel Cohen is also a wonderful character. He’s passionate, determined, and more. He helps Gretchen - literally holds her hand - as she learns shocking truths about her family. Although he does mock her at first, he offers her protection after her brother beats her. I really do think the love he has for her is beautiful. He knows being with her is a risk, but he’s willing to do so anyway because he loves her.
Overall, Prisoner of Night and Fog is such a strong first instalment with compelling characters, an emotional plot, and an important message. I highly recommend this book.