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unknownuser1607's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault
katykelly's review against another edition
5.0
WWII-set spy drama, with a smart, young heroine you need to win through
In the early days of the war, a 15-year-old Jewish girl is trying to make her way out of Germany after the death of her mother. Being small for her age through malnutrition and with much-prized blonde hair and blue eyes, Sarah is also a good actress and about to escape when she makes a split-second decision to help a mysterious man... and finds herself becoming involved in the shady world of spies.
Turning out to be a natural, Sarah is also perfect for gaining admittance to a world the adult spy needs to gain access to but cannot - a girls' school.
This is a great thriller for teenagers. There aren't too many World War-set stories for young people (Michael Grant has written some excellent novels recently with strong females, Ryan Graudin's Wolf by Wolf feels similar in tone) and this doesn't hold back on the danger or the racism.
Sarah is such a refreshing heroine, a resourceful, bright and brave young woman, her new mentor/guardian more in the background to allow her to take centre stage. We have three main acts, in the outside world, an exclusive school, and a final act as Sarah battles to help stop the Nazis in a diabolical scheme.
A plot worthy of any adult WWII novel, I loved the audio version. The characters had realistic accounts to remind you of the setting but were perfectly understandable and the story moved along nicely.
I would love to hear more of Sarah's exploits in the war. She could definitely have her own series and would make a great TV character.
With thanks to Nudge Books for providing a sample Audible copy.
In the early days of the war, a 15-year-old Jewish girl is trying to make her way out of Germany after the death of her mother. Being small for her age through malnutrition and with much-prized blonde hair and blue eyes, Sarah is also a good actress and about to escape when she makes a split-second decision to help a mysterious man... and finds herself becoming involved in the shady world of spies.
Turning out to be a natural, Sarah is also perfect for gaining admittance to a world the adult spy needs to gain access to but cannot - a girls' school.
This is a great thriller for teenagers. There aren't too many World War-set stories for young people (Michael Grant has written some excellent novels recently with strong females, Ryan Graudin's Wolf by Wolf feels similar in tone) and this doesn't hold back on the danger or the racism.
Sarah is such a refreshing heroine, a resourceful, bright and brave young woman, her new mentor/guardian more in the background to allow her to take centre stage. We have three main acts, in the outside world, an exclusive school, and a final act as Sarah battles to help stop the Nazis in a diabolical scheme.
A plot worthy of any adult WWII novel, I loved the audio version. The characters had realistic accounts to remind you of the setting but were perfectly understandable and the story moved along nicely.
I would love to hear more of Sarah's exploits in the war. She could definitely have her own series and would make a great TV character.
With thanks to Nudge Books for providing a sample Audible copy.
lillyinsunfloweryellow's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
haniah__x's review against another edition
4.0
Wow. That was horrifying, way too stressful for me, but also enlightening. I need the sequel.
steph01924's review
4.0
Nazis suck. Check out my full review of this interesting and BA book over at Forever Young Adult.
nekomeith's review
5.0
I enjoyed this book just so freaking much! Highly recommend for historical fiction or spy lovers
iceberg0's review
4.0
Started very strong but the tone changed somehow when the protagonist entered the school.
raven_ash's review
5.0
By far the most captivating, intense, and emotional historical fiction book I've ever read. I'm so glad I picked up this book to read. It was a little bit long of a read, but it was worth every minute of it. I also loved the incorporation of real people and/or events from WWI and Nazi times in Germany. This book felt as if you were reading the real story of a traumatized girl who uses her amazing skills to essentially (and temporarily) save the world. 11/10!!
chloggle's review
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault, Violence, Alcohol, Antisemitism, War, Addiction, Religious bigotry, Bullying, Grief, Vomit, and Death of parent
Minor: Sexual assault, Gun violence, Pedophilia, Incest, and Fire/Fire injury
It's heavy and chilling but for the historical context and central mystery, each plot point and moment of discomfort is earned