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whatyoutolkienabout's review against another edition
5.0
For a long time I have only read historical fiction for certain periods mostly the English Renaissance or medieval settings but I have to say Elyse Hoffman’s novels set in such a turbulent and terrible time in modern history have really captivated me. I think the thing I am drawn to the most is the way she is able to show the humanity and morality, both the good and the bad, of the characters.
Her characters are always well fleshed out and realistic. I was particularly surprised by how Hoffman managed to bring Reinhard Heydrich and his vileness to life yet still managed to show that tiny touch of humanity in the character as well. But I have to say the original characters are completely rounded and captivating. I adored Ava who was strong and fierce but shows moments of weakness as well. She was most definitely a favourite but I have to say, despite myself so was Jonas. I loved how self-aware he was when he slowly realised just how much the hate and propaganda of the Third Reich had tainted people’s views. The fact he knew he would not earn trust easily and shouldn’t do was refreshing to see in a redemption arc of a character and a testament to Hoffman’s writing.
Speaking of the writing, Hoffman brings the past to life in such a vivid way that you are transported back to the time and place and it is not romanticised at all. The plight and terror of characters is captured perfectly and as I already said the characters both good and evil are given personality and complexity thanks to Hoffman’s writing style. The pacing is perfect for the novel. I never like to spoil a book but towards the end I was really on the edge of my seat hoping it would end well. I actually finished this in one sitting because I needed to know what happened, not just to Jonas and Ava but the other characters.
If you enjoy stories with complex relationships, about bravery and the sacrifices made by the people during World War two as well as the long hard road to redemption you will love Black Fox One and a lot of Hoffman’s other work too. I have to say I am hooked.
Her characters are always well fleshed out and realistic. I was particularly surprised by how Hoffman managed to bring Reinhard Heydrich and his vileness to life yet still managed to show that tiny touch of humanity in the character as well. But I have to say the original characters are completely rounded and captivating. I adored Ava who was strong and fierce but shows moments of weakness as well. She was most definitely a favourite but I have to say, despite myself so was Jonas. I loved how self-aware he was when he slowly realised just how much the hate and propaganda of the Third Reich had tainted people’s views. The fact he knew he would not earn trust easily and shouldn’t do was refreshing to see in a redemption arc of a character and a testament to Hoffman’s writing.
Speaking of the writing, Hoffman brings the past to life in such a vivid way that you are transported back to the time and place and it is not romanticised at all. The plight and terror of characters is captured perfectly and as I already said the characters both good and evil are given personality and complexity thanks to Hoffman’s writing style. The pacing is perfect for the novel. I never like to spoil a book but towards the end I was really on the edge of my seat hoping it would end well. I actually finished this in one sitting because I needed to know what happened, not just to Jonas and Ava but the other characters.
If you enjoy stories with complex relationships, about bravery and the sacrifices made by the people during World War two as well as the long hard road to redemption you will love Black Fox One and a lot of Hoffman’s other work too. I have to say I am hooked.
unlawful_sea's review against another edition
4.0
First I want to thank NetGalley, Elyse Hoffman, and Project 613 Publishing for an ARC of this book. I read it of my own free will.
I liked the idea of this book. They have both been best friends since they were kids but then one day things change. What I didn’t expect was to read the German/Nazi side of things in such detail.
It is written so you appreciate the struggle the German citizens felt. However, Jonas was like super proud he served under Hitler and as an SS for over half of the book. It was during his time right after he meets Black Fox One that the book slows down a lot.
You read some heart breaking things that happened during WW2 and some are pretty terrible and you start to see him struggle with his beliefs but it was also during that time that I struggled with the book. It was hard to read him question what they are telling him and his own personal battles within.
Overall a good story but one I will never really read again. As for those who read my reviews and appreciate it when I give warnings. This comes with a few. There are about 15 f words, mention of some very violent acts, characters who are proud of what they did to hurt Jews, and a smidge of sexual statements.
I liked the idea of this book. They have both been best friends since they were kids but then one day things change. What I didn’t expect was to read the German/Nazi side of things in such detail.
It is written so you appreciate the struggle the German citizens felt. However, Jonas was like super proud he served under Hitler and as an SS for over half of the book. It was during his time right after he meets Black Fox One that the book slows down a lot.
You read some heart breaking things that happened during WW2 and some are pretty terrible and you start to see him struggle with his beliefs but it was also during that time that I struggled with the book. It was hard to read him question what they are telling him and his own personal battles within.
Overall a good story but one I will never really read again. As for those who read my reviews and appreciate it when I give warnings. This comes with a few. There are about 15 f words, mention of some very violent acts, characters who are proud of what they did to hurt Jews, and a smidge of sexual statements.
books_with_ave's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism and War
Moderate: Death
weyheyitsrachel's review against another edition
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Thank you to the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first Elyse Hoffman book, and I enjoyed it. It worked as a standalone, even though the beginning disclaimer said I may enjoy it more if I read the previous book in this series.
Honestly, it was a little jarring at the start finding out this book would take place from the N*zi's POV. I was skeptical of where it was going and what the author was trying to make me feel. I actually went and did research on Elyse Hoffman and her other works to make sure I knew what I was getting into. Thankfully, the story was flipped around and the N*zi was put in his place, but I do think including a second POV from the Black Fox's perspective would have made the story more impactful instead of seeing everything through the eyes of the N*zis.
I also found the ending to be a little.... out there. Not what I envisioned for an ending to this story.
Overall, I learned a lot from this book and now understand better the horrors that Jewish people faced during WWII. By no means did this story make me feel bad for the N*zis for being "lied to" about what they were doing... which is what I skeptical about at the start. If anything, this book made me sad that the Jewish people had to go through such horrific events.
If you're looking for a unique historical fiction, this one was good. It will offer that different perspective, though, so please proceed with caution if you are not comfortable reading a book from this POV.
This was my first Elyse Hoffman book, and I enjoyed it. It worked as a standalone, even though the beginning disclaimer said I may enjoy it more if I read the previous book in this series.
Honestly, it was a little jarring at the start finding out this book would take place from the N*zi's POV. I was skeptical of where it was going and what the author was trying to make me feel. I actually went and did research on Elyse Hoffman and her other works to make sure I knew what I was getting into. Thankfully, the story was flipped around and the N*zi was put in his place, but I do think including a second POV from the Black Fox's perspective would have made the story more impactful instead of seeing everything through the eyes of the N*zis.
I also found the ending to be a little.... out there. Not what I envisioned for an ending to this story.
Overall, I learned a lot from this book and now understand better the horrors that Jewish people faced during WWII. By no means did this story make me feel bad for the N*zis for being "lied to" about what they were doing... which is what I skeptical about at the start. If anything, this book made me sad that the Jewish people had to go through such horrific events.
If you're looking for a unique historical fiction, this one was good. It will offer that different perspective, though, so please proceed with caution if you are not comfortable reading a book from this POV.
loz_reads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
avoraciousreader68's review
medium-paced
4.5
Book source ~ TWR Tour
Jonas Amsel and Avalina Keller grew up together. When they were teens they started a relationship while planning to serve Germany in its quest to purify the world of the Jews. As Jonas was rising in the SS ranks and was ready to propose, Ava and her family disappeared. Jonas, thinking they were kidnapped by Jews, became the Fox Hunter in hopes that one day he’d find his beloved and her family being held captive by the Black Foxes, a rebel group helping Jews escape. He had no idea what he was in for.
Wow. Elyse Hoffman really knows how to rip out your heart, patch it up, and shove it back into your chest. Don’t get me started on how gut-twisting the subject matter is. Because let’s get real here. There is no way to make the Holocaust a fluffy read. However, and this is important, the author knows how to get the reader to look at a different side of things. An important side that often gets overshadowed - everyday people resisting the Nazi Party. While the story is fictional, I can truly believe there were those just like these characters in this and her other books. People fighting for what’s right, with their lives if needed.
With wonderful characters, great writing, and a tough subject matter, this is a tale well worth reading. A standalone in the Project 613 series it can be read by itself, but why would you? Check out the other stories and see how they briefly interact. I’m beginning to suspect that each piece appears to be part of a greater whole. I’m looking forward to reading more!
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