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3.48 AVERAGE
3.48 AVERAGE
With sincerest thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this book...
but I didn't finish it.
I made it 2/3 of the way in. It's not a bad book; there's some good dialogue and the prose is clean. What utterly disinterested me was the near-exclusive focus on military tactics. Either Tolya or Aleksey would have been fine as a main character, not super engaging, but a functional protagonist. Neither was gripping enough to carry the jarring switch, and the revelations about halfway through were... frankly, they were exhausting. It just made the entire second perspective feel absurd with its cliff-hanger ending.
I assume McCrina set out to construct a narrative around Lwow near the end of WWII. She succeeded in that. It's a part of that period that is largely overlooked and deserves more attention paid to it. The thing is, I wasn't looking for a history book, I was looking for a story--characters, personal stakes--and those things never really felt fleshed out to me.
but I didn't finish it.
I made it 2/3 of the way in. It's not a bad book; there's some good dialogue and the prose is clean. What utterly disinterested me was the near-exclusive focus on military tactics. Either Tolya or Aleksey would have been fine as a main character, not super engaging, but a functional protagonist. Neither was gripping enough to carry the jarring switch, and the revelations about halfway through were... frankly, they were exhausting. It just made the entire second perspective feel absurd with its cliff-hanger ending.
I assume McCrina set out to construct a narrative around Lwow near the end of WWII. She succeeded in that. It's a part of that period that is largely overlooked and deserves more attention paid to it. The thing is, I wasn't looking for a history book, I was looking for a story--characters, personal stakes--and those things never really felt fleshed out to me.
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Traitor: A Novel of World War II
Author: Amanda McCrina
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 2/5
Recommended For...: historical fiction, war novels
Publication Date: August 25, 2020
Genre: YA Historical Fiction
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, dnf-ed
Publisher: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux
Pages: 368
Synopsis: Poland, 1944. After the Soviet liberation of Lwów from Germany, the city remains a battleground between resistance fighters and insurgent armies, its loyalties torn between Poland and Ukraine. Seventeen-year-old Tolya Korolenko is half Ukrainian, half Polish, and he joined the Soviet Red Army to keep himself alive and fed. When he not-quite-accidentally shoots his unit's political officer in the street, he's rescued by a squad of Ukrainian freedom fighters. They might have saved him, but Tolya doesn't trust them. He especially doesn't trust Solovey, the squad's war-scarred young leader, who has plenty of secrets of his own.
Then a betrayal sends them both on the run. And in a city where loyalty comes second to self-preservation, a traitor can be an enemy or a savior—or sometimes both.
Review: Overall, this was a good book but I had to DNF it at 34%. The book was action packed and could be a great read. The book is also very historical, but there were so many characters that didn’t seem to be important to the plot at all and the descriptions really made the slow pacing feel much slower. The book also confused me a bit while reading it.
Verdict: Not for me, but maybe for you!
Book: Traitor: A Novel of World War II
Author: Amanda McCrina
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 2/5
Recommended For...: historical fiction, war novels
Publication Date: August 25, 2020
Genre: YA Historical Fiction
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, dnf-ed
Publisher: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux
Pages: 368
Synopsis: Poland, 1944. After the Soviet liberation of Lwów from Germany, the city remains a battleground between resistance fighters and insurgent armies, its loyalties torn between Poland and Ukraine. Seventeen-year-old Tolya Korolenko is half Ukrainian, half Polish, and he joined the Soviet Red Army to keep himself alive and fed. When he not-quite-accidentally shoots his unit's political officer in the street, he's rescued by a squad of Ukrainian freedom fighters. They might have saved him, but Tolya doesn't trust them. He especially doesn't trust Solovey, the squad's war-scarred young leader, who has plenty of secrets of his own.
Then a betrayal sends them both on the run. And in a city where loyalty comes second to self-preservation, a traitor can be an enemy or a savior—or sometimes both.
Review: Overall, this was a good book but I had to DNF it at 34%. The book was action packed and could be a great read. The book is also very historical, but there were so many characters that didn’t seem to be important to the plot at all and the descriptions really made the slow pacing feel much slower. The book also confused me a bit while reading it.
Verdict: Not for me, but maybe for you!
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you to NetGalley, Farrar, Straus and Giroux , & Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the opportunity to read and review this book before it's publication date! This in no way affected my review, opinions are my own.
Traitor is a interesting mix of thriller & historical fiction, both dual POV and somewhat dual timeline (flashbacks for one of the timelines), covering a little discussed period of history in Lwów, Poland - which would become Lviv, part of the USSR and then Ukraine following many skirmishes and much bloodshed.
The characterization is absolutely stand-out in this novel and, for me, what anchored the entire plot. The plot itself is fairly dense, expecting a level of knowledge that many people (myself included) might not necessarily have. (There is a very useful historical note and pronunciation guide in the back that would be handy to reference as you read.)
This one is definitely very grim and it stays with you for long after finishing, but I'm glad I read it.
Traitor is a interesting mix of thriller & historical fiction, both dual POV and somewhat dual timeline (flashbacks for one of the timelines), covering a little discussed period of history in Lwów, Poland - which would become Lviv, part of the USSR and then Ukraine following many skirmishes and much bloodshed.
The characterization is absolutely stand-out in this novel and, for me, what anchored the entire plot. The plot itself is fairly dense, expecting a level of knowledge that many people (myself included) might not necessarily have. (There is a very useful historical note and pronunciation guide in the back that would be handy to reference as you read.)
This one is definitely very grim and it stays with you for long after finishing, but I'm glad I read it.
Content Warnings
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I thought the book was Pretty interesting. I loved the present time-line. But we also go back into time a little bit as well. When we go back a little, I am just not a fan of that time-line. But as you read the book you understand why that time-line is important. My favorite character is the main character of Tolya. I will say his point of view were very heartbreaking. But I feel like he is very strong because he doesn't give up. So many people in his place, would have just given up.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Blood, Murder
Traitor is a debut YA military thriller set in 1940's Poland- on the Eastern Front of WWII. Told in two timelines, each with a different POV character, this is fast paced, brutal, and clearly very well-researched. Both storylines are compelling and they weave together in interesting ways, although I did find the transitions between them to be quite jarring and pulled me out of the flow of what was happening. That said, the world the author weaves is darkly fascinating and we learn a lot about a part of the war that is often glossed over- one that is messy without clear heroes and villains.
One of the main characters, and the first that we follow, is 17-year-old Tolya who has been conscripted into the Soviet Red Army, hiding the fact that he is half-Polish, half-Ukrainian. The exploration of this complicated ethnic identity becomes one of the threads woven through the book in a world where Poles and Ukrainians are engaging in ethnic warfare and Tolya is caught between two worlds. Not to mention an array of splintered factions and resistance groups, double-agents, differing priorities, and outside influences. It's messy, not the neat and clean narrative of the Western heroes versus the evil Nazi's. But I think it's a story worth telling and one we can learn from.
I flew through the book and don't want to spoil anything, but if this sort of book interests you I do think it is worth your time. Despite some choppiness between timelines, I think this is a solid debut and I look forward to seeing more from this author. I received an advance copy of this book for review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Content warnings include graphic wartime violence, death, attempted rape, severe physical injury, gun violence, loss of loved ones, betrayal, and references to atrocities.
One of the main characters, and the first that we follow, is 17-year-old Tolya who has been conscripted into the Soviet Red Army, hiding the fact that he is half-Polish, half-Ukrainian. The exploration of this complicated ethnic identity becomes one of the threads woven through the book in a world where Poles and Ukrainians are engaging in ethnic warfare and Tolya is caught between two worlds. Not to mention an array of splintered factions and resistance groups, double-agents, differing priorities, and outside influences. It's messy, not the neat and clean narrative of the Western heroes versus the evil Nazi's. But I think it's a story worth telling and one we can learn from.
I flew through the book and don't want to spoil anything, but if this sort of book interests you I do think it is worth your time. Despite some choppiness between timelines, I think this is a solid debut and I look forward to seeing more from this author. I received an advance copy of this book for review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Content warnings include graphic wartime violence, death, attempted rape, severe physical injury, gun violence, loss of loved ones, betrayal, and references to atrocities.
Výborná téma s príšerným spracovaním. Autorka totiž niekde v procese písania zabudla, že toto nie je odborná práca, v ktorej stačí na začiatku vysvetliť historický kontext a potom sa ním už nezaoberať. Toto je beletria, v ktorej je neustále potrebné osvetľovať motiváciu, vysvetľovať kto je kto a čo sa vlastne snaží dosiahnuť. A zo všetkého najlepšie by bolo, ak by to textu nevkladala úplne zbytočné a nezaujímavé postavy bez motivácie, ktoré nijako nepredstavila a tým pádom ich mohla rýchlo zabiť bez toho, aby z toho čitateľ náhodou nemal nebodaj nejakú citovú traumu.
Táto kniha ma zabila. Ale v tomto prípade to nie je kompliment.
Táto kniha ma zabila. Ale v tomto prípade to nie je kompliment.
Good historical read. A part of WWII that I had very little knowledge or understanding.
(Disclaimer: I received this book from Netgalley. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
TW: torture
Traitor is a historical fiction novel is about towns that change occupation like the season. It's a book that examines truth and loyalty like the truly subjective concept they are. It always matters who is the one asking, who is the one who was able to (re)write history. To decide who are the traitors, the rebels, and the loyal ones. It's also a book that examines the grey spaces between obedience and rebellion. In collaboration, survival, and sacrifice.
But what really lost me was the structure of the book. I mentioned it's dual POV, which normally wouldn't be a problem, except there's both a time jump between each POV AND the two characters end up interacting. From a writing perspective, I appreciate being able to witness the ways these actions changed the main character, while also witnessing the actions first hand. However, this was incredibly confusing at the beginning and I didn't really even fully sort it out until around 50% through.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/review-traitor-a-novel-of-world-war-ii-by-amanda-mccrina/
TW: torture
Traitor is a historical fiction novel is about towns that change occupation like the season. It's a book that examines truth and loyalty like the truly subjective concept they are. It always matters who is the one asking, who is the one who was able to (re)write history. To decide who are the traitors, the rebels, and the loyal ones. It's also a book that examines the grey spaces between obedience and rebellion. In collaboration, survival, and sacrifice.
But what really lost me was the structure of the book. I mentioned it's dual POV, which normally wouldn't be a problem, except there's both a time jump between each POV AND the two characters end up interacting. From a writing perspective, I appreciate being able to witness the ways these actions changed the main character, while also witnessing the actions first hand. However, this was incredibly confusing at the beginning and I didn't really even fully sort it out until around 50% through.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/review-traitor-a-novel-of-world-war-ii-by-amanda-mccrina/
Traitor is a young adult historical thriller set in World World II by Amanda McCrina. Wow! This book certainly took me on a wild ride. It was an intense read...in all the best ways. I just finished this novel and I honestly feel like I still haven't caught my breath totally. Traitor is a thriller adventure about two spies who are on the run during World War II. It explores themes of betrayal, loyalty and all of the shades of gray in between. It was a fantastic book and I cannot wait for more from Amanda McCrina.
As a history major, I found the World War II backdrop to be a fascinating one for setting the story. Further, I loved that the bulk of the book is focused on some of the lesser known conflicts in the war. Traitor has two timelines that alternate between 1941 and 1944, and the spies are individuals involved in the conflict between Poland and the Ukraine during this period. At times, it was hard for me to figure out what timeline I was in because there is quite a bit of back and forth, but it was never too jarring for me. On top of the different timelines we have the two main characters- Aleksey living in the war in 1941 and Tolya in 1944. There were a lot of players to keep track of and a lot of moving parts that I honestly had no idea who I could try and when. That all added to intense feeling that I had while reading this story. I also really enjoyed that the two timelines do intersect and interact with each other. It was really something to see how everything comes together!
Traitor takes you on a very high stakes thriller with so many twists and turns, it is impossible to predict them all. Amanda McCrina did a fantastic job not only telling a really twisty interesting story, but also giving us a glimpse into the every day life of a solider in the war. This book is not for the feint of heart, there are certainly some pretty devastating scenes depicted, as one would expect with a book about World War II. I really, really enjoyed Traitor. It just kept surprising me. I can't wait to read more from Amanda McCrina!
P.S. Check out the character list included with the book to help keep track of all the characters. It really helped me keep everyone straight!
As a history major, I found the World War II backdrop to be a fascinating one for setting the story. Further, I loved that the bulk of the book is focused on some of the lesser known conflicts in the war. Traitor has two timelines that alternate between 1941 and 1944, and the spies are individuals involved in the conflict between Poland and the Ukraine during this period. At times, it was hard for me to figure out what timeline I was in because there is quite a bit of back and forth, but it was never too jarring for me. On top of the different timelines we have the two main characters- Aleksey living in the war in 1941 and Tolya in 1944. There were a lot of players to keep track of and a lot of moving parts that I honestly had no idea who I could try and when. That all added to intense feeling that I had while reading this story. I also really enjoyed that the two timelines do intersect and interact with each other. It was really something to see how everything comes together!
Traitor takes you on a very high stakes thriller with so many twists and turns, it is impossible to predict them all. Amanda McCrina did a fantastic job not only telling a really twisty interesting story, but also giving us a glimpse into the every day life of a solider in the war. This book is not for the feint of heart, there are certainly some pretty devastating scenes depicted, as one would expect with a book about World War II. I really, really enjoyed Traitor. It just kept surprising me. I can't wait to read more from Amanda McCrina!
P.S. Check out the character list included with the book to help keep track of all the characters. It really helped me keep everyone straight!
I received this ARC for free courtesy of YALLWEST, thanks again!! As stated on the back, the book comes out 8/25/20!
Traitor is a novel that takes place in WWII, following half Ukrainian and half Polish seventeen-year-old Tolya Korolenko. After shooting his unit’s political officer, he’s saved by Ukrainian freedom fighters, including squad leader Solovey. However, a betrayal sends them both running, and a traitor can be an enemy or savior, or both.
I’m going to try to keep this spoiler free. The title is perfect for this book, in my opinion. It fits so many aspects of the novel, not just the betrayal mentioned in the book summary.
There are a lot of moral gray areas for the characters, and you can see them flounder and struggle with their ethics and morals. WWII, as all of us know, was a brutal war, and this book makes no exceptions. There’s a lot of death, a lot of sadness, and a lot of well-written characters that have tragic backstories, or tragic occurrences throughout the novel.
There are also a lot of twists in the novel, however, each twist is important, and I think it helps develop the story as a whole, rather than detracting from it. I was invested in the characters, and the twists that occurred made me even more curious about what would happen next. I think the dual POV really worked well too, which kept up the tension and my developing interest in the story.
The dialogue was really great too. I liked the interrogations, as they felt realistic, and I liked the humor in the dialogue, especially in Aleksey’s chapters when he is talking to Mykola. As mentioned, the dual POV works for this novel, and the two points of view we see are Tolya (who is in third person) and Aleksey (who is in first person.)
Overall, it was a fantastic read, and I highly recommend it if the premise interests you!
Favorite Character: Mykola
Least Favorite Character: Vitalik
Traitor is a novel that takes place in WWII, following half Ukrainian and half Polish seventeen-year-old Tolya Korolenko. After shooting his unit’s political officer, he’s saved by Ukrainian freedom fighters, including squad leader Solovey. However, a betrayal sends them both running, and a traitor can be an enemy or savior, or both.
I’m going to try to keep this spoiler free. The title is perfect for this book, in my opinion. It fits so many aspects of the novel, not just the betrayal mentioned in the book summary.
There are a lot of moral gray areas for the characters, and you can see them flounder and struggle with their ethics and morals. WWII, as all of us know, was a brutal war, and this book makes no exceptions. There’s a lot of death, a lot of sadness, and a lot of well-written characters that have tragic backstories, or tragic occurrences throughout the novel.
There are also a lot of twists in the novel, however, each twist is important, and I think it helps develop the story as a whole, rather than detracting from it. I was invested in the characters, and the twists that occurred made me even more curious about what would happen next. I think the dual POV really worked well too, which kept up the tension and my developing interest in the story.
The dialogue was really great too. I liked the interrogations, as they felt realistic, and I liked the humor in the dialogue, especially in Aleksey’s chapters when he is talking to Mykola. As mentioned, the dual POV works for this novel, and the two points of view we see are Tolya (who is in third person) and Aleksey (who is in first person.)
Overall, it was a fantastic read, and I highly recommend it if the premise interests you!
Favorite Character: Mykola
Least Favorite Character: Vitalik