Liz Loves Books.Com.

Publication Date: 22nd April 2014 from Headline

Thank you to the author and publisher for the review copy via BookBridgr

In 1930s Munich, danger lurks behind dark corners, and secrets are buried deep within the city. But Gretchen Müller, who grew up in the National Socialist Party under the wing of her “uncle” Dolf, has been shielded from that side of society ever since her father traded his life for Dolf’s, and Gretchen is his favorite, his pet.

Uncle Dolf is none other than Adolf Hitler.

Elizabeth Wein, author of the brilliant “Code Name Verity” said of this one “It’s terrifying and incredible to think how much of this story is true” and I really cannot imagine being able to say it better than that.

When you can blend fact (obviously well researched) and fiction in such a way as to make the novel feel as if every event actually happened you have a tremendously cleverly constructed and terrifically compelling story that puts you right back into History – I read this one obsessively and felt every single moment.

I am completely in love with Gretchen and Daniel – as a star struck romantic couple who face very real danger they were perfect. Absolutely perfect – but this is not what is at the heart of this one by any means…they are the eyes that see and the voices that tell us a very real story. That of the rise of the National Socialist Party in Germany and the early political days of one Adolf Hitler. Taking fictional characters and putting them at the centre of actual events and surrounding them with real historical characters, Anne Blankman has weaved a scary yet very authentic tale of a world about to go mad.

As Gretchen begins to leave behind her childhood acceptance of everything she has been taught, as she begins to realise that something is not quite right with the story surrounding the death of her father, she plunges into a murky world she never imagined existed. Bound and determined to find out the truth, she embarks on a journey of discovery and realisation that will have you holding your breath and praying for her safety – every step of the way.

Absolutely brilliant, fascinating and passionate, often moving and poignant, I adored this one. And the very best thing is I know that there is more to come. I simply cannot wait.

Happy Reading Folks!