Book Review: Prisoner of Night and Fog

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. And Gretchen follows his every command.

Until she meets a fearless and handsome young Jewish reporter named Daniel Cohen. Gretchen should despise Daniel, yet she can't stop herself from listening to his story: that her father, the adored Nazi martyr, was actually murdered by an unknown comrade. She also can't help the fierce attraction brewing between them, despite everything she's been taught to believe about Jews.

As Gretchen investigates the very people she's always considered friends, she must decide where her loyalties lie. Will she choose the safety of her former life as a Nazi darling, or will she dare to dig up the truth—even if it could get her and Daniel killed?

From debut author Anne Blankman comes this harrowing and evocative story about an ordinary girl faced with the extraordinary decision to give up everything she's ever believed . . . and to trust her own heart instead.

Rating: ★★★★★

      When I decided to read this book, I was afraid it wouldn't be fast paced and I would get bored of it like it has happened to me before with other historical fictions. But I was wrong! This book was not only fast paced, but also very entertaining. I'm very interested in World War II related things, so I was intrigued by this book. I'm not sure how accurate Hitler's personality is portrayed in the book, but it was very interesting to know him "up close and personal." Gretchen, the main character, had very believable reactions to things and I could relate to her because if I was in her place I would've probably reacted and done things the same way she did. Daniel, the Jewish reporter, was probably my favourite character. He is attractive, has a strong personality, and even though he is in a terrible situation (being a Jew in the beginning of a Nazi Germany), he is strong and wants to make things right even when he has to risk his own life to do so. His relationship with Gretchen is sweet and I can't wait to read more about it on the next book. 
     The whole plot involving the mystery about Gretchen's father's death fits quite nicely with the story at hand and we find ourselves eager to know the truth alongside her. Also, the whole psychological component of the story is both interesting and haunting, particularly when Gretchen's brother, Reinhard, and Hitler are compared. The ending had me at the edge of my seat and I can't wait  to see what the next book, Conspiracy of Blood and Smoke, has in store for us.