Book Review: “Prisoner of Night and Fog” (Prisoner of Night & Fog #1) by Anne Blankman

“Prisoner of night and Fog” (Prisoner of Night and Fog #1) by Anne Blankman (2014)

Genre: YA, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Romance

Page Length: 401 pages (hardcover edition)

Synopsis:

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?

Review:

Since I love historical fiction I was very interested in reading this novel after reading many reviews from other fellow bloggers. In Prison of Night and Fog, Blankman does an excellent job of weaving fact and fiction, during a very turbulent part of history. She doesn’t shy away from the bad things, and instead points out all of the horrible events that happened.

The story starts off slowly and builds up quickly as Gretchen finds out of the secrets surrounding her father’s death/intention of Hitler’s party. Though Gretchen starts off at the beginning as naive she becomes courageous and strong as she fights for justice. The drama and action kept me thoroughly engrossed in the story, and I had a hard time putting it down. I also liked the (forbidden) romance aspect of the novel between Daniel and Gretchen, but that the entire story isn’t circled around their relationship.

Being historical fiction, I also learned more history from this time period (since I’m only know certain parts of 1903s history). It wasn’t till I read the author’s note in the back of the book did I realize that some of these people she uses in her story actually existed. I also liked that she recommended a list of novels put together a bibliography if you’re were interested in finding out more information.

Final Verdict:

I cannot wait to read the second book, Conspiracy of Blood and Smoke!