Wolf by Wolf by Ryan Graudin

November 24th, 2015 Kimberly Review 52 Comments

24th Nov
Wolf by Wolf by Ryan Graudin
Wolf by Wolf
by Ryan Graudin
Series: Wolf by Wolf, #1
Narrator: Christa Lewis
Length: 10 hours and 31 minutes
Genres: Historical Fiction, Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star
Narration: 4.5 cups

Code Name Verity meets Inglourious Basterds in this fast-paced novel from the author of The Walled City.

The year is 1956, and the Axis powers of the Third Reich and Imperial Japan rule the world. To commemorate their Great Victory over Britain and Russia, Hitler and Emperor Hirohito host the Axis Tour: an annual motorcycle race across their conjoined continents. The victor is awarded an audience with the highly reclusive Adolf Hitler at the Victor's ball. Yael, who escaped from a death camp, has one goal: Win the race and kill Hitler. A survivor of painful human experimentation, Yael has the power to skinshift and must complete her mission by impersonating last year's only female victor, Adele Wolfe. This deception becomes more difficult when Felix, Adele twin's brother, and Luka, her former love interest, enter the race and watch Yael's every move. But as Yael begins to get closer to the other competitors, can she bring herself to be as ruthless as she needs to be to avoid discovery and complete her mission?

2015 FAV Audiobook historical twisted EPIC

Last year I listened to and loved The Walled City by Ryan Graudin, and knew that without a doubt I would listen to Wolf by Wolf his newest release. Set in an alternate 1956 where the Third Reich and Imperial Japan rule the world the story that unfolds in Wolf by Wolf was dark, brilliant and extraordinary.

Five reasons to grab your earbuds and listen to Wolf by Wolf

  • Set in 1956, Germania, capital to the Third Reich. Ten years ago, Imperial Japan and the Third Reich won the World War. Some aspects of the original history ring true as we meet Yael our heroine. As a child, she was experimented on in Auschwitz. These experiments left her with a unique ability. Now as a teenager, Yael has joined the rebel faction and is assigned a treacherous mission. Each year to commemorate their great victory over Britain and Russia, Emperor Hirohito and Hitler host the Axis Tour. This motorcycle race takes place from Berlin to Tokyo. It is brutal and tests the rider’s limits of endurance.  The winner aside from recognition gets to attend the Victor’s Ball and gain an audience with Adolf Hitler. Yael task is to win the race and kill Hitler at the Ball. To do this, Yael must use her abilities to assume the identity of last year’s female victor.
  • Wolf by Wolf was a fascinating story blending alternate history and fantasy. Graudin breaks the tale into past and present with chapters on the race and darker chapters that shed light on Yael, her tattoos, abilities and the time she spent at Auschwitz.  Her research and attention to detail made these accounts both harrowing and fascinating. The race itself was intense and complicated by friends, fellow participants and snares Yael encounters. It pushes Yael to the edge and I was spellbound.
  • Yael is a character that will immediately capture the reader. She is strong, brilliant and fearless on the surface but her heartbreaking story will rip at your heartstrings. She wears tattoos hidden from view and their symbolism..eek gads, grabs the truffles. Graudin weaved in a subtle romance and shared the bonds of siblings and friendship. She gave us a complex heroine who will etch herself into your heart.
  • Narration: Christa Lewis ‘s narration was brilliant. Her interpretation of Yael, allowed me to feel all of her emotions. Sometimes the fear was so real, I found myself holding my breath.
  • Ryan Graudin tells stories that shed light on our own tragic, dark history and wraps them in a fascinating tale that grabs the reader and stays with them long after the story ends. Her writing is lyrical and the switch between past and present was seamless. Her characters are unique, strong and leave the reader feeling as if they knew them personally.

Wolf by Wolf is the first book and Yael’s story is not over. The ending left me reeling and eager to see what happens next in this duology.   The next book is not yet titled but will release in 2016.

Listen to a Sample

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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52 Responses to “Wolf by Wolf by Ryan Graudin”

  1. Mandy

    I bought the hardcover when it came out. I still haven’t gotten to it yet but I’m so excited to start it after your amazing review. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing.

  2. Wattle

    This sounds like an interesting mix of genres. I’m a sucker for alternate history type things (particularly when they involve Germany) so I will definitely have to check this one out 🙂

  3. Lisa (Lost in Lit)

    You’re definitely not alone. I’ve heard nothing but good things about this so far. Glad to see you loved it too!! I’m considering reading it myself, though I’m not entirely convinced it’s a book I would enjoy yet. I’m still on the fence. 🙂

  4. Lorna

    I haven’t heard of this author or book before now. To be honest, I have an extreme aversion to anything to do with the Holocaust, it bothers me to read anything about it to the extreme, although growing up, I loved, The Diary of Anne Frank.If I could get past the concentration camp scenes, I am sure the rest of the book would fascinate me as well, Glad it was a wonderful read for you 🙂

  5. Candace

    I remember seeing the cover around but I’m not sure I ever knew what it was about. But wow, it sounds really good. I may add this audiobook to my list.

  6. Bookworm Brandee

    I was rather intrigued just with the alternate history aspect. That it’s fantasy as well and Graudin wraps in our own dark history using beautiful prose? I’m sold! The story sounds fascinating, Kimberly. I’m looking forward to meeting Yael.

  9. Nicole

    I just finished this book the other day and so adored it! Sounds like the audio version was fantastic too!

  12. Lindsey

    Great review! This sounds like a really good but harrowing book, will definitely keep my eyes open for it!

  13. kindlemom1

    This sounds so interesting and I sadly know nothing about this time period so I think it would be really fun to read. Sounds like a good author to check out.

  19. Nick

    Very happy to see this praising review from you, Kim. I’ll be reading it sometime in December and I think I’m going to love it. Yael sounds like a phenomenal character and the blend of historical and fantasy sounds like it makes for an epic book.
    Beautiful review!

  20. Tracy Terry

    The Third Reich and Imperial Japan rule the world? I am intrigued. This sounds like an original story, definitely one I’ll be keeping a look out for.

  21. Lekeisha

    I’ve been seeing this one around a lot, and after reading the synopsis a few hundred times, I added it to my wish list. I think I’m going to get this one sometime in the New Year. Awesome review!

  22. Jenny

    I have this one on my shelf waiting for me Kim and I can’t wait to read it. I haven’t read the Walled City yet but heard great things, so I’m looking forward to giving this author a try. I’m always fascinated by alternative history story, so pair that with fantasy which is my very favorite and I can’t miss out on this!

  23. Bieke

    I’m hearing so many great things about this author’s work and I know I have to read either this or his other book, soon. Great review Kim!

  24. Melanie Simmons

    I had seen this book around, and frankly, I hadn’t been that interested in it. After reading your review, I’m having second thoughts. Maybe I should give this one a try. Great review.

  26. Maureen Beatrice

    Wow. This sounds like a very interesting and different kind of read. I never heard about this author before, but your review definitely made me interested in checking this one out. That cover is also very intriguing.