by Ryan Graudin
Series: Wolf by Wolf #2
Narrator: Christa Lewis
Length: 12 hours and 23 minutes
Genres: Historical Fiction, Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 4.5 cups
The action-packed, thrilling sequel to Ryan Graudin's Wolf by Wolf.
There would be blood.
Blood for blood.
Blood to pay.
An entire world of it.For the resistance in 1950s Germany, the war may be over, but the fight has just begun.
Death camp survivor Yael, who has the power to skinshift, is on the run: the world has just seen her shoot and kill Hitler. But the truth of what happened is far more complicated, and its consequences are deadly. Yael and her unlikely comrades dive into enemy territory to try to turn the tide against the New Order, and there is no alternative but to see their mission through to the end, whatever the cost.
But dark secrets reveal dark truths, and one question hangs over them all: how far can you go for the ones you love?
This gripping, thought-provoking sequel to Wolf by Wolf will grab readers by the throat with its cinematic writing, fast-paced action, and relentless twists.
Blood for Blood by Ryan Graudin is the follow-up sequel to the novel Wolf by Wolf. I once again chose to listen to the audio version narrated by Christa Lewis. This historical alternate fantasy grabbed me from the beginning, tore my heart out and had me gripping the cord to my headphones.
Five reasons to grab your earbuds and listen to Blood for Blood
*If you have not read/listened to Wolf by Wolf, despite my efforts, this review may contain spoilers. Please check out my review of Wolf by Wolf.
- Wolf by Wolf was a brilliantly written tale that led us on a daring cross-country motorcycle race in the year 1956. It introduced us to our heroine Yael, a former death camp prisoner. As part of the Resistance, she had to win the race to gain admittance to the Victor’s Ball in Tokyo. Adolf Hilter would be in attendance, and her mission was to kill him. In Blood for Blood, the story picks up with Yael on the run after the ball. The story contains three POV’s from Yael, Luka Lowe, a National Socialist poster boy, and Felix Wolfe. However, Yael’s narrative was the focal point. Graudin sometimes provided the perspectives of all three during the same period, and it worked brilliantly. I found it added depth and emotional connection. Within these pages, you will find friendship, loss, betrayal, hardships, romance and even death.
- Classified as Young Adult, due impart to the character’s age. Given the subject matter both books are dark, brutal, and at times bloody. For that reason, I recommend them for older youth nd adults. I had my heart ripped out during flashbacks at the encampments and again each time we experienced a loss. I felt Wolf by Wolf provided some relief due to the friendships, snark and witty banter between the racers but we did not get such a reprieve in Blood for Blood. While listening my palms were sweating, and there was this overwhelming sense of foreboding. My heart bled and still bleeds as the memories of this tale resurface.
- This is an alternate historical fantasy where Hilter won the war. It has paranormal elements and scientific advancements. Yael is a skin shifter and can take the form of others. Yael is one of the bravest, strongest and compassionate heroines I have ever had the pleasure to read. The poor girl cannot even remember what she looked like before she shifted. She has experienced more pain and loss than anyone should. Yet she gets up, runs and fights to help others. Despite betrayals, she still trusts, and I loved that Graudin showcased the impact one person can have. So many folks complain, “I am but one voice/person what can I do? ” …Yael is inspirational.
- This is the third book I have read by Ryan Graudin, and her writing is breathtaking. She creates three-dimensional characters who worm their way under your skin and into your heart. She shares with the reader the goodness in them and exposes their flaws. In doing so, the reader ends up rooting for them, crying for their loss and screaming at their betrayals. She twists historical events without allowing them to lose their significance or by making light of the tragedies. In this world, things changed considerably, but the persecution of Jews and others remained. She does not cover up or make light of the ugliness and horrors that occurred.
- Christa Lewis narrated bringing the story and emotions to life. She has a voice that pulls the emotion from each word, aiding to build suspense while providing additional connections.
In many ways, Blood for Blood was a stronger novel than its predecessor but together this duology is one I will continually recommend to those young and old. Graudin provided me with an excellent book high. She writes stories with characters who stay with you long after the story has ended.
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. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Melanie Simmons
Okay, you’ve convinced me that I need to get on top of this series. I’m really glad that the audio is good. I will get to it much quicker that way.
Debbie Haupt
Oh Wow Kim this is really something I would like to listen to, thanks!
Bookworm Brandee
Wow. It’s great this was such a fantastic followup! I’m adding this to my wishlist. 🙂
Lizzy
ACK! How is this one out ALREADY?!? I still haven’t managed to read Wolf by Wolf!
blodeuedd
That was YA? The cover fooled, me, silly
The Bibliophile Babe
I’ve heard so many good things about the first book, and this sounds amazing, too. Great review!
Sophia Rose
Oh wow. I’m so glad I went with a hunch and snagged the first book in Audible’s last sale. This sounds incredible.
Melissa (Books and Things)
Oh man, I’ve been wanting to read that first book and now you have me really wanting it! This one is even stronger? Oh yea, this is going higher up on my wishlist.
Jolene Wilson
I also enjoyed these two books. I agree the first one was a better book. I thought the premise of these books were fascinating!
ShootingStarsMag
I really loved this book and the duology as a whole! I’m so glad to see that you loved it too.
Angela Adams
Wow! Five caffeinated mugs!! Impressive!!!
Dragonfly
WOW
AND
WOW
[because I just read BOTH reviews!] 🙂
You had me at “Hitler”, “alternative fantasy” “dark”, “brutal”, “bloody”, “writing is breathtaking” and “three-dimensional characters” Sounds SO good!
I had vowed to keep my GR TBR shelf at 18 books but I couldn’t help but log in GR and add it! So this one just bumped another book off the pile 🙂
CANNOT WAIT! Damn library waiting list!
Katherine
Well it sounds like I need to add Wolf by Wolf to my TBR because this sounds awesome!
Angela
I’ve not heard of this one but it sounds like it would make an interesting read.
kindlemom1
I definitely need to add the first book to my wishlist Kim! So glad the second was every bit as good.
Melliane
oh yes I remember the first book but I didn’t know that the author wrote a sequel. it looks really well done
Danielle Nolan
Skimmed through this one a bit to avoid any “info” that might affect the first in the series. Cannot wait to get my hands on these in the near future!
Evelina
I think I saw this one in Books, bones and Buffy a little while ago. It’s got a truly amazing cover, in my opinion.
Priscilla
This sounds hardcore! 😮
Cynthia
I absolutely ADORED this!! I love this author and the series and I thought it was such an amazing conclusion to Wolf by Wolf.
Ailyn Koay
interesting, don’t see much duology nowadays, sounds pretty cool. title too