Book Review: Wolf by Wolf by Ryan Graudin

Wolf by Wolf  by Ryan Graudin

A thrilling book, based on a different outcome of WW2. Provided lots of food for thought, and discussed themes of identity, betrayal and grief. Very powerful. 

After reading several books based around WW2, taken from stories in death camps, refugee shelters and torture chambers, I was groaning slightly at the thought of another death-and-destruction dooms-day tale. However, as soon as I read the blurb, I was hooked.

Set in the decade after world war two, it follows the life of Yael (pronounced YAH-ell), an escapee of a German prison camp. However, when she runs away, she has to remain in hiding. Why? Because the Germans won the war.

During her stay at the camp, she was experimented on by German scientists, who were trying to make her black hair blond, and her brown eyes blue. If they got this to work, they would be able to make any "normal" rich politician, suddenly become the picture of German ideals : Aryan.   However, these injections malfunction, leaving Yael with a life-changing ability: the power to look like anyone.

(This wasn't deeply gory, but more detail about this will come later)

Using her powers, she manages to escape the camp, but takes with her nothing more than a tattoo on her wrist, and a thirst for vengeance.


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Ever since those days, Yael harbours a deep desire to be the one to assassinate Hitler. But the only way she can get close to him, is by taking part in -and winning- a deadly motorcycle race, earning her the "honour" of being able to shake the Fuhrer's hand.

The story follows Yael as she embarks on the race of her life, disguised as last year's victor: Adele Wolfe. However, when Adele's brother and nemesis turn up on motorcycles too, Yael must tangle her way through romance, lies and betrayal, all based of an event that had happened to Adele, something Yael never knew.

A breif history synopsis, for all those history nuts like me: Instead of bombing pearl harbour, the Japenese join Hitler against Russia, causing it to buckle under the strain. Due to this, America stays out of the war, and leaves the fighting to Britain. Hiter then launches Operation Sea-Lion, and marches through Britain, ending the war. No history knowledge is needed, but if you have a vague idea of WW2, you'd enjoy it more and/or understand how the Germans won. However, not necessary.
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This book was perfectly written and beautifully entwined with flashbacks into Yael's dark past.  The violence wasn't extreme, (several KO's and a knife fight), however whilst the prison camp scenes weren't described in gory detail, there were quite a few mentions of lots of blood, needles and pain, coupled with the expected deaths of weaker prisoners. There was aspects of romance, but nothing rude/inappropriate, just two minor kissing scenes.
There was some bad language, but it was in German, making it not plainly obvious, but guessable, at times. (A good example would be: Scheise) So, in effect, quite a few rude words were used, but I only picked up on the ones similar to the english language. (S*** and A** were the only recognisable ones.)

It was a great read, with a heart-wrenching twist at the end. I spent most of the book cringing at the terrible layers of lies Yael has to weave, just to stay alive. I would recommend it for anyone 13 and above. I read it at thirteen years of age, but would have been happy with twelve, however I couldn't guarantee that for everyone.

Happy Reading!