Prisoner of Night and Fog by Anne Blankman - Review

Prisoner of Night and Fog by Anne Blankman Published by: Balzer + Bray on April 22nd, 2014 Series: Prisoner of Night and Fog #1 Pages: 401 Format: Hardcover Genre: Historical Fiction Source: Gifted Rating: 3/5 Buy the Book  or  Add it to Goodreads!! FROM GOODREADS: 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.
MY THOUGHTS:
Dear Prisoner of Night and Fog,
You are the story of Gretchen Müller, who just happens to be the beloved "niece" of Adolf Hitler. Yes, Hitler. WHAAAT? Right there, you had me intrigued, and then I find out there is a star-crossed love involved with a Jewish reporter named Daniel. I knew I had to read you. Ever since devouring Code Name Verity and Rose Under Fire, I've been itching to read more Historical Fiction set in WWII. However, you are set a little before all the actual warring begins, which was really interesting, because I was able to learn a little more about Hitler's rise to power. 
Not only do you involve star-crossed love, but also, a mystery! Gretchen has been raised on Nazi principles her whole life, and only begins questioning her father's death (he jumped in front of a bullet headed for Hitler) when she meets Daniel. Gretchen was an interesting character. I'm really not sure if I agree with how fast she seemed to just start trusting Daniel. I kind of feel like it should've taken a little longer, because those principles were so ingrained into her at that point. But Daniel. I really really liked Daniel. I'm not sure if I swooned hardcore for him, but I still enjoyed him as the love interest.
Hitler was seriously one messed up dude. I already knew that, of course, but there was some things you unveiled that I had never heard about him before. Gretchen's brother is a nut too. Honestly, Prisoner of Night and Fog, you reminded me how horrible Nazi's were, even before they began persecuting the Jews. It was crazy. Filled with lots of action and suspense, Prisoner of Night and Fog, you were brilliant. I didn't realize you were part of a duology (I believe) until I looked you up on goodreads, but now I'm really excited to see what happens next! You weren't as amazing as Code Name Verity or Rose Under Fire, but overall, you were still a spark among a sky full of duds. 
Really enjoyed you,
Becca

Was this review helpful? Have you read Prisoner of Night and Fog? What Sarah Dessen book should I pick up next?? Let me know in the comments!
As always, thanks for visiting Pivot Book Reviews! <3