It is the year 1956, and the Axis powers of the Third Reich and Imperial Japan rule. Every year, to commemorate their Great Victory, Hitler and Emperor Hirohito host the Axis Tour, a grueling motorcycle Race across continents. The victor is awarded an audience with the reclusive Adolf Hilter at the Victor’s Ball in Tokyo. 

This year the resistance has given Yael one goal: Win the race and kill Hitler. Yael, once a death camp prisoner, has witnessed too much suffering. Five wolves are tattooed on her arm as a constant reminder of loved ones she’s lost. But Yael is a survivor. She survived the painful human experimentation that gave her the power to skinshift, and she’s determined to survive this race too. 

With the help of her abilities, she impersonates last year’s only female racer, Adele Wolfe. However, the deception turns tricky when Felix, Adele’s twin brother, and Luka, her former love interest, enter the race as well. As Yael grows closer to the other competitors and the stakes are raised, she knows she will have to become ruthless to avoid discovery. Every turn could spell the end of the mission, and Yael is the resistance’s last hope to regain freedom.

Wolf by Wolf reimagines a time in history based on a horrific “what if.” It’s packed with a killer plot (literally) and high stakes, making this a compelling story unlike anything I’ve read before.

I was afraid to start this book. I struggle with stories surrounding the Holocaust, and if there are other readers who struggle with this, I definitely suggest caution. Wolf by Wolf does not hide the gruesome truth of events that happened. And while it reveals only enough detail to evoke emotions in the reader, those details can be horrific.

In flashbacks, we witness much of Yael’s childhood in the concentration camps and glimpse details of the disturbing experiments done to her and other children. I’m not fan of flashbacks, as I tend to get lost easily, but the author does a great job making them flow seamlessly and clearly with the present  and the high-stakes race. They also reveal Yael to be a complex, fleshed-out character with quirks, motives and scars that make it easy for the reader to feel all the crushing emotions alongside Yael.

Wolf by Wolf is a well-written story that is heartbreaking, beautiful and raw. The fast-paced, time-sensitive plot is incredibly well done, and despite its heavy topics, it’s easy to see why this story has become a favorite among so many readers.

Rated: High, for harsh topics, horrific violence and gore. Many characters die: from fever and beatings, experimentation and gassing, suicide and shootings, and vehicular accidents. Profanity includes one use of strong language, 25 uses of moderate language (22 of which were in German), and 15 uses of mild language (10 of which were the German versions as well). There are also a few uses of the name of Deity in German. Characters kiss.

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