Elyse HoffmanCritiques

Hoffman has once again transported me back to Germany in WWII, (her version of it, at least). The characters feel real, like they could have lived there, despite time travel not being possible (yet). Adiel is a great character, and even when facing down an impossible situation and tasked with something that could change the course of history, doesn't run from the responsibility. Nathan is an interesting one, having lived through the Holocaust in the normal timeline, and traveling back to try and prevent it (even if he failed). His emotions really flow off the page, and you can't read this without shedding a few tears. There's a lot of tension that keeps you hooked as the plot moves forward at a good pace, and there are moments that will have your heart racing so fast you'll think it might beat out of your chest. Note: Although part of a series, this works as a standalone just fine.

4.5
Book source ~ TWR Tour

Adiel Goldstein is a German Jew, an art professor, a father, and he has a honking big secret that he doesn’t even know he has. His father drops the bombshell at the build up to the Holocaust and now Adiel has a life altering decision to make. Can he do it? Can he prevent the rise of Hitler and save millions of lives at what is most likely the cost of his own?

This fourth book in the Project 613 series is a hell of a whopper. Each book can be read as a standalone, but characters do cross over, so reading the other books makes this book a richer reading experience.

Are you looking for a gut wrenching read that will make you so angry you want to kill someone? A book that is sad and devastating and yet also hopeful and at times a joy to read? This book brings ALL the feels! With wonderful characters, excellent writing, and a story arc for the ages, you will not want to put this one down.

Black Fox One is an eye-opening story about Germany’s propaganda against the Jews during World War two. But it is also a love story of two people divided by war and hate.

Lies and secrets were the foundations of this war, a war ignited and fed by ignorance and manipulation, and normal people on both sides of the coin suffered. This is the premises of Black Fox One. The author’s empathy and research can be seen on each page as the story came to life and you get to know the SS officer, the “Fuchsjager”.

Ava and Jonas were ripped apart and found each other once more at the height of the war. The chipping down of lies came at a cost, and the questions of which side to choose remained throughout this heartfelt story.

“They lied to me…they lied right to my face. My teachers, my comrades, they all lied to me!” Jonas Amsel said.

Black Fox One, the moniker of a fierce leader, brings the suffering of the Jewish people's home. The entire team of black foxes was a menace in the German army and one they void to destroy at all costs.

“You’re a loyal SS man, an Aryan. Don’t forget your nation, no matter what happens. At the end of the day, Germany must come first. Deutschland Über Alles!” Dieter Amsel.

With two goals on his mind, the one, to find his one true love and own a “Ehrenring”, Jona, a national socialist’s mind, was set on the task at hand. Not knowing what will happen when he continues. But when Jonas was confronted with a different truth he believed, he had to make a choice.

Since this book is written from Jonas’ perspective alone, it was difficult to know Ava’s thoughts. Yet I could summarize that she had a difficult time in the time they were apart. Though she had to be bitter, I found her endearing character relatable. She knew who she was and made no excuses for it. Her quiet and sometimes explosive nature was a powerful beacon for Jonas’s character. If not for her gentle tutoring unconventionally, Jonas would have stayed lost.

The strong bond of love is an ever-present string that holds it together.

The writing is clear and to the point. The descriptions lively as the author shows the story in apt ways. Adding additional dimensions to a very harsh time in our history.

“I was lied to, he thought, and in the name of that lie he had killed. Murdered. Nausea took hold of him, and he almost collapsed. He was angry. Angry at his father who had lied to him, at the nation which had lied to him, at the lying system he had served.”

I’ve been addicted to this series from book one, and somehow, it’s just gotten better! Hoffman has mastered bringing the historical setting to life, transporting the reader back in time. The characters are believable, with a lot of depth and nuance even the “bad guys”. I can’t help but marvel at how human she makes everyone feel, and how she manages to paint morally gray characters that you’d love to hate, but just can’t bring yourself to. The story moves along smoothly, with enough tension that you’ll find it difficult to set down for even a moment. A brilliant masterpiece of historical fiction, set in a time and place fraught with danger at every turn.

4.5
Book source ~ TWR Tour

Jonas Amsel and Avalina Keller grew up together. When they were teens they started a relationship while planning to serve Germany in its quest to purify the world of the Jews. As Jonas was rising in the SS ranks and was ready to propose, Ava and her family disappeared. Jonas, thinking they were kidnapped by Jews, became the Fox Hunter in hopes that one day he’d find his beloved and her family being held captive by the Black Foxes, a rebel group helping Jews escape. He had no idea what he was in for.

Wow. Elyse Hoffman really knows how to rip out your heart, patch it up, and shove it back into your chest. Don’t get me started on how gut-twisting the subject matter is. Because let’s get real here. There is no way to make the Holocaust a fluffy read. However, and this is important, the author knows how to get the reader to look at a different side of things. An important side that often gets overshadowed - everyday people resisting the Nazi Party. While the story is fictional, I can truly believe there were those just like these characters in this and her other books. People fighting for what’s right, with their lives if needed.

With wonderful characters, great writing, and a tough subject matter, this is a tale well worth reading. A standalone in the Project 613 series it can be read by itself, but why would you? Check out the other stories and see how they briefly interact. I’m beginning to suspect that each piece appears to be part of a greater whole. I’m looking forward to reading more!

4.5
Book source ~ TWR Tour

Samuel Val’s whole life is destroyed when Nazis come to his small town of Khruvina and kill everyone. As the only survivor, he joins the rebels known as the Black Foxes and vows to annihilate the one responsible, Viktor Naden, even if he dies in the attempt.

Wow. Talk about a book loaded with emotion. All kinds of emotions. There is no way to read this story and not come out unscathed. For being on the short side it packs quite a punch. Great characters, wonderful writing, and a world I wish had never existed.

While this is part of a series it can be read as a standalone. It ties in with Fracture and if you want a richer, deeper understanding you can read that first, but it’s not required. Anyone who has an interest in History, especially WWII, then I highly recommend this Historical Fiction to give you possible stories viewed from a different angle of events during the Holocaust. Heartbreaking, but also with hope, you won’t want to miss it.

Hoffman has a wonderful mastery of transporting the reader back in time, and really capturing your attention from the first page. I admit it's a bit jarring returning to the real world, I get so wrapped up in the story. Although not a very long book, it's a very powerful one. There are no punches pulled, and we get a window into a dark time in history. I loved Sam from the start, and my heart broke for him. I don't want to give any spoilers, but there's plenty of suspense woven in as Samuel begins his journey seeking revenge, and you'll never be bored while reading this. Cannot recommend enough, and I can't wait to see what's next from Hoffman!

I received an ARC copy from the touring host for an honest opinion. Sam's story immediately touches your heart. Cici's antics were so real that I could see her climb over her family out of pure boredom.

However, once the Nazi troops came "waltzing" in, this peaceful scenery changed into a horror movie.

The events of that day scared Samuel Val, and all he wanted to do was to take revenge on the only person he could remember from that fateful day.

A heartwarming story of revenge that takes you through the woods of Germany, where you experience another side of Sam. Yet, his belief was the only thing that held him upright and focused. When exactly he joined the Black Foxes is not clear, but here, he met interesting characters that added to the plotline.

The sceneries within the muck and trenches added to the demise he and Amos experienced, like a slow burn as you continue to read. Wondering how and when he will meet this man that extinguished his entire family.

"It wasn’t what Samuel had been expecting, either. Black Fox 120 had been ready for almost anything, but even he, well-experienced in the diverse array of men and women who joined the Black Foxes, lifted a curious brow and checked the map thrice before he conceded that they were in the right place."

Going undercover, and pretending to be part of the enemy, grated on him. This added another layer of suspense and determination and we see how this young man develops into a harsh force of realism as he begins to question his faith.

"Though Samuel despised Germany, the German Black Foxes’ bravery and sacrifice kept him from praying that Adonai would decimate the entire nation, like Sodom and Gomorrah."

This story takes you into the very heart of the war. Where loyalty is tested and man's will to live is pulled apart. Friends become enemies and enemies become friends. A beautiful balance of suspense and human frailty during the hardest time of our human race.

The author's writing style is clear, with enough description for one to become part of the story. A must read for all who love a Word War 11 story.

The boy that never smiles. It would be an apt name for this book. But, Where David threw stones, depicts the story of ten-year-old David unusually which captures the imagination throughout the story. Though David vowed never to smile, his new friends sure tried everything they could to make him forget the promise.
After David’s parents' accidental death, David had no choice but to live with Herr Ernst, his grandfather on mother’s side. It tells the story of one Jewish boy who discovers a secret that kept WWII’s memories alive within its bosom hauntingly. And Jews away from the town. David soon realised what the secret was and the impact it would have on him as he experience up close the horrors of the war. Despite it all, David’s character flourished within this small town as he became acquainted with the townfolk in ways he didn’t think possible.
Even at this young age, David was not easily manipulated into doing things he believed to be wrong or against his upbringing. With a strict background, he wore his kippah with pride no matter the hateful glares, and ultimately ban to visit the shops. But once he stumbled onto the secret, his purpose for being there became clear. Unwilling friends became comrades, family became strangers, and the story started a life of its own.
“This spellbinding Historical WW2 Fantasy Novel is a story of a ten-year-old boy's loss, redemption, and ultimate courage. Award-winning author Elyse Hoffman has crafted an expertly woven tale of World War II's horrors. This thrilling story is perfect for readers of Marcus Zusak's "The Book Thief," John Boyne's "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas," or Michael Reit's "Beyond the Tracks."”
The vivid story telling captures the imagination as it sends you back into a time where no Jew was safe. The propaganda against Jews is an intense hate that moored within the very fabric of the people and the lies they believed almost crippling you. But David’s ways carried a wait that touched even the hardest of hearts and views changed as the secret become real.
Going back in time each night, layered the story with a unique ploy, remarkable characters and dramatic plotlines that felt so real that my heart cramped in pain. Of which Maria Rahm’s young character was my favourite. The children within this book had to grow up fast, as they try to find the truth for themselves and how they were connected to David. No grownup will help or tell them about the curse, and David and his little friend had to unravel every lie spread by Hitler and his cronies. A truth that surpassed the curse and secret and left me speechless.
This is a book I can recommend to every WWII reader. It adds another layer to what we already know about the war and how it affected the nation.

"And no amount of gritting his teeth and mentally declaring that this is different, it's fine, it's not a problem was making the feeling that his soul was being broken apart go away."
Franz Keidel is a perfect SS soldier: loyal, disciplined, and devoted to Hitler With a cold heart, he hunts down his Führer's enemies, but one fateful mission will fracture his shield of ice. While hunting Jews, Franz stumbles across a familiar face: Amos Aumun, his childhood friend. Amos is the only source of joy in Franz's life, but he is also a Jew. Unable to bring himself to kill his friend, Franz vows to protect Amos from his fellow Nazis. As Franz spends more time with Amos, he falls in love with his kind-hearted friend. How could he fall in love with a man, a Jew? How can he continue to hate Jews when a Jew has thawed his icy heart? What will Franz do if he has to choose between love and duty?
This book was a very emotional ride. I mean Franz had a terrible childhood and the only person who ever really showed him compassion was Amos. Fast forward to Nazi Germany, Franz is now an SS officer. On a typical mission to uncover Black Fox members and any hidden Jews, he stumbles upon his old friend hiding in a barn. It is at this moment that Franz first confronts the disconnect between his ideology and his personal beliefs. Franz decides that he will do whatever is necessary to protect Amos. Keep in mind it has been a long time since they've seen one another but Franz feels obligated because Amos gave him so much when they were children.
As the story progresses and the two spend more and more time together, which causes all kinds of trouble for Franz in the work department, a romance develops. I struggled with this because to me the romance that developed between the two of them felt very rushed. I wish it had more time to develop so that I could watch them grow. I also struggled because 90% of their time was Franz hating himself for being in love with a man and a Jew. I just wanted them both to be happy, and Amos always appeared so happy. But Franz was a tormented soul throughout the book.
Now don't get me wrong the author does a marvelous job of showcasing the inner turmoil and struggle of Franz. You can feel alongside him as he is confronted with and tries to compartmentalize loving a Jew, while also hunting down and torturing Jewish people each day. The book was emotional from start to finish and really did not end the way I expected. I don't want to spoil anything but Franz is forced to confront the contradiction in his duty and his love. I just wanted a little more from him in the end. Overall, this book was moving and really begs the question: Does love triumph over all else?

This book was amazing. It starts off innocently enough - a friendship between two boys forged before WWII began. We then jump forward to the midst of the war, and how many things have changed. While nothing can excuse what the SS and Nazis did, this gave us a peek at the motivations behind one person's joining them, and how his beliefs came to be, and were eventually challenged by discovering his life-long friend was in fact Jewish. I loved how much depth the characters had, and appreciated the moments that broke the tension by making me laugh. Hoffman did an excellent job of bringing the whole story to life, and has a unique way of describing things that made this a delight to read. Highly recommend!

"I think he was mad because getting hurt is one thing, but being forced to smile when everything hurts is even worse."
West Germany, 1968: When ten year old David Saidel's parents are murdered, he is sent to live with his grandfather in an anti-Semitic village. Miserable and lonely, David finds comfort in his kindly Grandpa Ernst, who has only one strict rule: Never go out after midnight. When David breaks curfew to search for his missing dog, he discovers why Ernst is so serious about his curfew: Brennenbach is cursed. At midnight, the town is thrown back to 1943 at the height of Hitler's reign. The Nazi ghosts in the village are just as dangerous as they were in life. And they are hunting for David, thinking he is the last member of a family they've been ordered to destroy. With the help of a little girl named Maria Rahm, David sets out to end the Curse before it claims more victims.
This book sounded like an amazing read from the moment I read the summary and it did not disappoint. I was hooked from the opening line to the final line. This is a book that can be enjoyed no matter your age. The lessons that can be found in this book are universal: love, courage, and redemption. Ten year old Jewish David finds himself surrounded by Nazi's trying to capture and kill him in the past and a fierce hatred in the present. All because he is Jewish. I mean David even has some self-loathing going on himself. The most heartbreaking thing: he feels like he deserves the hatred and punishment of people.
When I tell you this book left me with chills multiple times, I mean I was emotionally wrecked by this book. I loved every second of it, because it wasn't just a story... it meant something. Hoffman is a master storyteller and you find yourself drawn into the world that is created. The book is a really great example of finding redemption and forgiveness. It is obvious the town has a big secret they are trying to hide, and David's time in the past helps him to uncover the sins of the town. In the process he opens the eyes of those in the present. I think the curse aspect was a cool dynamic, my only wish is that I could have known a little bit more about it. I don't want to give any spoilers so I'll leave it at that. GO READ THIS BOOK!!!

4.5
Book source ~ Tour

Franz Keidel and Amos Auman are childhood best friends. Franz’s life is hell, but Amos does his best to make it better. When Franz is 14 he runs away from his abusive father and joins Hitler’s soldiers eventually becoming an SS soldier who hunts down and kills Jews, absolutely unshakeably confident in his mission for the Führer. But one day when he finds Amos hiding from a search he lies to protect his childhood friend. And that’s when everything changes.

This book will grab your heart, make a fist, and squeeze until there is nothing but a dried up husk left. It’s awful. You have to read it! No, seriously. There are so many feels going on here. The author lifts you up then smashes you down, over and over again and I guarantee you’ll ask for more. Plus, that ending! Oh, my. This is a story that will not leak from my brain any time soon.

I am a fan of this genre. Instantly, I was transported within the pages of this book. It was like a mini movie playing in my head, while I was reading this book. David is an engaging little boy. All of the things he saw and experienced I felt them to with him.

Although, I did feel like there were a bunch of other characters that came at me all at the same time in the beginning and it was a bit hard to keep them all straight. The use of the "f" word is used a lot throughout the book. Yet, I understood where it was coming from in relation to the story, so I did not have a problem with it.

Author, Elyse Hoffman really does know how to write engaging characters and good storylines. I will read more books written by her. I enjoyed this book from the first page to the last page.

This book...where to start? When I first began reading, I wasn't sure if I was going to like it. David's guilt weighs so heavily on him, my heart absolutely broke for him. You can feel his sadness and guilt spilling out over the pages. Then, the next thing I knew, I'm chapters deep, my stomach is growling at me, and I'm reluctant to put the book down long enough to go grab a snack. This book will captivate you, and pull you back through time. The characters are real, and you'll absolutely hate some of them. It also highlights that people, just like life, are not all black and white, and hate can pass from one generation to the next. An excellent book overall.

First off, I knew going into this book that it was a MM romance read. I only mention this because I say several other readers mention that they were not aware of this. Although, as far as MM romance books go, this one is on the sweeter side. So, if you are looking to try a MM book, you may want to try this book.

Author, Elyse does a good job of telling Franz and Amos's story. Dealing with the Nazi back in this time was back enough but I can't imagine trying to have a relationship with someone who is supposed to be considered your enemy.

Additionally, I did find this book to be a quick read. I just wished that I could have found myself connecting emotionally better with Franz and Amos. Therefore, I find myself at times not being focused on what I was reading. Although, this is not the last we see of both men. Which I would read the other books featuring these men.

This book has it all. Recommended.

"Welcome to the Brennenbach of Midnight! The Curse Hours have begun."

West Germany, 1968

When ten-year-old David Saidel's parents are murdered he is sent to live with his grandfather in the anti-Semitic village of Brennenbach. Miserable and lonely, David finds solace in his kindly Grandpa Ernst, who has one strict rule: never go out after midnight.

When David breaks curfew to search for his missing dog, he discovers why Ernst is so serious about his curfew: Brennenbach is cursed. When midnight strikes, the town is thrown back to 1943, the height of Hitler's reign. The Nazi ghosts that infest Brennebach are just as dangerous as they were in life. They're hunting for David, thinking he is the last member of a family they've been ordered to destroy.

Through the help of a little girl named Maria Rahm, David sets out to end the Curse before it claims more victims. Award-winning author Elyse Hoffman has crafted an expertly woven tale of World War II's horrors - perfect for readers of Marcus Zusak's "The Book Thief," or Michael Reit's "Beyond the Tracks."

Book source ~ Tour

Uwe Litten is a German linguist who can speak several languages, so the Nazis hire him to help interrogate Polish partisans they have captured in an attempt to find the rest of those hiding.

Uriel is a 10-yr-old mute Jewish boy in a tiny town that has been wiped out by the Polish thus doing the job for the Nazis. Archangels have come in search of Michael who has been angelnapped and they entrust Uriel to find him.

Uwe and Uriel prove that an individual can bring about a turning point to any situation, including war.

Holy shit. This book. This book will lift and inspire. It will also horrify. How could people do this shit to others? Hate is a powerful tool that needs to be removed from the toolbox. No one needs it.

Uwe is in an impossible situation, balancing his beliefs and morals with safety. Not just his safety. His family's. All while he does a job he doesn't want to do for the Nazis. In the end he does the only thing he can and it turns out to be plenty.

Uriel could be a bitter little boy, but he's not. He's full of hope and optimism and courage. Maybe that's why the Archangels picked him for the mission of finding Michael. Despite the scariness of confronting Samael, the Angel of Death, Uriel fulfills his duty to the best of his ability.

Is this Historical? Mythological? Fantasy? Paranormal? It's all of those things and more. This is the type of book that will stick with a person long after the last page is turned.

Uriel's small town of Zingdorf, Poland has been attacked; the buildings have all been burned to the ground and the people have been killed. Ten year old, mute Uriel survives, clutching his small golden book of stories that he has written. As Major Brandt, commander of the local Nazi Police and his new linguist, Uwe, drives through Zingdorf they stop to inspect the damage. Uwe notices the small, seemingly lifeless boy and is disgusted by what his countrymen have done. As he recovers, Uriel is visited by the Angels and is given a gift to protect him, keeping Uriel unseen by anyone wishing to harm him. Uriel hurries to follow the car with Major Brandt and Uwe. To Uriel's surprise, Uwe can see him and promises to harbor Uriel in his room within the Major's house. As Uriel explores, he finds Samael, the Angel of Death and is given a series of tasks by Samael in order to save his people. With the help of Uwe and his gift from the Angels, Uriel sets off to complete his tasks. Meanwhile, Uwe, inspired by Uriel's courage, finds his own ways to thwart Major Brandt and help the Jewish people who have survived.

The Book of Uriel is a unique story combining historical fiction and Jewish mysticism into an engrossing novel about courage and hope during World War II. From the very beginning, Uriel's character grabbed me. Since he is mute, all of the story from Uriel's point of view is his inner monologue which is a wonderful look into Uriel's childlike innocence as well as overwhelming maturity in all of his actions. From meeting Angels to interacting with Uwe, outsmarting Brandt and completing Samael's mission, Uriel acts with conviction, single-mindedness and acceptance of what he needs to do. The writing incorporated the mystical elements seamlessly, especially during World War II, where unbelievable atrocities are happening, Angels waging a war of their own does not seem far-fetched. The missions that Uriel was sent on by Samael were exciting and unexpected. I loved Uriel's stories as a way to share more about the Jewish religion as well as bond Uriel and Uwe. I enjoyed watching Uwe transform as he gained courage to fight back against Brandt as well. Uwe's care for Uriel was heartfelt and authentic, creating just as amazing story as Uriel's quest. With an unexpected ending and a different viewpoint of World War II, The Book of Uriel is a beautiful story of hope and courage in a time of hate.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.

I have deeply mixed feelings about The Book of Uriel. The premise has a great deal of promise: Uriel, a young, mute boy, the only survivor of a pogrom in Nazi-occupied Poland, is charged by angels with the task of finding Michael, the guardian angel of the Jewish people, who has been kidnapped by the fallen angel Samael. Uwe, and unwillingly conscripted translator for Nazi forces manages to provide shelter for Uriel and develops his own means of resistance, unaware of Uriel's mission.

With a deft hand, this kind of magical realism could lead to a genuinely profound exploration of the struggle between good and evil—on a cosmic level and a mortal one. The problem is that Hoffman creates too many unlikely coincidences even for the world of magical realism. Samael sets Uriel a set of tasks that will free Michael. Capture a mythical, rock-eating beast that Solomon purportedly employed when building temples and palaces? OK, maybe. But then realizing that capturing this creature will require the recovery of the cloak of Elijah the Prophet? And finding that cloak in a pile of remnants from a genocidal Nazi attack on a local Jewish community? The number of sacred relics Uriel hunts down—and finds—in one small corner of Poland is just too unbelievable, even for magical realism.

The book offers an engaging read, but I was aware again and again of opportunities missed and credibility strained as I worked my way through it.

I received a free electronic ARC of this title from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions are my own.

This book grabs you from the start. What starts as a heartbreaking opening quickly turns to a ray of hope. Angels, both good and bad, the Nazis, a reluctant linguist, and one unlikely hero populate this story. Honestly after meeting the angels, I wasn't sure how much I would enjoy the story, but I absolutely loved it. The pacing is perfect, and you get so wrapped up in the story once you start. The descriptions make you feel like you're in the story itself, and I definitely recommend this!

Vilém Rehor has recently joined as a security guard at a former concentration camp that holds the dreadful memory of holocaust. Just under his nose and that of the authority's, someone starts to carve her name on the wall of Barrack Five. The unpleasant and sorrowful job takes a new turn as he dives into the investigation himself. Soon he realizes that the horror of holocaust is not over for every soul; some linger around with a desire to be remembered.

The book grabbed my attention at the very beginning. The start off was brilliant and pretty relevant to the plot. I absolutely loved how the author portrayed the horrifying history of holocaust through the memory of a young Jewish girl. The emotion behind the piece is very much visible, and is capable of making a way to the reader's heart. The story is easy to follow and even easier to feel. We can barely imagine how many Rayas have left the world with millions of untold stories. I finished the book in a single go, and it did not take much effort. I was simply overwhelmed.

The most terrifying fact is probably that the cruelty is not over yet. The world is still filled with demons, and innocent people are going through unimaginable sufferings every single moment, only because of their faith, race, caste or color.

If you want to take a quick look at the frightening past (or even the equally shocking reality for many people around the world), you should check out this book.

(I received a copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily)