Review Detail

5.0 1

Castle of Concrete

Young Adult Fiction 855

Debut Novel I Couldn't Put Down!

May 10, 2019 (Updated: June 07, 2026)

Overall rating

5.0

Plot

5.0

Characters

5.0

Writing Style

5.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

N/A

What an amazing debut novel - it weaves together fascinating characters, political upheaval, anti-Semitism, and conflicted love interests into a suspenseful, heartwarming, exciting story that I couldn't put down.

Most importantly, Sonya Solovay is a strong, relatable protagonist going through some of the problems experienced by 15 year olds...trying to fit in at a new school, being attracted to someone and unsure of that new relationship, dealing with parental issues. Now add to that - your country is going through political unrest, you've just learned that you're Jewish, and your boyfriend might be an anti-Semite.

And the ending is crazy intense!!

Good Points

I loved the author's writing style, so fresh and interesting, incorporating vivid imagery.
There were a few heavy themes in the story that the author dealt with beautifully.