Review Detail

What worked: Intriguing mix of Sci-fi with historical set during WWII. There is a lot going on in this engaging novel. Liam is determined to crack a code to open another alternative world before Hitler does. Simone is Arabic and part of the French Resistance. Daniel and Rebeka lost their family to the Holocaust. Phillip signed up to help with the Allies. They all share one common goal-to overthrow evil.

I really liked the interactions all of these characters end up having with each other. Simone and Evangeline-the daughter of a French diplomat-relationship is volatile at a time when being GLBT is not only risky, but deadly. Liam is an American with an abusive past. He longs to open up the portal to another world at whatever cost.

The Sci-Fi angle gives the story an unique twist. What would have happened if Hitler's allies were able to open an alternative universe that harvested hate? What I did have a hard time with though was all the different POVs throughout the story. The ones that resonated were the forbidden relationships of Simone and Evangeline and also Liam and Daniel. Those scenes were raw with emotion and longing.

One part of the story had me think though of those who reported wanting to help the Resistance as long as it didn't cost them too much. There's one scene where the characters encounter so-called helpers of the Resistance, who basically downplay the horrors of the Holocaust since they hadn't seen it first hand. Sound familiar? I almost wanted more scenes like that.

Unique twist on WWII and the idea of what would have happened if Hitler was able to use a paranormal world to help conquer the world and those who were courageous enough to stand up to that evil.