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WW2
The Only Thing to Fear
In a stunning reimagining of history, debut author Caroline Tung Richmond weaves an incredible story of secrets and honor in a world where Hitler won World War II.
It's been nearly 80 years since the Allies lost WWII in a crushing defeat against Hitler's genetically engineered super soldiers. America has been carved up by the victors, and 16-year-old Zara lives a life of oppression in the Eastern America Territories. Under the iron rule of the Nazis, the government strives to maintain a master race, controlling everything from jobs to genetics. Despite her mixed heritage and hopeless social standing, Zara dreams of the free America she's only read about in banned books. A revolution is growing, and a rogue rebel group is plotting a deadly coup. Zara might hold the key to taking down the Führer for good, but it also might be the very thing that destroys her. Because what she has to offer the rebels is something she's spent her entire life hiding, under threat of immediate execution by the Nazis.
In this action-packed, heart-stopping novel of a terrifying reality that could have been, Zara must decide just how far she'll go for freedom.
It's been nearly 80 years since the Allies lost WWII in a crushing defeat against Hitler's genetically engineered super soldiers. America has been carved up by the victors, and 16-year-old Zara lives a life of oppression in the Eastern America Territories. Under the iron rule of the Nazis, the government strives to maintain a master race, controlling everything from jobs to genetics. Despite her mixed heritage and hopeless social standing, Zara dreams of the free America she's only read about in banned books. A revolution is growing, and a rogue rebel group is plotting a deadly coup. Zara might hold the key to taking down the Führer for good, but it also might be the very thing that destroys her. Because what she has to offer the rebels is something she's spent her entire life hiding, under threat of immediate execution by the Nazis.
In this action-packed, heart-stopping novel of a terrifying reality that could have been, Zara must decide just how far she'll go for freedom.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2014
165 people are currently reading
2922 people want to read
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April 15, 2024
Zara’s plan to keep her head down and just plod through life is not working out. Partly due to the fact that she was not raised that way. Largely because of the perplexing, unwanted attention from Bastian. Not just any Nazi, the son of a colonel knows better than anyone that Aryans do not mingle with “sub-humans”. Although she’s not Jewish, to the Germans, as “half-breed stock”, she falls into the same category. Fit for only factory or farm work. Certainly not for fraternizing.
Zara’s earliest memories are of her mother and Uncle Red leading the local Alliance, all efforts into eradicating the Nazi-rule. She could not wait to be old enough to join them. Before she could reach the coveted age, though, a mission went terribly wrong and Uncle Red’s attitude was adversely affected. Compounding an already complex matter, in her grief and frustration, Zara’s power emerged. No one was more stunned than she was to discover that she was an Anomaly.
Select Germans had been gifted with powers enabling them to conquer the Allies so many years ago. The remaining Anomalies serve in an elite division of the Nazi military. When the rare non-Aryan Anomaly is discovered, things are a bit different. That poor soul will be taken to a laboratory to be studied, tested and ultimately dissected.
Zara has two huge secrets to keep if she hopes to stay under the radar of the suspicious Germans. Having Bastian hovering, bugging her, may just be the last straw. Aryans speak to her people for only a handful of reasons, none of them good. Most worrisome; they would never, ever feign interest in the Alliance—even as a sick joke.
She may not know what Bastian is truly up to, but Zara does know that she’s no time for the likes of him. There are brutal deaths to be avenged and one very last chance for her to convince Uncle Red that she belongs with the Alliance.
It’s no wonder I’ve seen The Only Thing to Fear by Caroline Tung Richmond on so many students’ To-Read lists. This fast-paced, action-packed, Sci-Fi story of ‘what if’ is simply stellar. And, I absolutely love the atypical ending, which was not gratuitous, but rather allowed the narrative to wrap up a bit more naturally, with an authentic feel.
This review was written by jv poore for Buried Under Books, with huge thanks for the Advance Review Copy to be donated to my favorite classroom library.
Zara’s earliest memories are of her mother and Uncle Red leading the local Alliance, all efforts into eradicating the Nazi-rule. She could not wait to be old enough to join them. Before she could reach the coveted age, though, a mission went terribly wrong and Uncle Red’s attitude was adversely affected. Compounding an already complex matter, in her grief and frustration, Zara’s power emerged. No one was more stunned than she was to discover that she was an Anomaly.
Select Germans had been gifted with powers enabling them to conquer the Allies so many years ago. The remaining Anomalies serve in an elite division of the Nazi military. When the rare non-Aryan Anomaly is discovered, things are a bit different. That poor soul will be taken to a laboratory to be studied, tested and ultimately dissected.
Zara has two huge secrets to keep if she hopes to stay under the radar of the suspicious Germans. Having Bastian hovering, bugging her, may just be the last straw. Aryans speak to her people for only a handful of reasons, none of them good. Most worrisome; they would never, ever feign interest in the Alliance—even as a sick joke.
She may not know what Bastian is truly up to, but Zara does know that she’s no time for the likes of him. There are brutal deaths to be avenged and one very last chance for her to convince Uncle Red that she belongs with the Alliance.
It’s no wonder I’ve seen The Only Thing to Fear by Caroline Tung Richmond on so many students’ To-Read lists. This fast-paced, action-packed, Sci-Fi story of ‘what if’ is simply stellar. And, I absolutely love the atypical ending, which was not gratuitous, but rather allowed the narrative to wrap up a bit more naturally, with an authentic feel.
This review was written by jv poore for Buried Under Books, with huge thanks for the Advance Review Copy to be donated to my favorite classroom library.
February 26, 2021
This book deserves more hype!! My heart feels happy at the thought of this book!
The Only Thing to Fear is INCREDIBLE. It's what I want in a novel. It has a real plot, loveable characters, plot twists, solid worldbuilding, action and GOOD WRITING. I want to spread the love of this book!! It introduced me to alternate history, which is now one of my favorite genres because of this book! The Only Thing to Fear is a gem.
Zara: Is just amazing. She may be special, but she isn't a typical female whose ability is made known to all and used as a weapon for the government. Richmond has other tricks up her sleeve. Zara is fierce, compassionate, and I just love her. I relate to her and she is one of my favorite characters. I love her history, she adds diversity to this book. Zara is the character I need more of! Authors pay attention!
Bastain: I honestly love him. He grows so much and his introduction is flawless. He's funny and not what he seems. He also doesn't fit into the 'boy on the wrong side who the mc falls in love with' character. He's actually a good person and original character.
I hate the villains of course. They are descendants and supporters of Hitler. This book had me even more disgusted by Hitler than before. I also learned a lot about Hitler's science and intentions if he won the war- a lot of good research went into writing this book.
ENEMIES-TO-LOVERS The romance is so well done! It's perfect. My heart beat SO FAST and the ~heat~ It wasn't cringe and there was no odd tension between the couple. I ship them with all of my heart and soul!
The writing was great! It wasn't cringe, and I really enjoyed it! The action, mysteries, and descriptions are done especially well! I could see everything unfold and fEeL EmOtIoNs.
I just love this book and everything about it and in it. I would give all of my money for a signed copy of this book.
The Only Thing to Fear is INCREDIBLE. It's what I want in a novel. It has a real plot, loveable characters, plot twists, solid worldbuilding, action and GOOD WRITING. I want to spread the love of this book!! It introduced me to alternate history, which is now one of my favorite genres because of this book! The Only Thing to Fear is a gem.
Zara: Is just amazing. She may be special, but she isn't a typical female whose ability is made known to all and used as a weapon for the government. Richmond has other tricks up her sleeve. Zara is fierce, compassionate, and I just love her. I relate to her and she is one of my favorite characters. I love her history, she adds diversity to this book. Zara is the character I need more of! Authors pay attention!
Bastain: I honestly love him. He grows so much and his introduction is flawless. He's funny and not what he seems. He also doesn't fit into the 'boy on the wrong side who the mc falls in love with' character. He's actually a good person and original character.
I hate the villains of course. They are descendants and supporters of Hitler. This book had me even more disgusted by Hitler than before. I also learned a lot about Hitler's science and intentions if he won the war- a lot of good research went into writing this book.
ENEMIES-TO-LOVERS The romance is so well done! It's perfect. My heart beat SO FAST and the ~heat~ It wasn't cringe and there was no odd tension between the couple. I ship them with all of my heart and soul!
The writing was great! It wasn't cringe, and I really enjoyed it! The action, mysteries, and descriptions are done especially well! I could see everything unfold and fEeL EmOtIoNs.
I just love this book and everything about it and in it. I would give all of my money for a signed copy of this book.
April 7, 2016
In an alternate universe, Hitler and the Nazis won. Zara is a young teenager who helps her only relative, her Uncle around the farm. Growing cabbage for the military troops, this is her life. When she starts to get attention from a young German teen, she realizes there might be hope after all. Will he betray her of help save the rebellion to take down the head of the snake?
I loved the new world that Caroline built. She describes a lot about what happens to other countries which I like because most authors don't mention anything but the United States. The fictional history that she weaved through the story was so interesting and I was never bored.
Zara being a half Japanese and half English main character is so great to see. I wasn't surprised at all that Japan and Italy would be their allies. To see the prejudice and racism that happened between her and others is also a given. I wasn't expecting any Jews either to be alive and that thought horrified me. Postwar cleansing? It's like they wanted to be clean of these sub-par humans. *shudders* There's also the Colonel that gave me the biggest shivers who would stare at her in the most perverted ways. So creepy.
I liked the story and it kept moving and moving until the climax. The one thing that I didn't think was necessary was the romance. Even though it wasn't a big part of the story, I think even having none of it would keep it strong. It's hard to fall in love when Nazis are hunting you down. I was also not surprised when there were super human Anomalies who would become part of the military. Genetics and testing on the Jews is something the actual Nazis did.
Overall, I enjoyed reading about a different world if the Nazis won. The fight for love and freedom is so strong and that was the biggest message here.
RATING 3/5
QUOTES
The Nazis make the rules, and we have to follow them. It's as simple as that.
These mixed-breed specimens are often lacking in some way, and that why we openly discourage the crossing of the races.
I thought you were smarter than this! I thought if taught you better.
You only see the Eckhart in him, but he's nothing like his father. Just like I'm nothing like mine.
You're the bravest person I know, Zara.
I loved the new world that Caroline built. She describes a lot about what happens to other countries which I like because most authors don't mention anything but the United States. The fictional history that she weaved through the story was so interesting and I was never bored.
Zara being a half Japanese and half English main character is so great to see. I wasn't surprised at all that Japan and Italy would be their allies. To see the prejudice and racism that happened between her and others is also a given. I wasn't expecting any Jews either to be alive and that thought horrified me. Postwar cleansing? It's like they wanted to be clean of these sub-par humans. *shudders* There's also the Colonel that gave me the biggest shivers who would stare at her in the most perverted ways. So creepy.
I liked the story and it kept moving and moving until the climax. The one thing that I didn't think was necessary was the romance. Even though it wasn't a big part of the story, I think even having none of it would keep it strong. It's hard to fall in love when Nazis are hunting you down. I was also not surprised when there were super human Anomalies who would become part of the military. Genetics and testing on the Jews is something the actual Nazis did.
Overall, I enjoyed reading about a different world if the Nazis won. The fight for love and freedom is so strong and that was the biggest message here.
RATING 3/5
QUOTES
The Nazis make the rules, and we have to follow them. It's as simple as that.
These mixed-breed specimens are often lacking in some way, and that why we openly discourage the crossing of the races.
I thought you were smarter than this! I thought if taught you better.
You only see the Eckhart in him, but he's nothing like his father. Just like I'm nothing like mine.
You're the bravest person I know, Zara.
March 16, 2016
Three stars: An interesting read that blends a terrifying alternate history with the X Men.
Zara is sick and tired of being oppressed, and having to watch her every move. She wants to stand up to the Nazis and fight, just like her mother. It has been eighty long years since World War II ended with an Axis victory. Germany, Russia and Japan divided and conquered the Ally territories. Zara lives in the Eastern America Territories, ruled by the Nazis with an iron fist. Zara's life is one of hardship as she labors all day in the Nazi school as a janitor, and at night, she works her family farm with her uncle. When the Nazis execute someone that Zara holds dear, she is done with being submissive, she wants to stand and fight. Then the opportunity to do so lands in her lap. Will Zara and the Rebels rise up and take back America from the Nazis?
What I Liked:
*Nothing To Fear presents a frightening alternate history. In this book, we get a glimpse of what the world might be like if the Axis Powers had won WWII. Needless to say, it is a frightening and fascinating premise. I liked exploring this alternate reality, and I was surprised by some twists.
*One of the twists is the idea of the super soldiers. Genetically modified humans that have special powers, allowing the Axis powers to conquer and win the war. Eighty years later, children are born with mutant genes that gives them fantastic abilities. I was surprised to discover the whole X Men theme in this, but I ended up enjoying it.
*For all you romance lovers, there is a tiny hint of a forbidden romance. It starts out as an unexpected friendship and alliance, and then it slowly moves into something more. The romance hasn't fully rooted or developed, but I liked that. It is subtle and more of a background story.
*The world building is good, and I appreciated the depth and detail the author provided with her vision of the world with an Axis Power victory. It was scary and yet interesting. It certainly made me stop and pause what the world would have been like if things had gone another way.
*There is plenty of action and danger, and the book moves at a quick pace. It never lets up, and there is hardly a moment to catch you breath.
And The Not So Much:
*The ending draws the book to a close, but it things aren't completely resolved. This book was published back in 2014, but at the time of this review, there is no sign that a sequel is in the works. I found that frustrating. Even though this one doesn't end with a cliffhanger there are many unfinished story lines.
*I have to admit that I struggled a bit with Zara, the main character. She is young, determined and impetuous. So much so, that she continually makes bad decisions and puts not only herself in danger but her uncle and friends as well. While I admired her fierceness and her courage, I didn't approve of her reckless behavior. She is a character that requires patience.
*I wished that there had been more originality with the mutant powers. It felt like this copied the X Men as you have a character who can change her appearance into anyone, someone who can wield lightning and wind, another character who is incredibly strong and bullet proof, and someone who can control minds. Does that sound familiar?
*There is an ongoing theme regarding Zara's mother and her death. There is little information on exactly how she died during the failed raid. This is an important part of the story as it is what drives Zara.
*Even though I liked the world building and the author's vision, I found that I longed for more details. I wanted to know more about the sections of the world that were governed by the Japanese and the Russians. I wished that there was more depth and detail with the alternate history and the world building.
Nothing to Fear is an exciting and chilling vision of the world after a win by the Axis Powers. I liked exploring this terrifying and dangerous world, and I liked the X Men vibe. This is a fast paced thrilling read. My only hesitations are that it ends with an open ending and there is no sign that a sequel is in the works. I also struggled a bit with the impetuous behavior of the main character, and I am hoping that she will grow and mature if there is a sequel.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
Zara is sick and tired of being oppressed, and having to watch her every move. She wants to stand up to the Nazis and fight, just like her mother. It has been eighty long years since World War II ended with an Axis victory. Germany, Russia and Japan divided and conquered the Ally territories. Zara lives in the Eastern America Territories, ruled by the Nazis with an iron fist. Zara's life is one of hardship as she labors all day in the Nazi school as a janitor, and at night, she works her family farm with her uncle. When the Nazis execute someone that Zara holds dear, she is done with being submissive, she wants to stand and fight. Then the opportunity to do so lands in her lap. Will Zara and the Rebels rise up and take back America from the Nazis?
What I Liked:
*Nothing To Fear presents a frightening alternate history. In this book, we get a glimpse of what the world might be like if the Axis Powers had won WWII. Needless to say, it is a frightening and fascinating premise. I liked exploring this alternate reality, and I was surprised by some twists.
*One of the twists is the idea of the super soldiers. Genetically modified humans that have special powers, allowing the Axis powers to conquer and win the war. Eighty years later, children are born with mutant genes that gives them fantastic abilities. I was surprised to discover the whole X Men theme in this, but I ended up enjoying it.
*For all you romance lovers, there is a tiny hint of a forbidden romance. It starts out as an unexpected friendship and alliance, and then it slowly moves into something more. The romance hasn't fully rooted or developed, but I liked that. It is subtle and more of a background story.
*The world building is good, and I appreciated the depth and detail the author provided with her vision of the world with an Axis Power victory. It was scary and yet interesting. It certainly made me stop and pause what the world would have been like if things had gone another way.
*There is plenty of action and danger, and the book moves at a quick pace. It never lets up, and there is hardly a moment to catch you breath.
And The Not So Much:
*The ending draws the book to a close, but it things aren't completely resolved. This book was published back in 2014, but at the time of this review, there is no sign that a sequel is in the works. I found that frustrating. Even though this one doesn't end with a cliffhanger there are many unfinished story lines.
*I have to admit that I struggled a bit with Zara, the main character. She is young, determined and impetuous. So much so, that she continually makes bad decisions and puts not only herself in danger but her uncle and friends as well. While I admired her fierceness and her courage, I didn't approve of her reckless behavior. She is a character that requires patience.
*I wished that there had been more originality with the mutant powers. It felt like this copied the X Men as you have a character who can change her appearance into anyone, someone who can wield lightning and wind, another character who is incredibly strong and bullet proof, and someone who can control minds. Does that sound familiar?
*There is an ongoing theme regarding Zara's mother and her death. There is little information on exactly how she died during the failed raid. This is an important part of the story as it is what drives Zara.
*Even though I liked the world building and the author's vision, I found that I longed for more details. I wanted to know more about the sections of the world that were governed by the Japanese and the Russians. I wished that there was more depth and detail with the alternate history and the world building.
Nothing to Fear is an exciting and chilling vision of the world after a win by the Axis Powers. I liked exploring this terrifying and dangerous world, and I liked the X Men vibe. This is a fast paced thrilling read. My only hesitations are that it ends with an open ending and there is no sign that a sequel is in the works. I also struggled a bit with the impetuous behavior of the main character, and I am hoping that she will grow and mature if there is a sequel.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
September 1, 2014
Source: Netgalley
3.5 stars
The Only Thing to Fear is an imaginative dystopian featuring two strong leads and a chilling setting. Author Caroline Tung Richmond takes readers to a world where Hitler won WWII, and the Axis powers divided America. Nothing of the old republic is left besides old memories. Protagonist Zara, however, is determined to change that by joining the underground rebel group and helping plot the Fuhrer’s assassination.
The Only Thing to Fear is creative, and it has a lot of atmosphere, with Nazis patrolling the streets and swastikas decorating the towns. It is not, however, as much of an actual alternate history as I had envisioned. Richmond does follow a few threads of history into the future, imagining a world where the Nazi still hunt down “undesirables” like the Jews and encourage good Aryans to have large families to perpetuate their lines. German children attend military academies, and everyone else goes to work. Despite all this, it becomes apparent early in the book that the plot and characters could have existed in any other dystopian world. With the added science fiction element (some humans have developed superpowers from all the Nazis’ genetic tinkering), this book does not need Nazis at all. They add a specific flavor to the dystopian world, but they are not necessary.
As for the characters, Zara is an excellent protagonist, one whose skills balance out her flaws. She occasionally lapses into what are pet peeves for many YA readers—being overly dramatic over nothing and taking stupid risks in attempts to look brave—but these are decisions she makes, moments in her life; they are not her defining characteristics. As a whole, Zara is brave, and determined, and beguilingly trusting in a world where she has no reason to trust.
Love interest Bastian is subtly swoony, the forbidden German romance in a handsome six foot package. He also has a spectrum of character traits, strong enough to renounce his role in German society and tender enough to look after his mother in a hardened world.
The rebels could use a little more work, or at least a little more intelligence. Several years ago, one of their members was captured and the plans of a vital mission were revealed during torture. So one would expect them to stop revealing the full details of important plans to everyone who comes along, including new recruits whom they have no reason to trust. This is perhaps a silly detail, but readers may have trouble believing in the validity of a rebel group that has no idea how to properly plan a mission.
While the setting and characters are generally strong, the themes of the novel disappoint. Alternate history and dystopian are both genres that readily lend themselves to exploring important life questions—and The Only Thing to Fear misses its chance to do so. Although the book is about a teenager who joins a plot to kill the Fuhrer, it does not really address the implications of what it means to kill someone. And that is a mistake. Zara is not a dystopian automaton who has been raised to kill, like the protagonists of Legend or Reboot. She is a farmhand and a cleaning girl. No matter how many executions she has witnessed, she is not a murderer.
There are also a few moments in the book where there are clear opportunities to segue into a discussion of how the rebels are different from the Nazis. Both are killing people they do not like. So are they different? If so, why? The book never tackles this question either, even when it seems a second away from raising it.
In the end, I really did enjoy The Only Thing to Fear. The writing is strong and clear. The characters are complex and well-developed. And the setting is chill-inducing. The book simply is not keen on philosophy or on discussing any of the themes it clearly brings up during the course of the action. It is all about the show and the ride, and is not very concerned with what it all means, which is disappointing.
3.5 stars
The Only Thing to Fear is an imaginative dystopian featuring two strong leads and a chilling setting. Author Caroline Tung Richmond takes readers to a world where Hitler won WWII, and the Axis powers divided America. Nothing of the old republic is left besides old memories. Protagonist Zara, however, is determined to change that by joining the underground rebel group and helping plot the Fuhrer’s assassination.
The Only Thing to Fear is creative, and it has a lot of atmosphere, with Nazis patrolling the streets and swastikas decorating the towns. It is not, however, as much of an actual alternate history as I had envisioned. Richmond does follow a few threads of history into the future, imagining a world where the Nazi still hunt down “undesirables” like the Jews and encourage good Aryans to have large families to perpetuate their lines. German children attend military academies, and everyone else goes to work. Despite all this, it becomes apparent early in the book that the plot and characters could have existed in any other dystopian world. With the added science fiction element (some humans have developed superpowers from all the Nazis’ genetic tinkering), this book does not need Nazis at all. They add a specific flavor to the dystopian world, but they are not necessary.
As for the characters, Zara is an excellent protagonist, one whose skills balance out her flaws. She occasionally lapses into what are pet peeves for many YA readers—being overly dramatic over nothing and taking stupid risks in attempts to look brave—but these are decisions she makes, moments in her life; they are not her defining characteristics. As a whole, Zara is brave, and determined, and beguilingly trusting in a world where she has no reason to trust.
Love interest Bastian is subtly swoony, the forbidden German romance in a handsome six foot package. He also has a spectrum of character traits, strong enough to renounce his role in German society and tender enough to look after his mother in a hardened world.
The rebels could use a little more work, or at least a little more intelligence. Several years ago, one of their members was captured and the plans of a vital mission were revealed during torture. So one would expect them to stop revealing the full details of important plans to everyone who comes along, including new recruits whom they have no reason to trust. This is perhaps a silly detail, but readers may have trouble believing in the validity of a rebel group that has no idea how to properly plan a mission.
While the setting and characters are generally strong, the themes of the novel disappoint. Alternate history and dystopian are both genres that readily lend themselves to exploring important life questions—and The Only Thing to Fear misses its chance to do so. Although the book is about a teenager who joins a plot to kill the Fuhrer, it does not really address the implications of what it means to kill someone. And that is a mistake. Zara is not a dystopian automaton who has been raised to kill, like the protagonists of Legend or Reboot. She is a farmhand and a cleaning girl. No matter how many executions she has witnessed, she is not a murderer.
There are also a few moments in the book where there are clear opportunities to segue into a discussion of how the rebels are different from the Nazis. Both are killing people they do not like. So are they different? If so, why? The book never tackles this question either, even when it seems a second away from raising it.
In the end, I really did enjoy The Only Thing to Fear. The writing is strong and clear. The characters are complex and well-developed. And the setting is chill-inducing. The book simply is not keen on philosophy or on discussing any of the themes it clearly brings up during the course of the action. It is all about the show and the ride, and is not very concerned with what it all means, which is disappointing.
February 17, 2015
Ugh. I was so excited for the concept of the book! An alternate history, what if! The first 1/4 gave some historical insight that could have turned out to be true-what if the Soviets and Hitler had honored the Non-Aggression pact and Hitler never turned on them? Then Germany would have had a better chance of winning the war. That-believable. The Soviets later possibly turning on the Germans-believable. The Italian economy collapsing first-believable. Nazi medicine leading to new advances-believable.
Superhero powers-this is where I lost it. I kept thinking Avengers. Then I mentioned the book to my other half and he said-yeah like Captain America and Red Skull. I looked up these characters and realized wait, this plot line has been done before!
Please stop taking history and twisting it to the point in which I have to explain to my students, that no, the Avengers did not save us during the Cuban Missile crisis.
Maybe, I would recommend this book to a teen who loves comics. Beyond that I want to scream!
And FDR's "Only Thing to Fear" speech was about the Great Depression.
Superhero powers-this is where I lost it. I kept thinking Avengers. Then I mentioned the book to my other half and he said-yeah like Captain America and Red Skull. I looked up these characters and realized wait, this plot line has been done before!
Please stop taking history and twisting it to the point in which I have to explain to my students, that no, the Avengers did not save us during the Cuban Missile crisis.
Maybe, I would recommend this book to a teen who loves comics. Beyond that I want to scream!
And FDR's "Only Thing to Fear" speech was about the Great Depression.
April 3, 2015
Dear The Only Thing to Fear,
All I needed to do was see your cover and read your synopsis, and I immediately wanted to read you. WWII is one of my favorite topics, and Nazis are the most intimidating villains history has seen. I had no doubt I would like you, Only Thing to Fear, and I was not disappointed.
You explore a very intriguing - and very frightening - "what if": What if the Nazis had won? In Zara's world, they did. It's eighty years after the Allies lost WWII, and the world has been divided up among the Axis powers: Italy, Japan, and Germany. Ever since the Nazis' super soldiers - Anomalies with bizarre powers - flooded the battlefront, an uneasy truce has existed between the Nazi Empire and the Soviets. But the Nazi world may be on the brink of collapse. . . .
Zara is half American, half Japanese - and she has lived in Nazi-America all of her life, scraping and bowing to the Aryans at every turn. She does all she can to go unnoticed, because if the Nazis knew what she was - a non-German Anomaly - she'd be shot. But war is brewing. The Soviets are getting restless and the Revolutionary Alliance is aiming for the heart of the Empire. Zara's mother and uncle are already involved; her powers may be just what they need to win.
I applaud your accuracy, Only Thing to Fear. Minus the Anomalies and their "superhero" powers, you present a very believable image of what the world might have been like had the Allies lost. Punishment is swift and brutal; there is no messing around with this totalitarian regime. The Capitol of Panem couldn't hold a matchstick to this government. And while the story takes place eighty years later, there's still a '40's-era charm to the style.
I sympathized with Zara, who has lost so much. Her mother shot in an Alliance raid gone wrong, humbled and humiliated at every turn, hiding in constant fear of her powers being discovered. She has a fighting spirit and wants to do everything she can to oppose the Nazis. Sometimes this led to face-palm-worthy brash actions. This brashness also made me sympathize with her Uncle Red. Loss and fear made him cautious. I got tired of his inaction, but I understood.
What surprised me most, though, was your lack of a love triangle. You had the setup: Bastian, a gentle, kind, handsome German boy who wants to join the Alliance - and Garrison, the rugged, courageous rebel leader. Both very likable young men, both a little older than Zara. I have seen this a thousand times, Only Thing to Fear: love triangle.
No! Garrison is hardly in the book and Zara doesn't notice him beyond him being the courageous rebel leader - someone to admire. Her affections are solidly engaged by Bastian, and Garrison thinks of her as a kid. This threw me for a pleasantly surprising loop. No love triangle! I'm still confounded!
Your plot was good - I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was happy that I could totally side with the rebels, and I appreciated how you took the time to world build without slowing down. But towards the end, you started going too fast - and before I knew it, you were over. Your ending is very open; no sequel, but certainly room for one if Caroline Tung Richmond decided to write one. So I can't accuse you of being too tidy; you weren't. It's very clear that this is just the beginning. But as Zara progressed through her mission, I kept saying to myself, "Wait, wait; slow down! This is already happening?!"
I loved you, Only Thing to Fear. You were near perfection. Believable, good characters, a frightening "what if," and an ending that just came too fast. But I'm not sure I can hold that against you.
Feeling pleased,
~ Mara ~
All I needed to do was see your cover and read your synopsis, and I immediately wanted to read you. WWII is one of my favorite topics, and Nazis are the most intimidating villains history has seen. I had no doubt I would like you, Only Thing to Fear, and I was not disappointed.
You explore a very intriguing - and very frightening - "what if": What if the Nazis had won? In Zara's world, they did. It's eighty years after the Allies lost WWII, and the world has been divided up among the Axis powers: Italy, Japan, and Germany. Ever since the Nazis' super soldiers - Anomalies with bizarre powers - flooded the battlefront, an uneasy truce has existed between the Nazi Empire and the Soviets. But the Nazi world may be on the brink of collapse. . . .
Zara is half American, half Japanese - and she has lived in Nazi-America all of her life, scraping and bowing to the Aryans at every turn. She does all she can to go unnoticed, because if the Nazis knew what she was - a non-German Anomaly - she'd be shot. But war is brewing. The Soviets are getting restless and the Revolutionary Alliance is aiming for the heart of the Empire. Zara's mother and uncle are already involved; her powers may be just what they need to win.
I applaud your accuracy, Only Thing to Fear. Minus the Anomalies and their "superhero" powers, you present a very believable image of what the world might have been like had the Allies lost. Punishment is swift and brutal; there is no messing around with this totalitarian regime. The Capitol of Panem couldn't hold a matchstick to this government. And while the story takes place eighty years later, there's still a '40's-era charm to the style.
I sympathized with Zara, who has lost so much. Her mother shot in an Alliance raid gone wrong, humbled and humiliated at every turn, hiding in constant fear of her powers being discovered. She has a fighting spirit and wants to do everything she can to oppose the Nazis. Sometimes this led to face-palm-worthy brash actions. This brashness also made me sympathize with her Uncle Red. Loss and fear made him cautious. I got tired of his inaction, but I understood.
What surprised me most, though, was your lack of a love triangle. You had the setup: Bastian, a gentle, kind, handsome German boy who wants to join the Alliance - and Garrison, the rugged, courageous rebel leader. Both very likable young men, both a little older than Zara. I have seen this a thousand times, Only Thing to Fear: love triangle.
No! Garrison is hardly in the book and Zara doesn't notice him beyond him being the courageous rebel leader - someone to admire. Her affections are solidly engaged by Bastian, and Garrison thinks of her as a kid. This threw me for a pleasantly surprising loop. No love triangle! I'm still confounded!
Your plot was good - I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was happy that I could totally side with the rebels, and I appreciated how you took the time to world build without slowing down. But towards the end, you started going too fast - and before I knew it, you were over. Your ending is very open; no sequel, but certainly room for one if Caroline Tung Richmond decided to write one. So I can't accuse you of being too tidy; you weren't. It's very clear that this is just the beginning. But as Zara progressed through her mission, I kept saying to myself, "Wait, wait; slow down! This is already happening?!"
I loved you, Only Thing to Fear. You were near perfection. Believable, good characters, a frightening "what if," and an ending that just came too fast. But I'm not sure I can hold that against you.
Feeling pleased,
~ Mara ~
December 11, 2014
This was more like...two and a half stars.
I like the idea of a young adult 'what if Hitler had won' book. My local school district does a unit on the Holocaust and genocide, so I was hoping that this would be a great suggestion for the teachers to give to the kids who are interested in further reading. And look, no, it doesn't have to be filled with footnotes to back up research or filled with years and years of world building (because the book actually takes place 80ish years after Hitler wins) but there was a lot of development that I thought was missing. What does the rest of the world look like? How does the Japanese controlled western half of the US act differently than the German controlled Eastern half?
I thought that the science fiction element of powers stemming from gene work wasn't a terrible idea, because of the Nazi obsession with genetics. But of course Zara the main character gets to be one of the super rare ones. I guess that's to be expected. With the lack of world building came the Nazis who (in my humble opinion) could have been worse. We get people saying cruel things to Zara because she is bi-racial, and there is a public execution, the people live in poverty, but I don't know. I think Richmond went a little soft handed with this.
Overall, it wasn't terrible. I doubt I'd read it again, and I wouldn't extol its virtues to teachers, but it has an interesting premise that unfortunately, it doesn't deliver.
I like the idea of a young adult 'what if Hitler had won' book. My local school district does a unit on the Holocaust and genocide, so I was hoping that this would be a great suggestion for the teachers to give to the kids who are interested in further reading. And look, no, it doesn't have to be filled with footnotes to back up research or filled with years and years of world building (because the book actually takes place 80ish years after Hitler wins) but there was a lot of development that I thought was missing. What does the rest of the world look like? How does the Japanese controlled western half of the US act differently than the German controlled Eastern half?
I thought that the science fiction element of powers stemming from gene work wasn't a terrible idea, because of the Nazi obsession with genetics. But of course Zara the main character gets to be one of the super rare ones. I guess that's to be expected. With the lack of world building came the Nazis who (in my humble opinion) could have been worse. We get people saying cruel things to Zara because she is bi-racial, and there is a public execution, the people live in poverty, but I don't know. I think Richmond went a little soft handed with this.
Overall, it wasn't terrible. I doubt I'd read it again, and I wouldn't extol its virtues to teachers, but it has an interesting premise that unfortunately, it doesn't deliver.
May 19, 2015
Crossposted @ The Library Mistress
I was 15 when I first learned about Nazism extensively. We were studying World History and it was then when I first met Winston Churchill and started idolizing him (Leader. Historian. Nobel Prize in Literature winner. - but that's another story, alright.). History fascinates me. If not for our History teacher being so grumpy and our class scheduled so early, I know, I could have aced that class. Truth be told, our class failed World History miserably (another story to be told in full next time) and I was from then on branded as the girl who fights the History teacher, the girl who reads history books just to get on her History teacher's nerves, and the girl who will never graduate along with the Honors class. This, however, is not an entry about my History teacher, but just a prelude on why my high school friends always associate me with two things: Superman and Nazi (forget Superman and just focus on the latter). My BFF even gave me a swastika bag (I decided against posting the photo here to spare you guys of my puke-worthy teenage selfie) because I really am engrossed with Nazism ever since I laid eyes on that Nazi coffee table book we have at home, I totally despise Hitler and everything he did, but there's something in that symbol that captured me. I am very weird like that. I later on learned that swastika came from the Sanskrit word svastika which meant 'good fortune' - and that made me feel a little better about myself. Hahahaha. ^__^
And so when I found out that a new Young Adult book about Hitler came out, I became particularly interested especially when I learned about its premise that is so much different from The Diary of a Young Girl and The Book Thief.
The premise is simple yet very though-provoking: 'What if Hitler won World War II?'
I really never thought of that before. Where will we be now and what will the world look like if we were dominated by the Aryan race? What will happen especially to us who do not share the same height and hair and skin color? I started asking myself if I'd ever be accustomed to shouting, 'Hail Hitler' (or maybe, just maybe, I can flee whilst singing away like the Von Trapp family. Teehee. I know, bad joke.).
That is the world our protagonist Zara is in. The world where everyone is obliged to adore the Hitlers, the world where the Germans are the master race and a half Japanese like her is treated like rug, well, everybody is treated as rug as long as you aren't German and not serving in the government.
The world Richmond built in this book is not what I actually realized it to be but it worked just as well, it only had a tinge of Dystopian-like air to it, so I find it just hard not to compare Zara to Katniss. Let it be known that I will always compare every Dystopian book to The Hunger Games. Zara, like Katniss is headstrong and persevere. Zara wants change and her heart is full of anger and her mind is full of plans of revenge - I particularly didn't like that about her (because... positivity! Have courage and be kind, remember?) but it only made her more real, more human, more like someone living in such dire situation.
Liking this book really came too easy for me. It has all the right ingredients for a great book. The conflict, the heartaches, kilig scenes care of Bastian. I also like that even though Zara can really be stubborn, she can also be so vulnerable when it comes to people she care about. I'd also like to point out that it made me so happy that the author cut off the budding love triangle right away because I am not ready to rant. I am Team Bastian all the way. Hahaha.
Seriously now, what I hate about this book is its stand on morality - particularly, murder. The statement above is just one proof that this book promotes murder as long as you will be killing the bad guy. I know, I know, you really kill the bad guy in some of the books but, the point I want to hammer home is, you don't justify it, especially that your readers are teens and your lead characters are of their age as well, or really, this is just about morals and good customs. Murder is a crime against humanity and by being a murderer, what makes you different from the bad guy? I know, you guys will throw THG on me, and I dare say that Katniss killing President Coin is the lowest part of Mockingjay for me. I really can't stand murder. I could have given this full five stars, if not for my morality issue. I mean, the Anomaly and Dual Anomaly concept is great, I definitely like how the story was weaved, as I've said above, it was heart-tugging, all the more thought-provoking but why does it have to be about killing? And why does the killing need to be unacceptable? Why??? Why does it affect me like this? Whyyyyy?
See? Even Uncle Red could not understand.
Yes, and proclaim to the world that you are a murderer, alright.
Someone, someone tell me why they have to broadcast the killing? My IQ suddenly dropped and I cannot comprehend.
You know what I remember? Yes, Katniss's propos.
Not typing anything because I don't want to rant. No. No. No.
The Mockingjay. Ahuh. Ahuh.
It took me a long while before writing this piece but I still can relieve all the feelings I had the day I closed the review copy handed to me. I even came to a point wherein I asked myself if I am just singling out Zara since I haven't felt this much about other lead characters, not even Katniss. Or maybe, it's because I've expected so much from Zara, and I've expected her to do the right thing, the right thing for me, that is.
This is the part where I write my recommendation:
You have to read this book and tell me it's okay that Zara murdered the Führer.
I was 15 when I first learned about Nazism extensively. We were studying World History and it was then when I first met Winston Churchill and started idolizing him (Leader. Historian. Nobel Prize in Literature winner. - but that's another story, alright.). History fascinates me. If not for our History teacher being so grumpy and our class scheduled so early, I know, I could have aced that class. Truth be told, our class failed World History miserably (another story to be told in full next time) and I was from then on branded as the girl who fights the History teacher, the girl who reads history books just to get on her History teacher's nerves, and the girl who will never graduate along with the Honors class. This, however, is not an entry about my History teacher, but just a prelude on why my high school friends always associate me with two things: Superman and Nazi (forget Superman and just focus on the latter). My BFF even gave me a swastika bag (I decided against posting the photo here to spare you guys of my puke-worthy teenage selfie) because I really am engrossed with Nazism ever since I laid eyes on that Nazi coffee table book we have at home, I totally despise Hitler and everything he did, but there's something in that symbol that captured me. I am very weird like that. I later on learned that swastika came from the Sanskrit word svastika which meant 'good fortune' - and that made me feel a little better about myself. Hahahaha. ^__^
And so when I found out that a new Young Adult book about Hitler came out, I became particularly interested especially when I learned about its premise that is so much different from The Diary of a Young Girl and The Book Thief.
The premise is simple yet very though-provoking: 'What if Hitler won World War II?'
I really never thought of that before. Where will we be now and what will the world look like if we were dominated by the Aryan race? What will happen especially to us who do not share the same height and hair and skin color? I started asking myself if I'd ever be accustomed to shouting, 'Hail Hitler' (or maybe, just maybe, I can flee whilst singing away like the Von Trapp family. Teehee. I know, bad joke.).
That is the world our protagonist Zara is in. The world where everyone is obliged to adore the Hitlers, the world where the Germans are the master race and a half Japanese like her is treated like rug, well, everybody is treated as rug as long as you aren't German and not serving in the government.
The world Richmond built in this book is not what I actually realized it to be but it worked just as well, it only had a tinge of Dystopian-like air to it, so I find it just hard not to compare Zara to Katniss. Let it be known that I will always compare every Dystopian book to The Hunger Games. Zara, like Katniss is headstrong and persevere. Zara wants change and her heart is full of anger and her mind is full of plans of revenge - I particularly didn't like that about her (because... positivity! Have courage and be kind, remember?) but it only made her more real, more human, more like someone living in such dire situation.
Liking this book really came too easy for me. It has all the right ingredients for a great book. The conflict, the heartaches, kilig scenes care of Bastian. I also like that even though Zara can really be stubborn, she can also be so vulnerable when it comes to people she care about. I'd also like to point out that it made me so happy that the author cut off the budding love triangle right away because I am not ready to rant. I am Team Bastian all the way. Hahaha.
Zara sank into her chair, stung. Here was her chance to finally join the Alliance, but even Garrison had shot her down. She didn’t know what else she needed to do to become a part of the resistance — kill the Führer with her bare hands?
Seriously now, what I hate about this book is its stand on morality - particularly, murder. The statement above is just one proof that this book promotes murder as long as you will be killing the bad guy. I know, I know, you really kill the bad guy in some of the books but, the point I want to hammer home is, you don't justify it, especially that your readers are teens and your lead characters are of their age as well, or really, this is just about morals and good customs. Murder is a crime against humanity and by being a murderer, what makes you different from the bad guy? I know, you guys will throw THG on me, and I dare say that Katniss killing President Coin is the lowest part of Mockingjay for me. I really can't stand murder. I could have given this full five stars, if not for my morality issue. I mean, the Anomaly and Dual Anomaly concept is great, I definitely like how the story was weaved, as I've said above, it was heart-tugging, all the more thought-provoking but why does it have to be about killing? And why does the killing need to be unacceptable? Why??? Why does it affect me like this? Whyyyyy?
What I don’t understand is why we have to kill Dieter. He’ll be dead in months,” Uncle Red asked, not touching his food. “What’s the point of killing him now?”
See? Even Uncle Red could not understand.
Alene grunted while she reached into her pocket and pulled out a small handheld camcorder. “You need to tape the assassination. Otherwise this whole thing is for nothing.”
Yes, and proclaim to the world that you are a murderer, alright.
“Why?” he said, taken aback. “We have to, for the Alliance broadcast.” If it were up to her, they would kill the Führer and leave right afterward, but the Alliance needed this footage for the mission to succeed.
Someone, someone tell me why they have to broadcast the killing? My IQ suddenly dropped and I cannot comprehend.
“We’ve suffered under the Führer’s oppressive rule for decades, but tonight we claim our freedom.” Zara didn’t know where these words were coming from, but she didn’t question them.
You know what I remember? Yes, Katniss's propos.
Not for Zara, killer of the Führer, the Mischling — the kami — who had slain the most powerful man in the world.
Not typing anything because I don't want to rant. No. No. No.
Zara had gone to bed as just another Kleinbauer and had arisen as the face of the Alliance.
The Mockingjay. Ahuh. Ahuh.
It took me a long while before writing this piece but I still can relieve all the feelings I had the day I closed the review copy handed to me. I even came to a point wherein I asked myself if I am just singling out Zara since I haven't felt this much about other lead characters, not even Katniss. Or maybe, it's because I've expected so much from Zara, and I've expected her to do the right thing, the right thing for me, that is.
This is the part where I write my recommendation:
You have to read this book and tell me it's okay that Zara murdered the Führer.
May 14, 2018
Okay. Wow.
The first time we were introduced to this book, I was thinking, "OH MY GOD. This is gonna rock!" Actually no. But you get the point. The back of the book seemed like a different world that would introduce new perspectives. The title, back of the book, and beginning pages seemed really interesting. But, once we actually started to read the book, I thought that it was going to be the most predictable book in the history. Everything, especially Zara and Bastian, was predictable and seemed childish. The ''connection'' was not there and it such a WIERD romance. Also, the set up of the book seemed really odd to me, like it was backwards, and/or it missed important scenarios or situations.
Overall, I would not read this book again, and it wasn't as good as I thought it was gonna be.
The first time we were introduced to this book, I was thinking, "OH MY GOD. This is gonna rock!" Actually no. But you get the point. The back of the book seemed like a different world that would introduce new perspectives. The title, back of the book, and beginning pages seemed really interesting. But, once we actually started to read the book, I thought that it was going to be the most predictable book in the history. Everything, especially Zara and Bastian, was predictable and seemed childish. The ''connection'' was not there and it such a WIERD romance. Also, the set up of the book seemed really odd to me, like it was backwards, and/or it missed important scenarios or situations.
Overall, I would not read this book again, and it wasn't as good as I thought it was gonna be.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2018
This book was okay. It had an interesting concept and plot, but some things were very predictable (aka: the romance). The German words made it hard for the book to flow at times. It was a treacherous four and a half months of reading because the whole class wanted to move on to a different book. The book ended very abruptly and left me wondering why the author would write an ending like that.
May 10, 2018
I didn't like this book. I stayed interested for a while, but then hated it. Super-hero's and technoligy in the same book, yes please. Thanks!
October 2, 2014
Review posted on Amaterasu Reads
The premise of the story was: "What if Hitler won World War II?". History used to be one of my favorite subjects back in high school, so this book immediately piqued my interest. What if THAT is our reality? Can you imagine a world where the Axis Powers took control of what's left of the world after they destroyed the Allies?
Zara lives in a world ruled by the German Empire. Life is hard for those left after the war has ended, it's even harder for Zara who is half-English but has half of Japanese blood running through her veins. She's a lesser person because she's a half, and the rest of the populace scorn and torment her for being a daughter of an Axis soldier. But Zara's mother died fighting for freedom which was still beyond reach, and she too wants to be free. It's easy for me to sympathize with Zara, for how she's treated and for what she sees in the world she lives in. I never once pitied her though, because right from the start you'll see a girl who wants to fight and use her abilities however she can to help achieve her dream of a free world, and be treated equally, no matter how dire the circumstances were for her.
I genuinely liked Bastian. It's quite a novelty to see him, a shy, awkward and awfully kind German boy, the son of a powerful military official, because he's the total opposite of how the world thinks he should be. He betrays expectations, and for good reason. I like how contrary he is, and with the way this novel is painted, he's such a welcome contrast. It's like he's the perfect representation of a small hope that not everyone is unkind. Though I would have liked him to be a bit more of a fighter, Bastian does good in saving Zara in his own way.
Caroline Tung Richmond immediately plunged me into a world permanently scarred by the war, torn into strategic lands ruled by the winners. The Germans rule, and they're a vicious master. You see the disparity of the life between the upper class and the Untermensch, the Mischlings. The world is built upon the cruelty of the German rule and their relentless, savage treatment of the populace. And then there's also the political unrest amidst the rulers themselves. It's a very grim world, and it was equal parts fascinating and terrifying to see the world reduced to that point.
There are characters in this book that you will immediately love, and I did, and the author just managed to break my heart for doing things to them. The short bursts of chaos turning into a full scale rebellion made my heart race and I enjoyed every minute as everything escalates into something big. Caroline Tung Richmond managed to inject just the right amount of suspense, tension and intrigue to an action packed storyline!
One of the biggest reasons why I love this book, aside from the solid re-imagining of an alternative world, is the romance. I must admit, I find myself wanting more than what transpired towards the end. Hopeful, yes, but I was thinking that both Bastian and Zara deserved something better than what they had. But maybe that's just one of the realities of war, a touch of realness added even towards the end. The fight for freedom will not end just because they were both in love.
Caroline Tung Richmond fashioned a convincing, fascinating history of her own in The Only Thing to Fear. Zara's tale is an engrossing read from page one! She doesn't disappoint. What a strong debut for Caroline! I will definitely be on the look out for her new books!
The premise of the story was: "What if Hitler won World War II?". History used to be one of my favorite subjects back in high school, so this book immediately piqued my interest. What if THAT is our reality? Can you imagine a world where the Axis Powers took control of what's left of the world after they destroyed the Allies?
Zara lives in a world ruled by the German Empire. Life is hard for those left after the war has ended, it's even harder for Zara who is half-English but has half of Japanese blood running through her veins. She's a lesser person because she's a half, and the rest of the populace scorn and torment her for being a daughter of an Axis soldier. But Zara's mother died fighting for freedom which was still beyond reach, and she too wants to be free. It's easy for me to sympathize with Zara, for how she's treated and for what she sees in the world she lives in. I never once pitied her though, because right from the start you'll see a girl who wants to fight and use her abilities however she can to help achieve her dream of a free world, and be treated equally, no matter how dire the circumstances were for her.
I genuinely liked Bastian. It's quite a novelty to see him, a shy, awkward and awfully kind German boy, the son of a powerful military official, because he's the total opposite of how the world thinks he should be. He betrays expectations, and for good reason. I like how contrary he is, and with the way this novel is painted, he's such a welcome contrast. It's like he's the perfect representation of a small hope that not everyone is unkind. Though I would have liked him to be a bit more of a fighter, Bastian does good in saving Zara in his own way.
Caroline Tung Richmond immediately plunged me into a world permanently scarred by the war, torn into strategic lands ruled by the winners. The Germans rule, and they're a vicious master. You see the disparity of the life between the upper class and the Untermensch, the Mischlings. The world is built upon the cruelty of the German rule and their relentless, savage treatment of the populace. And then there's also the political unrest amidst the rulers themselves. It's a very grim world, and it was equal parts fascinating and terrifying to see the world reduced to that point.
There are characters in this book that you will immediately love, and I did, and the author just managed to break my heart for doing things to them. The short bursts of chaos turning into a full scale rebellion made my heart race and I enjoyed every minute as everything escalates into something big. Caroline Tung Richmond managed to inject just the right amount of suspense, tension and intrigue to an action packed storyline!
One of the biggest reasons why I love this book, aside from the solid re-imagining of an alternative world, is the romance. I must admit, I find myself wanting more than what transpired towards the end. Hopeful, yes, but I was thinking that both Bastian and Zara deserved something better than what they had. But maybe that's just one of the realities of war, a touch of realness added even towards the end. The fight for freedom will not end just because they were both in love.
Caroline Tung Richmond fashioned a convincing, fascinating history of her own in The Only Thing to Fear. Zara's tale is an engrossing read from page one! She doesn't disappoint. What a strong debut for Caroline! I will definitely be on the look out for her new books!
May 3, 2015
I think my main problem with this book is that it's not alternate history. It uses history as a basis, yes, but what's missing is the strong sense of competing ideologies in the world building. For instance, Hitler and Stalin. Au doubt that either dictator would allow the other to survive. Hitler invaded well before the war ended in this timeline, and the ideology between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union was so different that they hated each other. No, really. If the USSR and US were pitted against each other in the Cold War with so much fear, this would be even worse, except with both Hitler and Stalin - two ruthless dictators - I doubt that either would have cared if they destroyed the world in an attempt to conquer each other. Communism and fascism hated each other. Hitler's nonaggression pact was so that he could lull Stalin into a false sense of security so he didn't have to fight the Soviets while he was attacking the other front.
Also, the genetic engineering didn't ring true to me, especially as there's no scientific basis in it. Atomic bombs, super strength - yeah, but I don't buy -kinesis.
I guess I was looking for a novel that explored the after effects of an Axis win. (The Soviet Union was Allied, by the way.) What I got was a dystopian I've read several times before.
Also, the genetic engineering didn't ring true to me, especially as there's no scientific basis in it. Atomic bombs, super strength - yeah, but I don't buy -kinesis.
I guess I was looking for a novel that explored the after effects of an Axis win. (The Soviet Union was Allied, by the way.) What I got was a dystopian I've read several times before.
April 16, 2017
This review has also been posted on my blog, Where's My Bookmark?
80 years have passed and Zara, the main character, lives in a Nazi-controlled America. In a society that favors German-born over all others, Zara must live and overcome the difficulties and oppression placed upon her, all the while, hiding a life-threatening secret and wondering what a certain boy wants from her.
The Only Thing To Fear has a really interesting premise and backstory. What if Nazi Germany won? I think this book gives a great insight into the possibilities.
Although it could have been possible, I was thrown off by the supposed technology available. The Germans won because of genetically engineered super soldiers. I know it’s sci-fi, but it just felt a little too far-fetched.
Also, because of the German’s apparent prowess with super-soldiers, I’m thinking the book should have had a different outcome.
So even though this stumped me, it was an interesting and definitely different kind of read. I liked how it showed the not so pretty side of rebellion and revolution.
Zara is also a nice character to follow along (although sometimes I wish she had just talked to someone or asked questions, geez!).
I think the best part of this book is that it’s a stand-alone.
80 years have passed and Zara, the main character, lives in a Nazi-controlled America. In a society that favors German-born over all others, Zara must live and overcome the difficulties and oppression placed upon her, all the while, hiding a life-threatening secret and wondering what a certain boy wants from her.
The Only Thing To Fear has a really interesting premise and backstory. What if Nazi Germany won? I think this book gives a great insight into the possibilities.
Although it could have been possible, I was thrown off by the supposed technology available. The Germans won because of genetically engineered super soldiers. I know it’s sci-fi, but it just felt a little too far-fetched.
Also, because of the German’s apparent prowess with super-soldiers, I’m thinking the book should have had a different outcome.
So even though this stumped me, it was an interesting and definitely different kind of read. I liked how it showed the not so pretty side of rebellion and revolution.
Zara is also a nice character to follow along (although sometimes I wish she had just talked to someone or asked questions, geez!).
I think the best part of this book is that it’s a stand-alone.
February 11, 2015
My book is called The Only Thing To Fear and the author is Caroline Tung Richmond.I choose this book because it sounds like a good book because it said “what if Hitler won the war world two.”This book got me thinking that what time period it is because it tells you after president Roosevelt got executed the nazis had claimed fertile lands to the east things like that.A addition to that they add a lot of detail I think they do that because to help you. Find out the story more or help you find out a clue.
A thing that really got me confused this story goes in the future even before us!Like an example Zara has 2 powers one of her powers she can control wind and air and.She really needs those power and during the story her uncle give her a gun but she is like no i don’t need that I got my powers.Her uncle doesn't want her powers he is afraid that if people see her powers she will get targeted by the nazis.And the nazis are so cruel because they broadcasted there fiend execution on channel seven.Cause he is a spy and they want everyone to be warned.I don't want to spoil the book so Ill stop but in conclusion I highly recommend this book I rate this book 5 STARS!!!
A thing that really got me confused this story goes in the future even before us!Like an example Zara has 2 powers one of her powers she can control wind and air and.She really needs those power and during the story her uncle give her a gun but she is like no i don’t need that I got my powers.Her uncle doesn't want her powers he is afraid that if people see her powers she will get targeted by the nazis.And the nazis are so cruel because they broadcasted there fiend execution on channel seven.Cause he is a spy and they want everyone to be warned.I don't want to spoil the book so Ill stop but in conclusion I highly recommend this book I rate this book 5 STARS!!!
September 9, 2014
Thank you Netgalley and Scholastic Press for my eARC copy of this book
I was really expecting not to like this book. I've never read an alternate history before and when I read that this was about if Hitler won WWII, I was very apprehensive. To my surprise, I did find myself involved and enjoying it. There was drama, action, magic, and a tiny bit of romance. I assume because it's geared to ages 12 & Up that there wasn't many gruesome details but I think it really could have benefited from more of those types of details. Quick read, if you guys like alternative history and magic check it out.
For my full review, click here.
I was really expecting not to like this book. I've never read an alternate history before and when I read that this was about if Hitler won WWII, I was very apprehensive. To my surprise, I did find myself involved and enjoying it. There was drama, action, magic, and a tiny bit of romance. I assume because it's geared to ages 12 & Up that there wasn't many gruesome details but I think it really could have benefited from more of those types of details. Quick read, if you guys like alternative history and magic check it out.
For my full review, click here.
March 3, 2016
The Only Thing to Fear, by Caroline Tung Richmond, was a great book. Zara is living in a world where the axis powers won WWII. With genetically engineered soldiers, they were able to destroy the Allied powers. The people of what was once America are now oppressed and forced into the service of the victorious Nazis. She wants to do her part in the rebellion against the new empire, and as she meets unexpected allies, she gets the chance to do just that. If you enjoy action and adventure books, then you would probably enjoy this one.
January 12, 2020
I loved the story! I got this book at a book fair back in 2015 and I’m so glad I spent my money on this!
The story focused more on how the characters got through their conflicts rather than going on with the story without a character’s point of view.
I already read this 5 times but I still don’t get bored. Zara X Bastian forevah!
The story focused more on how the characters got through their conflicts rather than going on with the story without a character’s point of view.
I already read this 5 times but I still don’t get bored. Zara X Bastian forevah!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2017
A good book, but came get slow at times.
Read
October 21, 2017A chilling and gripping “roller coaster” of a book
The only Thing to Fear by Caroline Richmond is overall a fast paced, and almost gruesome novel. Its storyline has multiple plot twists, and is almost impossible to put down.
The story takes place in the present. However, in this story, history has been horribly changed. In this alternate storyline, the Axis (the Nazis, Fascist Italians and the Imperial Japanese) won the war with the use of almost fantasy style super soldiers. These soldiers, or anomalies as they are called in the book, posses magical powers that are solely used to kill other people and help the Nazi regime.
When the story takes place, Zara, a 16 year old Girl who lives in Nazi controlled Unites states, lives as a custodian in a state run academy. She cannot attend school because of her race. Her father has recently died, so now, her only “father figure” is her uncle who she calls “uncle red.” Uncle red is a communist sympathizer who is a member of a underground network of rebels, who plot to overthrow the nazis in North america, and eventually Europe. When the story takes place, the nazis are beginning to breach their network after a series of arrests. As this begins to happen, Zara and her family is placed as “persons of interest” and are under threat of being arrested.
Will Zara and her family escape prosecution from the nazis, will uncle red not be arrested, and what will be of the rebels, will they ever try to overthrow the Nazis. Furthermore, what will Zara learn about herself that will ultimately change the tables, her deepest secret, and who will learn this secret that might put her life in balance? Read the book to find out.
The Book Overall is very dark and gruesome, and maybe a bit too graphic, it's mood is very suspenseful. It is fast paced and thrilling, with a lot of plot twists. However, the book may get too faced paced, and small, story changing moments are always trampled upon the element of surprise and not too helping “filler.” The characters were really undeveloped , even the main characters. Another thing about the book I did not quite enjoy was its inaccuracy, simply said enough, the books is really unrealistic, clearly, the author did not do much prior research on genetic engineering and other advanced sciences. Some elements of the book clearly put it in a whole other genre: fantasy, which is not what the genre the book is de jure, science fiction. However, this does not affect the plot too much, and the majority of readers probably will not care. Notwithstanding, I still enjoyed the book a bit, and was gripped by the suspenseful plotline. Richmond was very descriptive writing the novel and painted a vivid picture in my head about the setting.
Overall, this was a dark, twisting book, full of surprise and suspense, it even had a touch of emotion. If one can endure the multiple inaccuracies and the gore, than I definitely recommend it to them. If not, then It would not be a good fit.
The only Thing to Fear by Caroline Richmond is overall a fast paced, and almost gruesome novel. Its storyline has multiple plot twists, and is almost impossible to put down.
The story takes place in the present. However, in this story, history has been horribly changed. In this alternate storyline, the Axis (the Nazis, Fascist Italians and the Imperial Japanese) won the war with the use of almost fantasy style super soldiers. These soldiers, or anomalies as they are called in the book, posses magical powers that are solely used to kill other people and help the Nazi regime.
When the story takes place, Zara, a 16 year old Girl who lives in Nazi controlled Unites states, lives as a custodian in a state run academy. She cannot attend school because of her race. Her father has recently died, so now, her only “father figure” is her uncle who she calls “uncle red.” Uncle red is a communist sympathizer who is a member of a underground network of rebels, who plot to overthrow the nazis in North america, and eventually Europe. When the story takes place, the nazis are beginning to breach their network after a series of arrests. As this begins to happen, Zara and her family is placed as “persons of interest” and are under threat of being arrested.
Will Zara and her family escape prosecution from the nazis, will uncle red not be arrested, and what will be of the rebels, will they ever try to overthrow the Nazis. Furthermore, what will Zara learn about herself that will ultimately change the tables, her deepest secret, and who will learn this secret that might put her life in balance? Read the book to find out.
The Book Overall is very dark and gruesome, and maybe a bit too graphic, it's mood is very suspenseful. It is fast paced and thrilling, with a lot of plot twists. However, the book may get too faced paced, and small, story changing moments are always trampled upon the element of surprise and not too helping “filler.” The characters were really undeveloped , even the main characters. Another thing about the book I did not quite enjoy was its inaccuracy, simply said enough, the books is really unrealistic, clearly, the author did not do much prior research on genetic engineering and other advanced sciences. Some elements of the book clearly put it in a whole other genre: fantasy, which is not what the genre the book is de jure, science fiction. However, this does not affect the plot too much, and the majority of readers probably will not care. Notwithstanding, I still enjoyed the book a bit, and was gripped by the suspenseful plotline. Richmond was very descriptive writing the novel and painted a vivid picture in my head about the setting.
Overall, this was a dark, twisting book, full of surprise and suspense, it even had a touch of emotion. If one can endure the multiple inaccuracies and the gore, than I definitely recommend it to them. If not, then It would not be a good fit.
May 18, 2020
The story: After the Axis won WWII 80 years ago, they divided the former United States between them. Zara and her uncle work their farm and try to hide what she is: an Anomaly, product of the Nazis' genetic experiments, and gifted with super powers over wind and lightning. But when the rebel Alliance comes calling, it's Zara's chance for revenge against the Nazis, who killed her mother and her best friend--as well as a chance to contribute by using the powers she's always had to hide. But freedom always comes with a price, and it could just cost Zara her life.
June Cleaver's ratings: Language PG; Violence R; Sexual content PG; Nudity G; Substance abuse PG; Magic & the occult PG-13; GLBt content G; adult themes PG (war, genocide) PG; overall rating PG-13. Best for grades 8-up.
Liz's comments: I thought the second book in this series, "Live in Infamy" was really good. This one was okay for the same audience, but the second installment was better. There's a lot of violence, and (spoiler alert) Zara uses her powers to assassinate the current Hitler. Although it's not graphic, it's definitely there. Most readers who like this sort of story won't be squeamish about it, so again, hand it to the kids who liked Ryan Graudin's "Wolf by Wolf" duology, or Richmond's own "Live in Infamy."
June Cleaver's ratings: Language PG; Violence R; Sexual content PG; Nudity G; Substance abuse PG; Magic & the occult PG-13; GLBt content G; adult themes PG (war, genocide) PG; overall rating PG-13. Best for grades 8-up.
Liz's comments: I thought the second book in this series, "Live in Infamy" was really good. This one was okay for the same audience, but the second installment was better. There's a lot of violence, and (spoiler alert) Zara uses her powers to assassinate the current Hitler. Although it's not graphic, it's definitely there. Most readers who like this sort of story won't be squeamish about it, so again, hand it to the kids who liked Ryan Graudin's "Wolf by Wolf" duology, or Richmond's own "Live in Infamy."
May 17, 2018
This book was ok, if there was another book I personally wouldn't read it. But there was a lot of character development and I was surprised on how Zara became such a prominent figure in the Alliance. Also, I think what the author had Bastian do at the end was horrible and I think they could have literally gone any other way and it would've made the story better, although, I do understand why he did what he did.
May 23, 2018
I do not think that this book was done very well. It had potential but no. It was just another what if book were the Nazi's took over. I'll stick with Wolfenstein.
December 4, 2018
Really good. Read before Live In Infamy. Expresses the thought of living under Nazi rule in the Americas. Story Line is really good. Waiting for next BOOK
October 13, 2022
Olivia read on her own and rated it 4 stars
March 5, 2024
I loved reading this!! It is now one of my favorite books, I recommend The Only Thing to Fear if you like dystopian novels.
August 28, 2017
What would the United States look like today if Germany had won World War II? Caroline Tung Richmond’s debut novel, The Only Thing to Fear, explores this question with a journey into the alternate history genre. Set in the 21st century, the plot follows the plight of the protagonist Zara as she propagates a grass-roots movement to overthrow the Nazi government in the Eastern American Territory, nee the United States. Washington, DC is now known as Neuberlin, and is still the seat of government for the Nazi party to manage the Eastern American Territory, which stretches westward to the Mississippi River. Most of the western United States is ruled by Japan, with the Dakotas and Canada ruled by Italy. All told, those three powers rule most of the world, with the Russians as the only major threat to challenge the status quo.
Crucial to the development of the storyline (although adding a distinct science fiction flavor) was the introduction of human beings known as “anomalies.” Anomalies were the result of Hitler’s efforts to manipulate genetics in order to create a super-race. Fast forward just a few generations to almost 80 years since the end of WWII, and there are people (mostly Germans) who have developed diverse super powers such as the ability to heal anyone almost instantly, create wind, command electricity, speak ice or fire into existence, generate bulletproof skin, and other mutations. Although most anomalies possessed just one super power, there were rare anomalies with multiple abilities.
A compelling story, The Only Thing to Fear delivers an inspirational tale that hearkens to the American Revolution and will leave the reader with a sense of gratitude for those who have sacrificed so much for the freedoms we so often take for granted. The concept is similar to Harry Turtledove’s Joe Steele, with the common denominator being the death of FDR, precluding the life in America we know today. Through gifted authors, the alternate history genre can be quite effective at building a credible story because factual events provide a foundation that enable readers to appreciate significant historical moments that could have turned out much differently. The Only Thing to Fear is a young adult version of Joe Steele, and both books are worthy of your time to read.
Crucial to the development of the storyline (although adding a distinct science fiction flavor) was the introduction of human beings known as “anomalies.” Anomalies were the result of Hitler’s efforts to manipulate genetics in order to create a super-race. Fast forward just a few generations to almost 80 years since the end of WWII, and there are people (mostly Germans) who have developed diverse super powers such as the ability to heal anyone almost instantly, create wind, command electricity, speak ice or fire into existence, generate bulletproof skin, and other mutations. Although most anomalies possessed just one super power, there were rare anomalies with multiple abilities.
A compelling story, The Only Thing to Fear delivers an inspirational tale that hearkens to the American Revolution and will leave the reader with a sense of gratitude for those who have sacrificed so much for the freedoms we so often take for granted. The concept is similar to Harry Turtledove’s Joe Steele, with the common denominator being the death of FDR, precluding the life in America we know today. Through gifted authors, the alternate history genre can be quite effective at building a credible story because factual events provide a foundation that enable readers to appreciate significant historical moments that could have turned out much differently. The Only Thing to Fear is a young adult version of Joe Steele, and both books are worthy of your time to read.
January 15, 2015
This is more a 3.5 star books for me!
Zara, a half Japanese half American teenager, lives in a post WWII United States in which Hitler has won and rules with an iron fist dictatorship. Constantly living in fear and doing everything that German Nazi's tell them to do, Americans are just waiting for their opportunity to fight back and take back what is theirs.
This was not the most AMAZING book that I've ever read BUT it was quite enjoyable. For being such a short book, Carline Tung Richmond packed in quite a bit of information in regards to the history of how Hitler won WWII and the methods of human experimentation that he used in which to do so. Zara was a fun character to read about, even if she sometimes was quite stubborn.
The "history" was probably my favorite aspect of the story, especially knowing how history actually went down, it's interesting to see what the author changed.
I did not expect the sci-fi element that we receive in the book! It was especially fun to read about Anomalies!!
I appreciated that this book was not focused on the love interest and can happily say that I really enjoyed Bastian as a character. The forbidden relationship between a German raised boy and a mixed girl was really interesting but it did not take away from the story whatsoever! I can honestly say that I almost wish that more would have happened in their relationship but I'm sure that will come with the next books that follow!
Overall, I enjoyed the characters and the story. I think that the book was properly paced and I will continue with the books.
Would recommend this book to those who enjoy speculative fiction in a YA setting!
Zara, a half Japanese half American teenager, lives in a post WWII United States in which Hitler has won and rules with an iron fist dictatorship. Constantly living in fear and doing everything that German Nazi's tell them to do, Americans are just waiting for their opportunity to fight back and take back what is theirs.
This was not the most AMAZING book that I've ever read BUT it was quite enjoyable. For being such a short book, Carline Tung Richmond packed in quite a bit of information in regards to the history of how Hitler won WWII and the methods of human experimentation that he used in which to do so. Zara was a fun character to read about, even if she sometimes was quite stubborn.
The "history" was probably my favorite aspect of the story, especially knowing how history actually went down, it's interesting to see what the author changed.
I did not expect the sci-fi element that we receive in the book! It was especially fun to read about Anomalies!!
I appreciated that this book was not focused on the love interest and can happily say that I really enjoyed Bastian as a character. The forbidden relationship between a German raised boy and a mixed girl was really interesting but it did not take away from the story whatsoever! I can honestly say that I almost wish that more would have happened in their relationship but I'm sure that will come with the next books that follow!
Overall, I enjoyed the characters and the story. I think that the book was properly paced and I will continue with the books.
Would recommend this book to those who enjoy speculative fiction in a YA setting!
June 25, 2021
I gotta say, this book is better than average. The author clearly loves studying about WW2, and she was creative with her alternate reality. I loved reading about her thoughts on how Nazi America would look like. I like that there's a lot of explaining on that, but it's not great either, because it's a lot of exposition on that. So, if you like WW2 history, read this. The story is pretty average, just like any other WW2 middle school story with a young middle school lead character, and believe me, I've read a lot of those. And they're enjoyable, that's why I read them. But they're predictable and basic, especially the ones with middle school aged female characters. No bias, just saying. This book especially jumps the shark though. Like, this girl has superpowers! What a thing to add to the book. She can summon lightning!! And in the end, she kills someone... you'll see. Like I said, jumping the shark. I just find it unnecessary for her to have powers... tries to be different from books the same genre but fails. Another issue: pacing. Everything happens so fast! Out of nowhere, she's the leader of the Resistance!! ''Resistance'' like in Star Wars. And she even falls in love with a boy! This book is nuts. But even after all I said, this book was enjoyable. The most predictable, rushed, jumping the shark book, and like all other WW2 fiction books for middle schoolers, but it's enjoyable and Ok. Read it if you want
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