In THE ONLY THING TO FEAR, author Caroline Tung Richmond
creates a world where not only is that the reality, but Hitler
won because he succeeded in developing super soldiers. These
genetically-engineered soldiers have been perfected to create a
nearly impenetrable shield between the new Führer and anyone
who would oppose him.
That doesn't stop 16-year-old Zara from dreaming of time when
America will once again be a land of democracy and freedom.
Zara has spent her entire life trying to go unnoticed, but some
secrets can't stay hidden. When a rebel group contacts Zara's
uncle for help in their rebellion, Zara knows she must fight
against the Nazis, even if it means her own death.
THE ONLY THING TO FEAR is fast-paced, intense, and chilling in
as it looks into what might have been. One of the things I like
best about THE ONLY THING TO FEAR is the willingness of
ordinary people to fight against injustice. Standing up for
what is right takes strength and courage, but there are always
going to people willing to risk it all for a better world.
There are characters who have "super" powers, but they're not
the only one willing to rebel against the Reich. Ordinary
people, from ordinary homes are at the basis of an
extraordinary fight for freedom.
THE ONLY THING TO FEAR depicts death, murder, and assassination
in a black-and-white manner. There are good and evil people.
Good people die because they're strong and courageous and
fighting against a corrupt system. Bad people die because
they're evil and it is justice. There are very few shades of
gray in this world, and the psychological trauma of war is
glossed over. That is an extremely delicate issue and THE ONLY
THING TO FEAR does address it, but not in-depth and not through
character growth. This is an action-adventure where the lines
between good and bad are typically stark, but because teens are
used as weapons, I wish the repercussions had been explored
more.
THE ONLY THING TO FEAR by Caroline Tung Richmond is a fast
read, filled with action, suspense, and a fight worth fighting.
The alternate history provides an imaginative look at what
might have been if only Hitler had won the war. While THE ONLY
THING TO FEAR is purely fiction, it does spark interest in WWII
history, and I wouldn't be surprised if fans wanted to find
more information about Hitler's genetic testing and
experiments.
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.