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The Only Thing to Fear

The Only Thing to Fear, October 2014
by Caroline Tung Richmond

Scholastic Press
Featuring: Zara
288 pages
ISBN: 0545629888
EAN: 9780545629881
Kindle: B00JEHEWQS
Hardcover / e-Book
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"Chilling Alternate History of WWII"

Fresh Fiction Review

The Only Thing to Fear
Caroline Tung Richmond

Reviewed by Jennifer Barnhart
Posted October 6, 2014

Young Adult

What if Hitler had won World War II?

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.

Learn more about The Only Thing to Fear

SUMMARY

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.


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