"The serpent is supposed to represent knowledge and deception, and the snake, people often associate with cunning or even protection, as it strikes down its enemies. But I think they’re really the same, they just appear to be different.”
This book is set in 1940, just as the Holocaust is about to begin. The book follows sisters Natasha and Michele who are on opposite sides of the war.
I don’t tend to read books set in wars so this was a little out of my comfort zone! Trying something different paid off as I enjoyed this.
I didn’t know who to trust and the plot kept me guessing throughout. The plot focuses on the political side of the war which isn’t something I personally have come across much. I found it thought provoking, heart breaking and well written."
"This was such a good read that was completely different to any books about the Nazi Regime and the Holocaust that I have ever read. It was well written with a compelling and absolutely gripping storyline and well developed characters which I instantly loved, which felt kind of weird considering some of them belonged to one of the most hated parties in the world. This book hooked me in right from the very start and left in such a way that has left me desperately craving more. I loved that I saw a different side of the Nazi Party in this book. Although atrocities were touched upon it wasn't in graphic detail and the book was more about the resistance and how they worked from the outside and within the Nazi party to thwart them at every possible stage. It was also really thought provoking as it made me wonder how many wives/husbands and children of people in the Nazis had Jewish friends and so forth before Hitler came to power that would defy their husbands/wives and do everything they could to help the Jewish cause."
"I found it to be a really interesting (if at times it does tackle plenty of difficult subjects) to read with the focus more on life under Hitler’s rule. It follows life as a citizen and also members of the resistance. I loved the short chapters which kept the story moving at a great pace and ensured you were fully immersed. I was completely gripped and just wanted to keep reading on and on. For me, I have a love hate relationship with short chapters because, yes, they are great because they are so good that you keep saying to yourself ‘just one more chapter’. However, they get so addictive that they keep you up way too late reading because I kept saying ‘just one more chapter, they’re only short’It does focus more on the political side of things which did occasionally lose my interest when it got more in depth and I found it went a little over my head. Of course, it’s no secret that I simply love historical fiction and this was well-written and well-researched which made for a brilliant read."
"I love historical fiction and wartime sagas, so jumped at the chance to read this. The storyline was compelling and it held my interest to the very end. Told from a different perspective than other books I've read of this era, with two sisters and two different views of the war. The setting is the late 1930s, just before the start of the holocaust and the Nazi Party regime of horror, and Rudolf Hess plotting and planning It has a great cat and mouse / pawn storyline, well written and researched covering aspects of secret missions, the Resistance, family conflict, cunning and political agendas. This was a thought provoking read , throwing up many questions as I read it..A book I'd recommend if you enjoy a historical read."
I really, really struggled with this book. I struggled to put it down. I struggled to stop thinking about it. I struggled to stop talking about it, it was that good! This story was immensely addictive, entertaining and contained intrigue from page one. The two sisters Michele and Natasha were so similar yet so, so different and this made for the ultimate read, hence the title of the book “The Snake and the Serpent”. Both portrayed equal power, as did a lot of the main characters and the vying for the higher position, especially amongst the Nazi’s, was interesting to read. Although at times distressing, especially knowing now what went on behind the scenes, this book wasn’t overly graphic and managed to convey the atrocities using the saying ‘less is more’.Short concise chapters ensured the utmost continuity between scenes and flowed exactly as a movie would. This for me was the addiction to the book and it made it very hard to find a decent stopping place when so much was going on! A first class historical fiction story which I highly recommend if the premise is for you, written by a very talented and intelligent author I hope to read more from.
I loved this book so much.... to the point that I was gutted when it finished and now I have to wait for the second book to come out. It usually takes me a while to get into a book, however, this one got me hooked within the first few pages. As much as this is a war themed book (which isn't usually my style) there is so much more to the story. The characters are well written and I was invested to find out what happens to each one as I felt each character held their own. I totally recommend this to everyone... the only thing I would say is.... can the author hurry up and write the next one.... I am not very patient!!!
I wasn’t ready for this one to end - the plot is action-packed, cinematic, suspenseful and heartfelt. I never read historical fiction, but this book has broadened my horizons. I loved getting an insight into the Resistance and what life would have been like for those under Hitler’s rule.
Great debut - can’t wait for the next in the series!