Warsaw Fury by Michael Reit was an inspiring and heartbreaking story of young heroes of the Warsaw Uprising in the Jewish Ghetto, where the Nazi's had imprisoned the Jewish people during WWII.

This new book by Michael Reit is based on true events, Warsaw Fury is a story of love, courage, and resilience in the face of unimaginable evil and especially for someone who loves reading historical fiction and Polish history.

I highly recommend this book.

I was looking forward to this book after reading this author’s previous WW2 book! And it did not disappoint! It was so good at drawing you in and keeping you there. Natan and Julia were both great characters. Just thinking and reading what they and their people went through destroys my heart. We must not forget!

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

This is a brilliant book.
The story takes you into the heart of the struggles in a ghetto in Warsaw during the Second World War.
The local people are trying to survive on meagre food rations as their businesses are being destroyed around them.
Soon the Germans attack their homes and people are fleeing for their lives.
Julia and Natan are both desperate to help in the fight against the Germans and each starts to help in their own way.
This is a breathtaking story, made even more heart wrenching as it’s based on true events.
A brilliant read.
Thanks to Michael Reit and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the complimentary digital copy of Warsaw Fury by Michael Reit. I voluntarily agreed to read and review this heart-wrenching novel prior to publication. My opinions are my own, and nothing has influenced my rating.

Warsaw Fury is a riveting novel set in Poland during the WWII. The characters are compelling and the plot enthralling. The pacing pulled me into the story from the first and I stayed enmeshed until the last.

Natan Borkowski is the male protagonist, and he’s a careless seventeen-year-old at the start of the book. He is more concerned with sports than working at his father’s business. As the plot unfolds, Natan faces horrific losses and must grow up fast. His character development is amazing and enriched the story.

Julia Horowitz is the female protagonist, and she’s determined to rise above the limits for women to keep them from finding success in what has always been a man’s occupation. Her eyes are opened to what she’ll face if she wants to become an attorney. All that turns to ash when Germany invades Poland, and she and her family are herded into the Jewish ghetto. She too must grow up fast to survive. When her family disappears with no warning, I could feel the devastation that tears through her when she returns home to find them gone.

I enjoyed the growing comradeship between Natan and Julia and loved watching as it turns into an abiding love. They are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for each other if it comes to that. Although there are so many issues to keep them apart, I wanted them to find a way to make it work.

The horror of what they go through is visceral and sent chills through me. I became Julia as she leads the children through the sewer. The author shows Natan’s bravery as he fights for his life against the German soldier. I loved his astonishment when he survives the attack and why.

If you enjoy historical fiction with complex character, and a plot that will keep you captivated, then you will love Warsaw Fury as much as I did. This is the first book I’ve read by Mr. Reit, and I plan to read his other book soon. Happy reading!

Plot:- When I read this book, I think about Chopin's Nocturne in C Sharp Minor, playing soothingly with a scene of Warsaw during 1939 before the invasion by Germany. That's how I felt when I started reading this book in the beginning. The story talks of two courageous people--Natan who is set to inherit a well run business and Julia, daughter of a poor shoemaker with dreams of becoming a lawyer and how their lives changed when Germany invaded Poland followed by the outbreak of WWII. Julia being Jewish is sent to the ghetto and both Natan and Julia join the resistance movement to fight against the Nazis under different names--Lew and Krsytyna. Since it's based on true events, I was amazed at how courageous and brave these people, particularly Julia, who didn't give up fighting with the Germans and would continue fight till the end. At times, it was emotional and heartbreaking when Julia heard about what happened to her parents but nonetheless, it was a touching and emotional plot, that will make you cry and vouch for both Natan and Julia.

Characters:- I really like the characters in this book. Julia is a brave and courageous woman, who despite Jewish would risk her own life fighting against the Germans. Natan, is carrying the wrath after a German bomb destroyed his family and would do anything to be a part of the resistance movement.

Writing:- The author once again proved that he could turn the true events into a beautiful story that will keep the reader hooked into the story. Reit did a good job drawing the reader into the story, making the reader feel like they are a part of the story and walking on the journey with Natan and Julia.

Overall:- This is truly an emotional, tear jerking and heartbreaking book that will keep you up all night. If you want to learn more about Warsaw Ghetto during the Holocaust, this book is the one for you. Worth five stars in my opinion!

*** Many thanks to Netgalley, Michael Reit for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.

A gut wrenching fight for survival
Set during a time when unimaginable horrors were taking place, this is a well researched novel about an event in history that no one should forget, the Warsaw Uprising. The story is based around the two main characters, Natan Borkowski and Julia Horowitz, who choose to fight instead of giving in the enemy. Heartbreaking and not glossed over, a harrowing read that is highly recommended.

This is such an enthralling read. The story of war, of Poland and of the Jewish people which has been very well researched and gives the story a great element of history but not in a bad way. It gives a different perspective and is an interesting story which kept me reading and I couldn't put it down.

This book is a complete story which combines the horror of war with hope and courage, great characters that are real (although it is fiction you can relate to them and feel you know them!) and plenty of detail (but not so much that it bores you).

This is a heart-breaking story but also gives rise to the strength of the characters, the hope that is in their hearts and the courage they have to see such atrocities all around them and still get through it with love in their hearts.

This is a book I would highly recommend and these are the types of stories that we need to remember and need to share.

Warsaw Fury is an amazing story set in Warsaw throughout WW2. Natan and Julia are teenagers when the fighting starts in Poland and follows them throughout the war of their struggles and fighting. I finished this book in less than a day because I could not put it down. Unlike other historical fiction books, Warsaw Fury made me fell like I was struggling and fighting along side the characters.

This was the first book I’ve read by Michael Reit, but it won’t be the last!

Arc of #WarsawFury provided by the publisher through #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. A really good book although it is a novel the background information is wonderful and true. If you like History and war based books you will like this book

I received this book as an ARC and this is my review. This story highlights the experiences of Polish resistance fighters in the Warsaw ghetto during WWII. I loved this book! The characters are brave and resilient and filled with grit as they stay in the trenches to battle German soldiers and the SS. There are women featured along with the men who worked tirelessly to free their homeland. This is an up close view of a valiant group not often seen in historical fiction. I totally recommend this book to any reader who enjoys the behind the scenes stories of this incredible war.

4.5 very strong stars. Warsaw Fury by Michael Reit was a captivating and impressionable historical fiction novel about Poland’s Home Army and the Jewish Resistance during and after the well known Warsaw Uprising. Michael Reit was surprised at how little recognition the Home Army, the second largest organized resistance network in Nazi controlled Europe, had received over the years. He decided to dedicate a lot of his efforts in writing this outstanding novel to bringing awareness to these heroic men and women of the Home Army that fought so courageously against the Nazis. Warsaw Fury took place in Warsaw, Poland in the 1930’s through the 1940’s. Michael Reit was able to capture the determination, struggles, fears and bravery of the heroic efforts all the Varsovians made in their efforts to take Warsaw back from the Nazis.

Two adolescent children, one a boy, one a girl, grew up at the same time in Warsaw Poland. One lived an affluent life while the other lived a life of poverty. Julia Horowitz was a young Jewish girl when the Nazis invaded Warsaw. She lived with her parents and older brother in one of the poorest sections in Warsaw, Poland. Her father was a struggling shoemaker. Julia was bright and had high ambitions for her future. She dreamed of someday becoming a lawyer. Natan lived in a comfortable home with his parents. His father owned and operated a leather factory. Natan’s family was well respected. When the Nazis invaded Warsaw, Julia’s family witnessed the building of the walls of what would become the walls of the Warsaw ghetto being built around the street where they lived. Soon it was decreed by the Nazis that all Jewish families had to live in the ghetto. Two different sets of circumstances pushed both Julia and Natan toward working for the resistance….Julia within the ghetto walls and Natan outside the ghetto walls. Both lost their parents at the hands of the Nazis so both felt an intense hatred toward the Nazis. Natan joined the Home Army and Julia became a member of the Jewish resistance. Julia became one of the Kashariyots, young Jewish women that smuggled food, medicine, weapons, ammunition and illegal documents between Jewish Ghettos and the surrounding cities. Julia also became quite adept at navigating the sewer system that took her in out of the ghetto. The leaders of the Jewish Resistance in the ghetto knew that they needed weapons, ammunition and the help of the Home Army if they were going to have any chance against the Nazis. Julia was introduced to Natan who pledged to try and help Julia. Even though Julia and Natan were on opposite sides of the wall of the Warsaw Ghetto, they found common threads…. a love for their country and hatred for the Nazis. As they both faced hunger, torture, fear, loss, and terror they found that their lives were more alike than different now. Will they survive or die fighting? Can the effects of war and evil push these two together to find an otherwise unlikely love for each other?

Warsaw Fury was impeccably researched by Michael Reit. He included in his notes at the conclusion of the book the true facts and people that he included in Warsaw Fury. I have read many books about the Holocaust that described the efforts of the Jewish Resistance members during the Warsaw Uprising but none were as well done and extensive as in Warsaw Fury. Michael Reit went a step further by also describing the efforts of the Home Army as they heroically defended the entire city of Warsaw. Warsaw Fury was about love, courage and resistance. This was the second book by Michael Reit that I had the privilege of reading. Michael Reit’s first book, Beyond the Tracks, was equally as well written. If you enjoy historical fiction, strong, determined characters and a storyline based on truths then I highly recommend Warsaw Fury.

Thank you to Michael Reit for allowing me to read this digital advanced reader’s copy of Warsaw Fury through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A big Thank you to Net galley for offering a digital copy of this amazing book.

Set during World War II, this is a story of people of Warsaw (Poland) who didn't succumb to death, slavery, and War. They fought for their freedom and their country's freedom.

A harrowing story of people during World War II shows how blatant a war can be. The most horrific and bravest of human nature can surface during the War. The book constitutes perspectives of Warsaw people (Polish & Jews).

Natan & Julia both became orphaned due to War, but they bravely fought for their country's freedom. Amidst this chaos, beautiful love blossoms between Natan & Julia.

This book is an experience for those who only heard about World War but never have felt it. This book shows how tragic Holocaust was. It made me realize that the bravest moment for humans was when they were most desperate. Brave are those who never yield to wrong no matter what. Michael Reit had captured the essence of barbarity and humanity at the same time.

It's a story of Bravery, Valour, Friendship, Freedom, and Love. Beautiful written, I loved this book!

A WELL-CRAFTED STORY OF COURAGE, HOPE AND FIGHTING FOR WHAT'S RIGHT

This is my second book by Michael Reit, and I am more than intrigued. He knows how to craft a story, he does his research and he doesn't mince words. Those qualities are sure to bring me back for his next book as well.

👍 What I Liked 👍

Theme: One of the things I adore about Reit's books are his themes. Though he dapples in romance and love, they are not his central themes, which I find very refreshing. This is a book filled with hope, endurance, courage and justice. These themes carry the book and are made even more heartbreakingly beautiful when coupled with the realistic portrayal of the horrors experienced by the Polish resistance fighters.

Characters: Julia and Natan are two characters that are easy to love and root for. They are both strong, resilient fighters in the truest sense of the word. They join the battle for control of Warsaw, both of them ready and willing to give their lives for the cause. They fight for what they believe to be right, and that is something I can only cheer for.

Realistic: My hats off to Reit's amazing research! The realistic portrayal of the attack on Warsaw, the resistance in the Warsaw ghetto and the fight for Warsaw clearly shows that Reit did his research and did not shy away from anything. He lays it all bare and it's clear as day that he could have written much more about this part of WWII. The fighting, the anguish, the fear and uncertainty - it's all right here for everyone to read. It makes this a very strong, emotional and moving reading experience.

Warsaw 1939 through 1944

This harrowing story based on true events is an exhausting read, so well written it is like walking next to the characters and facing: rage, horrors, death, starvation, homelessness and most of all the Nazis. I admit to rarely put down a book but with this one I had to do so a few times in order to take a breather and let my heart slow down....What a great novel about despair, courage, resilience and hope.

The novel is divided into four sections and the cadence in the narrative makes the book a page-turner. From the beginning till the conclusion tension is a constant.

First the story introduces us to the main characters Natan Borkowski and Julia Horowitz and weaves both stories with skill. They live in deferent neighborhoods till the day Hitler’s armies invade Poland and unleash a reign of terror and death across the city. Julia and her family end up in the newly-formed Jewish ghetto and Natan see himself on the opposite side of the wall but their lives are quite similar...What to do....die or fight...they chose to fight...Then the story runs through the ghetto, the city of Warsaw and even brings us down beneath the streets and into the smelling, dirty sewers...

Most parts the author describes the ghetto uprising in detail including the role of the Gray Ranks, the members of the resistance, the struggle of the civilian Poles especially the Jewish people who were the target of brutal atrocities but mainly the loyalty of the Varsovians toward their country: to go down fighting till their last breath...and too many did.

I enjoyed the characters and we cross many extraordinary young people in this heartbreaking and tear jerking story....what a great read.

Nathan Borkowski was the son of a businessman. Julia Horowitz was the daughter of a local shoemaker. Each wanted to continue their education past high school but those dreams would be taken away from them as the Nazis invade their hometown of Warsaw. The invasion changed everything. There was a curfew, rationing, and Jewish people were put into a segregated area of town.

Frustrated by all of the injustice, Natan and Julia decide to fight by working for the Civil Guard of Warsaw, undermining the Nazis. The story of their devotion to country and heroism is inspiring. How much will they lose in this horrifying war? The arrogance of the SS and the resilience of the Varsovians are a vivid contrast. There is so much horror but what touched me the most was the description of the Nazi indifference to the suffering of the Polish people.

This is an excellent portrayal of the Polish aspect of WWII. I highly recommend this book.

In my heart's call, I believe Michael Reit's splendiferous tale is the fitting ode to the patriotic fight, and dedicated resistance the Poles gave Hitler and his marionettes.
Is there any other way I could describe this book? I cried with them, found my heart getting crushed on seeing the hardships they had to find themselves in, swear at the barbarism displayed by the Nazis, overwhelm my emotions in fury at the thought of things that could have been different had the allied forces kept their words, and above all, saw my heart swelling in admiration at the sheer bravery shown by the Poles, standing on their own legs, proving their loyalties to their country till their last breath.
To start with, there were a lot of things I loved about this book. The first has to be Michael's writing with this impeccable sense of flashing those horrendous image through his words, making my heart weep with every pulse that stopped due to the Nazi's inhumane response.
The second credits goes to the women and the men who inspired me, highlighting the purpose to live and to fight for things that were worth it. Let it be Kasia, Julia, Aga, Natan, Toni, Mordechai, Tomasz, Jerzy, Mischa, Maczek, Ludwik, Konrad and other people out there, they all stood out for their hunger for revenge with a cause. To go down fighting for everything that was worth it.
And then, there was this expressive patriotism when the author pens the words, and they were true to the emotion, not overtly cliched, nor forced.
Personally, I loved this book pretty much, and as I finish it, I look front up in the skies, and bow my head towards the impressive resilience the Poles displayed, admiring their fight, and marveling their determination, all the while wondering, just the way the author did on why their resistance didn't get the attention from history they deserved.
My heart goes to those fierce warriors watching over their country they fought so hard to stay with glory, and though I wouldn't know what they went through, my heart goes out for all of them, for their sacrifices, and the hardships they had to face, with nothing but stolen childhoods to stare.
Historical, Romance, and war fiction lovers! This book is so worth it!!!
PS: Thanks NetGalley for this precious ARC! Deciding on getting a paperback done too :)

"As long as they drew breath, they had a chance. And with that, they fought. They were all in thi together. It didn't matter if you were a fighter, a civilian, or a Jew: You were a Varsovian, a Pole. And they'd fight until the bitter end."

Set during WWII in Warsaw, this riveting and tragic Historical Fiction is about despair, anguish, courage, resilience and hope. The author fortunately does not gloss over brutal details; though difficult to read, they are incredibly important, not just superficially, but on a deep level. And what makes this book chilling is that these and other heinous events happened to real people. So many were teenagers. Their heroism and fortitude is beyond my comprehension.

Natan Borkowski works at his family's successful Borkowski Leather Works factory which he will take over one day. His dreams are crushed when Germany occupies Poland and the number one priority is survival. There is nothing else. He wants to do what he can to help in the effort so unflinchingly joins the Resistance. He discovers he is capable of so much more than he had imagined as he finds himself in impossible situations.

Julia Horowitz works with her father in his small shoemaking shop. Like Natan, she has aspirations. She desires to become a lawyer. Her life is also turned upside down when Germany invades and she goes from poverty to near starvation. She cannot do nothing as she watches her beloved city and people crumble. Her independent spirit and quick thinking serves her well as she trains and learns how to best use her giftedness. Her fearlessness is unreal.

Horrors abound but these young people continue to stand up for what they believe in, no matter what the cost. The author describes the ghetto uprising including the role of the Gray Ranks, treatment of Jews, sympathizers, propaganda and defeat of Poles (Jewish and civilians) and Germans. We also learn more about smuggling and couriers, both crucial to the war effort.

Michael Reit has a special writing style, a powerful way with words that is refreshingly unique. I like how he describes the lives of each of the two characters individually and then brings them together with a common goal. If you are seeking a remarkable Historical Fiction book to ponder, do pick up this book. It is truly well worth your time.

My sincere thank you to Michael Reit, Beyond Words and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this marvelous book. It is not an easy read but a very eye opening and important one.

Fighting for Freedom

A heartbreaking story of the young heroes of the Warsaw Uprising in the Jewish Ghetto where the Nazi's had imprisoned the Jewish people during WWII. It tells the terrifying story of the horrific events that took place in Poland during WWII. The cruelty of the Nazi's and the absolutely devastating acts performed by them on the Polish people, especially the Jewish Poles.

The story is about the resistance in Poland and the young people that made up that resistance. Putting their lives on the line, some of them as young as thirteen and most not over twenty. Young people that have lost their loved ones to the cruelty of the Nazi's and wished to fight back. Their survival, their fight, the heroism and courage they showed.

How some of the Polish non Jewish put their lives on the line to help their Jewish friends and neighbors. Although many of the Polish were either complacent or shunned the Jewish poles, there were those brave souls that stepped in and extended a helping hand to them in their fight against the Nazi's.

This is a story that runs through the ghetto, the city of Warsaw and the sewers beneath. A story of young heroes that should never be forgotten. A story of a love for freedom and for country and a fighting spirit that refused to die.

The story was inspirational and historical. It was of some of the brave young people of Warsaw and their fight for freedom.

The story was heartbreaking, tear jerking, and filled with the spirit and enthusiasm of the young. It was definitely a good read and one that would inspire anyone. I would definitely recommend this book.

Thanks to Michael Reit, The Book Whisperer, and NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary copy of the book for my honest review.

An excellent account of a stunning piece of heroism in the dark days of World War II Poland. I have read several accounts of the Warsaw Uprising and this account provides a level of detail of the tactics, strategy and battles which is not often provided by authors wishing to cover this topic. The characters and relationships are well developed, engaging and very human but the author does not fall into the trap of sacrificing the action for the sentiment. Instead, a balance is offered. I was bracing myself for the ending and pleased with how it was handled - I won’t spoil it here!

Warsaw Fury by Michael Reit is an emotional, suspenseful telling of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and the fight to drive the Germans out of Poland. Even though we know the outcome of the battles, the characters, especially Julia and Nathan, inspire us to root for them and worry about whether they will survive. The action and losses make you breathless as you read this book. Highly recommended.