⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
This book tore my heart out, smashed it to pieces, glued it back together, then destroyed it again. I love Wrath Becomes Her with my whole heart. I cried for the final forty pages, and I have never cried that much in my life. The exploration of self and what makes us "us" was beautiful and heartbreakingly powerful. I loved the inclusion of some elements from Frankenstein and how the story dealt with Vera's creation, creator, the life she was designed to live, and the one she was discovering for herself. I cared about these characters and wished I could jump into the book and destroy every single being who hurt Akiva or Vera. Vera's growth and development was strong, and the story's pacing was lovely. The relationship between Akiva and Vera had me biting my lip and giggling and crying. This book made me feel. It was emotional and enlightening. This story of vengeance, set in 1943 in Lithuania with Jewish main characters, took me on a journey filled with pain, Nazis, and power that I will never recover from. 10/10 recommend!

I have a lot emotions about this book. Starting first with the letter from the author:

"The first books I read featuring Jewish characters were Holocaust books. Desperate to see myself reflected on the page, I clung to those crumbs of representation. At least, until the fourth grade, when my class read a Holocaust book and everyone in the room turned to look at me - the only Jewish student. That was one of the first times I sensed I didn't quite belong."

Without even having started the book I was already so attached. This experience of otherness I know other Jews experienced as children. Since starting to read again, I've enthusiastically devoured any books with Jewish characters that don't focus on the Holocaust simply those books were all I had as a child and reading them now has only gotten harder.

There's also the dedication, "Dedicated to every reader who's ever wanted to punch a Nazi." which this book very much embodies. Vera punches so many Nazis and it is so satisfying. This story doesn't shy away from the horrors of the Holocaust, but it has a strong focus is on vengeance and retribution in a way that I loved. I could have read another 300 pages of Vera just crushing Nazis with her bare hands.

I also have very strong feelings about the choice to name Ezra's daughter Chaya, a name that means life, and with her death, Ezra brought Vera to life.

Thank you to NetGalley for making this available in exchange for an honest review!

Vera is a golem, made from a father’s grief. She is created to hunt down Nazis. Along her journey though she confronts what it means to be alive.

I thought this would be action-y than it was. It definitely is more character driven than action driven. If I’d known that going into, I might have enjoyed it more. I kind of wish too that the true monster Vera was fighting would’ve been evil humans, but alas it was another golem. Cool lore, but not as much action as I thought based on the synopsis.

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a good solid book. I would probably rate it more 3.5/3.75 but it was definitely a good book! Great storyline, good suspense. There was great relationship building between characters and it was such a interesting take to see the world through the eyes of a golem.

I'm still a little in shock about the ending but overall I would recommend this to fiction readers who enjoy historical fiction, especially WWII era fiction.

I adored Wrath Becomes Her! Vera is here to murder Nazis, and I wholly support her mission. This is a great historical fantasy that does a wonderful job balancing storytelling with a little education about an aspect of WWII that many aren't as familiar with.

Horror is the perfect match for Aden Polydoros’ writing style. Grief and rage permeate the entire novel, which is a painfully accurate—albeit fantastic—depiction of the Holocaust. I need more stories to incorporate magical realism and Jewish mysticism and folklore.

“Akiva had called me a memorial, but I swore to myself I would become more than that. I would be the Jew that the Nazis couldn’t kill.”

Despite the delivery of the unique premise, Vera disappointed me as a main character. Vera was created for vengeance, which kindles her kinship with Akiva, Chaya’s former lover who’s out to avenge deaths at the hands of Nazis. However, Vera’s rage feels exaggerated. She feels intense anger based on Chaya’s memories, but the center of the story is really her detachment from these emotions and her struggle to form her own identity. I kept waiting for her to explode, and even she sort of did, she was still taking orders; she still lacked agency. In contrast, Akiva was wonderfully fleshed-out. The story revealed so much about his motivations, his violence, his fear of death, and his feelings for Chaya and now Vera. The latter, though, could have been omitted—it made sense but also rubbed me as awkward.

Wrath Becomes Her is not a happy book. It’s a look into the dangers of “impartiality” and the people-led protests that persist in the face of oppression. Although it was a bit more subdued than I expected, it is an important read that mixes Frankenstein-style horror with the man-made horrors of genocide.

Wrath Becomes Her is a historical fantasy story, set in Lithuania in 1943, in the of the horrors of the Second World War. It has Jewish folklore and inspiration from Frankenstein

Vera is a golem, made with clay but also with human parts, her image is like Chaya, a murdered girl, her father who cannot accept her death, creates Vera to fight Nazis. She is mainly created with clay, and her main objective is revenge, but that does not mean that she does not have human emotions.

Vera is abandoned, at first, she only has one goal, to find Nazis, prioritize those who murdered Chaya and take revenge, but along the way, she will meet Akiva, a friend of Chaya. At first, he thinks she is Chaya and doesn't know how to react when he finds out that she is a golem. Golem are mythical creatures, of destruction and violence and Vera looks very human.

Revenge seems to be the main theme, and in the first part it is, for Vera and Akiva, but for the second part, it’s a story of feeling hopeless, and survival (and more action). It’s kind of slow and the prose is lyrical, but the story is hard, very emotional, and human. It is easy to feel compassion for Vera, she has a purpose and feels angry but at the same time she is lost, she is strong, but feels helpless.

It’s a descriptive story, it’s young adult but it does have moderate descriptions of the horrors of war, The Nazis (although they are the main ones) are not the only villains, it is a war, and everyone is against everyone. We read about people being sick, dying, and being mistreated. Also, it’s atmospheric, it’s winter and you can feel the cold in your bones.

Read it if you want:
• Historical fantasy fiction
• Jewish representation
• An emotional story

This was such a dark and intriguing book. The concept was so unique and the author did an amazing job of weaving everything together. The Jewish history and fantasy elements really worked for me. I've read Aden Polydoros before and I enjoyed those books as well so they are definitely becoming a go to author for me when it comes to YA books. I cannot wait to see what concept they come up with next.

If you’ve never had occasion to read a book that left you reflecting on how far you’d have to be pushed to become uncivilized, where that threshold is and what would make you cross it, maybe you haven’t read a book like "Wrath Becomes Her". Aden Polydoros revisits World War II in this brilliant and sincere story of retribution, wrapped up in a young woman who is more humane than the monster she was created to be. And more human than the enemy bent on the genocide of her people.

Polydoros has an immense gift for telling stories that are exceptional, eloquent, and introspective. He says this is a story he wishes had been available to him in his teens, and then he went about making it happen now, for the benefit of his readers. He makes heroes of his characters as they are faced with the horrors of Nazis and their enablers—those who fought alongside them and those who looked the other way while innocent people died.

Vera is all of us, trying to figure out who she is and how she fits into the world. Vera is none of us, as she is unique unto herself. Her conception was inspired by grief and hate, and she was created deliberately and with a purpose; though that purpose sometimes puts her at odds with those she means to help. It makes her powerful in ways that elevate her beyond the enemy who will feel her wrath. Vera becomes wrath. She also becomes something more to Akiva. She becomes salvation. She is the hero of this story. She is the contradiction and the courageous.

"Wrath Becomes Her" is far and away one of the best books I’ve read this year. Then again, I was able to say the same of "The City Beautiful" and "Bone Weaver". Aden Polydoros composes his stories so artfully that they captivate as well as educate.

Loved this mix of historical fiction, Jewish lore, and fantasy. A thought provoking and fascinating story that kept me reading.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

This novel was reminiscent of Frankenstein; the creation of Vera being a desecration of the dead (in this case-a 17 year old girl), the connection Vera has to her creator Ezra, the desire for love, and the topic of “purpose” being prominent. I found this novel to be engaging and heartbreaking, it showed some of the realities of Nazi occupation from the perspective of someone who had only just learned of its existence and was trying to make sense of something incomprehensible. This novel inspires anger and disgust at the treatment of Jewish people and acknowledges how doing nothing contributed to the suffering by condoning it. Vera is created to be wrath incarnate but she doesn’t come across like that. She often feels a range of emotions and has many childlike qualities that take away from her anger. I would’ve loved to see her own her righteous anger instead of immediately condemning her wrath as “not her own”.

This YA horror novel is a sickening, horrifying depiction of the atrocities that happened to the Jewish community during World War II and one man's attempr at exacting justice for his daughter.

When Ezra creates Vera, he uses abominations to create her. In spite of this, there is something inherently human about her. Through this character's point of view, we see the beauty and pain of experience while she embarks on a journey that is not her own.

I loved this book not only because of these reasons, but because it was a well-researched novel that introduced aspects of Jewish culture to readers without over-explanation within worldbuilding. I did have to search some of the vocabulary, but I've learned so much about Jewish culture and legends through this book. Super excellent story!

Ever since the untimely death of his seventeen-year-old daughter Chaya, Ezra has wished for nothing more than to have her back with him. When he uses a rarely practiced set of skills and the tools at his disposal to create a golem in Chaya’s likeness, he is pleasantly surprised by the opportunity to have a humanoid creature in his presence who happens to share some of his daughter's biology. But Ezra does not count on the overall knowledge such a companion could possess, and Vera quickly surpasses every expectation that Ezra had for her. And as Vera becomes ever more powerful, she is ultimately given the choice to use her abilities either for good or for evil.

This Frankenstein-esque tale blends Jewish folklore and culture with Holocaust-era Europe in a novel and fascinating way. While the Nazis continue to be the villains of the story, this narrative offers a fresh take on the abilities and strengths of the Jewish people in a time of great oppression. Using excellent writing, a compelling premise, and memorable characters, this novel transports readers through time and space to a fantasy experience that often feels more real than imagined.

Readers who appreciate World War II literature and the power of humanity to overcome great suffering will relish this unique take on this period in history. Rich and sometimes difficult descriptions give depth and dimension to the story, helping to make 1940s Lithuania remarkably present in the mind of the reader. Additionally, Jewish language and culture are prevalent within the narrative, welcoming both Jewish and non-Jewish readers alike especially with the inclusion of a glossary at the novel’s end. Gripping and emotional, this is a riveting take on the horrors of World War II recounted through the eyes of an unexpected and powerful heroine. This is a strong addition to library collections for young adult readers.

This one was non stop action! I read it all in about 8 hours, and boy did it play with my emotions!

I felt for the FMC, trying to find her identity, knowing that she's not "human" but feeling, wanting, wondering. It made me question my own humanity, and what my definition of being human is!

The portrayal of what happened to the Jewish population, and what they went through, broke my heart. Some books like to "soften" the blow, but this one didn't and I appreciate it so much more. It didn't hide the ugly truths and though there were some parts that were tough to read, I liked seeing it "raw and uncut," I think it gave the story so much "oomph," and helped you feel more for the FMC and the other characters.

Overall, I enjoyed this book a whole lot.

Thank you to NetGalley and Inkyard Press for the advanced reader's copy for my honest review.

This book is about a golem made in the image of a girl who was killed by Nazis, by the girl’s father who wants her to kill the people who killed his daughter. Our main character struggles to pretend to be human, and at least appear somewhat human among people who know she’s a golem, all the while navigating what it means to be human and to exist in a society that wasn’t made with anyone like her in mind.
This whole book is very dark, and doesn’t sugar coat things, either. It takes some very twisted turns and also leaves off every chapter with not a cliffhanger but a final or profound note that still keeps you turning the pages as if it were cliffhangers.

Thank you to NetGalley and Inkyard Press for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

When I tell you I could not put this down, I mean I COULD NOT put this book down! I'm finding that speculative history with a pinch of fantasy is becoming a genre that I desire a lot more of because I devoured Wrath Becomes Her within 8 hours. I truly felt the harrowing journey that Vera and co. went through. This is a new favorite that I know will stick with me for a long time.

Amidst the destruction and atrocities committed in WW2, a grieving father turns to dark magic in order to exact revenge for the death of his daughter, who died fighting Nazis. Equal parts consumed and revolted, Ezra creates a golem in his daughter, Chaya's image. Naming her Vera, which means "truth" or "faith", Ezra has slowly been shaping Vera, not just physically, but also with powerful intentions and emotions. Crafting her into a being of rage and vengeance. Of wrath.

After her small world implodes, her creator missing, and Vera is left alone with blood on her hands, she must rely on what Ezra has taught her and what small remnants she's gleamed from other sources.

Because of this, Vera goes into the world with some semblance of what humanity is. But the path to find her father and fulfill her purpose takes her through the highs and lows of human nature, and while there are many questions that Vera stumbles over, the ultimate question remains, what is it to be human? The way this story attempts to answer this felt so jarring, simple and yet incredibly elusive.

I felt like there was non-stop action the entire time, Vera is a force of nature and every moment felt charged. Her emotions were captured brilliantly, visceral and at the same time distant because of her golem nature. Especially the moments with Akiva, the boy that Chaya loved. I want to say so much more, but trust me, it's better when you read it.

Wrath Becomes Her does not shy away from violence. There is murder, blood and gore, mutilation, suicide, and briefly mentions the real crimes that were committed in history, even if the history books don't want to tell it. This is for mature YA readers.

I feel that this is story that needs to be talked about more, its themes of what human beings are capable of, of stomaching, looking away from isn't discussed nearly as much as it should be. Delving into the mysteries of what separates man from monster, of religion, of purpose in one's life, and about the differences we can make as an individual are all thought-provoking and central to the human experience. Easy five stars all in all.

A book about a golem/girl who's life purpose is to get revenge against murderous nazis. Despite Vera constantly reminding the reader that she is not human, does not have human organs, and isn't supposed to be able to feel human emotions, this book is extremely emotional. This book deeply explore identity, antisemitism, and what it means to be a human or a monster. I love how much Jewish folklore was incorporated into the story and how it didn't romanticize the Holocaust, which is unfortunately, a common occurrence in fiction stories published today. This was a good and horrifying book.

Where so many historical fiction books glorify and romanticize the events of the Holocaust, this one shares more of the truth. And I wouldn't expect anything less from this story. Once again Aden Polydoros beautifully blended historical fiction with fantasy and Jewish folklore and I was invested from start to end. The writing was so lyrical while also showcasing quite a horrific and dark part of history. Also, I live for golem stories and this was done so brilliantly. I really enjoyed how the word monster was used as well and what determines those qualities in human beings or in the Golem. There was action, new and important relationships, and so many key moments. I've loved everything Polydoros has written so far and this book completely blew me away. I loved it so much and had a full range of emotions when I was reading. Thank you to Inkyard Press for the ARC to read and review!

In Wrath Becomes Her, Aden Polydoros has given us an atmospheric, dark, and heartfelt story of Jewish resistance when humans became monstrous. This novel fills an important gap in YA Holocaust literature, allowing us to look into the struggle of Jewish partisans in Lithuania, caught between the Nazis and the unreliable Soviet Army. This is not a book about abjection, although there is much suffering. This is not a book about righteous gentiles, although one appears in the text. Wrath Becomes Her tells a story of struggle to find life in the midst of violence and trauma, and the struggle to make one's own choices when one has been purpose-made for revenge.

I get why the marketing department compared Wrath Becomes Her to Inglorious Basterds, but the tone is entirely different (and better, IMHO). Can a golem made with parts of a young woman lay waste to Nazis? Yes. But will her own community accept her, given the horrific way she was made? Will the young partisan she works with reject her if he comes to find out that she contains dismembered parts of his murdered girlfriend? The human drama and emotional notes are what really make Wrath Becomes Her shine. One can also see meditations on body dysphoria and the trans experience if one cares to look for them. I hope that someday soon, thousands of young people will read this book in school instead of the poorly written Holocaust books that center non-Jews.

Ezra's daughter, Chaya, was killed by the Nazis. His grief drives him to create, Vera, a golem made of mud and clay, almost indestructible. But he also uses Chaya's hair, teeth, tongue and most of all, her eyes. He created her for a purpose, to destroy the army that killed Chaya. Recommended for any young adult to adult who likes a little horror with their fantasy.