Author: luckydonivan

Title: Love and War

Genre: Historical Fiction

Mature: Yes. Graphic violence and mild smut warnings

Cover and Title: 2.75/5
I'd say it would be 2/5 for the title and 3.75/5 for the cover.

The title works, but it's rather dull. It fits. I just think you could find something a bit more eye catching.

I really like the cover. It's beautiful. However, it was a little muddled and the title was hard to read. I couldn't read the subtitle at all, or the author's name. I recommend a major font change.

Blurb: 1.5/5
There really wasn't much of a blurb. That definitely needs a revamp.

First Impressions: 4/5
My dad's side is made up of German Jewish immigrants , so I know a lot about holocaust era Germany. For that reason I was majorly looking forward to this story. It earned my attention right away.

Characters: 3.5/5
Gunter was by far my favorite character. His motive seemed be the clearest. He was definitely the most developed.

Anna, I wasn't so sure about. She seemed instantly committed to Gunter, falling in love with him before they had even a conversation. I understand agreeing to his terms so that she could live, but wouldn't she have some apprehensions early on? Wouldn't she be mistrustful of a nazi soldier no matter what he says? I wanted to see more growth in her character. Give her reservations to marrying a soldier, only doing it because she has no choice. Don't make her fall in love right away, because it will make an already interesting character more realistic. Also, I noticed a lot of German references, between pet names and culture. I would have liked to see more Jewish culture from Anna. Obviously not in public, but I want to see her attachment to her heritage as she has to become more and more German.

Another character that stood out to me is real Helena. She's been tortured. She's lived through hell, and scarcely escaped with her life, yet when we first see her she's bossing everyone around. I understand being hurt that your love replaced you with a nearly identical woman, but I needed to see more PTSD. Jews were essentially robbed of their identity. They wouldn't have that sort of confidence right off. She'd be scared, flinching at sudden noises, terrified of upsetting anyone, no matter who. She'd most likely be mistrustful of Gunter at first because he was still a German soldier, no matter the history. I recommend reading some first hand accounts of those who lived in a concentration camp and incorporate some of that lasting trauma.

Grammar: 2/5
There were a lot of errors. From missed commas to wrong words, they were very noticeable. But these were clearly just typing mistakes. Go through with a careful read through and you'll be fine.

Plot: 4.75/5
For personal reasons I'm invested in this plot. This is a time period that's extremely impactful to my family. I think you did a good job with the plot. My one critique there would be to have the first time Anna and Gunter sleep together happen later. I understand the impromptu wedding—that wasn't the problem. Jewish girls are taught from a young age that their first time is to be special. It's only to happen with someone they know well. Other than that, it will mean more to readers once the relationship develops more. Make them wait for it. Make them want it to happen, waiting. Build the sexual tension.

Overall: 3.08/5 or 18.5/30

I highly enjoyed this read. Sorry if this was harsher than you wanted. I really liked this story and it holds a lot of potential, so I wanted to help get it there.