This was a book that kept my heart in my throat the entire time. The book follows Tolya, who accidentally shoots his unit office, the troubles only begin. This story is told in alternating POV, from Tolya’s in 1944 and Aleksey’s in 1941. This book was so well written and despite the flipping between the years the story is well pulled together. The ending was a bit of a let down, as I expected more to happen. I hope Amanda McCrina writes a sequel continuing Tolya’s story. ( )

The setting and subject matter of this WWII novel are a unique perspective of that war, taking place in the contested borderlands of Poland and Ukraine. I enjoyed it but it was very confusing because I am unfamiliar with the history of this area. ( )

I received a digital version of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a historical YA novel that I was greatly looking forward to. It had all the elements to make it a banger - young adult, World War 2, traitorous undertones, what more could you want? Unfortunately this fell south of flat for me - I could not make it past 30% of the book. The writing felt uninspired, the first character perspective did not have a whole lot going on, and then it SWITCHED perspectives to someone else - this just didn't work for me, which makes me sad, because I really wanted it to.

Perhaps this is one of those books that works best for WWII nuts and those more attuned to the young adult age, rather than just any YA-interested person, but for me, this was not a great read.

“Whose side are you on anyway? ...my own, same as you.”
It’s hard to know who to trust when you’re simply trying to survive.
At first, the story’s a bit confusing, my own ignorance of the area and history is to blame, and 4 sided, between Polish, Ukrainian, Russian and German interests and also their long-held prejudices and beliefs to take into account. Most of the plot is narrowed down between Polish and Ukrainian, the characters and their stories spill into all of the nationalities and values, and it’s a bit hard to keep things straight, so you’d better pay attention! Definitely refer to the List of Military and Paramilitary Forces that McCrina provides (I do wish I’d seen this before I finished the book!) With that being said, what a story! A story of survival, resistance, collaboration, betrayal, torture, hope, and love of family and country.
*I received an arc from the publisher through NetGalley for an honest review ( )

World War Two.
Four different nationalities have been battling for power in the war-ridden city of Lwów. Seventeen-year-old orphan Tolya is half Ukrainian, half Polish, and has seen no other option but to join the Soviet Red Army to stay alive. When he shoots his political officer, he’s pretty much doomed. But then he’s rescued by a group of Ukrainian freedom fighters led by Solovey. Solovey claims the group needs Tolya’s sniper skills. But Toyla doesn’t trust him, and being half Polish, he certainly doesn’t trust the Ukrainians will let him live once he’s executed the group’s mission.
Despite the title, this is a story about friendship and loyalty.
Amanda McCrina writes about young men who are forced to make impossible choices under heart wrenching circumstances, and she does so in a sober manner. Her prose is tight but full of subtext. Her voice is somber, but profound emotions stir beneath the surface.
The complexity of the historical situation makes Traitor an intricate story. I recommend reading the historical notes first, to get a sense of the situation. But I wholeheartedly recommend this novel for everyone who enjoys stories from World War Two.
Bestselling author Elizabeth Wein describes Traitor as a piercing and bittersweet story of unflinching loyalty, and that is precisely what it is.
Take your time. Enjoy the read. This novel is so worth it. ( )