Out of Poland is a thrilling novella that serves as a prequel for Charles Breakfield and Rox Burkey’s Enigma series. I was asked to write an unbiased and thorough review based on the audiobook.
Out of Poland was published in 2021 and explores the journey of three young men who volunteer their lives to extract the German’s ‘super weapon’, which was named ‘Baby’, being held under heavily armed guards.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novella. I am not usually one to read historical fiction about the World Wars, as I think there are so many published that can repeat the same message, but Out of Poland brought it from a fresh perspective that didn’t involve the British or Americans.
There is a good amount of action in this story, and the authors have thought carefully about how to structure it. Sometimes, writing alongside real history can be tricky and full of inconsistencies, but Breakfield and Burkey, together, wrote something that was interesting, consistent, and well laid out.
Throughout the majority of the novella, I wondered how this linked to the Enigma series, but the ending did help resolve any concerns I had. Writing it as a novella was a great idea to keep the plot tight and quickly introduce the backstory. The narrator was engaging and real, bringing the reader into the past of the World War, making one feel as though they were really there, in the past, on this crazy adventure.
The characters have to make life-changing decisions, and the story involves murder and examines how people behaved during such a terrible time in history, so much so that it feels as though the book truly echoes history’s story.
Recommendation
There are times when the book flows quite quickly, and I had to reverse a few moments as I thought I had missed a central plot line. However, this historical fiction novella is an excellent way for readers to get into historical fiction. If you’re unsure about starting a new, full-length novel on this topic, then this novella would be easy to pick up and has a fantastic series in its wake.
Out of Poland Summary
Theme: This historical fiction novel uses a fast-paced, action-packed narrative without relying on the usual British or American viewpoints. Instead, it delves into lesser-told stories, offering a refreshing take on a well-worn genre.
Description: The story doesn’t just skim the surface of wartime drama; it confronts the moral dilemmas and sacrifices individuals face in harrowing circumstances. Murder, betrayal and the weight of history pulse through the narrative, making it as emotionally gripping as it is thrilling.
Narration: Adding to the immersion, the audiobook’s narrator masterfully transports listeners into this dangerous era, making each twist and turn feel immediate and vivid. While the pacing occasionally rushes ahead, requiring a moment’s pause to absorb key developments, the tightly structured plot ensures no detail feels wasted.
References
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/TheEnigmaSeries/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/EnigmaSeries
Hannah Baller RSLM 
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