Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 08/01/2021 Gr 9 Up—In 1946, Eva and her traumatized sister Brigit arrive in New York City, having left the rubble of Berlin and postwar Europe behind them. However, there is no peace for Eva. Their arrival to America was the result of a rotten deal Eva made, one involving American and Soviet spies and Nazi doctors. Eva knows about Project Bluebird—an experiment run by the Nazis in concentration camps where innocent victims were tortured for the purpose of mind control. Eva knows about this because her father was the one who designed the experiment. Having broken free from Nazi teachings, Eva just wants justice for the victims and vengeance for herself. Cameron delivers another outstanding historical novel. Clearly meticulously researched but deeply engaging and immersive, the narrative seamlessly blends fictional characters and events with real people and places. The plot unfolds through two time lines in alternating chapters, building suspense as readers are driven to discover the true horror of Project Bluebird and Eva's search for justice. Trigger warnings may be required when recommending this as there is implied sexual assault, graphic depictions of concentration camps, and some violence. Readers already experienced with World War II and postwar historical fiction will already be aware of the realistic content found in the genre. VERDICT An excellent follow-up to Cameron's The Light in Hidden Places, great for the author's fans and those who enjoy Cameron's works and books by Monica Hesse, Michelle Barker, and Markus Zusak.—Kaetlyn Phillips, Yorkton, Sask. - Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 12/01/2021 The year is 1946, and German teenager Eva has come to the U.S. in search of justice. With her is her friend Brigit, who is near catatonic after having been raped by Russian soldiers. After establishing this premise, the action switches to Germany in 1945, where we meet two other teenage girls, Inge and Annemarie, who are actually Eva and Brigit. The girls’ identities have been changed due to their involvement in Project Bluebird, a terrible experiment linked to the concentration camps. Once in the U.S., the girls are given a place to stay by the American Friends Service Committee, where they meet Jake, who is to be their guide. Meanwhile, Eva, in her pursuit of justice, also searches for her fugitive father, a doctor, who has fled to America and who may not be what he seems. Cameron’s plot-rich novel goes on a bit too long, and a section at the end seems anticlimactic. Nevertheless, the story is intriguing and sure to interest lovers of books about WWII. - Copyright 2021 Booklist.