Aden Polydoros is one new author I always have my eye on. I love to read any Jewish fantasy I can, and he so far has brought out some unique stories with compelling characters. This was a challenging read, not in the lousy writing sense but rather in the topic. You know a story will not have a happy ending or a good time throughout when it is based in Lithuania, 1943, with Jewish characters.

The plot and characters felt grounded in the time and place. The story went from place to place without knowing exactly where to go and who to target, which matched perfectly with Vera's new Golem POV. I read some reviews where they talked about how it was very YA and childish in tone in a derogatory way, which I did not see at all. The only times where there was a break from the harsh reality felt like a normal conversation between teenagers. Veras's rage and anger felt justified when needed and earned in the book's later half. I did feel some disconnect from her emotions and feelings, but that seemed almost on purpose because she was learning about those feelings as they happened. The author made you want to root for everyone to live, knowing that most people would not. Overall, it was a good, challenging read that made me emotional and angry.

Thank you to Netgalley and Inkyard Press for the advanced copy of this book.

Where to even start... this book was beautifully written, and executed. We follow Vera, a golem made in the image of her creator's dead daughter. Vera's purpose is to kill nazis and avenge Chaya. The jumps between Vera's current states and Chaya's memories were really well done. It was disorienting in the best way and really helped put the reader in the same state of shock and confusion as Vera- especially as she reuintes/meets Akiva.

I'd definitely recommend this read and enjoyed it immensely. My only issues with it was how YA the voice was at times, which isn't necessarily the books fault since I'm old.

“I am retribution!” is the battle cry of Vera the golem in Aden Polydoros’s brilliant new young adult novel Wrath Becomes Her, which comes out tomorrow, October 10. I’ve been impressed with Polydoros’s ability to seamlessly blend Jewish culture and folklore with the Gothic ever since reading his debut, The City Beautiful, a couple of years ago. But he takes this to a whole new level in Wrath Becomes Her, creating the kind of book I really wish I could have read as a teen.

In Lithuania at the height of World War II, Vera awakens in a hayloft hideaway, watching her own body take shape before her eyes as Ezra constructs her from clay and sorcery. She is no ordinary golem, for in his grief and despair Ezra has imbued her with pieces of his dead daughter, Chaya—a seventeen-year-old resistance fighter recently killed by the Nazis. Vera has been created for vengeance, to find and destroy those responsible for Chaya’s death. But when their hiding place is attacked and Vera is thrust out into the world, she finds that her mission—and her identity—isn’t so simple. She can hunt down the man who shot Chaya and the man who gave the order, but what about the rest of the Nazi forces who are responsible for slaughtering whole villages of Jews just like Chaya? And what about the Lithuanian collaborators or the complacent villagers who stood by as their neighbors were taken from their homes? Vera could bathe the Rudniki Forest in blood and still not feel like her revenge was complete. Meanwhile, the very people Vera was built to protect would only view her as a monster if they knew the full truth of how she was created. This knowledge hangs over Vera as she grows closer with Akiva, the boy she knows from Chaya’s memories of stolen kisses and exhilarating guerilla missions. Together, they must track down what became of Vera’s creator and his cache of occult texts before this forbidden knowledge becomes a dangerous weapon in the hands of the enemy. But as she fights to avenge the dead and protect the living, Vera is also fighting for a future for herself.

Wrath Becomes Her deftly mixes the traditional golem of Jewish folklore with elements of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. In Jewish legend, golems are creatures made purely from clay and animated through the mystical knowledge of learned scholars. In this novel, Ezra violates Jewish law and cultural taboos to create Vera using the body parts of the dead, calling her “a desecration, but necessary.” Like Victor Frankenstein, Ezra is repulsed by his creation and cannot give her the kind of fatherly love and affection she craves so desperately. Like Frankenstein’s monster, Vera fears being rejected by the world and struggles to find a place where she can belong. Throughout the book, Vera wrestles with the question of what makes someone human and what makes someone a monster. She feels guilty for the method of her creation, but also frustrated that she is hated for something that happened before she ever came into being and over which she had no control. Luckily, she has an easier time finding community than Frankenstein’s monster did. Though she is careful at first to hide the blasphemous aspects of her creation, she is able to meet Jews who at least have the context of knowing what a golem is and are willing to welcome her into their spaces long enough to get to know her. It is these relationships with others and with a larger community that ultimately give Vera a sense of purpose and identity strong enough to let her imagine the future.

My favorite thing about this book is how deeply, unapologetically Jewish it is. I’ve written a bit before about how we’ve really seen a rise in Jewish fantasy and horror within the last few years. However, I find that many of these books hold back, only incorporating one or two elements from Jewish history or folklore while still trying to be palatable or familiar to a non-Jewish audience. But Wrath Becomes Her is not just a historical fantasy novel with a golem in it. The entire book is deeply immersed in Jewish practices, traditions, philosophies, and spiritual teachings. Yet this is done in a way that I think will still be accessible to non-Jewish readers. There’s a glossary in the back explaining Hebrew and Yiddish words and religious terms. And throughout the novel, the author smoothly works in explanations for the golem myth, the legend of Pardes, and other culturally specific stories, phrases, or ideas. This is absolutely a book that can be enjoyed by anyone, but I’m so excited for the current generation of young readers that will get to grow up with fun fantasy novels that celebrate and revel in their Jewishness.

If you like thought-provoking Gothic tales and action-packed stories about punching Nazis, Wrath Becomes Her has it all!

I’m generally not a big fan of reimagining‘s. Especially when I wasn’t a fan of the source material, in this case of Frankenstein.

BUT this was really good. It is still a very dark story exploring a very dark time in human history World War Two, from a Jewish perspective.

I really liked Vera’s character and her exploration of her existence. We meet interesting characters on her journey that complement the story. Definitely a worthy read.

I was so excited for this book. The cover is stunning, the elevator pitch is intriguing, and I enjoy stories based during WW2. Unfortunately, this just fell short for me. The idea was great, it was just the execution was lacking. Vera was more timid than I expected, and took to following Akiva very easily. Which, while it is in the folklore to follow a master, it wasn't expected for her to follow him and change her own thoughts about things just to suit him. Overall there wasn't enough time or movement in their, not even relationship, but just friendship. Which makes sense considering the nature of life around them during the time they know each other. The part that felt the most out of place to me was the inclusion of the German golem. With him being brought in so late in the story, it just didn't feel like his part was originally included in the plot of the story. It just fell flat for me in so many ways. It was still interesting enough to finish reading, but it needs a bit more oomph in terms of Vera mainly.

I was intrigued by the premise of this book, and it was indeed interesting and easy to read. The pace flowed well and never dragged. The book centers around the resistance effort of Jews in Lithuania against the Nazis, from the perspective of a golem, a mythical Jewish monster created in the image of a human. The main character Vera struggles with her purpose and identity-created solely for vengeance by a grieving father, she wants to be more than just the inherited memories and feelings of a dead girl.

The book was pretty violent and bloody, and the ending left a little to be desired. But it was a unique twist on WW2 fiction and I can recommend it for those who don't mind the darker subject matter.

3.5/5 stars!!

First of all lemme just say I love the Jewish representation and how this tied the mysticism of Jewish folklore with elements of historical fiction together for such a compelling tale. The beginning was so amazing and just sucked you in, but there were moments for me where I struggled to stay engaged towards the middle. It came around and I loved it so much for that. I think that overall the writing could have definitely used a bit more finesse, but honestly I was just happy to see a tale of Jewish empowerment so tied to the culture.

Lithuania, 1943: Ezra’s daughter, Chaya, was killed by Nazis. Since he couldn’t bring her back from the dead, he created a golem in her image to kill Nazis and avenge Chaya’s death. The golem, Vera, has many of Chaya’s memories, including the face of the man who killed her. Soon after Vera is created, their home is attacked and she is separated from Ezra. Vera meets Chaya’s old friend Akiva, and they go on a journey together to find Ezra and survive the war.

This story is a retelling of Frankenstein. It’s unfortunate that when this book was published, another war has just begun. There were many images in this story that reflected what has been on the news in the past couple of weeks. These may be triggering to some readers, but I felt like it was important to read, especially right now, to see a glimpse of what the people experiencing war are feeling. Though Vera was considered a “monster” because she wasn’t human, she learned humanity and realized that killing more people won’t bring back those that were lost.

Wrath Becomes Her is a powerful story.

Thank you Inkyard Press for providing a copy of this book.

Content warnings: war, death of child, death of parent, murder

This book is a brutal examination of the meaning of "being human", the cost of revenge, and how far one is willing to push their faith in search of revenge/retribution. The imagery of a golem being not just a moving lump of clay and mud, but an almost-human being with the literal words of holy texts in her skin and memories of both the river she came from and those of the girl indirectly responsible for her existence is hauntingly beautiful. Vera's desire to be accepted for what and who she was, not who she reminded others of, really hit home for me. Yes, she exists because of one man's need for vengeance, but she's very much her own person as well. Craving validation from the one who created her is very personal (ex. people from abusive or otherwise toxic homes) and also very existential (ex. people seeking some kind of sign from a higher power that their life is important). It was difficult to get through some passages because of how emotional that was. But that's how I know the story is good: it made me *feel*.

I love this book so much!

This is a beautifully written book with such an interesting and unique plot that I've never read before. I do think this book would have actually worked better as an adult book and that would have made it more impactful with less of a YA feel to it. I normally love YA books, but the subject material and plot of this book would have been improved with a more adult-feel to the writing and characterization.

This books comes at such a sensative time, it was almost hard for me to a process as a Jew. This story is based around grief and the horrors the Jewish people suffered at the hands of the Nazis, which unfortunately doesn't seem so far away considering current circumstances. The golem has always been a well known Jewish myth and it is brought to life very well and terryfyingly in this book. I would definitely consider picking up this book and reading it through a different lens in several months.

Set in Lithuania in 1943, Wrath Becomes Her looks at themes of loss and revenge during World War II.
Chaya is a resistance fighter who is killed by Nazis. Her father Ezra funnels his grief and need for revenge into a golem, an animated clay humanoid being from Jewish folklore. Using ancient and forbidden magic, he imbues his daughter’s body parts into the golem hoping to recreate her. While he is unable to perfectly recreate her, Ezra is able to bring to life this creature with his daughter’s memories. Named Vera, this creature has one goal: to take revenge on those who killed Chaya. But Vera is not just some objective without desires of her own. Soon her purpose becomes more than just simply killing.
Aden Polydoros explains in his introduction that he takes some liberty with the mythology of the golem, choosing for a gothic feel to his tale. Polydoros succeeds in separating the golems of this story from more traditional versions. He even brings the Kabbalah into the play which is the book of Jewish mysticism (readers might be familiar with the exaggerated and exploitive version once promoted by big celebrities). He also succeeds in his wish of making the Jewish characters power heroes of their stories instead of passive victims waiting for rescue.
I have enjoyed his young readers’ work including Ring of Solomon. This book gears a little older than that one though. This one is for teens and includes some gory parts. The writing style isn’t complex nor is it boring making it not only easy to read but moves the story along nicely. The only negative is that so many ideas are barely touched on. Vera had deep thoughts and while expressed in ways that are easy to understand, not a lot of time is spent on rumination. In fact, World War II itself is emotionally complex and none of these ideas get to marinate instead Polydoros favors quick action so the story isn’t bogged down.
The ending left me wanting more, to see how the resolution plays out past the pages.

Publication Date: October 10
I received an ARC from the publisher; all opinions are my own.

I have mixed feelings about this book, mostly because I feel like I was expecting something different than what I got. Wrath Becomes Her follows Vera, who is a golem created to avenge Chaya’s death by her father. And I guess that with that title and with the description mentioning Inglorious Basterds, I was expecting something more vengeful, and this is not really what I feel I got.

The story does bring Jewish folklore and mixes it up with the history of World War II, and I think there is something to say about Vera’s humanity through the story, which shines in a way that felt interesting, but contradictory to what I was sold. And I think that’s where I felt a little let down, because I was in the mood for a story of vengeance. And I guess, it is in the book description that there is that part about her confronting what it means to be human. But you cannot expect me to read Frankenstein meets Inglorious Basterds without expecting a little more vengeful actions.

Still, I think it is an interesting read, and I don’t regret reading it. I simply wish I had different expectations, as I think it would have led me to enjoy it more.

Actual rating: 3.5 stars

This was a well-written story with lots of focus on Jewish mythology and the Holocaust. However, I would've liked to see more of Vera's "wrath." She was not as badass as she could've been, especially since she was created for the sole purpose of killing Nazis. I felt like she ran around a lot and trailed after Akiva way too often. The romance should've definitely taken a backseat to the actual storyline.

A modern twist on Frankenstein and the World War II era set in Lithuania with the mythological Golem, protector of the Jewish people. This was an excellent story, with action and heart wrenching emotion that keeps you on the edge of your seat and rooting for the MC.

A father who is consumed by grief for his daughter killed by Nazis. He uses Kishuf- an ancient profane magic- to create a Golem in her image to exact Vengeance.

I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect from this one, and it exceeded my expectations. I felt the despair, the heartache, the immense grief, and the anger as it just flowed from the author’s writing. This is by far one of my favorite reads of 2023! The creativity of this story is next level, and is definitely a book I recommend to all.

I throughly enjoyed this book, the premise of this book is fascinating. It is extremely thought invoking and powerful. It was a great yet sorrowful read.

I felt the strength of this book’s voice by the first chapter, and by the second I was enthralled. The language is vivid, the pacing is urgent, and I loved the internal conflict of the narrator. I have never read a story like this before. I look forward to reading more from this author! Thank you to Inkyard Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review! My review will be posted on Instagram @rivalreads in the next week.

“Humans were capable of the same brutality and violence. My rage was simply a reflection of their own.”

This book was really well executed in my opinion. The premise of a Nazi killing Frankenstein of vengeance really pulled me in. It’s hard to pull together my opinion on this book because I felt a lot of things. It brought in a lot of self questioning of humanity and how cruel and unfair humanity really is. I was left stunned and sad in a lot of these charters as we followed Vera in her journey to find purpose and what personhood really is.

This is the first book by Aden Polydoros that I’ve read. I started BONE WEAVER, but got pulled away from the book before I could finish it. I knew from that that I liked the writing style, so I felt pretty confident that I would like this book– and I did!

The subject is pretty dark, and the story takes place in winter in Lithuania, so it’s freezing cold in the middle of a war in which the Jews aren’t guaranteed to be safe even from the soldiers fighting against the Germans.Vera’s exploration of her identity and her desperation to understand humanity reminded me a lot of the book FRANKENSTEIN. She knows she’s other, but she has such deep human impulses and desires, and at first, she idolizes humans. The more she sees war and how people treat one another, the less enamored she is with people.

I thought the story might follow a well-established pattern in which the idea of personhood is explored and romance happens between a created being and a human. There are some hints of romance, especially on Vera’s side, but the story doesn’t center around romantic love.

I really liked the ending of the book. It wasn’t simple, but it felt right to me. I think readers who enjoyed THIS REBEL HEART by Katherine Locke will like this one, too.

Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions my own.

I started reading Wrath Becomes Her by Aden Polydoros the day after Hamas led that surprise attack on Israel. That attack and the subsequent counterattacks impacted my approach to Ms. Polydoros' novel. Suddenly, Vera's ideas about humanity and what it means to be human carry more weight.

While Wrath Becomes Her occurs during World War II and Latvia's fight to oust Nazi Germany from its borders, Vera's story could occur during today's ongoing tragedy. While she is a golem and the story is from a Jewish perspective, what she sees and experiences applies to any people facing genocide.

Since Vera is not human, she is uniquely qualified to observe human behavior. Her criticisms of those who choose hate rather than love and destruction rather than creation are powerful and, sadly, timely. It is a powerful statement against the insanity that is the destruction of any life for any reason.

There are people who will read Wrath Becomes Her and form certain opinions about what it means to be Jewish and what the Jewish people deserve after all the atrocities done to them over the centuries. However, to do so, I feel, is to miss Ms. Polydoros's point. Vera speaks out about all human behavior, not limiting her observations to the Nazis and Soviets. All life is beautiful, and no one deserves to have their life cut short by someone else.