Max in the Land of Lies

This sequel builds on the first book, Max in the House of Spies, and I can’t praise it strongly enough.

It’s not a specifically gay read, though that said – there is a gay character and there are references to the situation in Nazi controlled Germany for gay men. Max is thirteen. His sexuality is not addressed, but it is not difficult to read him as a young gay kid – he doesn’t do sports, he isn’t particularly interested in girls, and he forms an attachment to a boy his age. And he is particularly sensible about homosexuality when the subject comes up.

This is not a middle grade book that tiptoes around the more horrific aspects of the holocaust or around war itself. Bad things happen in this book, BUT it is all handled in a way that is appropriate for a middle grade book. I found it an extremely satisfying read as an adult and I learned a lot. I love that at the end of the book, the author included information about all the historical characters that Max meets, in addition to a thorough bibliography.

Max in the Land of Lies is a powerful read in this time where we see the popularity of fascist leaders within the US. This duology shines a light on the methods of totalitarianism, the power of a Big Lie, and it’s hard to not see shades of orange skin when we read about a certain ordinary looking man with a little mustache who loves the sound of his own voice.

* * * * *

“A heartrending masterpiece of middle-grade historical fiction.″ –Booklist, starred review

“The whip-smart combination of intrigue and adventure along with thought-provoking reflection makes for a nail-biting, laugh-out loud, stop-and-think read.” –School Library Journal, starred review

“A headlong thriller laced with provocative and topical historical truths.” –Kirkus, starred review

Max Bretzfeld is back in Berlin where his most dangerous mission is about to begin! The thrilling conclusion to the World War II spy duology that began with Max in the House of Spies.

Max is on a mission.
Well, two missions.

One has been assigned by his British spymasters: Infiltrate the Funkhaus, the center of Nazi radio and propaganda.

The other they have forbidden: Find his parents.

Max Bretzfeld was willing to do anything to return to Germany, even become a British spy. Training complete and forged papers in hand, the radio wunderkind’s missions have begun. But nothing is as he expected. His parents are missing. Nazi intelligence is watching him. And the lines between lies and truth are becoming more blurred every day. Max will need every tool at his disposal, from his radio expertise and spy training to the help of Berg and Stein, the immortal creatures living on his shoulders. Even so, there’s no guarantee he’ll make it out of Berlin alive.

Instant New York Times bestseller! USA Today bestseller!

The Purple Fantastic Steam Meter gives this a 1. It is completely appropriate for younger readers, though it does address some of the more horrific aspects of war in an age appropriate way, and it does acknowledge that LGBTQ people exist. You can read more about the Steam Ratings on the About Page.

book-author

Adam Gidwitz

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Description

“A heartrending masterpiece of middle-grade historical fiction.″ –Booklist, starred review

“The whip-smart combination of intrigue and adventure along with thought-provoking reflection makes for a nail-biting, laugh-out loud, stop-and-think read.” –School Library Journal, starred review

“A headlong thriller laced with provocative and topical historical truths.” –Kirkus, starred review

Max Bretzfeld is back in Berlin where his most dangerous mission is about to begin! The thrilling conclusion to the World War II spy duology that began with Max in the House of Spies.

Max is on a mission.
Well, two missions.

One has been assigned by his British spymasters: Infiltrate the Funkhaus, the center of Nazi radio and propaganda.

The other they have forbidden: Find his parents.

Max Bretzfeld was willing to do anything to return to Germany, even become a British spy. Training complete and forged papers in hand, the radio wunderkind’s missions have begun. But nothing is as he expected. His parents are missing. Nazi intelligence is watching him. And the lines between lies and truth are becoming more blurred every day. Max will need every tool at his disposal, from his radio expertise and spy training to the help of Berg and Stein, the immortal creatures living on his shoulders. Even so, there’s no guarantee he’ll make it out of Berlin alive.

Instant New York Times bestseller! USA Today bestseller!

Additional information

book-author

Adam Gidwitz

Format

Audiobook, Hardcover, Kindle Books

Language

English

Publisher

Dutton Books for Young Readers

Pages

352

Year Published

2025

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