I have a huge fascination with history and all things history really. But there are certain time periods that stand out to me most, that I always will be most interested in--usually war time periods like the American Revolution, The Civil War, WW1 & 2... I also adore ancient history that has anything to do with the Egyptians, Celtics, and Vikings. Okay. So you get it. I'm a history geek. 
 Anyways, one of my biggest interests is the WW2 time period and Holocaust. Though it is one of the world's darkest time periods, I seem to never be able to deny reading or learning anything in this area. If a book has a summary that includes the timeframe, I'm almost sure to add it to my list immediately. 
 Conspiracy of Blood and Smoke is the sequel to The Prisoner of Night and Fog, a historical fiction novel I'd read last year and fell in love within only a few chapters. This unique storyline is filled with a mixture of facts and fiction, giving it a very real depth. I was really excited to get granted the e-arc for CoBaS so I could continue following the characters' stories through this dangerous time. 
 In this installment, the reader sees through them that things are looking a lot more grim. Everything has become an obstacle now, especially for Daniel. His and Gretchen's relationship is tested to the max, and my heart hurts the entire time for them, and for the growing turmoil of the countries, while I'm reading. This book took on a lot more emotion I think than the first. It was darker. And at times, hard to read (not hard as in a bad hard, if you know what I mean). 
 If you've read Prisoner of Night and Fog, you won't be disappointed in this one. 
 If you haven't read Prisoner of Night and Fog and started on these characters and their story, what are you waiting for? Read these books. 
 4.5 stars