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Through Bullets and Thunderstorms: A Holocaust Survival Pact
Through Bullets and Thunderstorms is a historical fiction novel that reads like a dystopian horror book and is inspired by her true story. It follows Maria, an 18-year-old Ukrainian Jewish girl living through the Holocaust.
Devastated by the mass executions in her Ukrainian home town, she runs to the river intending to end her life. What she didn’t count on, was finding another girl with the exact same plan.
What followed was essentially a comedy of Maria, who was incredibly short and couldn’t swim, jumped into the river yelling at the girl to stop—only to immediately start drowning herself. And so, the other girl had to rescue Maria, and pull her out of the water. And just like that, soaked, coughing and shivering, the two girls made a pact to survive together.
This chance encounter became the foundation of a powerful story about sisterhood, resilience, and finding hope even in the bleakest of times.
Praise for the “A story so unbelievable it shouldn’t be true. Bullets and Thunderstorms starts off with a horrifying bang and doesn’t let you breathe until the very last page. This incredible survival story reminds us that when hate and bigotry are given permission to grow, brave heroes will always rise up against it.
The beautiful, personal details that Scarlet weaves into her family history bring to life the suffering and perseverance of her grandmother’s remarkable story. Shocking, unflinching, and true, this book should be required reading—as both a warning, and an inspiration. Hope is embroidered through every page.”
- Lora Innes (author of “The Dreamer”)
“Janina Scarlet takes an unflinching look at the Holocaust but serves as a reliable guide through some of history’s darkest moments. Compelling, heartbreaking, and uplifting in equal measures. Highly recommended!”
- Jonathan Maberry, NY Times bestselling author of NecroTek and Burn to Shine”
“I have read many Holocaust books, but this one is definitely the top! Not only because we have such similar stories, but because Janina's soul and heart are so apparent on every page. Her unique understanding of the human condition, her love, tenderness and deep sensitivity are so obvious. This makes it feel like you are experiencing the book alongside with her amazing grandmother.
What a testament to the ugliest and most beautiful parts of humanity, all at once. This book is a must read, and I feel so honored to have read it.”
- Marina Triner (The Compassionate Somatic Coach)
"A tense and upsetting but ultimately uplifting historical drama that highlights the horrors of wartime survival."
- Kirkus Reviews
"Scarlet’s prose, while unsparing in its portrayal of violence and psychological strain, maintains a beating heart. The growing bond between Maria and the other enslaved women—particularly a scene where they share stories to remind themselves they’re still human—is one of the novel’s most poignant moments, and Maria’s transformation from traumatized teenager to a protective force for her fellow Ostarbeiter women is powerful. Scarlet (author of Superhero Therapy) doesn’t just present Maria as a passive witness to atrocity, but as someone grappling with what kind of survivor she wants to an idealized image of a well-behaved young lady or one forged in suffering and sisterhood.
Devastated by the mass executions in her Ukrainian home town, she runs to the river intending to end her life. What she didn’t count on, was finding another girl with the exact same plan.
What followed was essentially a comedy of Maria, who was incredibly short and couldn’t swim, jumped into the river yelling at the girl to stop—only to immediately start drowning herself. And so, the other girl had to rescue Maria, and pull her out of the water. And just like that, soaked, coughing and shivering, the two girls made a pact to survive together.
This chance encounter became the foundation of a powerful story about sisterhood, resilience, and finding hope even in the bleakest of times.
Praise for the “A story so unbelievable it shouldn’t be true. Bullets and Thunderstorms starts off with a horrifying bang and doesn’t let you breathe until the very last page. This incredible survival story reminds us that when hate and bigotry are given permission to grow, brave heroes will always rise up against it.
The beautiful, personal details that Scarlet weaves into her family history bring to life the suffering and perseverance of her grandmother’s remarkable story. Shocking, unflinching, and true, this book should be required reading—as both a warning, and an inspiration. Hope is embroidered through every page.”
- Lora Innes (author of “The Dreamer”)
“Janina Scarlet takes an unflinching look at the Holocaust but serves as a reliable guide through some of history’s darkest moments. Compelling, heartbreaking, and uplifting in equal measures. Highly recommended!”
- Jonathan Maberry, NY Times bestselling author of NecroTek and Burn to Shine”
“I have read many Holocaust books, but this one is definitely the top! Not only because we have such similar stories, but because Janina's soul and heart are so apparent on every page. Her unique understanding of the human condition, her love, tenderness and deep sensitivity are so obvious. This makes it feel like you are experiencing the book alongside with her amazing grandmother.
What a testament to the ugliest and most beautiful parts of humanity, all at once. This book is a must read, and I feel so honored to have read it.”
- Marina Triner (The Compassionate Somatic Coach)
"A tense and upsetting but ultimately uplifting historical drama that highlights the horrors of wartime survival."
- Kirkus Reviews
"Scarlet’s prose, while unsparing in its portrayal of violence and psychological strain, maintains a beating heart. The growing bond between Maria and the other enslaved women—particularly a scene where they share stories to remind themselves they’re still human—is one of the novel’s most poignant moments, and Maria’s transformation from traumatized teenager to a protective force for her fellow Ostarbeiter women is powerful. Scarlet (author of Superhero Therapy) doesn’t just present Maria as a passive witness to atrocity, but as someone grappling with what kind of survivor she wants to an idealized image of a well-behaved young lady or one forged in suffering and sisterhood.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
456 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 8, 2025
1 person is currently reading
1110 people want to read
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October 13, 2025
Through Bullets and Thunderstorms is a haunting and profoundly moving testament to resilience, courage, and the human spirit. Janina Scarlet masterfully blends historical truth with unforgettable storytelling, immersing readers in Maria’s harrowing journey during the Holocaust. The novel captures both the unimaginable horrors of war and the enduring power of hope, sisterhood, and survival. Scarlet’s intimate, heartfelt narration makes each moment visceral, shocking, and ultimately inspiring reminding us that even in humanity’s darkest hours, bravery and compassion shine through. A remarkable story that lingers long after the last page.
Displaying 1 of 1 review