I don't think there are many YA historical thrillers out there. I think the only one that I can recall is "Tamar" by Mal Peet, published in 2005. The dark, gritty atmosphere they created of the Netherlands in WW2 was memorable and heartbreaking. Sepetys creates a similar feeling in her descriptions of communist Romania. I would love to see how Cristian's story plays out, and whether he gets to witness the change he hopes to be.