Wolves
The title of the book, names, and wolf tattoos all indicate that the animal is clearly significant symbolically. One of the characters is actually named Adele Wolfe. The protagonist of the story, Yael, has a veritable pack of wolves tattooed on her arm. Yael is tasked with impersonating Adele through a means of shapeshifting which allows her to actually change her physical appearance almost completely. One of few elements that cannot be altered are tattoos and so Yael will always be Yael as a result of the tattoos no matter how much she looks like Adele otherwise. The wolves are clearly intended to symbolize identity within an alternative version of our world in which identity becomes much more ambiguous.
The Axis Tour
The centerpiece of the plot is a cross-country motorcycle race known as the Axis Tour. The race stretches across multiple continents, parts of which are under control of the fascist countries that won World War II in this alternative history. The Axis Tour is situated within the narrative as symbolizing the victorious glory of the fascist regime.
Experiment 85
The genetic mutation experiments which ultimately allows Yael to shapeshift so that she can look like another person is a mistake. The original intent was to lighten pigment, hair color, and transform eye color to blue. These are the physical attributes which Nazis identify as representative of the so-called superior Aryan race. The ironic symbolism inherent in this experiment is that, if successful, it will only create cosmetic changes capable of fooling even actual members of the alleged supreme Aryan race. Experiment 85 symbolizes the unscientific validity of race itself which is not genetic, but entirely an experimental social construct.
Red
The color red permeates throughout the book in a number of important ways. Red on a map indicates which parts of the world are occupied by fascist forces. Red blood stains the floor where experiments are conducted on Yael and red is the color of the armbands worn by the guards ensuring she remains a prisoner. Red is the dominant color on the flag of fascist Japan under the despotic tyranny of Emperor Hirohito. Throughout the book, red becomes the symbol of savagery and fierce oppression.
Skinshifting
The unintended effect of Experiment 85 is that Yael becomes a skinshifter. Ultimately, it will be revealed that she is not the only one with this strange ability. The simple concept of being able to reshape one's skin symbolizes the inherent danger of trusting anyone simply based on appearances. This extends not just to physical appearance, but shared viewpoints and beliefs. To judge everyone based upon an outward affinity is what leads to things like fascist genocide that is at least tacitly approved by millions who may not actively support it. The climax of the novel reveals the fundamental flaw in trusting that appearances are equitable with truth.
