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noodles01's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
beecaelin's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
louandlife's review against another edition
3.0
I picked this book up because I wanted something short to read that wasn't a manga. I feel like I've been in a mini reading slump for the past week so I wanted to finish at least one book and encourage myself to read more and try to get out of the slump before it becomes worse and an actual slump. I originally bought the book because it was written by Elizabeth Wein. I hadn't read any of her books before I bought this one, but by the time that I read this book, I have read Code Name Verity which I really did enjoy, so I had a strong feeling I would like this book.
I did like this book. It is essentially a short story into life as a female Russian pilot in WWII. Even though this book is marketed towards teens, I would have thought that it was a children's book. Like I could see like 8 year olds reading this fine. The plot itself was okay. It wasn't the story that kept me reading this book but because of the fact that the book was so short and that I would finish it soon and be able to tick off a book from my tbr. I felt like the story was too short to develop any sort of feelings. I did like the main character Nasia, and the chief, but other then those people, nobody else is developed or even around much to form any emotional attachment to them. I think this story would be interesting if it was longer and more complex.
Overall, I did enjoy this story but I think I enjoyed finishing this book more then I did reading the story. It was an average read. It didn't particularly invoke any emotions in me and I think after a few weeks/months, I'll forget about this book. I think this book would be good if a younger reader was reading it, like a child to early teen, because I feel like that is where the story would resonate most.
I did like this book. It is essentially a short story into life as a female Russian pilot in WWII. Even though this book is marketed towards teens, I would have thought that it was a children's book. Like I could see like 8 year olds reading this fine. The plot itself was okay. It wasn't the story that kept me reading this book but because of the fact that the book was so short and that I would finish it soon and be able to tick off a book from my tbr. I felt like the story was too short to develop any sort of feelings. I did like the main character Nasia, and the chief, but other then those people, nobody else is developed or even around much to form any emotional attachment to them. I think this story would be interesting if it was longer and more complex.
Overall, I did enjoy this story but I think I enjoyed finishing this book more then I did reading the story. It was an average read. It didn't particularly invoke any emotions in me and I think after a few weeks/months, I'll forget about this book. I think this book would be good if a younger reader was reading it, like a child to early teen, because I feel like that is where the story would resonate most.
cabeswaeter's review against another edition
4.0
I reaaallly liked it but it felt a bit incomplete? Could've been even better as a lpnger novel but yeah i always love Wein's female ww2 pilot stories tbh!
ejpass's review against another edition
4.0
4/5 stars
Recommended for people who like: historical fiction, Russian history, WWII, feminism, female leads, aviation, novellas
This books was much shorter than the other 'Young Pilot' books Wein has written. Likewise, I feel the narrator is younger than the other girls as well (her age was not given, just that she was no longer in school). The narrative style for Firebird is in the same style as the others as well, the narrator knows she's narrating, but it's not a journal or diary per-se.
I enjoyed the interactions between Nastia, our main character, and the Chief, her mentor. The Chief took on an obvious mentor role in the story, though she doesn't ever strictly command Nastia. As usual, Wein adds complexity even to her side-characters, giving the Chief depth as if she were real. I also really liked the descriptions Nastia gave of her parents, who were fighters in Russia's Civil War. I can't quite tell though if I fully like Nastia, however. As mentioned, her voice comes across as more immature than Maddie's, Verity's, and Rose's voices did in their stories.
Another bit of an issue I had with the book is that I was unsure of where exactly it was supposed to be going. Was it for the big reveal at the end that had little to do with Nastia? Or are we, as readers, supposed to judge Nastia's decision based on what Wein has given us about the war and Stalin's directives? Nastia says she's writing for a tribunal, but we never see any of that either. It makes the story feel a bit like it's supposed to be part of a larger whole, instead of a singular piece.
Overall, however, the writing was superb, as usual. Wein keeps many aspects of history true to how they occurred--there's a book coming out by Wein in January about the Russian female pilots during WWII--and subtly dropped in pieces of truth while weaving the fictional story around it.
Recommended for people who like: historical fiction, Russian history, WWII, feminism, female leads, aviation, novellas
This books was much shorter than the other 'Young Pilot' books Wein has written. Likewise, I feel the narrator is younger than the other girls as well (her age was not given, just that she was no longer in school). The narrative style for Firebird is in the same style as the others as well, the narrator knows she's narrating, but it's not a journal or diary per-se.
I enjoyed the interactions between Nastia, our main character, and the Chief, her mentor. The Chief took on an obvious mentor role in the story, though she doesn't ever strictly command Nastia. As usual, Wein adds complexity even to her side-characters, giving the Chief depth as if she were real. I also really liked the descriptions Nastia gave of her parents, who were fighters in Russia's Civil War. I can't quite tell though if I fully like Nastia, however. As mentioned, her voice comes across as more immature than Maddie's, Verity's, and Rose's voices did in their stories.
Another bit of an issue I had with the book is that I was unsure of where exactly it was supposed to be going. Was it for the big reveal at the end that had little to do with Nastia? Or are we, as readers, supposed to judge Nastia's decision based on what Wein has given us about the war and Stalin's directives? Nastia says she's writing for a tribunal, but we never see any of that either. It makes the story feel a bit like it's supposed to be part of a larger whole, instead of a singular piece.
Overall, however, the writing was superb, as usual. Wein keeps many aspects of history true to how they occurred--there's a book coming out by Wein in January about the Russian female pilots during WWII--and subtly dropped in pieces of truth while weaving the fictional story around it.
libkatem's review against another edition
2.0
I wanted a book about night witches.
And look, when Wein writes about pilots, buckle up, because she's ordinarly so very good at it.
This? Was less nuanced than what I would expect from her. It's very: yay glorious soviet! with a side of: do you still like Romanovs?
It took me an hour to read, so if that's your style, go for it.
And look, when Wein writes about pilots, buckle up, because she's ordinarly so very good at it.
This? Was less nuanced than what I would expect from her. It's very: yay glorious soviet! with a side of: do you still like Romanovs?
It took me an hour to read, so if that's your style, go for it.
ellasreads's review
adventurous
dark
informative
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
chloeandherbooks's review against another edition
5.0
*I was sent a copy to review by the publisher however this in no way affects my opinion *
5 stars
“Where does courage come from, and why does it not burn as steadily as loyalty and love? Loyalty and love are the fuel for courage. They never go out.”
Elizabeth Wein is one of my favourite authors so when I heard she was writing another book about a female pilot I was ecstatic. So this is a story based in the Soviet Union during WW2 about a young woman named Anastasia who becomes a pilot. I absolutely loved this especially Elizabeth Wein’s writing it’s so captivating, I especially enjoyed the scenes where Anastasia was flying and you can tell the author has thoroughly researched female Russian pilots and the environment of the Soviet empire at this time which really helps create the atmosphere.
The plot was engrossing as we followed Anastasia on her journey from a pilot trainer to joining a female pilot regiment. However she faces heartbreak as it is revealed that both of her parents have passed away while she is in Engels and she breaks down and tells the chief about her family. I liked the relationship between the chief and Anastasia – they’re both really powerful characters who have an amazing friendship. Elizabeth Wein is honestly truly amazing at writing about female friendships. I also loved the characters in this novel especially Anastasia she was brave daring. I was truly devastated for her when she found out her parents passed away. The chief is another character I just absolutely loved , I loved that she was distant to begin with then her and Anastasia developed a true friendship.
A big part of this story involves the Romanov family who were executed by Bolshevik troops in 1918. I found this enthralling as it is discussed throughout the novel whether or not any of the family survived and it is revealed that the chief is indeed one of the Romanov family who escaped and I just thought this was such a clever plot twist.
Overall I really loved this – everything about it was amazing from the characters to the plot and it’s also really easy to read so I highly recommend. Thank you to Barrington Stoke publishers for sending me a copy.
5 stars
“Where does courage come from, and why does it not burn as steadily as loyalty and love? Loyalty and love are the fuel for courage. They never go out.”
Elizabeth Wein is one of my favourite authors so when I heard she was writing another book about a female pilot I was ecstatic. So this is a story based in the Soviet Union during WW2 about a young woman named Anastasia who becomes a pilot. I absolutely loved this especially Elizabeth Wein’s writing it’s so captivating, I especially enjoyed the scenes where Anastasia was flying and you can tell the author has thoroughly researched female Russian pilots and the environment of the Soviet empire at this time which really helps create the atmosphere.
The plot was engrossing as we followed Anastasia on her journey from a pilot trainer to joining a female pilot regiment. However she faces heartbreak as it is revealed that both of her parents have passed away while she is in Engels and she breaks down and tells the chief about her family. I liked the relationship between the chief and Anastasia – they’re both really powerful characters who have an amazing friendship. Elizabeth Wein is honestly truly amazing at writing about female friendships. I also loved the characters in this novel especially Anastasia she was brave daring. I was truly devastated for her when she found out her parents passed away. The chief is another character I just absolutely loved , I loved that she was distant to begin with then her and Anastasia developed a true friendship.
A big part of this story involves the Romanov family who were executed by Bolshevik troops in 1918. I found this enthralling as it is discussed throughout the novel whether or not any of the family survived and it is revealed that the chief is indeed one of the Romanov family who escaped and I just thought this was such a clever plot twist.
Overall I really loved this – everything about it was amazing from the characters to the plot and it’s also really easy to read so I highly recommend. Thank you to Barrington Stoke publishers for sending me a copy.
backonthealex's review against another edition
4.0
"I am not a traitor" or so claims Anastasia Viktorovna Nabokova, Nastia for short. She is accused of landing her plan in German held territory and although it held personal risks for her, her action defied Stalin's Order Number 227 issued July 1942, disallowing retreat by demanding "Not one step backward." But Nastia did it anyway. Is she a traitor? After you read her story, you can be the judge.
Nastia had just finished high school and working as a instructor at the Leningrad Youth Aeroclub, the only woman except for the Chief Flight Instructor, on the day that Germany begins her invasion of the Soviet Union. Nastia, along with her fellow (male) pilots immediately go to enlist, but while the men are accepted, she is sent back to the Aeroclub to train more pilots. There, the Chief tells her to write to Marina Raskova, a famous Russian pilot who has access to Stalin, if she wants to fly in the war.
Fighting is in Nastia's blood. Her parents were both important participants in the 1917 Russian Revolution, fighting in the Red Army, and her father had been the driver of the wagon that transported the bodies Czar Nicholas II, and his family after they were executed. And although Anastasia was the name of the Czar's youngest daughter, Nastia's parents named her that because of its meaning - rebirth.
As the German's push forward, the pilots are forced to evacuate the Aeroclub and their training planes are taken to a safe place. Nastia and the Chief end up in Moscow. There, they are finally allowed to fly in the war, and the Chief chooses Nastia to be her wingman (meaning Nastia will be positioned behind the Chief's plane). But when the Chief makes a decision to ram a German plane after she runs out of ammunition, Nastia must make a snap decision as well when she sees her parachuting out of her plane and being shot at - land and help the Chief or return to the air base. It's pretty clear from the opening line of this novella what Nastia's choice is. What isn't clear? What Nastia discovers when she lands. Boy howdy, I did not see that coming.
Narrated in the first person by Nastia, Firebird unfolds as an exciting novella as she defends her actions to the tribunal who will determine her fate. It is a short, easy to read book, written in five parts plus a Prologue. The time frame is short, only running from early summer 1941 to spring/summer 1942, but it is a year of change, loss, success and growth for Nastia.
As her story unfolds, Wein has managed to include enough actual history and information about the Russian Revolution and the assassination of the Romanov family so that readers who may not be familiar with it won't get lost or lose interest in Nastia's story. In addition, Nastia is not part of the famous Russian Night Witches who were trained by Marina Raskova, but Wein does acknowledge them in Firebird. Be sure to read the Author's Note where Wein separates the facts from fiction she used in the novella.
Nastia is a great character, and Wein really brings her to life, but I particularly love her descriptions of the Chief from her bleach blond hair and make up put on like armor to her men's clothing and fancy French corset - what an enigma!
Firebird is another book published by Barrington Stoke. Barrington Stoke publishes books that are adapted for dyslexic and reluctant readers. I've read a number of their books now, and I highly recommend them for ALL readers.
Pair this with Elizabeth Wein's book White Eagles, a book about the Polish Air Force Reserve and the twin brother and sister who volunteer to fly for them during WWII. These will appeal to anyone with in interest in aviation and/or WWII.
This book is recommended for readers age 9+
This book was purchased for my personal library
Nastia had just finished high school and working as a instructor at the Leningrad Youth Aeroclub, the only woman except for the Chief Flight Instructor, on the day that Germany begins her invasion of the Soviet Union. Nastia, along with her fellow (male) pilots immediately go to enlist, but while the men are accepted, she is sent back to the Aeroclub to train more pilots. There, the Chief tells her to write to Marina Raskova, a famous Russian pilot who has access to Stalin, if she wants to fly in the war.
Fighting is in Nastia's blood. Her parents were both important participants in the 1917 Russian Revolution, fighting in the Red Army, and her father had been the driver of the wagon that transported the bodies Czar Nicholas II, and his family after they were executed. And although Anastasia was the name of the Czar's youngest daughter, Nastia's parents named her that because of its meaning - rebirth.
As the German's push forward, the pilots are forced to evacuate the Aeroclub and their training planes are taken to a safe place. Nastia and the Chief end up in Moscow. There, they are finally allowed to fly in the war, and the Chief chooses Nastia to be her wingman (meaning Nastia will be positioned behind the Chief's plane). But when the Chief makes a decision to ram a German plane after she runs out of ammunition, Nastia must make a snap decision as well when she sees her parachuting out of her plane and being shot at - land and help the Chief or return to the air base. It's pretty clear from the opening line of this novella what Nastia's choice is. What isn't clear? What Nastia discovers when she lands. Boy howdy, I did not see that coming.
Narrated in the first person by Nastia, Firebird unfolds as an exciting novella as she defends her actions to the tribunal who will determine her fate. It is a short, easy to read book, written in five parts plus a Prologue. The time frame is short, only running from early summer 1941 to spring/summer 1942, but it is a year of change, loss, success and growth for Nastia.
As her story unfolds, Wein has managed to include enough actual history and information about the Russian Revolution and the assassination of the Romanov family so that readers who may not be familiar with it won't get lost or lose interest in Nastia's story. In addition, Nastia is not part of the famous Russian Night Witches who were trained by Marina Raskova, but Wein does acknowledge them in Firebird. Be sure to read the Author's Note where Wein separates the facts from fiction she used in the novella.
Nastia is a great character, and Wein really brings her to life, but I particularly love her descriptions of the Chief from her bleach blond hair and make up put on like armor to her men's clothing and fancy French corset - what an enigma!
Firebird is another book published by Barrington Stoke. Barrington Stoke publishes books that are adapted for dyslexic and reluctant readers. I've read a number of their books now, and I highly recommend them for ALL readers.
Pair this with Elizabeth Wein's book White Eagles, a book about the Polish Air Force Reserve and the twin brother and sister who volunteer to fly for them during WWII. These will appeal to anyone with in interest in aviation and/or WWII.
This book is recommended for readers age 9+
This book was purchased for my personal library
lostcanticles's review
4.0
How can a book this short pack this much of a punch?
Anastasia "Nastia" Viktorovna Nabokova claims that she is not a traitor. This novella is an account of the whys and hows she was considered as such. And it's as she says, you can judge for yourself whether or not she is, and do with it what you will.
This has Wein's signature style; many implications between the lines and a bleak world made vivid through just a few sentences. The strong characterization shone through as always. I read this via audiobook, the narrator did a good job so I think that enhanced the experience (I probably wouldn't know what to feel about this had I read it in print). I wasn't expecting a certain plot point here and it may seem like a bit of a stretch but on the one hand, I think it's a creative twist to what is quite a well-used mystery. I didn't know what to expect by the end, which gave me no answers in itself and didn't leave me very satisfied. Nevertheless, this was an enjoyable and thrilling read.
Anastasia "Nastia" Viktorovna Nabokova claims that she is not a traitor. This novella is an account of the whys and hows she was considered as such. And it's as she says, you can judge for yourself whether or not she is, and do with it what you will.
This has Wein's signature style; many implications between the lines and a bleak world made vivid through just a few sentences. The strong characterization shone through as always. I read this via audiobook, the narrator did a good job so I think that enhanced the experience (I probably wouldn't know what to feel about this had I read it in print). I wasn't expecting a certain plot point here and it may seem like a bit of a stretch but on the one hand, I think it's a creative twist to what is quite a well-used mystery. I didn't know what to expect by the end, which gave me no answers in itself and didn't leave me very satisfied. Nevertheless, this was an enjoyable and thrilling read.