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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I loved the first two books in the series [b:Code Name Verity|11925514|Code Name Verity|Elizabeth Wein|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388161911l/11925514._SY75_.jpg|16885788] and [b:Rose Under Fire|17262236|Rose Under Fire|Elizabeth Wein|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1368219053l/17262236._SX50_.jpg|23859036] so I had high expectations with this one.
As with all her books the author takes some interesting WW2 facts and build an easy reading fictitious story around it. This one centres around a German enigma coding machine that falls into the wrong (or in this case the right) hands.
Some characters like Jamie and Queenie from previous books play a vital role in this story but as I read the other two books so long ago the thrill of recognition was muted – I blame old age.
It was a good solid read but not as memorable as the first two. The characters and their actions also felt like it was aimed at a much younger audience, but it could just be my own tastes that have changed over time.
I do have to also mention I really enjoyed the character of Jane Warner, an old feisty German biddy that needs to hide her origins amid Allied territory.
If you are at all interested in trying this author, I would recommend you start with the first two books in this series.
As with all her books the author takes some interesting WW2 facts and build an easy reading fictitious story around it. This one centres around a German enigma coding machine that falls into the wrong (or in this case the right) hands.
Some characters like Jamie and Queenie from previous books play a vital role in this story but as I read the other two books so long ago the thrill of recognition was muted – I blame old age.
It was a good solid read but not as memorable as the first two. The characters and their actions also felt like it was aimed at a much younger audience, but it could just be my own tastes that have changed over time.
I do have to also mention I really enjoyed the character of Jane Warner, an old feisty German biddy that needs to hide her origins amid Allied territory.
If you are at all interested in trying this author, I would recommend you start with the first two books in this series.
emotional
informative
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
“The Enigma Game” is an interesting historical thriller set in World War II that features multiple main characters and high stakes. It was an okay read, but it was not nearly as compelling as “Code Name Verity.”
This book jumped around so much it felt that my copy was missing pages—scenes and thoughts and interactions were rushed through with such breakneck speed I could hardly keep up. It’s disappointing that “The Enigma Game” had such pacing problems because Wein’s characters were interesting and I wanted to know what would happen to them next.
If I had read “The Enigma Game” before “Code Name Verity,” which is the chronological order of the books, I think I would have enjoyed it more. But alas, I went in publication order.
This book jumped around so much it felt that my copy was missing pages—scenes and thoughts and interactions were rushed through with such breakneck speed I could hardly keep up. It’s disappointing that “The Enigma Game” had such pacing problems because Wein’s characters were interesting and I wanted to know what would happen to them next.
If I had read “The Enigma Game” before “Code Name Verity,” which is the chronological order of the books, I think I would have enjoyed it more. But alas, I went in publication order.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Racial slurs, Racism, Blood, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, War, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
Minor: Cursing, Vomit, Suicide attempt, Colonisation
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Not quite as good as Code Name Verity or The Pearl Thief, but still very good
I received an ARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A solid companion book to Code Name Verity and Rose Under Fire. Although this is set a bit before Code Name Verity, I don't think you need to read these in order.
This book is set in Scotland and follows three different viewpoints: Louisa, who takes a job as a caregiver to an elderly German woman, Jamie, who is posted at an airbase nearby and the flight leader of a bomber squadron, and Ellen, a driver for the airbase. They all become involved when Louisa comes into possession of an Enigma machine that was left by a German who is working for the allies.
As is the case with Elizabeth Wein's other books, the story pulls you in and immerses you in World War II. You can tell she really did her research for this book, and I was moved by the trials and joys of these characters lives. Tears were shed.
I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys World War II fiction, especially if you've read and enjoyed her previous books in this collection.
A solid companion book to Code Name Verity and Rose Under Fire. Although this is set a bit before Code Name Verity, I don't think you need to read these in order.
This book is set in Scotland and follows three different viewpoints: Louisa, who takes a job as a caregiver to an elderly German woman, Jamie, who is posted at an airbase nearby and the flight leader of a bomber squadron, and Ellen, a driver for the airbase. They all become involved when Louisa comes into possession of an Enigma machine that was left by a German who is working for the allies.
As is the case with Elizabeth Wein's other books, the story pulls you in and immerses you in World War II. You can tell she really did her research for this book, and I was moved by the trials and joys of these characters lives. Tears were shed.
I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys World War II fiction, especially if you've read and enjoyed her previous books in this collection.
Captivating story. Told through the lens of 3 different characters, which can sometimes get to be a bit much, but mostly helps keep the story from being 1 noted. Best if read after pearl thief as the characters are really developed there.
4.5 stars! Loved getting Jamie's story and Ellen's! Plus having Julie show up. While Code Name Verity will always be my favourite I loved getting this story as well.
In the Enigma Game we follow the POVs of Ellen, Jamie and Louisa. All three of them bring something special to the table. Louisa just lost her parents to the war but as a part Jamaican is struggling with the racism of the time and the added difficulty this causes for her in finding work. I loved the way Elizabeth Wein treated the racism and sexism issues that were and are still present. Lousia was so much more than her race though. She was a strong young woman who wanted to make a difference. Her love of music was infectious and her ability to take care of Jane was admirable.
Ellen who we got to know in The Pearl Thief is a traveler who was hiding her heritage to avoid the dirty looks and instead to her job as a volunteer and driver. She manages to stand up for herself and others so well, seeing more of her and who she is was wonderful.
Jamie is a fabulous character and even knowing in advance what had to happen to him by the end of the book it was still extremely emotional. I cannot imagine what it was like to fly those Blenheim's knowing that you are under powered compared to the German planes. How one can survive from those loses and everything else that occurred during the war is just insane to me.
The Enigma Machine and everything about it was fascinating. The intelligent use of code names entertained me. How the coding system worked and the daily change of ciphers was sophisticated and well explained.
I also loved all the details from the Limehouse and the dead man's money. All those superstitions fascinate me.
Narration was perfect, I couldn't ask for better. I will continue to listen to everything Elizabeth Wein writes. Her books are fantastic and they chose the best narrators.
In the Enigma Game we follow the POVs of Ellen, Jamie and Louisa. All three of them bring something special to the table. Louisa just lost her parents to the war but as a part Jamaican is struggling with the racism of the time and the added difficulty this causes for her in finding work. I loved the way Elizabeth Wein treated the racism and sexism issues that were and are still present. Lousia was so much more than her race though. She was a strong young woman who wanted to make a difference. Her love of music was infectious and her ability to take care of Jane was admirable.
Ellen who we got to know in The Pearl Thief is a traveler who was hiding her heritage to avoid the dirty looks and instead to her job as a volunteer and driver. She manages to stand up for herself and others so well, seeing more of her and who she is was wonderful.
Jamie is a fabulous character and even knowing in advance what had to happen to him by the end of the book it was still extremely emotional. I cannot imagine what it was like to fly those Blenheim's knowing that you are under powered compared to the German planes. How one can survive from those loses and everything else that occurred during the war is just insane to me.
The Enigma Machine and everything about it was fascinating. The intelligent use of code names entertained me. How the coding system worked and the daily change of ciphers was sophisticated and well explained.
I also loved all the details from the Limehouse and the dead man's money. All those superstitions fascinate me.
Narration was perfect, I couldn't ask for better. I will continue to listen to everything Elizabeth Wein writes. Her books are fantastic and they chose the best narrators.
