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blewballoon's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
I honestly only picked this audiobook up because it was narrated by my favorite narrator Moira Quirk and I have been in the mood for historical fiction. Apart from the narration, I went in with very low expectations and was pleasantly surprised! Due to the choice of setting, there is so much tension right from the start and all the way to the end. Not only do we have the sexism faced by a lone young woman in the group of pilots, the underlying competition among the flyers, and the clashing political views from the various countries the pilots represent, it's also right at the edge of WWII breaking out for real. There's plane sabotage and a murder mystery on top of all that! I enjoyed the characters of the young pilots and how (mild spoiler) despite the suspicion just after the first instances of sabotage, they did come together as friends and help each other. It was wholesome how much they cheered each other on in the race and celebrated each other's successes. This book is categorized as young adult, but I would often forget how young the characters were, they were quite capable and mature. Poor Moira Quirk was really put through her paces here having to cover such a wide range of accents, but she did a fantastic job and made the characters distinct and the action sequences engaging.
Content Warnings
Moderate: War, Gun violence, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Antisemitism, Racism, Murder, Sexism, Medical content, and Suicide
oceanwriter's review
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
fast-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
4.75
Elizabeth Wein is one of the authors that I will automatically read without so much as glancing at the plot. Maybe I'm biased, but there's something about the style of her stories that I thoroughly enjoy.
A couple of years before World War II, countries come together in the name of peace for a race against their young pilots. Stella North is chosen to represent Britain. Being the only female in the competition means her work is cut out for her, however, she isn't fazed. That is until a series of strange and suspicious accidents begin to happen. Together with a couple of her fellow contestants, they try to get to the bottom of the misfortunes.
Code Name Verity is one of my all-time favorite books/series so my expectations were definitely high. I enjoyed the story a lot, though I must admit not as much. The build-up takes up a good two-thirds of the book before really getting into the excitement. If I'm interpreting the author's note correctly, it sounds like this will also be a series. If that is the case, I'm looking forward to the continuation.
Another thing that struck me as different in this book from the previous ones is that there seemed to be a heavier implication of romance. I can take or leave it, but I guess it sort of surprised me. The characters are wonderful though (as always) so I'm intrigued enough. This like the Code Name Verity series continues to stand out from other books in the historical fiction genre. It's exciting, unique, and good-hearted. Looking forward to what comes next!
A couple of years before World War II, countries come together in the name of peace for a race against their young pilots. Stella North is chosen to represent Britain. Being the only female in the competition means her work is cut out for her, however, she isn't fazed. That is until a series of strange and suspicious accidents begin to happen. Together with a couple of her fellow contestants, they try to get to the bottom of the misfortunes.
Code Name Verity is one of my all-time favorite books/series so my expectations were definitely high. I enjoyed the story a lot, though I must admit not as much. The build-up takes up a good two-thirds of the book before really getting into the excitement. If I'm interpreting the author's note correctly, it sounds like this will also be a series. If that is the case, I'm looking forward to the continuation.
Another thing that struck me as different in this book from the previous ones is that there seemed to be a heavier implication of romance. I can take or leave it, but I guess it sort of surprised me. The characters are wonderful though (as always) so I'm intrigued enough. This like the Code Name Verity series continues to stand out from other books in the historical fiction genre. It's exciting, unique, and good-hearted. Looking forward to what comes next!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Antisemitism, Death, and Racism
Minor: War and Death of parent
paperbackportals's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-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
4.0
📖Review: Stateless by Elizabeth Wein
This high flying adventure will have you on the edge of your seat.
Stella North, also known as the British Rose, is the only female pilot participating in the Circus of the Air, a publicity event trying to promote peace in Europe. From day one, tensions rise as Stella witnesses a murder on her first flight. Who could be trying to undermine the intent of the event? As the event continues, secrets of the flyers are revealed and the stakes are high.
This thrilling romp through 1937 Europe conveys the wonder of flying during this time period, while also carefully revealing the tension in Europe as history approaches WWII. Through the entire story, I could feel the powder keg of Europe through the travel of the air race and between the contestants.
This YA historical fiction is perfect for:
▪️those curious about Europe leading into WWII
▪️those interested in bi-planes and other aviation technology
▪️readers of Alan Gratz novels
▪️readers who love historical fiction
I could hardly put this book down as I read it. I highly recommend this thrilling adventure.
Thank you @penguinrandomca for a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
This high flying adventure will have you on the edge of your seat.
Stella North, also known as the British Rose, is the only female pilot participating in the Circus of the Air, a publicity event trying to promote peace in Europe. From day one, tensions rise as Stella witnesses a murder on her first flight. Who could be trying to undermine the intent of the event? As the event continues, secrets of the flyers are revealed and the stakes are high.
This thrilling romp through 1937 Europe conveys the wonder of flying during this time period, while also carefully revealing the tension in Europe as history approaches WWII. Through the entire story, I could feel the powder keg of Europe through the travel of the air race and between the contestants.
This YA historical fiction is perfect for:
▪️those curious about Europe leading into WWII
▪️those interested in bi-planes and other aviation technology
▪️readers of Alan Gratz novels
▪️readers who love historical fiction
I could hardly put this book down as I read it. I highly recommend this thrilling adventure.
Thank you @penguinrandomca for a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Death, and Violence
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