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dianafraser17's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Elizabeth Wein describes this book as being a precursor to the war when young people could be full of hope for a better outcome. That tracks. The Gestapo are still conniving and terrifying but the young people triumph in the end. I really enjoyed the international ties incorporating the multilingualism and the connection to the Russian Revolution and Spanish Civil War which is often left out of the WWII narrative.
The characters are likable and intriguing, if not particularly deep or fleshed out. This is an action mystery thru and thru. If you're looking for the emotional depth and narrative complexity of Code Name Verity, this won't do it, but if you loved The Pearl Thief, this will be a good followup read. I usually have trouble sleeping after a CNV reread and this book is less dark so that was not a problem here.
One thing I appreciated was that none of the pilots were caricatures of their country of origin - it allowed for the difference of opinion and influence of others in a positive way. It introduced the idea and practice of courage instead of dogma.
Overall, a fun murder mystery book about European youth in the midst of the war brewing. These are the young people who would likely go on to fight in and win that war.
The characters are likable and intriguing, if not particularly deep or fleshed out. This is an action mystery thru and thru. If you're looking for the emotional depth and narrative complexity of Code Name Verity, this won't do it, but if you loved The Pearl Thief, this will be a good followup read. I usually have trouble sleeping after a CNV reread and this book is less dark so that was not a problem here.
One thing I appreciated was that none of the pilots were caricatures of their country of origin - it allowed for the difference of opinion and influence of others in a positive way. It introduced the idea and practice of courage instead of dogma.
Overall, a fun murder mystery book about European youth in the midst of the war brewing. These are the young people who would likely go on to fight in and win that war.
catsandbookstacks's review against another edition
3.5
A murder mystery set during an air race in 1937? What a fascinating setting!
Stateless is a high stakes YA historical mystery that explores peace, cooperation, identity and flight in a time of political turmoil.
As the only female pilot in the race, Stella North feels different pressures from the media and race officials compared to her male counterparts. She is a vivacious and knowledgeable woman with both a career and a passion for flying.
I enjoyed the friendship formed between Stella, Tony and Sebastian as the story went on and the trust they put in each other. I also learned about Nansen passports, which tie directly into the novel's title.
With a large number of pilots, I found that I struggled to keep all the characters straight but once I got into the story, the main players were clear. Some writing felt less polished and stalled the plot at times.
As someone who doesn't read much historical fiction about WWI or WWII anymore, this was a refreshing twist on the genre by incorporating it with a murder mystery.
Stateless is a high stakes YA historical mystery that explores peace, cooperation, identity and flight in a time of political turmoil.
As the only female pilot in the race, Stella North feels different pressures from the media and race officials compared to her male counterparts. She is a vivacious and knowledgeable woman with both a career and a passion for flying.
I enjoyed the friendship formed between Stella, Tony and Sebastian as the story went on and the trust they put in each other. I also learned about Nansen passports, which tie directly into the novel's title.
With a large number of pilots, I found that I struggled to keep all the characters straight but once I got into the story, the main players were clear. Some writing felt less polished and stalled the plot at times.
As someone who doesn't read much historical fiction about WWI or WWII anymore, this was a refreshing twist on the genre by incorporating it with a murder mystery.
oceanwriter's review against another edition
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: Death, Racism, Violence, and Antisemitism
Minor: Death of parent and War
eleanor_graceee's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
e_flah's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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? It's complicated
4.0
Stateless was a gripping, fast-paced read. The care that Wein puts into her research is visible as always yet never distracts from the action-packed story -- a feat that never ceases to impress me.
story_sanctuary's review
5.0
I’ve been a fan of Elizabeth Wein’s books since first reading CODE NAME VERITY. I missed a few of her books since then, but when I saw that STATELESS was coming out this spring, and that it was about a lady pilot, I had to read it!
This book delivers a rich historical setting in a 1937 Europe still reeling from the first World War. Already, the tension is building toward World War II. The whole story is from Stella’s point-of-view, which I loved.
Stella has both a sharpness and a softness that I really liked. She’s a woman, a rarity in the world of aeroplanes and pilots of her day. She’s aware that everyone from her colleagues to the press to her own family members will treat her differently because of her gender. Sometimes she second-guesses herself. Sometimes she worries about being too emotional. But she also recognizes her strengths and finds ways to create space for herself.
When Stella witnesses one of her fellow race participants attacked by an unidentified plane, she realizes reporting everything she saw may place her own life at risk. Instead, she begins to quietly investigate the other racers and support staff, trying to identify the murderer before he or she has a chance to strike again. That part of the story had me turning pages as quickly as I could. The tension ratchets up so quickly in some scenes. I held my breath as all the pilots gathered, ready to take off from one of their stops. I felt like I couldn’t breathe until I knew they would all escape.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was a little bit less violent than CODE NAME VERITY, but still delivered that same rich historical setting and unforgettable characters. I think Elizabeth Wein’s fans and fans of historical fiction will be absolutely delighted with this one.
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions my own.
This book delivers a rich historical setting in a 1937 Europe still reeling from the first World War. Already, the tension is building toward World War II. The whole story is from Stella’s point-of-view, which I loved.
Stella has both a sharpness and a softness that I really liked. She’s a woman, a rarity in the world of aeroplanes and pilots of her day. She’s aware that everyone from her colleagues to the press to her own family members will treat her differently because of her gender. Sometimes she second-guesses herself. Sometimes she worries about being too emotional. But she also recognizes her strengths and finds ways to create space for herself.
When Stella witnesses one of her fellow race participants attacked by an unidentified plane, she realizes reporting everything she saw may place her own life at risk. Instead, she begins to quietly investigate the other racers and support staff, trying to identify the murderer before he or she has a chance to strike again. That part of the story had me turning pages as quickly as I could. The tension ratchets up so quickly in some scenes. I held my breath as all the pilots gathered, ready to take off from one of their stops. I felt like I couldn’t breathe until I knew they would all escape.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was a little bit less violent than CODE NAME VERITY, but still delivered that same rich historical setting and unforgettable characters. I think Elizabeth Wein’s fans and fans of historical fiction will be absolutely delighted with this one.
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions my own.
writeronherway's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
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? Yes
5.0
mamawash86's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0