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kazbrekkercore's review
adventurous
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, War, Antisemitism, Gore, and Injury/Injury detail
mimosaeyes's review against another edition
4.0
Do you want to read about two Jewish siblings fighting Hitler and each getting their own, well-written queer romance arcs? Do you want a bonkers magic system based on writing equations in blood, mostly on balloons? Then this is the book for you!
I would recommend reading the other book even though this isn't a direct sequel, because you'll like how the world and the minor characters tie together. This book is better than the other, in my opinion, but while I was sceptical at first, I think the author is really on to something with the bizarre-sounding genre of magical historical fiction.
I would recommend reading the other book even though this isn't a direct sequel, because you'll like how the world and the minor characters tie together. This book is better than the other, in my opinion, but while I was sceptical at first, I think the author is really on to something with the bizarre-sounding genre of magical historical fiction.
breadedbookpages's review against another edition
4.0
And don't let anyone tell you you won't get to that Arc you requested... four years ago. Yes, it's taken me a good while to get to the very bottom of my ARCs list but that's to be explained by brain fog and depression and a whole pandemic. This review isn't about that: It's about...love.
I am a big fan of historical fiction that deal with WW2 for inexplicable reasons because seriously, who'd want to immerse themselves in the events of horror that occurred then? Me. In other news: I like to break my own heart.
I knew, going into The Spy with the Red Balloon that something (or someone) was going to break my heart but I hadn't known it'd be the quiet yet beating heart at the center of this book: The freaking love Wolf and Ilse have for one another, the people around them, and their faith. I loved them with the same intensity they bled and connived and flew through the world to try, in some small way, to turn the events of history in the favor of those who desperately need favors.
I adored all the side characters, Spy included (Shhh, no spoilers), and I am overwhelmed with this urge to read The Girl with the Red Balloon to get more of this rich universe.
So, if you're like me, and you shelved this book in 2018, please come back to it. You'll find writing that breathes on the page, scenes that unfurl like a storybook, and love. So much of it, it'll start leaking out of your eyes.
I am a big fan of historical fiction that deal with WW2 for inexplicable reasons because seriously, who'd want to immerse themselves in the events of horror that occurred then? Me. In other news: I like to break my own heart.
I knew, going into The Spy with the Red Balloon that something (or someone) was going to break my heart but I hadn't known it'd be the quiet yet beating heart at the center of this book: The freaking love Wolf and Ilse have for one another, the people around them, and their faith. I loved them with the same intensity they bled and connived and flew through the world to try, in some small way, to turn the events of history in the favor of those who desperately need favors.
I adored all the side characters, Spy included (Shhh, no spoilers), and I am overwhelmed with this urge to read The Girl with the Red Balloon to get more of this rich universe.
So, if you're like me, and you shelved this book in 2018, please come back to it. You'll find writing that breathes on the page, scenes that unfurl like a storybook, and love. So much of it, it'll start leaking out of your eyes.
book_nut's review against another edition
Note to self: don't read the sequel first.
rommipullo's review against another edition
5.0
I just... am completely and utterly in love. That is all.
halligomez's review against another edition
5.0
THE SPY WITH THE RED BALLOON is the second book, but it occurs earlier than the first, a nice twist. This time we are in the 1940’s fighting World War II
Katherine Locke takes us to World War II with the Klein siblings, Ilse and Wolf. We’re fortunate to be a part of this story from different locations and points of view. These compelling stories are beautifully woven together. Cleverly created concepts of magic and science bring us into Ilse and Wolf’s world and their involuntary recruitment to the war. The details of these concepts flowed so naturally in dialogue and description, I believed they were true.
As the siblings join the war effort, we are introduced to new characters with wonderfully developed personalities. You love them along with Ilse and Wolf, and suffer through their struggles and heartaches as the era, the war, and societal views attempt to stand in their way.
THE SPY WITH THE RED BALLOON is a beautifully written novel about magic, science, World War II, and love. This story tackles many important topics such as morality and ethics, equality, segregation, discovering new love, gay and lesbian relationships, and the sadness and bravery of war.
And through it all is the bond between the siblings that gives you the courage to do anything.
Katherine Locke takes us to World War II with the Klein siblings, Ilse and Wolf. We’re fortunate to be a part of this story from different locations and points of view. These compelling stories are beautifully woven together. Cleverly created concepts of magic and science bring us into Ilse and Wolf’s world and their involuntary recruitment to the war. The details of these concepts flowed so naturally in dialogue and description, I believed they were true.
As the siblings join the war effort, we are introduced to new characters with wonderfully developed personalities. You love them along with Ilse and Wolf, and suffer through their struggles and heartaches as the era, the war, and societal views attempt to stand in their way.
THE SPY WITH THE RED BALLOON is a beautifully written novel about magic, science, World War II, and love. This story tackles many important topics such as morality and ethics, equality, segregation, discovering new love, gay and lesbian relationships, and the sadness and bravery of war.
And through it all is the bond between the siblings that gives you the courage to do anything.
unicornosaur's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
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? Yes
4.25
bibliorumpus's review against another edition
Just could not get into this one for some reason - the dialogue was really awkward and it all seemed forced.
rafaestla's review against another edition
5.0
“We shouldn’t say goodbyes. We should just leave and hope one day we’ll get to say hello again.”
I really, really, really, loved this book. I just... really loved everything about it? Sapphics! Canonically demi character! AND a Peggy Carter-esque badass! Science and magic working together! Punching Nazis! What more could anyone want?
I really, really, really, loved this book. I just... really loved everything about it? Sapphics! Canonically demi character! AND a Peggy Carter-esque badass! Science and magic working together! Punching Nazis! What more could anyone want?
emmehuffman's review against another edition
5.0
This is a wonderful companion to The Girl with the Red Balloon. I love Ilse and Wolf so much. Ilse is unapologetically smart and resourceful. Wolf is very protective of the people he loves. Their relationship with each other works so well. They recognize each other's strengths and play off of that, even when they are apart.
The Spy with the Red Balloon felt, at times like a prequel. I don't want to say too much so that I don't spoil anything, but it sets up a lot of what we see in The Girl with the Red Balloon. As a companion and a prequel, it complements TGWTRB very well.
--I received an eArc through Netgalley.
The Spy with the Red Balloon felt, at times like a prequel. I don't want to say too much so that I don't spoil anything, but it sets up a lot of what we see in The Girl with the Red Balloon. As a companion and a prequel, it complements TGWTRB very well.
--I received an eArc through Netgalley.