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A review by oceanwriter
Stateless by Elizabeth Wein
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