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A review by chloeandherbooks
Firebird by Elizabeth Wein
5.0
*I was sent a copy to review by the publisher however this in no way affects my opinion *
5 stars
“Where does courage come from, and why does it not burn as steadily as loyalty and love? Loyalty and love are the fuel for courage. They never go out.”
Elizabeth Wein is one of my favourite authors so when I heard she was writing another book about a female pilot I was ecstatic. So this is a story based in the Soviet Union during WW2 about a young woman named Anastasia who becomes a pilot. I absolutely loved this especially Elizabeth Wein’s writing it’s so captivating, I especially enjoyed the scenes where Anastasia was flying and you can tell the author has thoroughly researched female Russian pilots and the environment of the Soviet empire at this time which really helps create the atmosphere.
The plot was engrossing as we followed Anastasia on her journey from a pilot trainer to joining a female pilot regiment. However she faces heartbreak as it is revealed that both of her parents have passed away while she is in Engels and she breaks down and tells the chief about her family. I liked the relationship between the chief and Anastasia – they’re both really powerful characters who have an amazing friendship. Elizabeth Wein is honestly truly amazing at writing about female friendships. I also loved the characters in this novel especially Anastasia she was brave daring. I was truly devastated for her when she found out her parents passed away. The chief is another character I just absolutely loved , I loved that she was distant to begin with then her and Anastasia developed a true friendship.
A big part of this story involves the Romanov family who were executed by Bolshevik troops in 1918. I found this enthralling as it is discussed throughout the novel whether or not any of the family survived and it is revealed that the chief is indeed one of the Romanov family who escaped and I just thought this was such a clever plot twist.
Overall I really loved this – everything about it was amazing from the characters to the plot and it’s also really easy to read so I highly recommend. Thank you to Barrington Stoke publishers for sending me a copy.
5 stars
“Where does courage come from, and why does it not burn as steadily as loyalty and love? Loyalty and love are the fuel for courage. They never go out.”
Elizabeth Wein is one of my favourite authors so when I heard she was writing another book about a female pilot I was ecstatic. So this is a story based in the Soviet Union during WW2 about a young woman named Anastasia who becomes a pilot. I absolutely loved this especially Elizabeth Wein’s writing it’s so captivating, I especially enjoyed the scenes where Anastasia was flying and you can tell the author has thoroughly researched female Russian pilots and the environment of the Soviet empire at this time which really helps create the atmosphere.
The plot was engrossing as we followed Anastasia on her journey from a pilot trainer to joining a female pilot regiment. However she faces heartbreak as it is revealed that both of her parents have passed away while she is in Engels and she breaks down and tells the chief about her family. I liked the relationship between the chief and Anastasia – they’re both really powerful characters who have an amazing friendship. Elizabeth Wein is honestly truly amazing at writing about female friendships. I also loved the characters in this novel especially Anastasia she was brave daring. I was truly devastated for her when she found out her parents passed away. The chief is another character I just absolutely loved , I loved that she was distant to begin with then her and Anastasia developed a true friendship.
A big part of this story involves the Romanov family who were executed by Bolshevik troops in 1918. I found this enthralling as it is discussed throughout the novel whether or not any of the family survived and it is revealed that the chief is indeed one of the Romanov family who escaped and I just thought this was such a clever plot twist.
Overall I really loved this – everything about it was amazing from the characters to the plot and it’s also really easy to read so I highly recommend. Thank you to Barrington Stoke publishers for sending me a copy.