Reviews

In the Shadow of Your Wings by J.P. Robinson

travelerswife4life's review

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4.0

In the Shadow of Your Wings is the first book I have had the privilege of reading from J.P. Robinson, and I am not quite sure how I missed reading his books before now. He draws you in so quickly to the story and the plight of his characters you cannot help but be involved with their story. I loved the historical detail he wove into it, and I thought it added a realistic depth to the storyline. Plus, I thought his use of a group of characters was very well done and that you really got a sense of knowing all the characters in play.

The dark verses light battle that is playing out in this book (and the next which I am currently reading) is interesting and shows that the light is not always easy to see or find. But I am enjoying J. P. Robinson’s thought-provoking conversations and the suspense! A very action-packed series so far.

4 out of 5 stars.

*I volunteered tor read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.

staceylovestoread's review

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5.0

This novel had my attention from the first page until the last. Packed with intrigue, twists, and turns, I couldn't put it down!

mrs762_'s review

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4.0

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

That being said: I was looking forward to reading this book because it sounded interesting enough, but I wasn’t sure if I would love it or if it would just be one of those “okay” reads.

This book follows the story of a big cast of characters and is told through multiple POV’s (point of views). The main idea is that a German Spy named Leila is sent to infiltrate and gain intelligence on an important British family and she faces a surprising discovery that causes her to question her loyalty. As she faces trials she feels her past catching up with her and she wonders if she can ever find forgiveness and freedom in this war-torn world.

Along with Leila, there’s Malcolm Steele the son of the head of the Bank of England. The nation sees Sir Thomas as a heroic soldier and trustworthy man, but Malcolm just sees a man that doesn’t understand him and has no respect for him. Malcolm faces his own trials as he struggles to find his sense of purpose in the world.

Eleanor and Will Thompson are a God-fearing couple that are separated when Will goes off to War and they struggle to trust in God’s plan for them.

There were a few characters’ POVs I didn’t find as interesting, but I will admit that their perspectives added to the story and helped to round things out. Also, I had to keep in mind that this was the first book in a series—so there’s plenty of time for character development (and I did see some).

The plot was very quickly paced—I can’t think of many places that the story line seemed to drag. The prologue and the first several chapters were very attention grabbing—wow! I was very quickly drawn into the world of the story. I had a hard time putting it down once I started it.

I’m not sure I’ve ever read a book set in this time frame before, but I really enjoyed the spy/WWI themes. The inside views you get on the war on both the British and German sides were exciting to read. With war comes a whirlwind of emotions—joy, fear, depression, anger—and I think the author did a great job showcasing these different angles as was appropriate for the story. There were many emotional scenes!

This is a Christian book, and that is apparent. It is very well written. I had originally gone back and forth about how I thought the author handled the Christian themes in this book. I like the overall idea of what the author was trying to do, but at times I felt like the story was just missing something. Often, I found myself feeling like the Christian themes were taking a backseat to the plot, but then other times there were some very moving and inspired scenes and dialogue that I really enjoyed! This book was focusing on themes of forgiveness, mercy, and love. I’m really looking forward to seeing how the author brings these out even more in the following books.
I loved watching the climax build. The author left me wanting to know what happens next and as I finished this book I found myself wishing I had the sequel in my hands already!

Overall, this book was a good read. 4 stars. I had a few minor things I didn’t like but that’s mainly just my personal opinion I’m sure. (I would expound on those areas but #spoilers.) I don’t think I was ever bored reading this book. The characters are good and easy to identify with for the most part. I witnessed some character growth and development which was satisfying and I’m looking forward to watching these characters progress even more in the following books!

So, would I recommend this book? Yes, I would. If you are looking for a good, clean, historical fiction with Christian themes I would highly suggest this book. I don’t think it quite makes it onto my list of favorites, but I enjoyed it very much. I will probably end up purchasing a physical copy of it for myself at some point down the line!

lisaebetz's review

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This is a book for readers who like stories told from multiple viewpoints.
World War One is unfolding. We see it from many angles: Boardrooms and the trenches. Male and female. Priveledged and poor. German and British. Strong believers and those who turned away from God.
I liked the fact that this book portrays the war from different worldviews, which of course means they see what's going on with vastly different attitudes. Together, these varied outlooks paint a fuller, more complex picture of the events.
But ultimately, this book isn't about the war being fought in Europe. WWI is the backdrop for the battles being fought in the characters' hearts. Heartbreak, guilt, unforgiveness, misunderstanding, lies, betrayals. These are the battles the book is really about. And through the story we see how these characters grow--either toward truth and hope or bitterness and hate.
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