morgangoesbam's review against another edition
4.0
Probably more like 3.5 stars for me. I wanted to love this book. And I did really like it. But it took me too long to get intrigued, and too long to get emotionally attached, so that by the time all the heart-wrenching, incredible stuff happened, it didn't have as much of an impact on me. That being said, I would still recommend it. I might have just not been in the right mind set.
apigonfire's review against another edition
3.0
I would suggest that someone read a physical copy of this book. The formatting is unique, so I think some of it got lost on the kindle version.
It was also a little hard to follow along with. I’m not sure if that was because I was trying to read it more at night and my brain wasn’t “on” enough.
I read the second part of the book more quickly and everything fell into place more.
More than anything this is a story about friendship. The storyline about a female pilot and spy was super interesting. It was a different perspective of World War II.
It was also a little hard to follow along with. I’m not sure if that was because I was trying to read it more at night and my brain wasn’t “on” enough.
I read the second part of the book more quickly and everything fell into place more.
More than anything this is a story about friendship. The storyline about a female pilot and spy was super interesting. It was a different perspective of World War II.
littlelarks's review against another edition
4.0
This book wrecked me. Full on just sobbing and wailing into my pillow.
It loses a star because to me, while the plot was fantastic, the execution was a little messy. Julie nor Maddie had a very unique voice - constant ALL-CAPS and narrative flourishes aside - and the tone felt a little too distinctly 'modern YA novel' for the historical setting. But that is truly just a minor quip, as the content of the story is able to overcome the short-comings of the writing. And again, it just tore me apart. I'm going to put the rest under a spoiler cut, because okay,
It loses a star because to me, while the plot was fantastic, the execution was a little messy. Julie nor Maddie had a very unique voice - constant ALL-CAPS and narrative flourishes aside - and the tone felt a little too distinctly 'modern YA novel' for the historical setting. But that is truly just a minor quip, as the content of the story is able to overcome the short-comings of the writing. And again, it just tore me apart. I'm going to put the rest under a spoiler cut, because okay,
Spoiler
I spent the 3/4 of the novel that is from Julie's POV fully convinced that her and Maddie were in a relationship. A romance. Their 'friendship' was described as such because of the context under which she was writing... but then when Maddie's POV began she was still just referring to their friendship which... is fine. WW2 female pilots and spies is still as engrossing as WW2 lesbian pilots and spies. And not everything needs to have romance, so the friendship angle is somewhat refreshing. But still. I was so hoping. The subtext is there so it lends the entire books a 'gal pals' vibe that I... don't think was the author's intent??? IDK if anyone on my friends list has read this please discuss.ohnoflora's review against another edition
5.0
Another nominated for the Scottish Children's Book Awards. I LOVED it. I don't want to give too much away because the narrative relies on twists and turns and pulling the carpet out from under your feet. Let's just say it is a proper, ripping yarn of a spy story with two narrators you can't help but fall in love with. And they are both young women - a pilot and a spy! It's wonderful! And their joint account of their friendship is so loving and moving amongst the horrors of the second world war. Highly reccommended.
This is another book that I will be reading with the S1-S2 bookclub (average age of 12) and I think it is borderline for that age group. Some of it is quite upsetting and there are references (mostly oblique) to torture and sexual violence. I would say it was more suited to 14+ but I'll see how they get on with it.
This is another book that I will be reading with the S1-S2 bookclub (average age of 12) and I think it is borderline for that age group. Some of it is quite upsetting and there are references (mostly oblique) to torture and sexual violence. I would say it was more suited to 14+ but I'll see how they get on with it.
jenniferk's review against another edition
2.0
Liked the idea, not the delivery. Read for Maddie and Jamie’s story. Main character was too perfect.
heyyoufinch's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
kathrynkathrynkathryn's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
sammiyam97's review against another edition
5.0
kiss me hardy :’)
i wasn’t prepared for the plot twists in the book and it shattered my heart wtf.
definitely will be in my list of books to be reread!
i wasn’t prepared for the plot twists in the book and it shattered my heart wtf.
definitely will be in my list of books to be reread!
almostfamous29's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this book, my book club and I were torn in our texting and responses though. I thought it was very thought provoking, and I loved how the two girls were so different and the author was able to create clear voices for both. I thought it was very imaginative and very fun, but also pretty dark as the subject matter is. I recommend it.