Books Like...
Stateless by Elizabeth E. Wein is a YA historical murder mystery set in Europe on the brink of WWII. The story follows Stella North, the only female pilot in a race for peace among young aviators from various European countries. As the competition progresses, mysterious accidents and sabotage put the pilots in danger, leading Stella and her fellow competitors to investigate the sinister occurrences.
The book captures the historical setting of pre-WWII Europe, showcasing the tensions and relationships between different countries through the lens of a thrilling aviation race. Elizabeth Wein's storytelling weaves a fast-paced plot with intriguing characters, emphasizing themes of courage, friendship, and determination in the face of adversity.
If you liked Stateless, here are the top 4 books to read next:
- #1
In Rebel Spy, Frannie Trasker finds a drowned girl and steals her identity to escape from her lecherous stepfather. She meets Asa Lane on the boat to America and he gives her tips on how to pass as a lady. Now an heiress, Frannie is being courted by a British officer, the perfect opportunity for her to pass on intelligence to the rebels under her code name 355. The book is a beautiful and inspiring YA standalone with a bit of romance swirled with intrigue, set during the Revolutionary War era. The plot unfolds in doses that build suspense and keep readers on the edge of their seats, while the historical accuracy and vibrant prose allow the past to leap off the page.
- #2
The Paper Girl of Paris is a dual timeline novel that follows the story of Alice, a young girl who inherits a secret apartment in Paris from her grandmother. The apartment reveals hidden treasures and family secrets from the WWII era, leading Alice to uncover her great aunt Adalyn's involvement in the French Resistance. Through Adalyn's journal, Alice delves into the past, exploring the sacrifices and bravery of her family members during the occupation of Paris. The book seamlessly weaves together historical events with contemporary themes of love, mystery, and self-discovery, providing a rich and immersive reading experience.
The narrative alternates between Alice's present-day journey of uncovering family mysteries and Adalyn's experiences during the Nazi occupation of Paris. The writing style is described as smooth, rich, suspenseful, and romantic, capturing the essence of both time periods and engaging readers with compelling characters and emotional depth. The book explores themes of resilience, sacrifice, family bonds, and the impact of wartime experiences on future generations, offering a poignant and captivating story that intertwines the past and present in a seamless manner.
- #3
"Rose Under Fire" by Elizabeth Wein is a gripping historical fiction novel that follows the story of Rose Justice, an American pilot who gets captured by the Germans during World War II and is sent to the Ravensbruck concentration camp. The book delves into the horrors faced by Rose and other women in the camp, showcasing themes of friendship, loyalty, and survival. The narrative structure shifts back and forth in time, providing a vivid portrayal of life in the prison camp and Rose's struggle to survive and serve as a witness to the atrocities committed.
The author, Elizabeth Wein, weaves a compelling tale that transports readers to the heart of WWII, with detailed descriptions of the characters and settings that make the story come alive. Through Rose's journey, Wein explores themes of courage, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity, making "Rose Under Fire" a poignant and emotionally impactful read.
I just got back from Celia Forester’s funeral. I’m supposed to be writing up an official report for the Tempest she flew into the ground, since she’s obviously not going to write it herself, and I saw...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Code Name Verity ) - #4
In 'Code Name Verity', author Elizabeth Wein weaves a compelling story set during World War II, focusing on the friendship between two young women, Maddie and Julie, who find themselves involved in espionage and war efforts. The narrative alternates between the perspectives of the two protagonists, revealing a tale of bravery, sacrifice, and resilience in the face of unimaginable circumstances. Through cryptic accounts, unexpected plot twists, and heartbreaking decisions, the story unfolds to showcase the depth of the characters' friendship and the challenges they overcome during the war.
Just can’t think when it happened. She checked her papers, I checked my papers, Sergeant Silvey checked both of us, that headmistressy Special Operations officer who was nannying her checked, everybod...