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dontstopreadin's review against another edition
5.0
I typically do really enjoy historical fiction novels when I read them, it’s just something I expect. I didn’t expect anything less of this book, but honestly I didn’t expect much more. Oh, how I was wrong. This book BLEW me away. I’m struggling to even put into words how much I loved this book.
At the root of this book we see an incredibly complex character and one of the most beautiful female friendships of all time. The root of this book is great. What Elizabeth Wein does with that root, how she expands it and structures and fleshes out this narrative, takes this book to a category all of its own.
This is a book that I would recommend listening to on audiobook; however, it is important to note that there are a few (though not too many) multi-media aspects within the book that are not highlighted in the audiobook. I think this is worth it, but I feel like you should know what you’ll give up in order to experience this incredible experience audibly.
The narration is incredible, the writing is strong, the story telling is remarkable and unlike anything I’ve ever read before. HIGHLY, highly, hiiiiggghhhllllyy recommend. Best book I’ve read in such a long time (and the only one I've read in 1 sitting this year). Easily one of my favorites of the year.
At the root of this book we see an incredibly complex character and one of the most beautiful female friendships of all time. The root of this book is great. What Elizabeth Wein does with that root, how she expands it and structures and fleshes out this narrative, takes this book to a category all of its own.
This is a book that I would recommend listening to on audiobook; however, it is important to note that there are a few (though not too many) multi-media aspects within the book that are not highlighted in the audiobook. I think this is worth it, but I feel like you should know what you’ll give up in order to experience this incredible experience audibly.
The narration is incredible, the writing is strong, the story telling is remarkable and unlike anything I’ve ever read before. HIGHLY, highly, hiiiiggghhhllllyy recommend. Best book I’ve read in such a long time (and the only one I've read in 1 sitting this year). Easily one of my favorites of the year.
alfredothegoose's review against another edition
5.0
A remarkable book, my soul is wrecked! The audio book is absolutely phenomenal and would highly recommend it as the way to read :)
amelrose's review
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
jenmangler's review against another edition
4.0
I must confess it took me a while to get into this book. I kept asking myself, "What is all the fuss about?" Then it grabbed me and would not let me go. I couldn't stop reading it. I absolutely HAD to know what happened. And it surprised me. Several times. That almost never happens. I'm talking full-on, "no way!", stop and reread the section surprises. I love that about this book.
But even more than that, I love Maddie and Julie. They are both such fabulously real and flawed and brave characters. They broke my heart and inspired me and made me proud to be female. I just love them both so much.
If you're a fan of historical fiction, strong female protagonists, and/or strong female friendships I recommend this book to you.
(originally read Jan 30-Feb 5, 2014)
(reread Dec 7, 2014)
But even more than that, I love Maddie and Julie. They are both such fabulously real and flawed and brave characters. They broke my heart and inspired me and made me proud to be female. I just love them both so much.
If you're a fan of historical fiction, strong female protagonists, and/or strong female friendships I recommend this book to you.
(originally read Jan 30-Feb 5, 2014)
(reread Dec 7, 2014)
writermags's review against another edition
5.0
If I had a heart, this book would have destroyed it. But in a good way. I loved reading Code Name Verity, it is such an intricately woven story with a lot sprinkled throughout that doesn't quite make sense until later on. Plus, there's espionage and history, two of my favorite things. Not for the faint of heart, but if you're looking for an intense, gripping story, this is it.
I'm terrible at writing reviews.
I'm terrible at writing reviews.
sereia8's review against another edition
4.0
4.5
Slow start, but the ending made up for it. Beautifully done.
Slow start, but the ending made up for it. Beautifully done.
the_escape_artist_'s review against another edition
4.0
This book was excellent. Lots of twists and turns, I’m rarely surprised by a plot and this book made me gasp more than once.
The characters are beautiful. I enjoy that we get to know the two friends as they get to know each other and as their friendship grows. A well written book about female friendships and coming of age that has nothing to do with romance is rare indeed.
I am a sucker for any book about WW2 and the French resistance and this book did not disappoint. Only reason I didn’t give it 5 is the beginning was a bit slow, and with the number of different names and handles (it is a spy book after all) I found myself having to flip back now and then to know who people were, which made the story somewhat hard to follow for the first third.
The characters are beautiful. I enjoy that we get to know the two friends as they get to know each other and as their friendship grows. A well written book about female friendships and coming of age that has nothing to do with romance is rare indeed.
I am a sucker for any book about WW2 and the French resistance and this book did not disappoint. Only reason I didn’t give it 5 is the beginning was a bit slow, and with the number of different names and handles (it is a spy book after all) I found myself having to flip back now and then to know who people were, which made the story somewhat hard to follow for the first third.
floatwiththesticks's review against another edition
4.0
One of the best audio narrations I've heard for a brilliantly gripping (and clever!) story. Will be listening again, for sure.
(And to add: kick-ass female MCs that aren't an annoying stereotype?? HELL YES)
(And to add: kick-ass female MCs that aren't an annoying stereotype?? HELL YES)
dervladaly_'s review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
bethos37's review against another edition
5.0
If I were the type of person that would burst into tears while reading books or watching movies, this book would have killed me. Seriously. The closest I've come to crying over a story was during the first ten minutes of Up and while reading this stupid book. Needless to say, this story is emotionally taxing. But let me talk about what else makes it so awesome.
First, the uniqueness of the narration in itself makes it worth reading. Told in scrapped-together notes written by the two main characters themselves, this is the first time in a long while that I haven't hated a first person narrator. The plot is built in a "start at the top and let the pieces fall together later" kind of way that makes reading interesting. And the plot is told twice from two different perspectives. It makes the "omigosh THAT'S what was happening??" moments later in the book really fun.
Second, these characters are just great. The first one, especially, is really funny and has an amazing voice. Her character is so easy to love. And everyone does fall in love.
Third, THIS IS WAR, PEOPLE. Really, some pretty disturbing things happen. It's so realistic and raw and JUST PLAIN AMAZING, OKAY.
Have I mentioned how emotionally involved this book is? There is HEARTBREAK happening all around this thing. And it's so hard to stop reading because you never know what might happen next. So be prepared. Grab some tissues and clear your schedule because Code Name Verity will kick your butt.
First, the uniqueness of the narration in itself makes it worth reading. Told in scrapped-together notes written by the two main characters themselves, this is the first time in a long while that I haven't hated a first person narrator. The plot is built in a "start at the top and let the pieces fall together later" kind of way that makes reading interesting. And the plot is told twice from two different perspectives. It makes the "omigosh THAT'S what was happening??" moments later in the book really fun.
Second, these characters are just great. The first one, especially, is really funny and has an amazing voice. Her character is so easy to love. And everyone does fall in love.
Third, THIS IS WAR, PEOPLE. Really, some pretty disturbing things happen. It's so realistic and raw and JUST PLAIN AMAZING, OKAY.
Have I mentioned how emotionally involved this book is? There is HEARTBREAK happening all around this thing. And it's so hard to stop reading because you never know what might happen next. So be prepared. Grab some tissues and clear your schedule because Code Name Verity will kick your butt.