Scan barcode
hannahbailey's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
TW: war, torture, injury detail, gore, death, murder, grief, violence, sexual harassment, confinement, suicide, gun violence
I read this years ago (when I was still in school maybe?) and loved it. When I saw it in a charity shop last year, I couldn't resist picking it up and finally owning a copy.
There's always a risk when revisiting a book many years later that it won't be as good as you remember. Code Name Verity was even better this time around. Whilst I recognised on my first read how good the writing was, I got to really appreciate the craft this time. It's SO convincing with its compelling characters, narrative structure and historically accurate dialogue that I already want to dive back in.
I cannot believe this is YA. I feel like the genre has changed so much since this was published in 2012 I'm not sure it would be categorised the same. It's got graphic depictions of violence and torture, as well as alluding to many other atrocities that happened in occupied France. Despite that though, it's actually the maturity of the characters and the level of detail that helps it to read like adult fiction. Obviously these things can and are present in a lot of YA anyway, but there's a vibe to this book that lends itself to older readers too. That said, I loved it as a teenager so what do I know about marketing books to the right audience? Given that I loved it at two different ages and life stages, it's clear this book is universal in its readability (at least to me).
How stunning to produce a piece of historical fiction that feels so real. Reluctant to read the others in the series in case this is the best one!
I read this years ago (when I was still in school maybe?) and loved it. When I saw it in a charity shop last year, I couldn't resist picking it up and finally owning a copy.
There's always a risk when revisiting a book many years later that it won't be as good as you remember. Code Name Verity was even better this time around. Whilst I recognised on my first read how good the writing was, I got to really appreciate the craft this time. It's SO convincing with its compelling characters, narrative structure and historically accurate dialogue that I already want to dive back in.
I cannot believe this is YA. I feel like the genre has changed so much since this was published in 2012 I'm not sure it would be categorised the same. It's got graphic depictions of violence and torture, as well as alluding to many other atrocities that happened in occupied France. Despite that though, it's actually the maturity of the characters and the level of detail that helps it to read like adult fiction. Obviously these things can and are present in a lot of YA anyway, but there's a vibe to this book that lends itself to older readers too. That said, I loved it as a teenager so what do I know about marketing books to the right audience? Given that I loved it at two different ages and life stages, it's clear this book is universal in its readability (at least to me).
How stunning to produce a piece of historical fiction that feels so real. Reluctant to read the others in the series in case this is the best one!
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Violence, Death, Blood, Grief, Emotional abuse, Animal death, Sexual harassment, Torture, Misogyny, Gun violence, Genocide, Suicide, Injury/Injury detail, Confinement, Murder, Hate crime, and Gore
moreta1's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide, War, Gun violence, Misogyny, Sexual harassment, Death, Grief, Confinement, Murder, Torture, Violence, and Physical abuse
emmaleigh55's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
An INCREDIBLE book. This is the book that I measure all other historical fiction against. This was one of those books that I read over half of in one night, literally on the edge of my seat. A slow start, but it picks up FAST. I cannot recommend it enough.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture and Violence
gymjam_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Amazing and unique storytelling. First part is written by the main character who is detained with the Gestapo and is writing down 'her story' to buy her time by providing insight/background into why she's there. Second part is written in the p.o.v of her best friend. I loved the characters and their friendship; they felt believable and real. There were parts that left gaps and left you guessing as a reader or wondering why that would have been mentioned. Plenty of une pected twists and turns. My only criticism is that sometimes I got a bit too lost and confused/not sure what to believe. Highly recommend!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Physical abuse, Torture, Violence, and War
Minor: Confinement
dabutkus's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture
Moderate: Emotional abuse, War, Death, and Physical abuse
withamo's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Torture and Gun violence
bees_knees735's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Screaming. Crying. Throwing up. This book is beautiful, powerful, and has stuck with me ever since I read it. If you’re looking for a great example of historic fiction for young adults I highly recommend this one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, War, and Torture
Moderate: Genocide, Antisemitism, Xenophobia, Gun violence, and Violence
branch423_reads's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The characters had unique voices that were really fun to read. They made it really easy to get into the world and understand what was going on during WWII in this book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence, Blood, and Death
Minor: Torture
There is some swearing in it, just be aware.bps's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, War, Violence, and Death
wrestleacademic's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: War and Torture