Stateless

Elizabeth Wein has created another intriguing historical thriller full of key details and intrigue that will engage YA readers.Set around a European flying competition seemingly designed to foster good relations in the interwar period, Stella North the sole female competitor representing Great Britain, is thrown into a deathly battle of wits and mistaken identity.Considering themes of displacement, identity and belonging, Wein has created yet another engaging and subtly informative novel that will hook the reader along for the ride.

I was sent a copy of this book for review.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.In 1937 tensions across Europe were at an all-time high. To promote unity among the countries in the escalating conflict, a new air race is created to forge new friendships and showcase countries' similarities rather than differences. Things do not go as planned as long-harboured resentments and mistrust are rife within the competition. Representing Britain, Stella North is the only female contestant. Stella is a poster child for the race's ideals as she is from Russia, speaks many languages and resides in the UK. However, Stella holds a 'Nansen' passport which declares her as having a "stateless" nationality.The Press hound the pilots from all 12 nations, making them eager to start the first leg of the journey. However, Stella witnesses a plane being forced from the sky by another pilot resulting in their death from crashing into the sea. She has no idea if it was one of her fellow contestants trying to eliminate another competitor or whether it was a random attack. Even more worrying, will it happen again and could she become a target?When the crash is ruled an accident, Stella decides she cannot let the killer get away with it. She begins an investigation to uncover what happened and what the murderer's true motivations are. Can Stella find allies within the group of pilots that surround her or will the ongoing feuds and dangerous countries they are visiting be the downfall of the entire endeavour?🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Thoroughly engaging and immersive story from the start. I read it in one sitting as I couldn’t put it down. Stella is a great character, full of gumption, and determination to prove herself, while simultaneously feeling insecure over her past and sadness at the loss of her family. The backdrop of international intrigue adds many layers to the plot as it's easy for the reader to know Europe's future yet still root for the tournament to make a difference and hope that the characters survive the ongoing threats looming over them. Overall, a gripping story with plenty of action, mystery and heart. Highly recommend.

Stateless is a brilliant historical fiction novel, full of mystery and suspense. It is set in 1937, when Europe is on the brink of WWII, and our protagonist is invited to participate in a youth air race to promote peace in Europe. As soon as the race started the action kicked off, and I was absolutely hooked in. Sabotage, secrets, and not knowing who to trust keeps the tension high throughout.It is so interesting reading a story with a cast of characters from a range of European countries and backgrounds, Germans and Jews, veterans of WWI and young civil war fighters alike, knowing what is to come. I also learnt things I didn't know about this time period and overall found everything fascinating.A clever, dramatic YA historical mystery, recommended for all. Fans of Code Name Verity and Wein's other books will definitely enjoy it.

I have really enjoyed and am grateful for Elizabeth Wein’s books. Code Name Verity remains a favorite book of mine, and I have read many others of hers and have enjoyed the historic aspect of them. I’ve learned quite a bit, too!This one took a bit to fully enthrall me. All of the young characters had soooo much emotion early on. That needed more of a build. It was a lot.But I got into this book and the story line. And really enjoyed it.I regret that Lady Frith remained one dimensional throughout, but the central characters had a lot of flesh to them.In terms of possible triggers, there is murder, talk of traumatic moments, and someone unaliving themselves.But if you’ve enjoyed Elizabeth Wein’s other books on WWII female pilots, I recommend this.