What do you think?
Rate this book
Sisters of the Sky
From the bestselling author of Sisters of War comes a heart-wrenching novel of love, friendship, betrayal and sacrifice, perfect for fans of Mandy Robotham and Pam Jenoff. October 1941: As war rages in the Soviet Union, Nina is devastated as she watches her younger brother being sent off to the front. She has witnessed so many soldiers go to war and never return, and with her father already on the battlefield, her brother is her only family left. Sick of feeling helpless and determined to fight for her motherland, Nina and her best friend Katya decide to volunteer for the first female-only aviation regiment, led by the legendary pilot Marina Raskova. But fighting a war is nothing like they expected, and soon the battle lines are no longer restricted to the front – a forbidden love begins to blossom, and Nina is faced with the ultimate betrayal. Will Nina and her loved ones make it out alive? ‘ This is the best book I’ve read in ages. I absolutely loved it. It is brilliantly researched and very well written.’ Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This book was well written with a captivating storyline and well-developed characters. It was everything I love about historical fiction and more. ’ Reader review,⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘ I absolutely loved this book . The plot, the characters, the writing are so compelling. I really did find this such a page turner and enjoyed it very much. Right up there with the best books I’ve read this year, it is so much more than a love story. Fantastic. ’ Reader review,⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘ This is an excellent read. It pictures what it is like living as a civilian during war so mirrors the conflicts and choices for thousands caught up in a disastrous strife. Thoroughly recommended.’ Reader review,⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 9, 2023
52 people are currently reading
418 people want to read
About the author
Lana Kortchik
8 books453 followersLana Kortchik grew up in two opposite corners of the Soviet Union – the snow-white Siberian town of Tomsk and the golden-domed Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. At the age of sixteen, she moved to Australia with her mother. Lana and her family live on the Central Coast of NSW, where it never snows and is always summer-warm.
Lana studied IT at university and, as a student, wrote poetry in Russian that she hid from everyone. For over a decade after graduating, she worked as a computer programmer. When she returned to university to complete her history degree, her favourite lecturer encouraged her to write fiction. She hasn’t looked back, and never goes anywhere without her favourite pen because you never know when the inspiration might strike.
Lana’s short stories appeared in many magazines and anthologies, and she was the winner of the Historical Novel Society Autumn 2012 Short Fiction competition. She is the author of USA Today bestsellers Sisters of War and Daughters of the Resistance, published by HQ Stories, an imprint of Harper Collins UK.
Lana also writes psychological thrillers under the pen name of Lana Newton.
To find out more, please visit http://www.lanakortchik.com.
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lanakortchik
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/lanakortchik
Lana studied IT at university and, as a student, wrote poetry in Russian that she hid from everyone. For over a decade after graduating, she worked as a computer programmer. When she returned to university to complete her history degree, her favourite lecturer encouraged her to write fiction. She hasn’t looked back, and never goes anywhere without her favourite pen because you never know when the inspiration might strike.
Lana’s short stories appeared in many magazines and anthologies, and she was the winner of the Historical Novel Society Autumn 2012 Short Fiction competition. She is the author of USA Today bestsellers Sisters of War and Daughters of the Resistance, published by HQ Stories, an imprint of Harper Collins UK.
Lana also writes psychological thrillers under the pen name of Lana Newton.
To find out more, please visit http://www.lanakortchik.com.
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lanakortchik
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/lanakortchik
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
December 31, 2023
I received advanced reader copy of Sisters of the Sky by Lana Kortchik from netgalley. It did take me a bit to get into the story line but when it did pick up (~30% in) I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed the fact that it was a WWII novel set in the Soviet Union. It gave me a different viewpoint of this war. I also loved how it gave spotlight to women and how they helped in defeating the Nazis. Great read! I recommend adding it to your TBR!
July 26, 2023
Thank you NetGalley for my copy of Sisters of the Sky by Lana Kortchik. This is an independent review with no payment or reward given for this review.
4.5 stars - Excellent read, I enjoyed this book!
I liked the writing from the first page. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this story being a historical, and being of World War Two. Lana’s voice and tone kept me captivated wanting to turn page after page.
I felt the characters were well built for the time period. I could visualise the characters behaving and acting as they did. Nina’s courage through all the odds thrown against her was tough going and I found myself willing her to get through to the other side and to safety. I loved how Nina stuck to her principals and convictions despite all that was thrown at her. I did find myself at one or two points early on in the book thinking that Katya had a lot more to say than Nina and some plot points felt a little repetitive, however I think that if I was in a war, I would find myself rehashing the past as well..
I think Lana did a great job of portraying the Soviet life, painting a sufficient backdrop for her characters to walk through. There was enough conflict, enough character development and a satisfying ending.
Good job Lana!
4.5 stars - Excellent read, I enjoyed this book!
I liked the writing from the first page. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this story being a historical, and being of World War Two. Lana’s voice and tone kept me captivated wanting to turn page after page.
I felt the characters were well built for the time period. I could visualise the characters behaving and acting as they did. Nina’s courage through all the odds thrown against her was tough going and I found myself willing her to get through to the other side and to safety. I loved how Nina stuck to her principals and convictions despite all that was thrown at her. I did find myself at one or two points early on in the book thinking that Katya had a lot more to say than Nina and some plot points felt a little repetitive, however I think that if I was in a war, I would find myself rehashing the past as well..
I think Lana did a great job of portraying the Soviet life, painting a sufficient backdrop for her characters to walk through. There was enough conflict, enough character development and a satisfying ending.
Good job Lana!
April 8, 2024
War is upon the Soviet Union, and there’s nothing Nina can do about it—until a women’s aviation regiment is formed, and she has the chance to join. War was personal before, but now it is desperately, painfully close, with not only Nina’s family to worry about but also her new regiment.
I’m familiar with Raskova’s regiment because of other books, and I’ve always found it fascinating—there were so many problems with the Soviet Union, but they were also the only major player in WWII (I don’t know about minor players) allowing women to fly in combat (or just more generally to take combat roles).
Plot-wise, the book does sometimes feel like it’s trying to hit all of the known key points from this regiment rather than focusing more closely on a specific experience. Nina is right in the thick of things, learning to respect (and earning the respect of) Raskova and staunchly optimistic about the importance of their flights even as her best friend’s courage crumbles. In some ways I think Katya’s experience is more relatable, and more interesting: it’s not exactly uncommon to see stories of people who are heroic and brave and willing to put it all on the line; Katya, meanwhile, is so clearly miserable to be away from her young daughter, to say nothing of her peacetime life, and while she’s treated as less brave (and certainly less fun to be around), I have to say that I…can’t blame her. Even as a non-parent I have to think that the decision to leave your child in the middle of a devastating war (with not just violence to worry about but also starvation, etc.) to go fly perilously dangerous missions (with no guarantee of return, or time frame for return) would be…difficult. Katya’s not a particularly sympathetic character, and hers is not a story that usually gets told, but hers is the story that might resonate most.
The book is more about friendship than about romance, but there is a romance thread. I ended up wishing that instead of that thread, and all its messy tangles, we’d had more about the other women in Nina’s squadron. We get a bit about them, of course, but other than Katya they largely stay out of focus. Still, I always love seeing more about this bit of history and the stories that don’t always make it out of the footnotes of history books.
I’m familiar with Raskova’s regiment because of other books, and I’ve always found it fascinating—there were so many problems with the Soviet Union, but they were also the only major player in WWII (I don’t know about minor players) allowing women to fly in combat (or just more generally to take combat roles).
Plot-wise, the book does sometimes feel like it’s trying to hit all of the known key points from this regiment rather than focusing more closely on a specific experience. Nina is right in the thick of things, learning to respect (and earning the respect of) Raskova and staunchly optimistic about the importance of their flights even as her best friend’s courage crumbles. In some ways I think Katya’s experience is more relatable, and more interesting: it’s not exactly uncommon to see stories of people who are heroic and brave and willing to put it all on the line; Katya, meanwhile, is so clearly miserable to be away from her young daughter, to say nothing of her peacetime life, and while she’s treated as less brave (and certainly less fun to be around), I have to say that I…can’t blame her. Even as a non-parent I have to think that the decision to leave your child in the middle of a devastating war (with not just violence to worry about but also starvation, etc.) to go fly perilously dangerous missions (with no guarantee of return, or time frame for return) would be…difficult. Katya’s not a particularly sympathetic character, and hers is not a story that usually gets told, but hers is the story that might resonate most.
The book is more about friendship than about romance, but there is a romance thread. I ended up wishing that instead of that thread, and all its messy tangles, we’d had more about the other women in Nina’s squadron. We get a bit about them, of course, but other than Katya they largely stay out of focus. Still, I always love seeing more about this bit of history and the stories that don’t always make it out of the footnotes of history books.
February 14, 2024
A fascinating look into the Soviet female pilots in WWII. I enjoyed following along as Nina became a fighter pilot and her struggle to survive with her squad during the war. I would have liked more about the squadron and the missions but this was more of a romance novel than military exploration. A little more about Marina Raskova and her squadron would have educated readers about something I have found so little about but it was not the focus of the novel.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #HarperCollins for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #HarperCollins for an honest review.
July 11, 2024
A fascinating, informative fictional account of Marina Raskova’s women fighter pilots in WWII. Marina was a military instructor and the Soviet’s first female Navigator. The women of the 587th Dive Bombers have each other’s backs in this suspenseful tale of life and death aerial battles but this doesn’t stop the never ending loss of pilots, navigators, tail gunners and planes.
Sidenote
During WWII, the U.S.S.R. was the only Allied country to allow female fighter pilots. Raskova influenced Stalin and the military to form three regiments of female fighter pilots: the 586th Fighter Aviation Regiment, the 587th Bomber Aviation Regiment and the 588th Night Bomber Aviation Regiment — nicknamed the “Night Witches”.
After Pearl Harbour, the U.S. military leaders recognized that the war effort needed more trained aviators and American women took to the skies to serve their country as members of the Women's Airforce Service Pilots (WASP).
In Britain, the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) was a civilian organization set up during World War II to ferry new, repaired and damaged military aircraft between factories, assembly plants, maintenance depots to active service squadrons and airfields, as well as transporting service personnel on urgent duty and performing some air ambulance work.
In November 1939, Commander Pauline Gower was given the task of organizing the women’s section of the ATA. Although at first seen as less-skilled than their male counterparts, in time they fly all types of aircraft, from Hurricanes and Spitfires to four-engine heavy bombers such as the Lancaster and Flying Fortress.
During WWII, the Soviet union suffered a loss of approximately 27 million civilian and military casualties.
Sidenote
During WWII, the U.S.S.R. was the only Allied country to allow female fighter pilots. Raskova influenced Stalin and the military to form three regiments of female fighter pilots: the 586th Fighter Aviation Regiment, the 587th Bomber Aviation Regiment and the 588th Night Bomber Aviation Regiment — nicknamed the “Night Witches”.
After Pearl Harbour, the U.S. military leaders recognized that the war effort needed more trained aviators and American women took to the skies to serve their country as members of the Women's Airforce Service Pilots (WASP).
In Britain, the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) was a civilian organization set up during World War II to ferry new, repaired and damaged military aircraft between factories, assembly plants, maintenance depots to active service squadrons and airfields, as well as transporting service personnel on urgent duty and performing some air ambulance work.
In November 1939, Commander Pauline Gower was given the task of organizing the women’s section of the ATA. Although at first seen as less-skilled than their male counterparts, in time they fly all types of aircraft, from Hurricanes and Spitfires to four-engine heavy bombers such as the Lancaster and Flying Fortress.
During WWII, the Soviet union suffered a loss of approximately 27 million civilian and military casualties.
August 23, 2025
While this book is widely similar to Kate Quinn's The Huntress, I still enjoyed it very much.
September 5, 2023
A heart-wrenching novel of love, friendship, betrayal, and sacrifice.
October 1941: As war rages in the Soviet Union, Nina is devastated as she watches her younger brother being sent off to the front. She has witnessed so many soldiers go to war and never return, and with her father already on the battlefield, her brother is her only family left.
Sick of feeling helpless and determined to fight for her motherland, Nina and her best friend Katya decide to volunteer for the first female-only aviation regiment, led by the legendary pilot Marina Raskova.
But fighting a war is nothing like they expected, and soon the battle lines are no longer restricted to the front – a forbidden love begins to blossom, and Nina is faced with the ultimate betrayal. Will Nina and her loved ones make it out alive?
Marina Mikhaylovna Raskova (28 March 1912–4 January 1943) was the first woman to become a navigator in the Soviet Air Force in 1933.A year later, she started teaching at the Zhukovsky Air Academy, also a first for a woman. She taught male and later, female students military navigation. She was referred to as the "Russian Amelia Earhart" for her achievements.When WWII broke out, there were numerous women who had training as pilots, and many immediately volunteered. While there were no formal restrictions on women serving in combat roles, their applications tended to be blocked, run into red tape, etc. for as long as possible in order to discourage the applicants from entering any training program.Raskova is credited with having used her personal connections with Joseph Stalin to convince the military to form 3 female combat regiments,the 586th(Fighter), and bombers 587th and 588th.Following a speech by Raskova on 8 September 1941 calling for women pilots to be allowed to fight, Stalin on 8 October 1941 ordered the formation of the all-female 122nd Aviation Corps.Not only would the women be pilots, but also support staff and engineers.
Raskova died on 4 January 1943, when her aircraft crashed, attempting to make a forced landing on the Volga bank, while leading two other Pe-2s to the first operative airfield near Stalingrad. The entire crew perished.
October 1941: As war rages in the Soviet Union, Nina is devastated as she watches her younger brother being sent off to the front. She has witnessed so many soldiers go to war and never return, and with her father already on the battlefield, her brother is her only family left.
Sick of feeling helpless and determined to fight for her motherland, Nina and her best friend Katya decide to volunteer for the first female-only aviation regiment, led by the legendary pilot Marina Raskova.
But fighting a war is nothing like they expected, and soon the battle lines are no longer restricted to the front – a forbidden love begins to blossom, and Nina is faced with the ultimate betrayal. Will Nina and her loved ones make it out alive?
Marina Mikhaylovna Raskova (28 March 1912–4 January 1943) was the first woman to become a navigator in the Soviet Air Force in 1933.A year later, she started teaching at the Zhukovsky Air Academy, also a first for a woman. She taught male and later, female students military navigation. She was referred to as the "Russian Amelia Earhart" for her achievements.When WWII broke out, there were numerous women who had training as pilots, and many immediately volunteered. While there were no formal restrictions on women serving in combat roles, their applications tended to be blocked, run into red tape, etc. for as long as possible in order to discourage the applicants from entering any training program.Raskova is credited with having used her personal connections with Joseph Stalin to convince the military to form 3 female combat regiments,the 586th(Fighter), and bombers 587th and 588th.Following a speech by Raskova on 8 September 1941 calling for women pilots to be allowed to fight, Stalin on 8 October 1941 ordered the formation of the all-female 122nd Aviation Corps.Not only would the women be pilots, but also support staff and engineers.
Raskova died on 4 January 1943, when her aircraft crashed, attempting to make a forced landing on the Volga bank, while leading two other Pe-2s to the first operative airfield near Stalingrad. The entire crew perished.
April 22, 2025
"Together you have achieved the impossible. You are selfless and brave. You are heroes."
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper 360 for an ARC of Sisters of the Sky in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions that follow are my own.
Sisters of the Sky follows the story of one of the first all-female aviation regiments during World War II in the Soviet Union. Sisters of the Sky centers around two girls who have been best friends since childhood, Nina and Katya both of whom learned to fly during an aviation club in school. After Anton (Katya's husband) and Vlad (Nina's brother) enlist and go off to war, the girls are left at home to continue attending their university classes until one day in 1941, everything changes. Nina finds out that a female commander named Marina Raskova has been given authority to form a regiment of all-female pilots and navigators and with Katya by her side, Nina rushes to enlist with the slim chance that they might see Anton and Vlad again. What comes after enlistment are horrors and struggles that Nina could never have imagined.
This book intrigued me as I had never heard of an all-female regiment of pilots and navigators so it was interesting to follow the characters throughout the war. I did feel that the pacing dragged in some spots and that in other sections, the story got a little repetitive. However, I did enjoy the relationships/friendship between Anton, Vlad, Nina, and Katya because even though the reader doesn't get to see them when they are children, I definitely got the vibes that they had all known each other for many years. Being a sibling myself, the relationship between Nina and Vlad definitely resonated with me because of their closeness and Nina just wanting Vlad to be safe. While these characters were super interesting, I do wish we got to see a little bit more of Nina's other comrades within her regiment and learn a little bit more about each of them.
Overall, while I did enjoy the book, I would give it 3 stars for the pacing and some sections that dragged. I would recommend it if you are interested in learning more about World War II from the Soviet Union point of view.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper 360 for an ARC of Sisters of the Sky in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions that follow are my own.
Sisters of the Sky follows the story of one of the first all-female aviation regiments during World War II in the Soviet Union. Sisters of the Sky centers around two girls who have been best friends since childhood, Nina and Katya both of whom learned to fly during an aviation club in school. After Anton (Katya's husband) and Vlad (Nina's brother) enlist and go off to war, the girls are left at home to continue attending their university classes until one day in 1941, everything changes. Nina finds out that a female commander named Marina Raskova has been given authority to form a regiment of all-female pilots and navigators and with Katya by her side, Nina rushes to enlist with the slim chance that they might see Anton and Vlad again. What comes after enlistment are horrors and struggles that Nina could never have imagined.
This book intrigued me as I had never heard of an all-female regiment of pilots and navigators so it was interesting to follow the characters throughout the war. I did feel that the pacing dragged in some spots and that in other sections, the story got a little repetitive. However, I did enjoy the relationships/friendship between Anton, Vlad, Nina, and Katya because even though the reader doesn't get to see them when they are children, I definitely got the vibes that they had all known each other for many years. Being a sibling myself, the relationship between Nina and Vlad definitely resonated with me because of their closeness and Nina just wanting Vlad to be safe. While these characters were super interesting, I do wish we got to see a little bit more of Nina's other comrades within her regiment and learn a little bit more about each of them.
Overall, while I did enjoy the book, I would give it 3 stars for the pacing and some sections that dragged. I would recommend it if you are interested in learning more about World War II from the Soviet Union point of view.
July 1, 2023
This was an interesting book. My historical knowledge is lacking somewhat and I had no idea what part Russia played during WW2 so this was all educational for me. At the time Russia was the only country in the world to have women pilots actively involved in combat. Fiction, but very much based on fact, Sisters of the Sky tells the story of Nina and the women she came to see as family, who formed a regiment of mostly female pilots and navigators playing an important role in driving back German enemy lines after Hitler invaded Russia.
We follow Nina and her best childhood friend Katya from when they decide to voluntarily sign up for aviation training with the then famous Marina Raskova who had persuaded Stalin to allow her to set up an all-female fighter squadron. We see them through their gruelling training to their heroic efforts in combat.
Although it is told in the third person, Nina is very much the central character in this book and we the reader are always with her throughout, whereas other characters come and go. I must admit that at times I did find the book a little repetitive, with Nina often reminding us through her own thoughts how much she and her friends and family have sacrificed, what they have lost, how she often feels she can’t carry on. As it’s written in the third person, I would have liked some time away from Nina and heard more from the perspective of other characters in the book and at times, for me, tedium tended to set in.
I also found that despite how incredibly sad and traumatic life was for the women, it never seemed to evoke a great deal of emotion in me. I felt something was missing but couldn’t quite put my finger on what. However as I got almost to the end of the book I was shocked and angry at what materialised towards the end. Obviously I’m not going to go into detail but the thought that this is based on real events really does hit home how much people have suffered at the hands of dictators.
Overall a fascinating and informative story and definitely an alternative view of events surrounding WW2 which made a refreshing change.
We follow Nina and her best childhood friend Katya from when they decide to voluntarily sign up for aviation training with the then famous Marina Raskova who had persuaded Stalin to allow her to set up an all-female fighter squadron. We see them through their gruelling training to their heroic efforts in combat.
Although it is told in the third person, Nina is very much the central character in this book and we the reader are always with her throughout, whereas other characters come and go. I must admit that at times I did find the book a little repetitive, with Nina often reminding us through her own thoughts how much she and her friends and family have sacrificed, what they have lost, how she often feels she can’t carry on. As it’s written in the third person, I would have liked some time away from Nina and heard more from the perspective of other characters in the book and at times, for me, tedium tended to set in.
I also found that despite how incredibly sad and traumatic life was for the women, it never seemed to evoke a great deal of emotion in me. I felt something was missing but couldn’t quite put my finger on what. However as I got almost to the end of the book I was shocked and angry at what materialised towards the end. Obviously I’m not going to go into detail but the thought that this is based on real events really does hit home how much people have suffered at the hands of dictators.
Overall a fascinating and informative story and definitely an alternative view of events surrounding WW2 which made a refreshing change.
July 26, 2023
Sisters of the Sky by Lana Kortchik is a captivating historical fiction novel set in the Soviet Union during World War Two. The story follows Nina, a brave young woman devastated by the war and determined to fight for her motherland. She and her best friend Katya volunteer for the first female-only aviation regiment, led by the legendary pilot Marina Raskova. The novel beautifully portrays Nina's journey through sacrifice, love, and betrayal, and offers a poignant exploration of the friendships formed amidst the horrors of war. Lana Kortchik's superb storytelling, well-developed characters, and meticulously researched historical backdrop create an emotional and personal reading experience that leaves a lasting impact on the heart.
Through the eyes of Nina, Sisters of the Sky sheds light on the remarkable courage and dedication of the Russian female pilots, known as the Night Witches, who defied societal norms to become the first women combat pilots in the world. The novel skillfully captures the hardships faced by these exceptional women, from brutal weather conditions to inadequate resources, and their unwavering commitment to their motherland. It is a powerful and unforgettable tale that celebrates the enduring strength of the human spirit, the power of forgiveness, and the unbreakable bond of friendship amidst the chaos of war.
Through the eyes of Nina, Sisters of the Sky sheds light on the remarkable courage and dedication of the Russian female pilots, known as the Night Witches, who defied societal norms to become the first women combat pilots in the world. The novel skillfully captures the hardships faced by these exceptional women, from brutal weather conditions to inadequate resources, and their unwavering commitment to their motherland. It is a powerful and unforgettable tale that celebrates the enduring strength of the human spirit, the power of forgiveness, and the unbreakable bond of friendship amidst the chaos of war.
January 7, 2024
I’ve been waiting not so patiently for 2024 to begin so I could read this book without the December busyness. It was worth the wait and it was such a good read to kick off my reading year.
Tired of feeling helpless as the war rages around her and taking her loved ones to the battlefield, Nina and her friend Katya enlist as pilots in an all-female aviation regiment — the first of its kind. Here, Nina is faced with the harshest realities of war and what people do in desperate situations.
The story focuses on Nina and her perspective, but Katya, Anton, and Vlad at wonderful supporting characters. I especially liked the focus on Nina and Katya’s lifelong friendship as they face the war together, how things used to be, and how things might be in the future.
This is the second book by Lana Kortschik I’ve read and I fell in love with it. I enjoy her writing style and I especially enjoy her characters. The book kept a great pace. There’s quite a bit of action and even a couple of twists which kept things interesting from start to finish. I’m excited to see more books from this author!
A huge thanks to Harper360 for sending me an ARC of this book!
Tired of feeling helpless as the war rages around her and taking her loved ones to the battlefield, Nina and her friend Katya enlist as pilots in an all-female aviation regiment — the first of its kind. Here, Nina is faced with the harshest realities of war and what people do in desperate situations.
The story focuses on Nina and her perspective, but Katya, Anton, and Vlad at wonderful supporting characters. I especially liked the focus on Nina and Katya’s lifelong friendship as they face the war together, how things used to be, and how things might be in the future.
This is the second book by Lana Kortschik I’ve read and I fell in love with it. I enjoy her writing style and I especially enjoy her characters. The book kept a great pace. There’s quite a bit of action and even a couple of twists which kept things interesting from start to finish. I’m excited to see more books from this author!
A huge thanks to Harper360 for sending me an ARC of this book!
September 7, 2023
This was a great historical fiction featuring an era that while I feel like I know a lot about it, I hadn't read anything from this perspective. I didn't know about the Russian female flying units of WW2 and I learned so much. As the best historical fiction does, it sparked a curiosity and I found myself googling the characters that were based on real people to learn more about their stories.
On top of the history part, the story was so well done. I love the relationships between the characters and even though I felt like I saw what was coming at one point, the emotionality and the way it was written was so well done that I didn't feel like it was predictable even though I predicted it. I was just wrapped up in their story. I can't wait to read another book by this author.
The one thing that made this a 4.5 instead of 5 stars was the use of third person. With the 3rd person perspective, I felt like we would have benefitted from the perspective of others even here or there throughout the book.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
On top of the history part, the story was so well done. I love the relationships between the characters and even though I felt like I saw what was coming at one point, the emotionality and the way it was written was so well done that I didn't feel like it was predictable even though I predicted it. I was just wrapped up in their story. I can't wait to read another book by this author.
The one thing that made this a 4.5 instead of 5 stars was the use of third person. With the 3rd person perspective, I felt like we would have benefitted from the perspective of others even here or there throughout the book.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
August 10, 2023
A fictional tale based on the courage women of Major Marina Raskova's regiments during world War two.
The author shows the entire struggle of women who volunteered to protect Russia during the war. From the denied recruitment, the personnel sacrifice of family, and the rough treatment of these women. The massive death toll of pilots and troops as Russia was swarmed by German forces. The injustice of order 270 when Stalin ordered that escaped soldiers have committed treason for surviving capture.
The fictional charters personally see so much of these events. From college students to pilots for women was a difficult struggle personally for the women of the regiment. The personal toll of loss of friends and family are key to the growth of the characters.
This is a great book to show the struggle and injustice of the world War. It gives students a personal look at the events without excessive violence which allows younger readers to understand the events in a comprehensive way.
The author shows the entire struggle of women who volunteered to protect Russia during the war. From the denied recruitment, the personnel sacrifice of family, and the rough treatment of these women. The massive death toll of pilots and troops as Russia was swarmed by German forces. The injustice of order 270 when Stalin ordered that escaped soldiers have committed treason for surviving capture.
The fictional charters personally see so much of these events. From college students to pilots for women was a difficult struggle personally for the women of the regiment. The personal toll of loss of friends and family are key to the growth of the characters.
This is a great book to show the struggle and injustice of the world War. It gives students a personal look at the events without excessive violence which allows younger readers to understand the events in a comprehensive way.
August 13, 2023
This my second book by Lana and again, I really enjoyed it. Whilst I love #historicalfiction I’ve not read much set in Russia and I really lacked knowledge as to the involvement of Russia within the war. At the time, Russia was the only country to allow female pilots but even so, they were almost scoffed at when they arrived at the front. The bravery of these women is incredible and the harsh conditions they had to endure is something to behold. Nina’s life until the war seemed somewhat hopeful, but once the war hits, tragedy seems to follow her - and at times, it became a difficult read. I found this book to be an education, emotional and thought provoking. All in all, another historical fiction book to add to my collection! Thank you to @hqstories for letting me be a part of this #blogtour 📚
July 22, 2025
As a reader of books written about roles played by women during WWII, I find myself enthralled by stories of women pilots. Until I found these books, I didn't realize that women flew in combat during that war. Women pilots encountered considerable danger ferrying new and damaged aircraft in the US and Britain, and I admired their skill and courage. However, SISTERS OF THE SKY by Lana Kortchik tells of women pilots in Russia who actually had three regiments and flew daytime missions, dropping bombs on German installations and encampments inside the USSR, while also encountering the faster German air force. The women faced terrible dangers and lost many of their recruits. The story is tense, one of those you read nonstop, and Kortchik adds family loyalty, friendship, and love into the mix. If you like having female characters in the middle of the action, this is a book for you.
February 1, 2024
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐒𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐎𝐟 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐤𝐲
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐊𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐤
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟔, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Thank you Harper360 for my #gifted copy of Sisters of The Sky!
I absolutely loved Sisters Of The Sky! Historical Fiction is a favorite of mine and I loved how there were so many amazing elements in this novel. This was my first book by Kortchik and I loved her writing style. On top of that, I felt like the characters were so well-developed and likable. While a large focus on the story was on Nina, the supporting characters were beautifully intertwined into her story and I felt like it all worked so well. I am always amazed at how much research goes into historical fiction novels, and I must say that I feel as though every detail of this one was remarkable.
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐊𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐤
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟔, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Thank you Harper360 for my #gifted copy of Sisters of The Sky!
I absolutely loved Sisters Of The Sky! Historical Fiction is a favorite of mine and I loved how there were so many amazing elements in this novel. This was my first book by Kortchik and I loved her writing style. On top of that, I felt like the characters were so well-developed and likable. While a large focus on the story was on Nina, the supporting characters were beautifully intertwined into her story and I felt like it all worked so well. I am always amazed at how much research goes into historical fiction novels, and I must say that I feel as though every detail of this one was remarkable.
June 15, 2023
"Female friendship is the most precious thing in the world. It brings out the best in us."
Major Marina Raskova
This book packs a powerful punch. Not only does it detail the history of the 587th Dive Bomber Aviation Regiment, one of three female Soviet air corps regiments, it also showcases the strength & dedication of these exceptional young women. It's difficult to even imagine the hardships they faced...brutal weather, uniforms & planes designed for men, inadequate food & shelter, and a better-equipped enemy, the German Luftwaffe. This story makes your heart soar with every flight, pound in every battle, and break with every loss. These women accomplished so much without ever forgetting who they were. They truly were sisters of the sky and it was an honor to read their story.
Many thanks to NetGalley and HQ Digital for the opportunity to read the ARC. The review is my own.
Major Marina Raskova
This book packs a powerful punch. Not only does it detail the history of the 587th Dive Bomber Aviation Regiment, one of three female Soviet air corps regiments, it also showcases the strength & dedication of these exceptional young women. It's difficult to even imagine the hardships they faced...brutal weather, uniforms & planes designed for men, inadequate food & shelter, and a better-equipped enemy, the German Luftwaffe. This story makes your heart soar with every flight, pound in every battle, and break with every loss. These women accomplished so much without ever forgetting who they were. They truly were sisters of the sky and it was an honor to read their story.
Many thanks to NetGalley and HQ Digital for the opportunity to read the ARC. The review is my own.
July 18, 2023
This was a wonderful book. I have read a lot of WW2 novels but this is the first one about the Soviet Union. It was an exciting and sad read. I cried throughout the whole book. Sisters of the Sky is about Marina Raskova’s 587th Dive Bomber Aviation Regiment of all women flying and fighting in WW2. You follow the main character Nina through training with her best friend to flying and losing loved ones. It’s a story I won’t be forgetting any time soon. I loved the characters and the way the author kept the story going…no boring parts at all! I highly recommend this book and this author to any book lover.
November 28, 2023
When I found Sisters of the Sky by Lana Kortchik I HAD to read it! Everything I have ever read by her is always an instant 5 stars and this book was no different! This story is about female friends who become Soviet pilots in WWII. Captivating from the start, these determined women with all the feelings of daughters, friends, wives and mothers. As a huge historical fiction reader this book took me on a journey I had not come across yet before. This read was captivating, well researched and very hard to put down!
Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to read this book in return for an honest review!
Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to read this book in return for an honest review!
August 4, 2023
What a read! This is an intense, well researched novel about female pilots in wartime ussr. It was the only nation who allowed women onto the frontline. We all know ww2 was barbaric, as warfare tends to be, but the depth of loss, privation and brutality seems unmatched on this eastern front. And these women were in the thick of it. Within its storyline is a love story between two people rather thrown together through loss. There are a few historical figures to add authenticity to the narrative, making this a story that needs to be read widely, not least because of current world affairs.
May 27, 2024
I may have read too many other books about the women who fought in Raskova's regiment, so this felt a bit thin on the history side of things.
Spoilers I could have done without:
A romance thread is one thing, but the triangle/thought she was dead, but she wasn't #shock, that was a bit too soap opera for me.
That being said, I did enjoy the fact that it was included about what happened to a POW who escapes and returns to the Red Army. Terrible, but I don't read historical fiction for bubbly happy sunshine and flowers.
Spoilers I could have done without:
A romance thread is one thing, but the triangle/thought she was dead, but she wasn't #shock, that was a bit too soap opera for me.
That being said, I did enjoy the fact that it was included about what happened to a POW who escapes and returns to the Red Army. Terrible, but I don't read historical fiction for bubbly happy sunshine and flowers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2023
A very entertaining novel which also taught me a lot about women pilots in the Soviet Union during WWII. I really enjoyed it, wondering sometimes about the leniency of the Russians particularly when one of their own got shot down. Did they really look for the pilot? However, a great, instructive and extremely intense novel with characters real enough to feel fear for them!
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.
August 22, 2023
4.5/5 stars. I CANNOT. This book was slow to start but once it got going.. I couldn’t put it down.
Spoilers ahead:
I LOVE VLAD. I LOVE ANTON. I LOVE NINA. That’s it. These characters now hold a special place in my heart and I grieved every loss in the story. Gut wrenching and beautiful. Def a must read if you enjoy historical fictions!
Also grateful to the author for the happy ending. There was so much devastation. I needed that! :’)
Spoilers ahead:
I LOVE VLAD. I LOVE ANTON. I LOVE NINA. That’s it. These characters now hold a special place in my heart and I grieved every loss in the story. Gut wrenching and beautiful. Def a must read if you enjoy historical fictions!
Also grateful to the author for the happy ending. There was so much devastation. I needed that! :’)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2023
A fabulous story told about the war from the Russian side and a woman’s war at that.
Nina joins the war as an air pilot, much to the distrust of the men. Her friend Katya joins too. They join other woman who want to help fight against Germany.
However, Nina is betrayed by Katya. However, she fights to stay alive.
A well written book that shows how woman began to fight for their beliefs and country.
Nina joins the war as an air pilot, much to the distrust of the men. Her friend Katya joins too. They join other woman who want to help fight against Germany.
However, Nina is betrayed by Katya. However, she fights to stay alive.
A well written book that shows how woman began to fight for their beliefs and country.
November 29, 2023
Based on real people and events, this is the story of,girls who fought in the Air Force for Russia in WW2. With the usual male bigotry in force, they made their mark. The main characters had their own personal stories and this made for very entertaining reading. I especially liked the progression of the male commander who took over the female fliers. What hardships people faced at that time, especially the paucity of food.
February 6, 2024
As a historical fiction enthusiast, I was thrilled to receive the eARC copy of Lana’s WWII novel, Sisters of the Sky.
📖: It’s World War II, and the Soviet Union is engulfed in conflict with the Germans on the frontlines. Nina and her best friend, Katya, watch as the men in their lives head off to fight, fearfully aware that many men never return from battle. Feeling helpless yet determined to defend their homeland and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with their male counterparts, Nina and Katya courageously volunteer for the first female-only aviation regiment under the legendary pilot Marina Raskova.
🤔💭: Sisters of the Sky is a gripping and powerfully written novel that offers a harrowing glimpse into WWII from a unique perspective. Exploring the story of the female aviation units sheds light on lesser-known aspects of the war and provides a fascinating view from the Russian side. One of the highlights of the book was the portrayal of dedication exhibited throughout various parts. As the author meticulously develops each character, she illustrates how they demonstrate their commitment and loyalty to their regiment members, their country, and their families.
I found the novel to have a slightly slow build-up in the beginning with long chapters, but once I reached around 20%, I couldn’t put the book down!
📖: It’s World War II, and the Soviet Union is engulfed in conflict with the Germans on the frontlines. Nina and her best friend, Katya, watch as the men in their lives head off to fight, fearfully aware that many men never return from battle. Feeling helpless yet determined to defend their homeland and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with their male counterparts, Nina and Katya courageously volunteer for the first female-only aviation regiment under the legendary pilot Marina Raskova.
🤔💭: Sisters of the Sky is a gripping and powerfully written novel that offers a harrowing glimpse into WWII from a unique perspective. Exploring the story of the female aviation units sheds light on lesser-known aspects of the war and provides a fascinating view from the Russian side. One of the highlights of the book was the portrayal of dedication exhibited throughout various parts. As the author meticulously develops each character, she illustrates how they demonstrate their commitment and loyalty to their regiment members, their country, and their families.
I found the novel to have a slightly slow build-up in the beginning with long chapters, but once I reached around 20%, I couldn’t put the book down!
February 27, 2024
This is a WWII historical fiction from the POV of fictional Russian female combat pilots who trained under the real record breaking pilot Marina Raskova. Russia was the only country to allow this at the time. While I found the writing to be a tad weak, the story was entertaining and informative. The harsh conditions they experienced and Stalin's draconian laws were vividly explained. The story also included romance, friendship and betrayal. I enjoyed it. 4/5
July 26, 2024
A good story in a bit of Soviet history not well known. Did you know 800,000 women served in the Soviet Army in WWII, this is about the 1000 who were pilots. The basis of the story is true and 4 of the characters are real people, but this is fiction. The story is much more about relationships and the experiences of people, not about the technical details of flying a PE-2 dive bomber. I need to find her other books.
August 19, 2024
Brave women of ww2
In 'Sisters of the sky' the author masterfully captures the untold stories of women pilots in WW2, showcasing their bravery. The narrative follows several key figures. I found myself deeply invested in their journey. This book is not only a tribute to these remarkably women but also an important reminder of the impact of gender roles in history. I highly recommend this book.
In 'Sisters of the sky' the author masterfully captures the untold stories of women pilots in WW2, showcasing their bravery. The narrative follows several key figures. I found myself deeply invested in their journey. This book is not only a tribute to these remarkably women but also an important reminder of the impact of gender roles in history. I highly recommend this book.
July 3, 2023
Beautiful novel. Loved the way it is written. The characters and the eta are well portrayed, wrapped in the history of WW11. Good research into the era and the functions of the woman's airforce has been performed , which has made the book come alive. The descriptive scenes makes you actually see what’s being given to you. Must read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews