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Sapphire Skies
A love greater than war. A beautiful woman lost. A mystery unsolved ... until now. The epic new saga from one of Australia's best loved storytellers.
2000: the wreckage of a downed WWII fighter plane is discovered in the forests near Russia's Ukrainian border. the aircraft belonged to Natalya Azarova, ace pilot and pin-up girl for Soviet propaganda, but the question of her fate remains unanswered. Was she a German spy who faked her own death, as the Kremlin claims? Her lover, Valentin Orlov, now a highly-decorated general, refuses to believe it.
Lily, a young Australian woman, has moved to Moscow to escape from tragedy. She becomes fascinated by the story of Natalya, and when she meets an elderly woman who claims to know the truth behind the rumours, Lily is drawn deeper into the mystery.
From the pomp and purges of Stalin's Russia through the horrors of war and beyond - secrets and lies, enduring love and terrible betrayal, sacrifice and redemption all combine in this sweeping saga from Belinda Alexandra.
2000: the wreckage of a downed WWII fighter plane is discovered in the forests near Russia's Ukrainian border. the aircraft belonged to Natalya Azarova, ace pilot and pin-up girl for Soviet propaganda, but the question of her fate remains unanswered. Was she a German spy who faked her own death, as the Kremlin claims? Her lover, Valentin Orlov, now a highly-decorated general, refuses to believe it.
Lily, a young Australian woman, has moved to Moscow to escape from tragedy. She becomes fascinated by the story of Natalya, and when she meets an elderly woman who claims to know the truth behind the rumours, Lily is drawn deeper into the mystery.
From the pomp and purges of Stalin's Russia through the horrors of war and beyond - secrets and lies, enduring love and terrible betrayal, sacrifice and redemption all combine in this sweeping saga from Belinda Alexandra.
432 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
164 people are currently reading
1793 people want to read
About the author
Belinda Alexandra
21 books752 followersBelinda Alexandra has been published to wide acclaim in Australia and internationally. She is the daughter of a Russian mother and an Australian father and has been an intrepid traveller since her youth. Her love of other cultures is matched by her passion for her home country, Australia, where she is a volunteer carer for the NSW Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service (WIRES).
Belinda is also an ambassador for the World League for the Protection of Animals (Australia) and lives in Sydney with a menagerie of adored pets.
Join Belinda's community of readers at facebook.com/BelindaAlexandraAuthor
Belinda is also an ambassador for the World League for the Protection of Animals (Australia) and lives in Sydney with a menagerie of adored pets.
Join Belinda's community of readers at facebook.com/BelindaAlexandraAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 293 reviews
May 18, 2018
Me ha gustado mucho. Nunca había leído sobre la apasionante historia de las mujeres piloto en la Segunda Guerra Mundial, y sus heroicas acciones.
Además el régimen ruso de aquella época, y sus propagandas.....
Buenos personajes y bonita historia, aunque debo de reconocer que me hubiera gustado otro final.
3,75
Además el régimen ruso de aquella época, y sus propagandas.....
Buenos personajes y bonita historia, aunque debo de reconocer que me hubiera gustado otro final.
3,75
October 13, 2017
Siempre es movilizante y muy duro leer historias ambientadas en la guerra, sobre todo las que cuentan, con tanta crudeza, los padecimientos en los campos de concentración; porque sos consciente de que lo que estás leyendo es una pequeña parte del horror que fue la realidad.
Termino esta historia con un nudo en la garganta y con una sensación de profunda tristeza. En este momento no soy capaz de decir mucho más.
Termino esta historia con un nudo en la garganta y con una sensación de profunda tristeza. En este momento no soy capaz de decir mucho más.
April 29, 2014
Lately, I've been picking up a lot of books featuring women pilots and have found myself disappointed at the lack of aviation/flying. Though SS is about a woman pilot, inspired by Lydia Litvyak, the aviation scenes are few, but the story is not lacking in any way. There's never a dull moment and there is so much going on...and I have set this book down more knowledgeable about Russian history, about Stalin, about the arctic prisons, than ever before. And while there is more of this other stuff than actual aviation, the aviation is well done and exciting and I have no complaints.
Basically, it just worked.
We have not one, but two incredible heroines--actually three. We have the modern-day Lily who is recovering from a tragic loss and has this thing for saving stray cats. But what is really remarkable about her is her compassion for others. Despite the grief afflicting her, she has room in her heart and enough love in her soul to help an old lady, a perfect stranger. The historical story is about Natalia, how she grows up in Stalin's Russia and becomes a fighter pilot during the Great Patriotic War. (We call it WWII). Through her eyes we see what everyday life was like during this time--the fear, the arrests, the paranoia, the backstabbing, the subway tunnels, the brainwashing, the scarcity of supplies. This was probably my favorite thing and I learned so much from this story.
There's a lot of political corruption, a lot of lies, and we get to visit those arctic prisons I mentioned above, something that I've only heard about vaguely yet now know so much more about.
The third remarkable woman is Sveltana, Natalia's aircraft mechanic. She's loyal and wishes to atone for a sin. She goes above and beyond...
There's also a romance, but while it's passionate and paced wonderfully--not too fast, not too slow--it does not overshadow the importance of the issues within the story. We don't have a heroine here whose sole goal in life is just to find a man and fall in love. There is SO MUCH MORE. I can't stress that enough. (I want to thank my blogging partner Shomeret for coming up with that line in italics. It's something she said to me this last week regarding a different book altogether and the line stuck in my head.)
Now, the writing itself...it flows seamlessly from past to present to past, from POV to POV without issues. I had no difficulty telling who was who or even what time period I was in. The writing itself also transported me to another time and place. I couldn't even sleep while reading this book. I'd turn off my kindle and say, "Okay. Bed time," and twenty minutes later, I'd say, "Screw it. I'm gonna read some more."
Full review: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2014/...
Basically, it just worked.
We have not one, but two incredible heroines--actually three. We have the modern-day Lily who is recovering from a tragic loss and has this thing for saving stray cats. But what is really remarkable about her is her compassion for others. Despite the grief afflicting her, she has room in her heart and enough love in her soul to help an old lady, a perfect stranger. The historical story is about Natalia, how she grows up in Stalin's Russia and becomes a fighter pilot during the Great Patriotic War. (We call it WWII). Through her eyes we see what everyday life was like during this time--the fear, the arrests, the paranoia, the backstabbing, the subway tunnels, the brainwashing, the scarcity of supplies. This was probably my favorite thing and I learned so much from this story.
There's a lot of political corruption, a lot of lies, and we get to visit those arctic prisons I mentioned above, something that I've only heard about vaguely yet now know so much more about.
The third remarkable woman is Sveltana, Natalia's aircraft mechanic. She's loyal and wishes to atone for a sin. She goes above and beyond...
There's also a romance, but while it's passionate and paced wonderfully--not too fast, not too slow--it does not overshadow the importance of the issues within the story. We don't have a heroine here whose sole goal in life is just to find a man and fall in love. There is SO MUCH MORE. I can't stress that enough. (I want to thank my blogging partner Shomeret for coming up with that line in italics. It's something she said to me this last week regarding a different book altogether and the line stuck in my head.)
Now, the writing itself...it flows seamlessly from past to present to past, from POV to POV without issues. I had no difficulty telling who was who or even what time period I was in. The writing itself also transported me to another time and place. I couldn't even sleep while reading this book. I'd turn off my kindle and say, "Okay. Bed time," and twenty minutes later, I'd say, "Screw it. I'm gonna read some more."
Full review: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2014/...
June 10, 2016
Una grata sorpresa esta novela.La Rusia de Stalin,la 2 Guerra Mundial y mujeres piloto de aviones de combate que aterrorizaron a Hitler.Preciosa historia. 4'5 http://huellalibrosicc.blogspot.com.e...
November 13, 2018
I borrowed this book from the library.
Setting, Moscow 1937 - Russia 2000
I'm still so stunned and over awed, over this book.
Getting back into my comfort zone with a historical fiction, I was surrounded by how shocking and revealing this book had become. Most of the story revolves around Natasha and her life, captured by the cruel Stalin at the age of 14, showered her with gifts, the family house.... raided, tossed out and her father, taken away. Her life and passion for flying, literally, cost her.....her life, as years later her plane crashed. She was then captured in another sense and was sent to concentration camp after concentration camp, where, even animals were treated better than people.
I applaud the author, it must have taken a painstakingly amount of hard work to do research into this terror of a subject, that is all too real for some. I found this very, extremely facinating and I learnt alot from it.
This book comes highly recommended by me and would suit all historical fictional readers, especially those who are interested in Moscow, Russia, who likes world war II fighter plane era, who likes war type books, and who likes suspenseful reads.
I special and tremendous "thank you" goes to Ellen Read who recommended me this book in the first place.
Setting, Moscow 1937 - Russia 2000
I'm still so stunned and over awed, over this book.
Getting back into my comfort zone with a historical fiction, I was surrounded by how shocking and revealing this book had become. Most of the story revolves around Natasha and her life, captured by the cruel Stalin at the age of 14, showered her with gifts, the family house.... raided, tossed out and her father, taken away. Her life and passion for flying, literally, cost her.....her life, as years later her plane crashed. She was then captured in another sense and was sent to concentration camp after concentration camp, where, even animals were treated better than people.
I applaud the author, it must have taken a painstakingly amount of hard work to do research into this terror of a subject, that is all too real for some. I found this very, extremely facinating and I learnt alot from it.
This book comes highly recommended by me and would suit all historical fictional readers, especially those who are interested in Moscow, Russia, who likes world war II fighter plane era, who likes war type books, and who likes suspenseful reads.
I special and tremendous "thank you" goes to Ellen Read who recommended me this book in the first place.
January 13, 2019
*4.5*
Me encantó la protagonista que lucha por su familia y por cumplir sus sueños, a pesar de las opiniones de los demás. Un final perfecto para una bellísima historia.
Me encantó la protagonista que lucha por su familia y por cumplir sus sueños, a pesar de las opiniones de los demás. Un final perfecto para una bellísima historia.
January 19, 2019
Una historia conmovedora y fuerte !
Se me hizo algo lento entrar en la historia en el primer momento
Se me hizo algo lento entrar en la historia en el primer momento
September 19, 2018
Sapphire Skies is a historical saga about two families who were affected and by war, lies, betrayal, sacrifice, and love that never died. General Valentin Orlov since the war was looking for the plane of his first love Senior Lieutenant Azarova who crush during the war. Lily moved to Moscow from Australia after her fiance Adam died, to try to live again. On the way to work one day, Lily met an old lady who wanted her to look after her dog before Lily could say Yes the train station blew up. The readers of Sapphire Skies will continue to follow the twists and turns to see what happens to Lily, the old lady, and General Valentin Orlov.
Sapphire Skies is the first book I have read of Belinda Alexandra, and it is an enjoyable book to read. I like the way Belinda Alexandra incorporates her historical and contemporary stories together in Sapphire Skies that ensure I engage with the plot of this book. Belinda Alexandra did a fantastic job of portraying her characters and the interaction they have with each other thought Sapphire Skies. Sapphire Skies is well written and research by Belinda Alexandra. I like the way Belinda Alexandra describes her settings that make me feel that I am part of the story.
The readers of Sapphire Skies will learn about female military aviators during Stalin's era. Also, readers will start to understand about grief and how it can affect people in so many different ways. In Sapphire Skies Belinda Alexandra does a great job of portraying the work of people who work for the protection of stray cats in the community.
I recommend this book.
Sapphire Skies is the first book I have read of Belinda Alexandra, and it is an enjoyable book to read. I like the way Belinda Alexandra incorporates her historical and contemporary stories together in Sapphire Skies that ensure I engage with the plot of this book. Belinda Alexandra did a fantastic job of portraying her characters and the interaction they have with each other thought Sapphire Skies. Sapphire Skies is well written and research by Belinda Alexandra. I like the way Belinda Alexandra describes her settings that make me feel that I am part of the story.
The readers of Sapphire Skies will learn about female military aviators during Stalin's era. Also, readers will start to understand about grief and how it can affect people in so many different ways. In Sapphire Skies Belinda Alexandra does a great job of portraying the work of people who work for the protection of stray cats in the community.
I recommend this book.
May 4, 2014
I'm blown away by this book. Gobsmacked!! The breath ripped from me!! What an amazing book. And with the author having Russian parents, who clearly survived Stalin and World War II, she knows her stuff.
I almost couldn't read the horrors of what Stalin did to his own people, and what Hitler (and the evil men who carried out his orders!!) did to millions...it just makes me almost double over in revolt and despair. But it's important that we still tell the story of WWII. Future generations must be told, so the atrocities never occur again.
Apart from gutwrenching war stuff, the story of the sexbomb pilot fighter and her lover the general, and their enduring love apart for the rest of their lives, is so romantic I was swooning. The girl power stuff is goosebump worthy, and a real kick!! This book has everything - romance, war, horrors, girl power, adventure, intelligence. I'm blown away by this book. Can't wait to read more by this author!! Can't wait to see this as a Hollywood movie!!
I have to add a sidenote, hours after reading this, still crying at the book, that you just have to read this book!! From crying at the horrors of war, to the starcrossed long lost lovers, to the incredible cuteness of the cat lady main character, it's just all so incredibly heartwarming and made me both despair at the world and all warm and fuzzy at the same time!! Just go read this book!! Everybody!!
I almost couldn't read the horrors of what Stalin did to his own people, and what Hitler (and the evil men who carried out his orders!!) did to millions...it just makes me almost double over in revolt and despair. But it's important that we still tell the story of WWII. Future generations must be told, so the atrocities never occur again.
Apart from gutwrenching war stuff, the story of the sexbomb pilot fighter and her lover the general, and their enduring love apart for the rest of their lives, is so romantic I was swooning. The girl power stuff is goosebump worthy, and a real kick!! This book has everything - romance, war, horrors, girl power, adventure, intelligence. I'm blown away by this book. Can't wait to read more by this author!! Can't wait to see this as a Hollywood movie!!
I have to add a sidenote, hours after reading this, still crying at the book, that you just have to read this book!! From crying at the horrors of war, to the starcrossed long lost lovers, to the incredible cuteness of the cat lady main character, it's just all so incredibly heartwarming and made me both despair at the world and all warm and fuzzy at the same time!! Just go read this book!! Everybody!!
June 5, 2017
Preciosa novela, altamente emotiva y muy interesante desde el punto de vista histórico. Una trama con dos historias, contadas en dos tiempos por distintos personajes, que acaban entrelazándose. Mientras nos revelan la vida de Natasha, una intrépida aviadora durante la II Guerra Mundial, también nos delatan el fanatismo, las injusticias y la arbitrariedad del régimen totalitario de Stalin, con una ambientación perfecta que nos traslada a escenarios como la batalla de Stalingrado, surcando el cielo en un avión de combate, en el campo de concentración de Auschwitz, en un campo ruso de prisioneros como el de Kolimá, hasta la Rusia de principios del siglo XXI. Una historia conmovedora llena de ingredientes que transmiten muchas emociones i mantiene al lector en expectativa. Traiciones, secretos, sufrimiento, amor, coraje, lealtad, resistencia, valentía… Totalmente recomendable!!!
June 22, 2023
One hundred per cent astonishing. Honestly Belinda Alexandra’s books dazzle the senses and this one was no exception. A mesmerising tale of tenderness, warmth and compassion.
Intense, soul-stirring, illuminating.
Narrated by the ever wonderful and talented, Caroline Lee
Listened to the audio version via the BorrowBox app
Published by Bolinda audio
Duration: 15 hrs, 8 min. 1.50x Speed
Intense, soul-stirring, illuminating.
Narrated by the ever wonderful and talented, Caroline Lee
Listened to the audio version via the BorrowBox app
Published by Bolinda audio
Duration: 15 hrs, 8 min. 1.50x Speed
May 30, 2016
Que maravilla de libro!!! Dos historias entrelazadas, pasado y presente se unen para transportarnos a la Unión Soviética, en plena Segunda Guerra Mundial... Aunque es un tema sobre el que se ha escrito mucho, nunca dejará de sorprenderme... Y en este caso, una vez más nos ayuda a conocer y descubrir más detalles sobre las circunstancias y acontecimientos a los que se enfrentaron millones de personas, que de la noche a la mañana sus vidas quedaron a merced de las órdenes de líderes carentes de escrúpulos... Aunque la historia está basada en hechos reales, los personajes son ficción, pero aún así me ha llamado la atención conocer la historia de las "Brujas de la noche", un regimiento de mujeres piloto bastante agresivas que atacaban en puntos estratégicos a los alemanes. Su instigadora fue una mujer llamada Marina Raskova. Un nombre que aparece en la novela de manera esporádica, pero que da sentido a la historia de Natasha Azarova como piloto de uno de los tres regimientos de mujeres que volaron en batallas tan difíciles como la de Stalingrado.
Con Natasha, nuestra protagonista, recorreremos la historia de la Unión Soviética en los tiempos de Stalin y sus terribles purgas, la batalla de Stalingrado, la crueldad de la guerra y del sinsentido de los campos de concentración como el de Auschwitz o de los campos de trabajo de la Rusia estalinista. En esta historia nos encontramos con unos personajes fuertes, muy bien perfilados y que sin duda os costará olvidar... Una de las mejores lecturas de este año... Sin dudar, os recomiendo su lectura... Os atrapará la vida de Natasha Azarova!!! Recomendable 100%!!!
Con Natasha, nuestra protagonista, recorreremos la historia de la Unión Soviética en los tiempos de Stalin y sus terribles purgas, la batalla de Stalingrado, la crueldad de la guerra y del sinsentido de los campos de concentración como el de Auschwitz o de los campos de trabajo de la Rusia estalinista. En esta historia nos encontramos con unos personajes fuertes, muy bien perfilados y que sin duda os costará olvidar... Una de las mejores lecturas de este año... Sin dudar, os recomiendo su lectura... Os atrapará la vida de Natasha Azarova!!! Recomendable 100%!!!
April 4, 2016
You know that feeling where you feel as though you know the character, the feeling that they are a part of you and you just want to cry with sadness yet joy? I feel like that right now. Sapphire Skies was a beautifully written book and I cannot fully express how much I love it. There is much "me" in this beautiful story in the cases of me loving aviation along with having a Russian background and a love for animals. Sapphire skies by Belinda Alexandra is one of my favourite novels that I have ever read and I really cannot explain how perfect this novel was.
January 7, 2017
Una preciosa historia!
June 13, 2015
World War II was a time of heroes. Titans arose and took their places in the pantheon of the world stage - soldiers, politicians, spies, and the average citizen forced to defend his own. Whole nations went to war from the professional army right down to the farm and factory workmen, even the women and children. In this unique juncture between an old era and the new one to come a woman stepped forward to defend her homeland, her people, her political beliefs, and to grasp at glory.
Natalya Stepanova Azarova ("Natasha") grew up during the prime of the Soviet Union's Socialist age. A chance meeting with Joseph Stalin as a girl led to a strong case of hero-worship that colored the decisions she would make for the rest of her life. When war broke out and the Soviet Union faced the deadly and immediate threat of Nazi invasion, Natasha wasted no time in joining the air force. In a time and place where female pilots were fewer than their male counterparts, but no less valued, Natasha became the best and brightest in her command. At the same time that she achieved her sought-after fame, Natasha found a worthy ally and lover in her Captain. At Valentin's side, and her trusty bomber in fighting form, it seemed that nothing could stand in her way ... until a heretofore unknown ghost from the past creeps up behind and shatters her world.
For a valiant heroine such as Natasha Azarova the ending to her story should have been grand and as spectacular as her life. But when she simply vanishes without a trace her lover, her best friend, and the people of the Soviet Union who worshiped her have no idea what to think. How did her story end ... or did it?
Russia, 2000. Lily came from Australia to escape painful memories. When chance and circumstance land her with the care of an elderly lady whose identity is as much an enigma as her history, Lily finds herself working to piece together the ending historians, conspiracy theorists, and intelligence officers have debated over since the Azarova bomber flew off and didn't return. Was Natasha, the Socialist golden girl, a Nazi spy as many have supposed? Is the recently discovered corpse originally found at the location of a crash site hers? Did she die, or did her legend continue on along some unrevealed route lost in time?
Lily is not the only one searching for Natasha, as the love once so fierce but left behind without warning or reason has not dimmed. Valentin Orlov is an old man, but he has refused to leave the love of his life buried in the obscure grave of history. To the Russian people she was a star, a bright hope, but to him she was a woman his heart could never let go of.
The truth of Nathasha's fate is revealed in time, though it is not from a source Lily would ever have believed it to come from. Nor is it what she could have thought possible for so treasured a heroine. A shattering betrayal, loss and crippling grief, oppression and hatred, and a journey both epic and utterly tragic. It is a story that shows the worst of mankind -- and the very best.
Belinda Alexandra has crafted a masterpiece! Sapphire Skies is a brilliant story which illuminates a corner of history rarely explored in historical fiction and clings firmly to the historical record, which isn't always as clean-cut or as laudable as we might wish. Humanity has committed heinous crimes against its own throughout time, but WWII is a seemingly unending mine of atrocities, tragedies, and horrors out of mankind's repertoire.
While Natasha is fictional, her character and her struggles are all based as loyally as possible on the factual record of the place and time. It's a harrowing story, and one that is difficult to read at times. Natasha doesn't just struggle, she suffers. It is all the more intense because the reality of the Soviet Union at that time held that many endured -- were broken and destroyed by -- the selfsame indignities and brutalities described here in prose.
Soul-deep and moving, this work strikes gold on so many levels. On the surface it is a Class A historical mystery/adventure with fabulous characters, but the depths demand readers to consider hard questions and analyze some of the seedier tidbits of history, human nature -- and the inner fire that enables the spirit to survive against all odds. Bravo!
Natalya Stepanova Azarova ("Natasha") grew up during the prime of the Soviet Union's Socialist age. A chance meeting with Joseph Stalin as a girl led to a strong case of hero-worship that colored the decisions she would make for the rest of her life. When war broke out and the Soviet Union faced the deadly and immediate threat of Nazi invasion, Natasha wasted no time in joining the air force. In a time and place where female pilots were fewer than their male counterparts, but no less valued, Natasha became the best and brightest in her command. At the same time that she achieved her sought-after fame, Natasha found a worthy ally and lover in her Captain. At Valentin's side, and her trusty bomber in fighting form, it seemed that nothing could stand in her way ... until a heretofore unknown ghost from the past creeps up behind and shatters her world.
For a valiant heroine such as Natasha Azarova the ending to her story should have been grand and as spectacular as her life. But when she simply vanishes without a trace her lover, her best friend, and the people of the Soviet Union who worshiped her have no idea what to think. How did her story end ... or did it?
Russia, 2000. Lily came from Australia to escape painful memories. When chance and circumstance land her with the care of an elderly lady whose identity is as much an enigma as her history, Lily finds herself working to piece together the ending historians, conspiracy theorists, and intelligence officers have debated over since the Azarova bomber flew off and didn't return. Was Natasha, the Socialist golden girl, a Nazi spy as many have supposed? Is the recently discovered corpse originally found at the location of a crash site hers? Did she die, or did her legend continue on along some unrevealed route lost in time?
Lily is not the only one searching for Natasha, as the love once so fierce but left behind without warning or reason has not dimmed. Valentin Orlov is an old man, but he has refused to leave the love of his life buried in the obscure grave of history. To the Russian people she was a star, a bright hope, but to him she was a woman his heart could never let go of.
The truth of Nathasha's fate is revealed in time, though it is not from a source Lily would ever have believed it to come from. Nor is it what she could have thought possible for so treasured a heroine. A shattering betrayal, loss and crippling grief, oppression and hatred, and a journey both epic and utterly tragic. It is a story that shows the worst of mankind -- and the very best.
Belinda Alexandra has crafted a masterpiece! Sapphire Skies is a brilliant story which illuminates a corner of history rarely explored in historical fiction and clings firmly to the historical record, which isn't always as clean-cut or as laudable as we might wish. Humanity has committed heinous crimes against its own throughout time, but WWII is a seemingly unending mine of atrocities, tragedies, and horrors out of mankind's repertoire.
While Natasha is fictional, her character and her struggles are all based as loyally as possible on the factual record of the place and time. It's a harrowing story, and one that is difficult to read at times. Natasha doesn't just struggle, she suffers. It is all the more intense because the reality of the Soviet Union at that time held that many endured -- were broken and destroyed by -- the selfsame indignities and brutalities described here in prose.
Soul-deep and moving, this work strikes gold on so many levels. On the surface it is a Class A historical mystery/adventure with fabulous characters, but the depths demand readers to consider hard questions and analyze some of the seedier tidbits of history, human nature -- and the inner fire that enables the spirit to survive against all odds. Bravo!
April 14, 2014
Sapphire Skies by Belinda Alexandra is a story about Natalya Azarova, an ace pilot in Stalinist Russia whose plane was shot down by the Germans during World War 2 and who vanished without a trace. The aftermath of Natalya’s crash is clouded by the suspicion that she may have been a traitor who defected to the Germans. When the wreckage of a plane is discovered in 2000 by Natalya’s lover and fellow pilot Valentin Orlov - who has been desperately searching for her since she vanished – a variety of people are drawn together to share their perspectives and to piece together the story of what happened to this controversial national heroine. One of those touched by Natalya’s story is Lily, an Australian visitor in Moscow who is struggling to put her own life back together after a personal tragedy. This book is engaging, an easy read, and full of historical detail. Fans of wartime fiction with a little bit of romance on the side, Russian history, and cats (yes, cats) will definitely enjoy it.
I don't usually read these romanticised, realistic types of books but I really didn't mind this one; the story engaged me and it was well-written. So don't just write it off if these types of books aren't usually for you. :)
I don't usually read these romanticised, realistic types of books but I really didn't mind this one; the story engaged me and it was well-written. So don't just write it off if these types of books aren't usually for you. :)
April 14, 2014
*Spoilers warning!* Just finished this beautiful book. I absolutely LOVE all of Belinda's books & this was the same. Although it wasn't as long as I had hoped, like the others. Would've loved to hear more about Valentin & Natalya's time together. Also about what Natalya did & how she felt when she realised Valentin had married. I'm devo about what happened to her & guess I wanted a happy ending!! I guess the fact that Lily became happy was a result of Natalya - so that's some comfort. Great book- couldn't put down!
December 31, 2017
Desde que lei jinete de bronce he leído muchos libros buenísimos, Pero no encontraba otro que me gustará de la misma manera que me gusto jinete hasta que lei este maravilloso libro, No importa el género que leas este libro es para ti lo recomiendo mucho, Tiene una historia increíblemente hermosa llena de valentía fortaleza y amor también tiene momentos muy tristes pero que libro que hablé de la guerra nonlos tiene? definitivamente este es un libro que se ha robado mi corazón y seguro lo volveré a leer muchas veces mas porque libros así son difíciles de encontar
June 20, 2014
Another incredible read by Belinda Alexandra – not really surprising though as Belinda is a fantastic author who has that magical gift to transport the reader to another place and time. The historical background is well-researched as we follow ace female pilot Natalya in WWII. The backdrop of Stalins Russia is intense and powerful and when Natalya’s plane is shot down by the Germans, she vanishes without a trace. This is an emotional, beautifully written page turner….. loved it.
March 21, 2017
This is my favorite Belinda Alexandra novel . I've listened to it multiple times . Narrated by my beloved Caroline Lee it brings me to tears every time . It's an amazing book . Thank you Bolinda Audio and Audible.com
April 13, 2014
Another great book by Belinda Alexandra. I have enjoyed all of her books but this one was great as I love Russian History.
February 12, 2017
Uramisten, ez nekem túl orosz volt, túl történelem, túl igaz, hiába fiktív. Kicsit belepusztultam. :(
August 31, 2021
At the end of 2nd month in lockdown and entering a 3rd, my headspace dictates that I should be turning to favourite authors to guarantee some comfort reading. I've enjoyed most of Belinda Alexandra's novels but with one set in Russia (a favourite setting!), I know I'm in for a treat.
Sapphire Skies is a time slip novel where we past and present being represented by multiple POVs and the past is truly reaching into the future. The main protagonist, Lily, is an Australian of Russian descent who came to live in Russia as she grieved over a terrible loss. She became entranced and incidentally drawn into the story of a Russian hero, a female ace pilot, who was lost during the war. It was a story of innocence lost, betrayal, strength and a love that always is.
Utterly engaging and even if the ending wasn't quite what I wanted, it was probably the right thing because it still warms my heart and now, I can go to sleep to dream of happy things ;)
Sapphire Skies is a time slip novel where we past and present being represented by multiple POVs and the past is truly reaching into the future. The main protagonist, Lily, is an Australian of Russian descent who came to live in Russia as she grieved over a terrible loss. She became entranced and incidentally drawn into the story of a Russian hero, a female ace pilot, who was lost during the war. It was a story of innocence lost, betrayal, strength and a love that always is.
Utterly engaging and even if the ending wasn't quite what I wanted, it was probably the right thing because it still warms my heart and now, I can go to sleep to dream of happy things ;)
January 29, 2020
Comencé la lectura de este libro con grandes espectativas,dados los comentarios leidos y escuchados,pero para mi no resultó ser un libro tan maravilloso. Le vi muchas irregularidades,cosas irreales, que denotan poca investigacion ,aunque sea ficción debe tener un poco de realidad, Los gatos ,no sé que hacian en la historia,casi en papel protagónico,tantos gatos que no aportan nada. El final no me gustó.,después de tanta tragedia y un amor tan profundo esperaba algo más.Los personajes me parecieron con cualidades un poco exageradas,la historia del presente tiene muy poco peso,le quita impacto a la verdadera historia que es narrada y queda como un relleno.
March 26, 2024
I loved this book! ✨ it is a completely immersive story of the power of Love (filial, romantic, friendly) in tough times.
And now I’m a bit less ignorant about Russian civil context because this book made me dig some info out every two chapters.
And now I’m a bit less ignorant about Russian civil context because this book made me dig some info out every two chapters.
April 12, 2020
Brutal, increíble. Para mí 100% recomendable. Por poner una pega... te mantiene el libro una tensión y una emoción muy alta y el final pierde intensidad para mi gusto. Pero salvo esa pequeña 5* bien merecidas.
June 19, 2014
An intriguing and fascinating story. For so long we were not privy to the contemporary history of Russia that improved relations have provided us with an eagerness to know more. Stalin was undoubtedly a monster to equal the worst in history. In this book the horrors of his regime are revealed and together with the horrors of WW2 the reader is faced with almost unimaginable happenings. We wonder how anyone could survive. Added to this the ferocity of the weather and the incredible suffering of the starving masses makes a profound impression.
The characters are believable. Though the heroine Natalya, a fighter pilot in the Russian Airforce, seems to have a little too much of everything. Her love affair with another ace pilot Orlov is probably intensified by the wartime situation as is her relationship with her best friend. The mystery surrounding Natalya,s disappearance provides us with a parallel story as the mystery is unravelled.
Yes it was a very interesting and gripping story but at times I felt it became a little maudlin.However if you are interested in Russian history it is well worth reading.
The characters are believable. Though the heroine Natalya, a fighter pilot in the Russian Airforce, seems to have a little too much of everything. Her love affair with another ace pilot Orlov is probably intensified by the wartime situation as is her relationship with her best friend. The mystery surrounding Natalya,s disappearance provides us with a parallel story as the mystery is unravelled.
Yes it was a very interesting and gripping story but at times I felt it became a little maudlin.However if you are interested in Russian history it is well worth reading.
November 14, 2018
You must read this book!! Actually, do yourself a favour and get it as an audiobook. I very very very rarely award 5 stars and this is why. When I do it's because a book has to be far and above all the others.
This story brought me to tears. What an absolute travesty. I know this story is fiction but it is based on truth and that is what breaks your heart. Russians fighting for their country in the middle of a war had more reason to fear their own government than they did the enemy!!
I listened to this book as an audiobook and the narrator was awesome! She brought the characters to life, gave them the best accents and pronounced those Russian names like you wouldn't believe.
The last few pages in particular had me sobbing at the waste of it all and the unnecessary suffering brought to bear on the coat tails of ego!
The world carries on about Hitler. Well after reading this I've concluded that he had a brother and his name was Stalin!!
This story brought me to tears. What an absolute travesty. I know this story is fiction but it is based on truth and that is what breaks your heart. Russians fighting for their country in the middle of a war had more reason to fear their own government than they did the enemy!!
I listened to this book as an audiobook and the narrator was awesome! She brought the characters to life, gave them the best accents and pronounced those Russian names like you wouldn't believe.
The last few pages in particular had me sobbing at the waste of it all and the unnecessary suffering brought to bear on the coat tails of ego!
The world carries on about Hitler. Well after reading this I've concluded that he had a brother and his name was Stalin!!
March 10, 2017
I am conflicted about this book. It was brilliant in that it satisfied me on so many levels, my go genre of historical fiction and featuring a strong heroine. It was brutal in that it was Russia under Stalin during WWII but the author certainly did her research and was meticulous with her details and it made this period of time vivid and real to me. It was thrilling in that I very much adored Natalya and to read of a female ace fighter pilot that was ahead of her time was fascinating. The story flipped back and forth between WWII and the present which focused on an Australian woman living in Russia. The two stories end up colliding and solving a mystery in a way that I found so depressing that it left me despondent. No spoilers so I will stop now but it ended up leaving me conflicted on the entire story
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