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Through Adversity
Tortured German fighter ace Lt. Siegfried Krämer has a terrible secret which could ruin him: he prefers men. Hurried, loveless encounters have armed him with a sardonic wit and a bleak outlook, and he faces a life in which his only companion is his dog, Eike.
The young and talented Lt. Valentine Westbrook should be considered an ace, but most of his victories are unconfirmed, and now that his squadron is relegated to bombing missions the chances of him ever reaching the magic number are dwindling. When he encounters an equally-skilled enemy pilot during a terrible storm, Valentine is unable to resist the hunt.
Both men soon abandon all common sense and - with a protracted dogfight at their backs - crash-land in the midst of the German Empire’s last great offensive push. Injured, stranded, and with no idea which side of the Line they are on, they must work together if they are to survive. One of them will become the other’s prisoner just as soon as they figure out where they are, but until then they are stuck with no food and no shelter in storms which don’t seem ready to end. But worse still, their mutual respect blossoms into something dangerously intimate, and their lives are about to become forever intertwined...
The young and talented Lt. Valentine Westbrook should be considered an ace, but most of his victories are unconfirmed, and now that his squadron is relegated to bombing missions the chances of him ever reaching the magic number are dwindling. When he encounters an equally-skilled enemy pilot during a terrible storm, Valentine is unable to resist the hunt.
Both men soon abandon all common sense and - with a protracted dogfight at their backs - crash-land in the midst of the German Empire’s last great offensive push. Injured, stranded, and with no idea which side of the Line they are on, they must work together if they are to survive. One of them will become the other’s prisoner just as soon as they figure out where they are, but until then they are stuck with no food and no shelter in storms which don’t seem ready to end. But worse still, their mutual respect blossoms into something dangerously intimate, and their lives are about to become forever intertwined...
145 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 31, 2015
5 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
Amelia Faulkner
22 books291 followersAmelia Faulkner was born in Thame, Oxfordshire, and sprouted upward in short order. The ground around Thame is reasonably mucky, especially in the winter, and she can’t be blamed for wanting to get away from it.
Raised on a steady diet of Star Trek and Doctor Who, Amelia stood no chance in not becoming a grade-A geek. She has sat on the board of the British Fantasy Society, contributed fiction and fluff to various published roleplaying games, and written non-fiction for SciFiNow and SFX Magazines. For every positive there is an equal and opposite negative, and Amelia is forced to admit that she loves Wild Wild West.
In her spare time she enjoys travel, photography, walking her Corgi, and trying to convince her friends to replay the Pathfinder Adventure Card Game with all the Goblins decks.
Visit her website at http://ameliafaulkner.com!
Raised on a steady diet of Star Trek and Doctor Who, Amelia stood no chance in not becoming a grade-A geek. She has sat on the board of the British Fantasy Society, contributed fiction and fluff to various published roleplaying games, and written non-fiction for SciFiNow and SFX Magazines. For every positive there is an equal and opposite negative, and Amelia is forced to admit that she loves Wild Wild West.
In her spare time she enjoys travel, photography, walking her Corgi, and trying to convince her friends to replay the Pathfinder Adventure Card Game with all the Goblins decks.
Visit her website at http://ameliafaulkner.com!
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 12, 2019
2.5 stars
I'm really curious how Amelia Faulkner would write this story today, because this doesn't resemble at all the complexity of plot and characterization that I've come to expect from her in the Inherited series.
It starts off well enough: two WWI pilots, one British, one German, find themselves downed in a field, not sure where they are. Neither one is really sure about the wisdom of this war, and so when they find themselves dependent on each other, they agree to get along until they figure what side of the Front they're on and then one will declare the other a prisoner of war.
Valentine and Siegfried are amiable guys and they befriend each other quickly, and then just as quickly move on to being lovers and in love. While they were together, I could buy into it since they were kind of adorkable. Once they separated, though, I had trouble caring about their angst and pining and found myself losing interest as the story went on. Despite this being WWI and despite them being on opposite sides, there's no actual conflict and everything's just too easy for them.
There are also quite a few typos and wrong words being used, and fresh after reading Box 1663, I couldn't help but be disappointed at how rarely any vernacular of the time is used.
This was a decent read but nothing special. If you're looking for something light and short with good historical detail, this might fit the bill.
I'm really curious how Amelia Faulkner would write this story today, because this doesn't resemble at all the complexity of plot and characterization that I've come to expect from her in the Inherited series.
It starts off well enough: two WWI pilots, one British, one German, find themselves downed in a field, not sure where they are. Neither one is really sure about the wisdom of this war, and so when they find themselves dependent on each other, they agree to get along until they figure what side of the Front they're on and then one will declare the other a prisoner of war.
Valentine and Siegfried are amiable guys and they befriend each other quickly, and then just as quickly move on to being lovers and in love. While they were together, I could buy into it since they were kind of adorkable. Once they separated, though, I had trouble caring about their angst and pining and found myself losing interest as the story went on. Despite this being WWI and despite them being on opposite sides, there's no actual conflict and everything's just too easy for them.
There are also quite a few typos and wrong words being used, and fresh after reading Box 1663, I couldn't help but be disappointed at how rarely any vernacular of the time is used.
This was a decent read but nothing special. If you're looking for something light and short with good historical detail, this might fit the bill.
August 14, 2015
Yes, yes, and more yes. I adore stories based in either of the World Wars, but they're not always good. This one is an exception. Set during WWI, this is the story of an unlikely romance between German ace fighter pilot Siegfried and his British counterpart, Valentine. After crashing in neither-knows-where, they form an unlikely truce in order to survive until they can make it back to whatever kind of civilization they can find. After some stunning personal revelations, their unlikely friendship turns into an even more unlikely romance. Heartfelt and with very little angst, this was a true pleasure read.
September 1, 2015
3.5 stars
I got very bogged down in the details in the first few chapters. There was so much detail about the planes, pilots and tactics that didn't feel necessary and I felt myself fast losing interest. There is also a lot of jargon used which I found confusing and off putting.
Once Val and Kramer met I found it easier to get into the story.
It's a sweet tale and the characters are well written and likeable.
I would have liked more background information and once they are separated everything happened a bit too quickly. I would have also liked more about their life after the war.
I received a copy of this book from the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.
I got very bogged down in the details in the first few chapters. There was so much detail about the planes, pilots and tactics that didn't feel necessary and I felt myself fast losing interest. There is also a lot of jargon used which I found confusing and off putting.
Once Val and Kramer met I found it easier to get into the story.
It's a sweet tale and the characters are well written and likeable.
I would have liked more background information and once they are separated everything happened a bit too quickly. I would have also liked more about their life after the war.
I received a copy of this book from the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.
September 2, 2015
I received a copy of this book from the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.
This was an okay read, recommended to any World War 2 fans out there. Now I'll admit that I don't know much about it besides what I was taught in my history classes, but the author obviously did some extensive research. I didn't know it was that hard to fly a plane back then, and I loved the little details that the author took the time to include in order to remind us that this is not modern times, people.
Because of all this, I enjoyed the first half of this book better than the other half. Valentine and Siegfried are likable enough fellows and I felt for them individually, but I wasn't convinced by the love story. This could probably fall into the "insta-love" category, and I'm really not a fan of those. I also feel like they weren't really fleshed out enough individually, and would have loved the same attention to detail that was shown in the time-setting to make an appearance in the character building.
All in all, an okay read.
This was an okay read, recommended to any World War 2 fans out there. Now I'll admit that I don't know much about it besides what I was taught in my history classes, but the author obviously did some extensive research. I didn't know it was that hard to fly a plane back then, and I loved the little details that the author took the time to include in order to remind us that this is not modern times, people.
Because of all this, I enjoyed the first half of this book better than the other half. Valentine and Siegfried are likable enough fellows and I felt for them individually, but I wasn't convinced by the love story. This could probably fall into the "insta-love" category, and I'm really not a fan of those. I also feel like they weren't really fleshed out enough individually, and would have loved the same attention to detail that was shown in the time-setting to make an appearance in the character building.
All in all, an okay read.
August 4, 2015
Totally charmed
Normally I prefer my historic romance to be a bit more historic- knights or romans or at least a decent regency era romp. World War I, though predating my grandmother, still seems like "recent" history. However, though short, this story built a believable world. The details of the planes, tactics, pilots, and the war were filled in while not bogging down the flow of the romance story. The connection between Valentine and Siegfried, despite all obstacles and unlikelihood, was just totally charming. I wish it was longer and yet it was also perfectly told. Very enjoyable read.
Normally I prefer my historic romance to be a bit more historic- knights or romans or at least a decent regency era romp. World War I, though predating my grandmother, still seems like "recent" history. However, though short, this story built a believable world. The details of the planes, tactics, pilots, and the war were filled in while not bogging down the flow of the romance story. The connection between Valentine and Siegfried, despite all obstacles and unlikelihood, was just totally charming. I wish it was longer and yet it was also perfectly told. Very enjoyable read.
December 30, 2015
2,5 stars
“You are living in a dream world,” Siegfried muttered.
“Maybe. But at least it’s living. Come along.” Valentine hefted Siegfried to his feet.
-short and easy
-entertaining
-nice premise
-poor writing
“You are living in a dream world,” Siegfried muttered.
“Maybe. But at least it’s living. Come along.” Valentine hefted Siegfried to his feet.
-short and easy
-entertaining
-nice premise
-poor writing
August 3, 2016
** 4.5 Stars **
I didn't want the story to end!!!
May 30, 2025
I was very intrigued by the premise of this but was a little let down by the execution. I thought there would be more of a development from valid fear of each other to eventual trust but instead there’s a unbelievable lack of tension between them from the very beginning for two men whose job is kill one another.
The novel as a whole suffers from a lack of believability that at some points made me roll my eyes a little to be honest.
But still I liked the characters well enough even if they were a bit 2 dimensional and there some sweet scene so I’ll still say it’s a 3 for me.
The novel as a whole suffers from a lack of believability that at some points made me roll my eyes a little to be honest.
But still I liked the characters well enough even if they were a bit 2 dimensional and there some sweet scene so I’ll still say it’s a 3 for me.
August 19, 2020
Beautifully written book for a gay audience or those who love them.
This book is a history of WW 1 and soldiers from two different sides of the battle. The first part of the book focuses on the war effort and military air strategy, however moves relatively quickly into what can only be described as a love story. I enjoyed it and loved for once a happy ending.
This book is a history of WW 1 and soldiers from two different sides of the battle. The first part of the book focuses on the war effort and military air strategy, however moves relatively quickly into what can only be described as a love story. I enjoyed it and loved for once a happy ending.
September 14, 2017
I loved the book. I loved this couple. I just loved everything!
5 stars
5 stars
April 29, 2016
Reviewed by Christina for QUEERcentric Books
Through Adversity by Amelia Faulkner was a nice break from my normal reads.
Through Adversity takes place during WWI. It’s the spring of 1918, the last year of the war. Lt. Valentine Westbrook is a 19-year-old British pilot in the newly formed Royal Air Force and hasn’t determined his sexuality.
Lt. Seigfried Kramer is a certified ace German fighter pilot. Kramer has known he preferred the company of men for a very long time, yet could never act on it. Kramer had decided he’d lead a very lonely life with the occasional fling.
CONSTANT NERVOUS SHIVERS DOWN MY SPINE
The issue? During this time in history, being homosexual was illegal; knowing this sent constant nervous shivers down my spine.
These two pilots find themselves in a dogfight high above the clouds. This is their second run in with each other. Through an ironic turn of events they find they can’t shoot the other out of the sky.
They both end up crashing. Lt. Westbrook makes it out of his plane, grabs his first aid kit and goes in search of the German plane he saw go down. He finds Kramer sitting by his plane, with a laceration on his leg. Being a gentleman, Westbrook bandages up Kramer.
From here they must decide how to proceed. Where are they? Who is whose prisoner? While these things are being discussed, which is quite the comic relief for the situation, Kramer must fight his instant attraction to Westbrook.
ABSOLUTELY ADORED THE CONVERSATION BETWEEN THESE TWO
I absolutely adored the conversation between these two. Westbrook is Irish and uses phrases common to him, while Kramer only knows proper English and needs clarification.
On the first night they are together, Kramer decides to tell Westbrook about his preference for men. Kramer says he would understand if Westbrook wanted to shoot him. At first I just laughed, I didn’t take him seriously, but when I got to thinking, I realized he probably would have actually thought Westbrook would want to shoot him. This made me sad, then angry.
Westbrook didn’t shoot him, but was curious; he had questions. They had an enlightened conversation the next day that led to a very active night.
So, here are two officers during WWI. One knowing what he wants but can’t have. The other finally discovering what’s been missing in his life, but coming to the harsh reality that he too can’t have it. What gets me the most is almost 100 years later, there are people who still live in this fear. Now it’s legal almost everywhere, yet still people live in fear of their lives and of being outcast from society.
Once they figure out which side of the line they are on, and who is the prisoner; they must come up with a plan. I think this is where my heart really starting to pound. Amelia Faulkner did a lovely job of keeping me engaged, even with one officer back in the sky and one grounded as a prisoner of war.
I REALLY ENJOYED THROUGH ADVERSITY.
Through Adversity brought so many emotions, above all it was passionate. Both officers were passionate about their homelands, flying, and love.
I really enjoyed Through Adversity.
Through Adversity by Amelia Faulkner was a nice break from my normal reads.
Through Adversity takes place during WWI. It’s the spring of 1918, the last year of the war. Lt. Valentine Westbrook is a 19-year-old British pilot in the newly formed Royal Air Force and hasn’t determined his sexuality.
Lt. Seigfried Kramer is a certified ace German fighter pilot. Kramer has known he preferred the company of men for a very long time, yet could never act on it. Kramer had decided he’d lead a very lonely life with the occasional fling.
CONSTANT NERVOUS SHIVERS DOWN MY SPINE
The issue? During this time in history, being homosexual was illegal; knowing this sent constant nervous shivers down my spine.
These two pilots find themselves in a dogfight high above the clouds. This is their second run in with each other. Through an ironic turn of events they find they can’t shoot the other out of the sky.
They both end up crashing. Lt. Westbrook makes it out of his plane, grabs his first aid kit and goes in search of the German plane he saw go down. He finds Kramer sitting by his plane, with a laceration on his leg. Being a gentleman, Westbrook bandages up Kramer.
From here they must decide how to proceed. Where are they? Who is whose prisoner? While these things are being discussed, which is quite the comic relief for the situation, Kramer must fight his instant attraction to Westbrook.
ABSOLUTELY ADORED THE CONVERSATION BETWEEN THESE TWO
I absolutely adored the conversation between these two. Westbrook is Irish and uses phrases common to him, while Kramer only knows proper English and needs clarification.
On the first night they are together, Kramer decides to tell Westbrook about his preference for men. Kramer says he would understand if Westbrook wanted to shoot him. At first I just laughed, I didn’t take him seriously, but when I got to thinking, I realized he probably would have actually thought Westbrook would want to shoot him. This made me sad, then angry.
Westbrook didn’t shoot him, but was curious; he had questions. They had an enlightened conversation the next day that led to a very active night.
So, here are two officers during WWI. One knowing what he wants but can’t have. The other finally discovering what’s been missing in his life, but coming to the harsh reality that he too can’t have it. What gets me the most is almost 100 years later, there are people who still live in this fear. Now it’s legal almost everywhere, yet still people live in fear of their lives and of being outcast from society.
Once they figure out which side of the line they are on, and who is the prisoner; they must come up with a plan. I think this is where my heart really starting to pound. Amelia Faulkner did a lovely job of keeping me engaged, even with one officer back in the sky and one grounded as a prisoner of war.
I REALLY ENJOYED THROUGH ADVERSITY.
Through Adversity brought so many emotions, above all it was passionate. Both officers were passionate about their homelands, flying, and love.
I really enjoyed Through Adversity.
September 4, 2015
I received this book for free by the author for an honest and impartial review. My receiving the book in no way affects my review. Read full review on my blog
Through Adversity is a historical romance that tells the story of a British pilot and a German pilot falling in love. It’s the kind of forbidden romance that we can all get on board with, so I was eager to read this story. All together I was really happy with the book, but there were still some points that I think could have used some work.
The beginning was slow and it almost turned me away from the story. It took about three chapters for me to really grow invested. As soon as Valentine and Siegfried met, though, I felt an instant chemistry and was pulled in. While Valentine and Siegfried interacted naturally, some of the conversations Val and Siegfried had with others around them felt artificial and forced.
I was pulled in once we into the meat of the story, when Valentine and Siegfried have to trek across the countryside, not sure where they are, and slowly falling in love. It only took me a couple days to read the book. The nice thing was that when I did set it down (not because I was bored, but because life interrupted or I had to go to bed), it was easy to pick back up where I left, as if I’d never even set it down.
Through Adversity is a historical romance that tells the story of a British pilot and a German pilot falling in love. It’s the kind of forbidden romance that we can all get on board with, so I was eager to read this story. All together I was really happy with the book, but there were still some points that I think could have used some work.
The beginning was slow and it almost turned me away from the story. It took about three chapters for me to really grow invested. As soon as Valentine and Siegfried met, though, I felt an instant chemistry and was pulled in. While Valentine and Siegfried interacted naturally, some of the conversations Val and Siegfried had with others around them felt artificial and forced.
I was pulled in once we into the meat of the story, when Valentine and Siegfried have to trek across the countryside, not sure where they are, and slowly falling in love. It only took me a couple days to read the book. The nice thing was that when I did set it down (not because I was bored, but because life interrupted or I had to go to bed), it was easy to pick back up where I left, as if I’d never even set it down.
September 18, 2015
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Through Adversity was an enjoyable read, bolstered by a strong sense of time and place and a pair of sweet main characters. It was a short read that moved quickly thanks to good pacing in most areas. The author did a nice job of balancing out the historical aspects with the action and not giving either one too much dominance over the storyline. The writing was generally good, though occasionally there was an awkward phrase or sentence that jarred me slightly and took me out of the moment.
The characters are good men, who grab your attention and as much as you hate to see them stuck in the useless carnage of war, you can’t help remembering that the same conflict brought them together. Sig and Val complement one another well and their relationship, while not always believable, is certainly gratifying. Perhaps the strongest moments of the novel take place in the cockpit. The author richly describes the sense of freedom and terror that accompanied the dogfights of World War I. The reader is truly placed in the moment and given a chance to explore the air from the safety of their armchair.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Through Adversity was an enjoyable read, bolstered by a strong sense of time and place and a pair of sweet main characters. It was a short read that moved quickly thanks to good pacing in most areas. The author did a nice job of balancing out the historical aspects with the action and not giving either one too much dominance over the storyline. The writing was generally good, though occasionally there was an awkward phrase or sentence that jarred me slightly and took me out of the moment.
The characters are good men, who grab your attention and as much as you hate to see them stuck in the useless carnage of war, you can’t help remembering that the same conflict brought them together. Sig and Val complement one another well and their relationship, while not always believable, is certainly gratifying. Perhaps the strongest moments of the novel take place in the cockpit. The author richly describes the sense of freedom and terror that accompanied the dogfights of World War I. The reader is truly placed in the moment and given a chance to explore the air from the safety of their armchair.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
September 30, 2015
3.5 Stars
Review also posted on http://www.wodfreview.com
I liked this story but as much as I wanted to I just couldn’t love it. It’s an historical that takes place during WWI with two fighter pilots on opposite sides of the war depending on each other to get to safety after they crash and falling in love during their journey. Neither know where they’ve crashed landed and have no idea who will eventually become a prisoner but until they do they work together to find their way to the nearest town.
The main characters are great, their romance is sweet and they made me laugh. I’m a sucker for stories where one or both characters experience their first time at love and in that aspect this story didn’t disappoint. Through Adversity is a quick read with little to no angst and I do wish there had been more of Siegfried and Valentine’s romance and less talk of their flying. In my opinion that took up too much of this short story. With all of it taking place at the beginning it almost made me put the story down. I am glad that I persevered and I am very happy with the story that came after their crash but unfortunately it just wasn’t enough for me.
November 11, 2016
Again another new author for me and one I will definitely be keeping an eye on and checking out her backlist. Through Adversity is a tale of necessity to survive leading to love. Val and Siegfried are pilots on opposite sides of the war who find themselves shot down and not sure which side of the battle line they find themselves on. Coming to a truce to survive and agreeing that whoever's side they are on the other will become their prisoner, the two pilots find they may have more in common than just planes.
Is this an enemies to lovers trope? Perhaps because technically they are enemies in battle but since they are strangers I don't really know as I'd classify them as enemies in a typical romance label. Some might say that their connection is either too quick or not believable that it would last after such a short time together, but in times of war the concept of time can often have a different definition especially when it comes to the heart. For me personally, I found it not only possible but believable and it grabbed my heart so deeply that I suddenly found myself on the last page without even realizing how much I had read. A truly great addition to my historical shelf.
Is this an enemies to lovers trope? Perhaps because technically they are enemies in battle but since they are strangers I don't really know as I'd classify them as enemies in a typical romance label. Some might say that their connection is either too quick or not believable that it would last after such a short time together, but in times of war the concept of time can often have a different definition especially when it comes to the heart. For me personally, I found it not only possible but believable and it grabbed my heart so deeply that I suddenly found myself on the last page without even realizing how much I had read. A truly great addition to my historical shelf.
March 20, 2016
Through the Enchanted Forest
This is a wonderfully paced, beautifully detailed, tear-jerking story set in WWI of a German and an English fighter pilot who chase each other through the skies, crash land near each other, help each other with injuries and try to find their way to civilization through a thick forest which turns out to be the vehicle of their eventual enchantment.
This love story will arch your eyebrow here and there as 25-year-old Siegfried and 19-year-old Valentine (Val) come to terms with their attitudes to the Great War, themselves, and each other. But it is so sweet, so revealing, and so hopeful that you come away completely convinced that this could have been true, and if it wasn't, it may not have been far off the mark for one pair of enemies who meet and fall in love.
This is a wonderfully paced, beautifully detailed, tear-jerking story set in WWI of a German and an English fighter pilot who chase each other through the skies, crash land near each other, help each other with injuries and try to find their way to civilization through a thick forest which turns out to be the vehicle of their eventual enchantment.
This love story will arch your eyebrow here and there as 25-year-old Siegfried and 19-year-old Valentine (Val) come to terms with their attitudes to the Great War, themselves, and each other. But it is so sweet, so revealing, and so hopeful that you come away completely convinced that this could have been true, and if it wasn't, it may not have been far off the mark for one pair of enemies who meet and fall in love.
September 2, 2015
This was my first historic romance book to read, (and first by this author) and I can honestly say, I was very pleased! The main thing I loved about this book was the author's use of description, which really captivated me, and made me feel the passion and sincerity between the two characters.
I did not know much about WW1 planes, but the author has done great research into the details of these planes, which has provided me with more history facts which are truly fascinating.
There was the odd time near the beginning of the book where I did get confused with certain details, but it certainly was not stopping me from finishing this book.
5* and ready to read another by Amelia Faulkner.
I did not know much about WW1 planes, but the author has done great research into the details of these planes, which has provided me with more history facts which are truly fascinating.
There was the odd time near the beginning of the book where I did get confused with certain details, but it certainly was not stopping me from finishing this book.
5* and ready to read another by Amelia Faulkner.
not-deserve-my-time-my-money
September 18, 2018telling your readers to not buy another's author books? How rude! And in this case also ridiculous *rolling my eyes*
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