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Winter Sky
In a bombed-out Polish village during World War II a young resistance fighter finds that he is suddenly alone and trapped between two opposing armies. He is one of Poland's "Devil's Rebels" fighting desperately to save his homeland, but an injury has erased his memory and his only possession is a torn photograph of a couple he assumes are his parents. The woman appears to be holding the hand of a young child whose image has been ripped off. Could the child be him?
Caught in the crosshairs of the retreating German army and the advancing Russian forces, the village holds nothing but destruction and despair until a mysterious young woman offers a small glimmer of hope that may represent his last chance - news of a refuge train departing from a nearby town headed for American installations at the border. But complications arise when the resistance fighter is betrayed by his own countryman and hunted by German SS Officers who are determined to kill him before they retreat. Desperately searching for a home and family he can't remember he is persuaded to rescue two children who are doomed to die without his help.
As time runs out the former rebel is faced with an impossible choice. Standing at the crossroads of saving himself or risking his life for strangers, what would motivate a young man at the brink of salvation to make one more sacrifice?
Caught in the crosshairs of the retreating German army and the advancing Russian forces, the village holds nothing but destruction and despair until a mysterious young woman offers a small glimmer of hope that may represent his last chance - news of a refuge train departing from a nearby town headed for American installations at the border. But complications arise when the resistance fighter is betrayed by his own countryman and hunted by German SS Officers who are determined to kill him before they retreat. Desperately searching for a home and family he can't remember he is persuaded to rescue two children who are doomed to die without his help.
As time runs out the former rebel is faced with an impossible choice. Standing at the crossroads of saving himself or risking his life for strangers, what would motivate a young man at the brink of salvation to make one more sacrifice?
192 pages, Hardcover
First published September 27, 2016
About the author
Chris Stewart
156 books281 followersChris Stewart is a bestselling author and world-record-setting Air Force pilot whose previous military techno-thrillers have been selected by the Book of the Month Club and published in six different countries. He is the author of the highly acclaimed series The Great and Terrible, as well as A Christmas Bell for Anya, which was performed with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir during their 2005 Christmas concert. He has also been a guest editorialist for the Detroit News, commenting on matters of military readiness and national security. He is president of The Shipley Group, a nationally recognized consulting and training company and founder of the Utah Renaissance and Leadership Center.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
March 22, 2017
Just like it's name, this is a read that will leave you shivering and wishing for a warm cloak. It is the end of WWII. The Russians are coming for the Nazis and both sides are killing civilians and soldiers alike.
For Luke, a soldier who fought as a rebel, he is just trying to survive and get back home. Searching for the past in the present, he is given a final and impossible task: One that will clearly define who he is and who he has become.
Descriptively dark and lonely, redemptive and gripping- this was one impactful story. 4.5*
For Luke, a soldier who fought as a rebel, he is just trying to survive and get back home. Searching for the past in the present, he is given a final and impossible task: One that will clearly define who he is and who he has become.
Descriptively dark and lonely, redemptive and gripping- this was one impactful story. 4.5*
October 7, 2016
I read a lot of WWII novels and with each one I wonder how will this compare to what has been done already and will I be moved once more? With this one the answer is a resounding yes . I was taken and touched by this story of a young rebel soldier of the Polish resistance . As the war is coming to an end, the Nazis are still not quite giving up in spite of the Russians moving in and continue with ravaging the Polish people who as the author points out in the introduction had suffered so much : "Six million men, women, and children had been lost in the war, almost 20 percent of the country's entire population." A snapshot of this horrendous suffering at the hands of the Nazis is depicted with the story of this resistance fighter who when we first meet him has no memory of where he is from, of his family or who he is . He doesn't even know his name until another injured rebel calls his name - Lucas .
There are vivid descriptions, gruesome at times, of the ravages of war - starving men, women and children who have lost everything and it is a testament to the human spirit that in spite of the deep and heartbreaking losses, some of them have still not lost hope. The children, two of them in particular in this story, Cela and Aron represent that strand of hope that changes Lucas' life. It's one of those stories that changed me too because it's one that I won't soon forget. Highly recommended.
I received this ARC from Shadow Mountain through Netgalley.
There are vivid descriptions, gruesome at times, of the ravages of war - starving men, women and children who have lost everything and it is a testament to the human spirit that in spite of the deep and heartbreaking losses, some of them have still not lost hope. The children, two of them in particular in this story, Cela and Aron represent that strand of hope that changes Lucas' life. It's one of those stories that changed me too because it's one that I won't soon forget. Highly recommended.
I received this ARC from Shadow Mountain through Netgalley.
September 24, 2016
3.5 Emotionally stirring, the ending gave me goose bumps. The war is close to over, the Russians are advancing, the Germans retreating but for one Polish town, caught in the crossfire, they are barely existing. Burned and bombed out houses, starvation ever present, most of the young men gone, leaving women, children and the elderly simply trying to exist. Into their midst a young man is dropped from a train, his memory gone, his only item of value a torn picture of a man, a woman and a young child, who he assumes to be himself and his parents. A young unknown woman, a two young children will be his salvation.
As in many towns caught in the crossfire of a war, they have suffered mightily, seen much horror and devastation. As in life there are those who betray and act in their own self interest, whatever the cost and then there are those in the same circumstance that will offer aid and help. There is a German officer who instead of leading his command away from the encroaching Russians as he has been ordered, will follow his own personal vendetta and refuse to retreat. The reason for this will become apparent as the novel progresses.
Despite the war, this is a novel of hope, hope that they will live to see another day, that things can get better. The children are amazing characters, Cela, a young eight looking after her younger brother after both parents are gone. She has had to grow up way too fast as many did during this time. Yet, she will be instrumental in this story. There is also the unexplainable, things that happened that can't be accounted for rationally but nicely adds to this story.
A shorter novel but within is a small, personal glimpse of a horrible time. A time when few choices were afforded, but in some hope remained.
ARC from publisher.
As in many towns caught in the crossfire of a war, they have suffered mightily, seen much horror and devastation. As in life there are those who betray and act in their own self interest, whatever the cost and then there are those in the same circumstance that will offer aid and help. There is a German officer who instead of leading his command away from the encroaching Russians as he has been ordered, will follow his own personal vendetta and refuse to retreat. The reason for this will become apparent as the novel progresses.
Despite the war, this is a novel of hope, hope that they will live to see another day, that things can get better. The children are amazing characters, Cela, a young eight looking after her younger brother after both parents are gone. She has had to grow up way too fast as many did during this time. Yet, she will be instrumental in this story. There is also the unexplainable, things that happened that can't be accounted for rationally but nicely adds to this story.
A shorter novel but within is a small, personal glimpse of a horrible time. A time when few choices were afforded, but in some hope remained.
ARC from publisher.
September 20, 2016
Now Available!!
3.5 Stars
Lucas, a Polish resistance soldier, can’t remember who he is, his only link is a torn photograph of a woman holding the hand of a child, but the child is not in the photo. He can’t really focus much on who he is right now; he needs to avoid being killed. That has to be his top priority.
He boards a train, knowing only the name of the town where he is headed, Gorndask.
In Gorndask, another resistance fighter recognizes wandering around the town. He’s worried for the safety of the townspeople and cautions him about being seen in town, telling him that his group will be leaving soon. His parting comment: “Good luck, Lucas.” And so the first link leading Lucas back to him self has been given.
WWII is nearing its end, but in Poland, the Russians are advancing, and the Germans are retreating. The tension is even higher now; the pressure is on high for all. Caught in the middle of this are the people of Poland, who have already lost so much, a resistance fighter, Lucas, and two children he has been charged with taking along on his route to escape. He can’t really grasp why he feels this need to care for them, to protect them, but somehow he knows he must. The woman, Melina, who charged them into his care, had told him to get them to the train departing in a nearby town on Christmas day. And so Lucas, and Cela and Aron are on their way, with so much against them, they need to make it to this train. To safety.
“It was, perhaps, the largest army ever assembled. And the Russians were not a docile lot. “ The Russians had lost millions of their people, they had endured wanton destruction of their land, pain, hunger and deprivation. Feeling they had gained the upper hand now, they moved with rage to destroy the German army, and their path of destruction was wide.
In Poland alone, six million people had died, men, women, children, which accounted for approximately 20 percent of their population.
But this is not a story without hope. Hope is almost like a cloak wrapped around Lucas, Cela and Aron, it is so ever-present. Perhaps this is because they are all like children, Lucas is just regaining some of his memories. As he gains back more of the moments of his past, his memories, and his hope for the future, his future – all of their futures - grows.
Pub Date: 7 Sep 2016
Many thanks for the ARC provided by Shadow Mountain Publishing, NetGalley and author Chris Stewart
July 12, 2016
3.5*'s. This was an ARC copy.
The plot unfolds in the evaporating Eastern Front of WWII. The book offers poignant view of being stuck between two no win situations, the Russian or the Germans. At the same time it offers the choices to the characters of doing what is right when no one is looking. How far will you go to protect your children? What will you do for revenge? Who will you hurt in the process? The ending offers a sense of spirituality and the bonds beyond this world.
The plot unfolds in the evaporating Eastern Front of WWII. The book offers poignant view of being stuck between two no win situations, the Russian or the Germans. At the same time it offers the choices to the characters of doing what is right when no one is looking. How far will you go to protect your children? What will you do for revenge? Who will you hurt in the process? The ending offers a sense of spirituality and the bonds beyond this world.
December 8, 2016
I have been reading a lot of Christmas books lately but none like this one. This book is not fluffy or even sweet. It was actually really hard for me to read and I'll tell you why. War is ugly and awful. The devastation and loss pulls at my heart and just makes me sad. This book depicts so much of the realities of war and I'll be honest in saying that I struggled reading it. But, as with most of the most awful things in the world, you find stories of men and women who display courage and kindness. They shine in the darkness that surrounds them. That is what happens in this book.
This book takes us back to WWII and the less focused on Polish people. A people caught in the cross hairs of the battle between Germany and Russia. For one young man, a rebel resistance fighter, this is his own personal nightmare. He is strong and he is brave. He is fighting to stay alive. It's an amazing tale of heroism and sacrifice.
This book is on the shorter side and didn't take me long to read. I had a hard time putting it down because the story is so compelling, but I had to because my emotions were battered. As a mother, a wife and a daughter, I cannot even begin to imagine some of the horrors described in this book. But out of this book also comes the emotion of gratitude for what I have. Much of what I have comes at a price that I didn't pay. I am a recipient of freedom and prosperity because of many others and I am indebted and grateful.
Winter Sky is not your typical Christmas story, but it will bring to a better place in the end. I'm so glad I had the chance to read it.
Content: Violence
- I received a copy of this book, free from the publisher. I was under no obligation to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
This book takes us back to WWII and the less focused on Polish people. A people caught in the cross hairs of the battle between Germany and Russia. For one young man, a rebel resistance fighter, this is his own personal nightmare. He is strong and he is brave. He is fighting to stay alive. It's an amazing tale of heroism and sacrifice.
This book is on the shorter side and didn't take me long to read. I had a hard time putting it down because the story is so compelling, but I had to because my emotions were battered. As a mother, a wife and a daughter, I cannot even begin to imagine some of the horrors described in this book. But out of this book also comes the emotion of gratitude for what I have. Much of what I have comes at a price that I didn't pay. I am a recipient of freedom and prosperity because of many others and I am indebted and grateful.
Winter Sky is not your typical Christmas story, but it will bring to a better place in the end. I'm so glad I had the chance to read it.
Content: Violence
- I received a copy of this book, free from the publisher. I was under no obligation to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 5, 2016
One of those books to remember and think about for a long time.
December 5, 2016
Chris Stewart has written a compelling story about a little known time and place. Many World War II stories focus on the fighting, or the different fronts of the war, Russia, France, Italy, etc. I have never read a story before that takes a look at the Polish fighters who resisted the Germans after their country had already been overrun. In a surprisingly few pages (less than 200), Stewart takes the reader into a country teetering on the edge of disaster. After so many years of war, no town is left untouched, people struggle to find enough to eat or even a place to sleep. The Germans are on the cusp of leaving, but the Russians offer no hope to the suffering people. And appearing in the midst of all this is a young resistance fighter, who finds himself in a town that is supposedly his with no memory of who he is and only a few flashbacks of where he has come from. His only clue to his identity is an old photograph he carries in his pocket. As he moves through town hoping for something to remind him of who he is, he finds himself in an old church where he meets a beautiful young lady named Melina, who gives him something to fight for. But Colonel Muller, the local German commander hates the rebels with a passion and refuses to leave until this young man has been captured and killed, no matter how dangerously close it puts him and his men to the Russians. With only one hope left, the young man sets off with two young children to find a refugee train heading towards the American lines. But with the difficult winter conditions and a freezing river ahead, and the Germans behind, their chances of survival aren't good at all. I was amazed at how much of story the Stewart manages to create in this relatively short book. In addition to the young man, we meet Zarek, a man whose willing to betray his own people, so his family can survive; we meet Antoni, a young former rebel, whose missing a leg, whose willing to sacrifice himself to save a town, and we meet Melina, a young woman who is not exactly what she seems. This is a book that tugs at the heartstrings. It wasn't easy reading about all the suffering that war brings, often to the innocent. Yet it's also a story of finding hope and courage, and a reason to keep fighting even where there appears to be none. I can highly recommend this book for those who enjoy those kinds of stories that stay with one long after you put it down.
December 8, 2016
When I was asked if I would like to read this book, I jumped at the opportunity. Chris Stewart is the author of one of my all-time favorite books, Prologue: The Brothers. I love the series, but The Brothers is my favorite.
Winter Sky takes me to a time and place that I am not as familiar with. When I think of WWII, I think of the allies vs. Germany, concentrations camps, Pearl Harbor, etc. It is easier for me to focus on the grand scale of the war and not on the people or places caught in the middle.
This book takes place in Poland. The Polish were hated by the Germans and the Russians. (A fact that I rarely remember.) The focus of the book is on Lucas, a rebel soldier who has lost his memory in a battle that nearly took his life. He is now fighting, not with a regiment, but behind the scenes ans he struggles to regain him memories and deal with the pain of those memories.
He has two children who are orphaned who join him in this journey. It is heartbreaking to think of the children left alone after parents were killed senselessly. This book brings to mind the sacrifices that were made by those who fought for their country and sought to fight against oppression.
This is an excellent book. It takes place around Christmas time. Some of the images of Christ's hand in the middle of horror are inspiring. This book reminds me of all that I have to be thankful for. I also remember those who fought for their home and country. I am grateful to them and their sacrifices.
Winter Sky takes me to a time and place that I am not as familiar with. When I think of WWII, I think of the allies vs. Germany, concentrations camps, Pearl Harbor, etc. It is easier for me to focus on the grand scale of the war and not on the people or places caught in the middle.
This book takes place in Poland. The Polish were hated by the Germans and the Russians. (A fact that I rarely remember.) The focus of the book is on Lucas, a rebel soldier who has lost his memory in a battle that nearly took his life. He is now fighting, not with a regiment, but behind the scenes ans he struggles to regain him memories and deal with the pain of those memories.
He has two children who are orphaned who join him in this journey. It is heartbreaking to think of the children left alone after parents were killed senselessly. This book brings to mind the sacrifices that were made by those who fought for their country and sought to fight against oppression.
This is an excellent book. It takes place around Christmas time. Some of the images of Christ's hand in the middle of horror are inspiring. This book reminds me of all that I have to be thankful for. I also remember those who fought for their home and country. I am grateful to them and their sacrifices.
February 1, 2017
Lucas is part of the Polish resistance in WWII. Poland is being attacked by the Nazis and the Russians. Injured in an attack, Lucas is left shell shocked and has amnesia. He is left in a bombed out village with only a photo as a clue to his past. Slowly his memories begin resurfacing and his instinct to survive remains strong. Betrayed by a villager, Lucas is being hunted by a Nazi officer determined to find and kill all resistance fighters. Despite being the Christmas season, times are dismal and grim, but glimmers of hope still exist.
The book is fast paced with enough tension and action that kept me turning the pages, but the character and plot development were lacking.
3.5 stars.,
The book is fast paced with enough tension and action that kept me turning the pages, but the character and plot development were lacking.
3.5 stars.,
July 3, 2017
I am not someone who is (ever) drawn to WWII literature, but currently I like to find titles that I can read as an e-book on Hoopla and then check out a hard copy at my library too. This came in both formats and sounded like a short and mysterious "amnesia" story. It was so much more than that! Reading "Winter Sky" gave me vivid detail of the suffering war creates, the inner strength and lengths we go to too survive, and the hope and humanity that continues to shine through in the darkness. Lucas, Melina, Cela, Aron (and Colonel Muller) will stay with me for a long while. Thank you for this story Mr. Stewart. :)
October 24, 2016
World War II books are hard for me to read. I cannot stomach the thought of the level of hatred during that time in history. I don't understand hate just for the reason to hate. It makes no sense. Plus they usually make me cry like a little girl.
This one didn't have as much fighting as most World War II books so it was much easier to read. Plus, it was really good. It's a short, intense, and sweet all at the same time. :)
Lucas is a rebel soldier, now. He was forced to fight for the Germans, and then forced to fight for the Russians. He finally was able to join a band of rebels that fought against the Russians and the Germans. They caused havoc on them for years. Unfortunately, the rebels don't have many men left and know that the war might be coming to an end. They are disbanding and trying to return to their homes.
Lucas had been injured saving a fellow rebel, and on their way home they drop their fellow rebel off in a little town in Poland. Lucas finds himself at a train station without any memory of how he got there or who he is.
Slowly the memories come back, and he starts to search for his family. During this time a German general was gunning for this particular rebel. He had a spy in the Polish town Lucas was in and reports to his Commander where he is.
Lucas finds a church to hide in and regain some strength. He meets a young lady there and she finds out that he is searching for his family. When Lucas decides to move on Malina decides to make him take two little kids with him when he goes. Lucas is very against it but ends up taking the children any way know it is their only hope at living.
What comes next is unexpected! It's scary, sad, and wonderful all at the same time. For such a short book it packs a punch at the heart strings.
If you like World War II books, pick this one up. It doesn't end horrible with every one dead! It wraps up in a nice bow, that is beautiful.
Source: I was given this book as part of a blog tour. I was not compensated in any way for my review. These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.
Content: Clean and Wonderful!
This one didn't have as much fighting as most World War II books so it was much easier to read. Plus, it was really good. It's a short, intense, and sweet all at the same time. :)
Lucas is a rebel soldier, now. He was forced to fight for the Germans, and then forced to fight for the Russians. He finally was able to join a band of rebels that fought against the Russians and the Germans. They caused havoc on them for years. Unfortunately, the rebels don't have many men left and know that the war might be coming to an end. They are disbanding and trying to return to their homes.
Lucas had been injured saving a fellow rebel, and on their way home they drop their fellow rebel off in a little town in Poland. Lucas finds himself at a train station without any memory of how he got there or who he is.
Slowly the memories come back, and he starts to search for his family. During this time a German general was gunning for this particular rebel. He had a spy in the Polish town Lucas was in and reports to his Commander where he is.
Lucas finds a church to hide in and regain some strength. He meets a young lady there and she finds out that he is searching for his family. When Lucas decides to move on Malina decides to make him take two little kids with him when he goes. Lucas is very against it but ends up taking the children any way know it is their only hope at living.
What comes next is unexpected! It's scary, sad, and wonderful all at the same time. For such a short book it packs a punch at the heart strings.
If you like World War II books, pick this one up. It doesn't end horrible with every one dead! It wraps up in a nice bow, that is beautiful.
Source: I was given this book as part of a blog tour. I was not compensated in any way for my review. These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.
Content: Clean and Wonderful!
July 5, 2016
Update: A few days later I found myself still thinking about this book, the writing style, and how much I enjoyed it. So, I changed my rating to a five star rating.
This was an excellent book. It was slow getting started, and I didn't quite follow what was happening at first. But the more book progressed, the more I enjoyed it. The descriptions of the war-torn areas were stark. The portrayal of the SS officer and his quest for revenge was real and chilling without being overly descriptive.
I really enjoyed the ending. It took me a bit by surprise, although it seemed to fit. I had to go back and re-read parts of the book. As I did, the ending made more sense and came together nicely.
This is the first book by Chris Stewart that I have read. Now I think I will read other books that he has written.
Thank you to Net Galley and Shadow Mountain for a pre-read copy of this book.
This was an excellent book. It was slow getting started, and I didn't quite follow what was happening at first. But the more book progressed, the more I enjoyed it. The descriptions of the war-torn areas were stark. The portrayal of the SS officer and his quest for revenge was real and chilling without being overly descriptive.
I really enjoyed the ending. It took me a bit by surprise, although it seemed to fit. I had to go back and re-read parts of the book. As I did, the ending made more sense and came together nicely.
This is the first book by Chris Stewart that I have read. Now I think I will read other books that he has written.
Thank you to Net Galley and Shadow Mountain for a pre-read copy of this book.
March 8, 2017
Horrible book! I wishi could give this less than one star. Did I mention how bad this book is? This is the first Chris Stewart book I've read and I think this "novel" should have been a short story. It is very short for a novel and the price paid for it. The premise was good but poorly executed and severely lacking the depth and detail I've come to love and expect in WWII historical fiction. I loaned this to a friend and when she was cleaning out to move she tried to return it. I told her to give it to charity, it was that bad. I’ll never waste anymore time or money on anything by Stewart. I'm also upset at the price of this book for what it is. That's Shadow Mountain/Deseret Book for you though, everything they publish and sell is highly overpriced. I’m still mad about the money I paid for this.
March 11, 2017
It was an interesting and sad story. I liked the characters, but wish I knew a little more about them. I liked the twists in the plot line.
December 27, 2025
lmao i can’t believe they translated “we have to go” as “wir haben zu gehen” (literally “we possess to go”). i swear even google translate should have caught that one.
the writing is nothing special and the characters are extremely black and white. maybe read this if you like short action movie style books. but it was fun to read because my dad got it for me as a gift and i read it on christmas eve and the book ends on christmas day. and it’s super short so easy to get through
the writing is nothing special and the characters are extremely black and white. maybe read this if you like short action movie style books. but it was fun to read because my dad got it for me as a gift and i read it on christmas eve and the book ends on christmas day. and it’s super short so easy to get through
January 31, 2025
A young rebel Polish soldier, wounded and with amnesia is left at the train station in Gorndask, Poland. The rest of the rebel group continue on in the refugee train.
Zarek is an old man in the town and he sees the young rebel get off the train. What will he do to protect his daughter and granddaughter.
Young rebel does not know who he is not even sure this is his hometown, but he wants to find people that he has in the photograph in his pocket.
A few of his memories flash back as things happen to jug his memory. How will he survive and how can he help others?
Very intense story with lives at stake - not only the protagonist and the other main characters, yet also the lives of the Polish people in this section of Poland. Very clear portrayal of what the people suffered under the hands of the Germans and the Russians. The story points out why people made the choices they did, even though they seem unconscionable to us now.
The ending was a surprise and bitter sweet. I’m glad I read the book.
Zarek is an old man in the town and he sees the young rebel get off the train. What will he do to protect his daughter and granddaughter.
Young rebel does not know who he is not even sure this is his hometown, but he wants to find people that he has in the photograph in his pocket.
A few of his memories flash back as things happen to jug his memory. How will he survive and how can he help others?
Very intense story with lives at stake - not only the protagonist and the other main characters, yet also the lives of the Polish people in this section of Poland. Very clear portrayal of what the people suffered under the hands of the Germans and the Russians. The story points out why people made the choices they did, even though they seem unconscionable to us now.
The ending was a surprise and bitter sweet. I’m glad I read the book.
June 15, 2018
What's the matter with me? (Two stars for a book most gave 4-5) And it's my favorite genre; (all aspects of WW2). This book centered on a Polish rebel fighter on the run. The plot was great. But I think I know why I didn't really like the book. (1) The protagonist is being hunted by one crazed SS gestapo the majority of the book. I think I don't like stories where someone is continually on the run with all odds against him. (2) About 2/3 through the book, a slight clue was dropped and I figured out the surprise ending long before it happened. Had the ending hit me out of the blue, it would have been delightful, but unfortunately, I was prepared for it and the pizzazz was gone.
December 27, 2016
This book starts out with the main character, Lucas, on a train in the middle of a war. He is lucky to be alive seeing as a bomb exploded about ten feet away from him. But the explosion gave him brain damage, resulting in making him forget who he is, his past and lying in a hospital. He is rescued by some soldiers because they owe him a favor, but the soldiers don't know what to do with him because he is a burden for them. They end up just telling him to get off the train at the next stop. He gets off the train in a small town completely destroyed by bombs and rockets from the war. Meanwhile, two little kids, Aaron and Cela, are sleeping in an abandoned church eating what little food they have. The food they have is given to them by a lady who puts food on the alter in the church for those in need. Lucas finds out that he is in trouble in that city because he is the last Rebel left and the leader of that city wants to kill him. By now he has remembered some of his past. He is going to another town to catch a train out of there to save his life. But when the nice lady hears what he is doing, she tells him that he must take Aaron and Cela with him. At first he says no but then he decides to take them. It is an almost impossible journey for a well trained rebel to survive alone. Taking along two children is practically a death sentence. You'll have to read the book to find out what miracles Christmas brings.
The theme for this book is you can do impossible things when you have faith and selfless love. Lucas didn't remember anything about his past; he didn't even know his own name! Also, people were trying to kill him because he was part of the Rebels; that wouldn't be what I would consider a warm welcoming! In the end he could have just escaped by himself but then he decided to help those two children, putting his own life in danger to save their lives. He also had to have faith that no matter what happened, doing what he thought was right would always be the best choice, even though it would not be the easy choice.
My favorite character is Aaron. I like Aaron because he is brave, he shows this when he runs through the woods to a city to get help for Lucas. I also like him because he is skilled and can catch animals without a trap, even though he is only about 6 years old. That is why I like Aaron the best.
The theme for this book is you can do impossible things when you have faith and selfless love. Lucas didn't remember anything about his past; he didn't even know his own name! Also, people were trying to kill him because he was part of the Rebels; that wouldn't be what I would consider a warm welcoming! In the end he could have just escaped by himself but then he decided to help those two children, putting his own life in danger to save their lives. He also had to have faith that no matter what happened, doing what he thought was right would always be the best choice, even though it would not be the easy choice.
My favorite character is Aaron. I like Aaron because he is brave, he shows this when he runs through the woods to a city to get help for Lucas. I also like him because he is skilled and can catch animals without a trap, even though he is only about 6 years old. That is why I like Aaron the best.
November 30, 2016
Chris Stewart has opened a door to shed light on an aspect of WWII that isn't as well-known. The Polish resistance fighters were an incredible facet to a horrible war and I'd never heard about their efforts before this book. This book is a work of fiction, but Stewart knows his stuff and interweaves fact with his fiction to create a compelling setting and storyline.
I enjoyed this book. It was a quick read at only 177 pages but it pulled me in and had me rooting for the main characters. I enjoyed the suspense of the story as Lucas struggled to recover from injuries and make tough choices as well as the connections to family that comes full-circle in this story. If you've read Chris Stewart before then you'll recognize his writing style of moving quickly from different viewpoints and how his scenes sometimes appear as snippets that push the throttle of the book forward. He doesn't dwell too long in one place and you'll likely finish the book hoping for a sequel just like me. If you haven't read Chris Stewart, then this is an excellent place to start and I'd highly recommend the Great and Terrible Series.
For Winter Sky, I would have liked to see some author notes in the back of the book with details about his research and how he chose this story, mostly because I'd never heard of the Polish resistance fighters before this book. If this book is a stand-alone, then an epilogue would have been nice because the ending is abrupt while still providing closure.
I received a review copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I enjoyed this book. It was a quick read at only 177 pages but it pulled me in and had me rooting for the main characters. I enjoyed the suspense of the story as Lucas struggled to recover from injuries and make tough choices as well as the connections to family that comes full-circle in this story. If you've read Chris Stewart before then you'll recognize his writing style of moving quickly from different viewpoints and how his scenes sometimes appear as snippets that push the throttle of the book forward. He doesn't dwell too long in one place and you'll likely finish the book hoping for a sequel just like me. If you haven't read Chris Stewart, then this is an excellent place to start and I'd highly recommend the Great and Terrible Series.
For Winter Sky, I would have liked to see some author notes in the back of the book with details about his research and how he chose this story, mostly because I'd never heard of the Polish resistance fighters before this book. If this book is a stand-alone, then an epilogue would have been nice because the ending is abrupt while still providing closure.
I received a review copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
January 8, 2017
"Sometimes I think God wants to see what we will do when we don't get an answer. Sometimes God will ask us: In the absence of any evidence, what will you choose to believe? Which path will you follow when I don't show you the way? When the night is darkest, are we still willing to fight? Will we keep on going when the only thing we have is hope?"
Though short, this book is emotionally stirring. Chris Stewart tugs at your heartstrings in presenting images of war, the desperation, the poverty, ...and children in the midst of it break my heart. I wasn't sure how this was going to end! He kept me turning pages, that's for sure.
Though short, this book is emotionally stirring. Chris Stewart tugs at your heartstrings in presenting images of war, the desperation, the poverty, ...and children in the midst of it break my heart. I wasn't sure how this was going to end! He kept me turning pages, that's for sure.
June 6, 2016
I made it about 20% before I had to stop reading. For a story that is about a soldier finding his family there were way too many points of view in the little bit that I read. It was also hard to get past the lack of punctuation. Multiple sentences and words are without capital letters. I hope that gets fixed before publication.
Thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain for the ARC.
Thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain for the ARC.
January 17, 2017
3.5 stars. Good insight into the Polish predicament in WW2, that does a good job of showing the frightening and threatening circumstances the villagers faced and the unbelievable agenda of some evil individuals. I did feel like the plot was a little forced. (I'm kind of turned off when the the author uses plot devices like amnesia and divine intervention as the only means of plot resolution.)
January 31, 2017
Once again Chris Stewart not only draws you in with powerful story telling, he inspires. My heart is drawn out to the reality of the many children who suffer the pain and darkness of wars that rob them of the innocence of childhood and security we would hope for them. The veil is very thin between each of us and family lost to death. Pure familial love is forever.
January 26, 2017
I listened to this one & wish I'd read it instead (to reread certain details & connect it all.) I do like my WWII literature though & this one fit the bill; I really liked Lucas' story by the end of it. He made many challenges, including losing his memory, into opportunities for growth.
November 5, 2016
One of the best books I've read all year.
November 26, 2016
An interesting story with deep characters. The ending was very miraculous and unbelievable. But hopeful.
January 11, 2018
Poor Poland! The Poles did not have a chance between Germany and Russia (in WWII)... this was the extent of the historical lesson to be learned - the rest was a fictional story, sometimes a little sappy and predictable, but I did appreciate contemplating the fact that despite all the horrible things that happen in real wars, the heroism and the miracles (not coincidences!) are evident to careful observers. People connecting at the right time and place, hearts softened in the exact moment needed, evidence of humanity that helps heal the heartaches that would otherwise overwhelm - these are also indisputable parts of real war stories.
In a book I read almost simultaneously there was a quote by Randall Wallace (screenplay writer and producer of films such as Braveheart, We Were Soldiers, Secretariat, Pearl Harbor, and The Man in the Iron Mask). The author of the book, Sheri Dew, asked him why he had produced so many movies about war, and he said, "I don't think of them as war movies. I write love stories. I want to know what a man or woman loves enough for fight for." I like that thought. And it definitely applies to this story and the style of this author, Chris Stewart.
In a book I read almost simultaneously there was a quote by Randall Wallace (screenplay writer and producer of films such as Braveheart, We Were Soldiers, Secretariat, Pearl Harbor, and The Man in the Iron Mask). The author of the book, Sheri Dew, asked him why he had produced so many movies about war, and he said, "I don't think of them as war movies. I write love stories. I want to know what a man or woman loves enough for fight for." I like that thought. And it definitely applies to this story and the style of this author, Chris Stewart.
March 18, 2019
World War II was a brutal war...especially for the innocent inhabitants of the countries where the fighting took place. As the Russians are marching toward Poland to eradicate the Nazis, a young resistance soldier is taken off a troop train in a town that his comrades say is his hometown. They had rescued him a few days before from a field hospital after he had fallen victim to a blast from an exploding shell that erased his memory of who he was. He knows how to do what he needs to do to stay alive but has no idea of his own name or who the people are in a torn photo that is in his pocket. The Nazi SS soldiers want to eradicate every one of the individual Polish resistance soldiers and this young soldier's name is on Colonel Muller's list. Lucas learns his name as the German soldiers come into the town looking specifically for him. He meets two young children that he is particularly drawn to and in trying to rescue them, he just might make it to safety too and find out who it is in his mysterious photo.
December 31, 2023
WII: Germans are retreating, Russians are advancing, and the Polish resistance is down to one guy, who is in the sights of a rabidly obsessed German General, who ignores his orders to "reassemble" in the West.
Knowing Stewart's background as a Republican rep who fully supported Donald Trump, I could not help but wonder whether this is an unconscious allegory about allegiance to a megalomaniac, which by the way is the frustration of his small group of soldiers. There are sentences that to me could not be written by a Trump congressional ally, and yet he did. Because this story highlights all versions of fascism, with the resistance fighter the David against Goliath. Book was published in 2016, so written before Trump took office. It's all interesting to me.
As a straight WWII novel, it's a quick read, an relatively well written.
Knowing Stewart's background as a Republican rep who fully supported Donald Trump, I could not help but wonder whether this is an unconscious allegory about allegiance to a megalomaniac, which by the way is the frustration of his small group of soldiers. There are sentences that to me could not be written by a Trump congressional ally, and yet he did. Because this story highlights all versions of fascism, with the resistance fighter the David against Goliath. Book was published in 2016, so written before Trump took office. It's all interesting to me.
As a straight WWII novel, it's a quick read, an relatively well written.
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