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Sparrows and the Hawk
Erwin waits for Daniel in a safe house on the night of November 9th, 1938. Outside, there is violence and hate in the streets. Unknown to Erwin, this is the time that will soon be known as the beginning of the Holocaust. A time that will mean Daniel, the man Erwin loves, is no longer safe. All because Daniel is Jewish. Erwin and Daniel decide they must get out of Nazi Germany. Along the way they face many obstacles, but the biggest is figuring out who they can trust to get them to safety. Nothing is as it seems as schemers, people with their own agenda, and pure evil conspires against them. Can Erwin keep Daniel from harm as their relationship deepens and they make their escape? Or will a world gone mad prove too much as it heads full-on into war?
- GenresHistorical
296 pages, Paperback
Published May 5, 2020
6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 4, 2020
For those of you who know Mr Andrews only for his cute YA stories, or even his Victorian supernatural-fantasy- mystery story, The Talent of Oliver & Tom, then you are going to get a further surprise at his versatility. This story is steeped deep in history, and the thorough research that has gone into it shines out of every page. The premise is of that of two boys, one German, one Jewish, who are trying to escape the hatred and violence after the night of Kristallnacht, because it is no longer safe for Daniel, as a Jew, to stay in Berlin. What complicates their escape even further is that the boys, Erwin and Daniel, are gay and very much in love and don’t want to hide it.
The build-up of tension is palpable from the very beginning, and Mr Andrews ramps it up even further, as our fearless and resourceful heroes are thrown from one dangerous situation to another, being either helped or hindered along the way by a cast of various characters, some of whom are good and kindhearted, risking their lives to help the boys, and others who are truly evil and want to do them harm.
Along the way the boys find pockets of respite where they can be tender with each other and express their physical love, without censure from those who are helping them, and away from prying eyes. 
It is quite obvious the amount of research that has been done by Mr Andrews into this unspeakable period of our history, and, therefore, there is a genuine air of authenticity to it.
Coupled with all the descriptions of the delicious food the boys are consuming throughout this story, had this reader, in Covid-19 isolation, reaching for the store cupboard and fridge. You will need to have a bar of chocolate handy if you’re not going to chew off your nails wondering what is going to happen to the boys next, and whether they will ultimately be able to escape the tyranny of Nazi Germany to the safety of Sweden. This is another story lovingly written by Mr Andrews, so pick up a copy, sit back, relax and enjoy.
The build-up of tension is palpable from the very beginning, and Mr Andrews ramps it up even further, as our fearless and resourceful heroes are thrown from one dangerous situation to another, being either helped or hindered along the way by a cast of various characters, some of whom are good and kindhearted, risking their lives to help the boys, and others who are truly evil and want to do them harm.
Along the way the boys find pockets of respite where they can be tender with each other and express their physical love, without censure from those who are helping them, and away from prying eyes. 
It is quite obvious the amount of research that has been done by Mr Andrews into this unspeakable period of our history, and, therefore, there is a genuine air of authenticity to it.
Coupled with all the descriptions of the delicious food the boys are consuming throughout this story, had this reader, in Covid-19 isolation, reaching for the store cupboard and fridge. You will need to have a bar of chocolate handy if you’re not going to chew off your nails wondering what is going to happen to the boys next, and whether they will ultimately be able to escape the tyranny of Nazi Germany to the safety of Sweden. This is another story lovingly written by Mr Andrews, so pick up a copy, sit back, relax and enjoy.
April 9, 2020
This novel gripped me from beginning to end. It is a beautiful story of love and friendship set against a tragic time in history. Do not let its setting dissuade you—this is a character-driven story with heart. The author’s focus is not on the events unfolding in pre-WWII Germany, but on how the main characters persevere through them. I was enraptured by Daniel and Erwin’s bid to escape Germany, at times my heart pounding with fear, other times blooming with joy. The many people they met along the way added to the suspense, never knowing for sure who could be trusted. I was consistently surprised and delighted by all the twists and turns. Through it all, Daniel and Erwin’s love surpasses every challenge they face. I found this book to be uplifting in spirit and a reminder of the goodness of humanity, even in the face of such darkness. A tale of hope and love and friendship that will stay with me always.
April 10, 2020
Sparrows and the Hawk is an engaging, tension-filled story set in pre-war Germany. Erwin and Daniel are two young men in love, trying to escape the Nazi regime. The plot moves at a cracking pace against a well-researched background of 1930s Germany. Daniel and Erwin are sympathetically drawn. The horrors of the period are present, but the positive energy of their relationship and the goodness of those who help them provides hope against the grim setting.
The story pays homage to the contribution of the German people involved in the resistance against the Nazi regime. Tension is maintained throughout by the ever present question of who to trust.
As in Clyde Andrews' other young adult books, sex and affection are covered sensitively and positively, as a joyful and loving part of a healthy relationship.
Recommended for teens and high school libraries as an LGBTQ positive exploration of an important period in modern history. And for the rest of us, a cracking good read!
The story pays homage to the contribution of the German people involved in the resistance against the Nazi regime. Tension is maintained throughout by the ever present question of who to trust.
As in Clyde Andrews' other young adult books, sex and affection are covered sensitively and positively, as a joyful and loving part of a healthy relationship.
Recommended for teens and high school libraries as an LGBTQ positive exploration of an important period in modern history. And for the rest of us, a cracking good read!
April 12, 2020
This is a pretty intense story about two very young men... one is Jewish and both are in love... with each other. At the very beginning of the novel, they begin their what seems an insurmountable task... to escape.
Daniel and Erwin are naive at the beginning of the novel.. and quickly learn that they are going to have to figure out how to trust the people they meet along the way. They also find out that they can't trust everyone.
As their journey continues their fledgling relationship is put to the test. They see each other at the highest and lowest and everything in between.
The attention to detail in this novel spot on... it's like being along on the flight with these two men. It's a book that certainly made me think about the reality of trying to make a journey when every step is fraught with danger and threats. I found myself holding my breath sometimes when the characters did... it's difficult, after all, to imagine being so fearful for one's life.
Great book
Daniel and Erwin are naive at the beginning of the novel.. and quickly learn that they are going to have to figure out how to trust the people they meet along the way. They also find out that they can't trust everyone.
As their journey continues their fledgling relationship is put to the test. They see each other at the highest and lowest and everything in between.
The attention to detail in this novel spot on... it's like being along on the flight with these two men. It's a book that certainly made me think about the reality of trying to make a journey when every step is fraught with danger and threats. I found myself holding my breath sometimes when the characters did... it's difficult, after all, to imagine being so fearful for one's life.
Great book
April 21, 2020
There are not enough stars available to show just how highly I rate this book.
This story resonated deeply with me; my grandmother was a prisoner in Auschwitz, and was one of the 'lucky' ones who were liberated.
Erwin and Daniel are so sweet and innocent; their love so pure. They make some beautiful friends along the way, and manage to have some fun in between the times of being hunted.
I almost burst into tears at one point (which is rare for me when reading), and I have chewed off several of my finger nails.
This is the first one of Clyde's stories that I've read that wasn't a part of the Cute Gay Series, and I was very impressed. The characters were well developed and offered some surprised along the way, and there was enough description to allow me to visualise the world as we went.
This story resonated deeply with me; my grandmother was a prisoner in Auschwitz, and was one of the 'lucky' ones who were liberated.
Erwin and Daniel are so sweet and innocent; their love so pure. They make some beautiful friends along the way, and manage to have some fun in between the times of being hunted.
I almost burst into tears at one point (which is rare for me when reading), and I have chewed off several of my finger nails.
This is the first one of Clyde's stories that I've read that wasn't a part of the Cute Gay Series, and I was very impressed. The characters were well developed and offered some surprised along the way, and there was enough description to allow me to visualise the world as we went.
April 4, 2020
I just finished reading this and I loved every word of it! I made me laugh, cry...once I even got mad and almost threw my Kindle across the room. I can't recommend this enough! So wonderfully researched, beautifully written, and it certainly tugs at your heartstrings.
You won't be sorry...unless, of course, you DON'T read it.
You won't be sorry...unless, of course, you DON'T read it.
May 5, 2020
Wow! Wow! Wow!
Clyde Andrews has done it again. Having previously read The Talent of Oliver and Tom, I had high expectations, and the author managed to exceed them.
So much historical research and effort went into this novel. The character development is excellent. It is a touching m/m slow burn romance, historical fiction novel that took me on an emotional roller coaster ride.
I laughed, I cried, and became angry, and I felt joy. I loved everything about this read. Do yourself a favor and read this book now.
Thanks Mr. Andrews for sharing your talent and your stories with us. My world is better because of it. I fell in love with these characters and I can highly recommend this intense, beautiful, amazing book.
Clyde Andrews has done it again. Having previously read The Talent of Oliver and Tom, I had high expectations, and the author managed to exceed them.
So much historical research and effort went into this novel. The character development is excellent. It is a touching m/m slow burn romance, historical fiction novel that took me on an emotional roller coaster ride.
I laughed, I cried, and became angry, and I felt joy. I loved everything about this read. Do yourself a favor and read this book now.
Thanks Mr. Andrews for sharing your talent and your stories with us. My world is better because of it. I fell in love with these characters and I can highly recommend this intense, beautiful, amazing book.
May 10, 2020
Another excellent, well-researched event in history has come alive due to the talent of Clyde Andrews.
This story had me on the edge of my seat throughout. I loved the different safe houses and the acceptance that Daniel and Erwin found at each. It was both heartwarming and chilling to think that these were real-life scenarios back in Hitler's reign. While riding high on emotional turmoil, this story had so much love running through it. In fact, love was the strongest theme in the story. Not only did it provide the means in which to escape persecution, but it inspired relationships throughout the story.
This author never fails to deliver a home run. I loved every word, every character, every interaction, and every shy look between the MC's. Well done.
This story had me on the edge of my seat throughout. I loved the different safe houses and the acceptance that Daniel and Erwin found at each. It was both heartwarming and chilling to think that these were real-life scenarios back in Hitler's reign. While riding high on emotional turmoil, this story had so much love running through it. In fact, love was the strongest theme in the story. Not only did it provide the means in which to escape persecution, but it inspired relationships throughout the story.
This author never fails to deliver a home run. I loved every word, every character, every interaction, and every shy look between the MC's. Well done.
June 30, 2020
I loved the main character, who served as an incredible lens for the turmoil in Germany. The storyline ranges from deadly chases to more lighthearted times.
Very readable, the pace keeps up and takes us through a time uniquely experienced by this group of characters. Recommended.
Very readable, the pace keeps up and takes us through a time uniquely experienced by this group of characters. Recommended.
August 19, 2020
Great Read
Great read, l couldn't put it down . The story made me feel like was in the war with them.My mother in law came from Poland and has told me that this is fact, Well done to Clyde Andrews
Great read, l couldn't put it down . The story made me feel like was in the war with them.My mother in law came from Poland and has told me that this is fact, Well done to Clyde Andrews
May 25, 2020
This book is great. Love between Daniel and Erwin is so genuine and perfect that it almost makes it unreal.
June 14, 2020
In this novel, Erwin and Daniel are fleeing Nazi Germany just before the outbreak of WW2. They are childhood friends and now a young couple in love. Despite the violence, fear and uncertainty of the times, we see Erwin and Daniel’s intimate relationship grow as they flee their homeland. Cut off from family and friends, they must make a perilous journey with the help of strangers, never sure who they can really trust. Reaching the book’s finale, our heroes are literally running for their lives as the enemy closes in...!
I’m a fan of Clyde Andrews’ Cute Gay Romance short stories and have read quite a few. This novel has the same cute, gay characters, but takes us into some dark territory, dealing with Nazi ideology and atrocities, along with some everyday evil from those who take advantage of the chaos.
This is a story with plenty of energy, which is shared evenly between the couple’s relationship and the task of getting out of Germany alive. The historical information given is accurate and the violence encountered is vividly described. Given the danger, I did start to get a bit frustrated with Erwin and Daniel for not being far more cautious and for taking unnecessary risks - occasionally I was inwardly screaming at them to just stay indoors and not draw attention to themselves until it was time to move on! But you do care about the characters. This is one of Andrews’ great strengths. He creates well defined characters with their own clear personalities, even for those characters we only meet briefly (and I’m pleased to say this applies equally whether they are male or female).
And despite the circumstances, there are lighter moments for our heroes. They make good friends along the way and find time to have a little fun. Ultimately, this book is a heartening story about love vs hate and well worth reading. x
I’m a fan of Clyde Andrews’ Cute Gay Romance short stories and have read quite a few. This novel has the same cute, gay characters, but takes us into some dark territory, dealing with Nazi ideology and atrocities, along with some everyday evil from those who take advantage of the chaos.
This is a story with plenty of energy, which is shared evenly between the couple’s relationship and the task of getting out of Germany alive. The historical information given is accurate and the violence encountered is vividly described. Given the danger, I did start to get a bit frustrated with Erwin and Daniel for not being far more cautious and for taking unnecessary risks - occasionally I was inwardly screaming at them to just stay indoors and not draw attention to themselves until it was time to move on! But you do care about the characters. This is one of Andrews’ great strengths. He creates well defined characters with their own clear personalities, even for those characters we only meet briefly (and I’m pleased to say this applies equally whether they are male or female).
And despite the circumstances, there are lighter moments for our heroes. They make good friends along the way and find time to have a little fun. Ultimately, this book is a heartening story about love vs hate and well worth reading. x
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews