What do you think?
Rate this book
Stateless
A murder mystery set in 1937 Europe with intrigue, glamour, secrets, and betrayal.
When Stella North is chosen to represent Britain in Europe’s first air race for young people, she knows all too well how high the stakes are. As the only participating female pilot, it’ll be a constant challenge to prove she’s a worthy competitor. But promoting peace in Europe feels empty to Stella when civil war is raging in Spain and the Nazis are gaining power—and when, right from the start, someone resorts to cutthroat sabotage to get ahead of the competition.
The world is looking for inspiration in what’s meant to be a friendly sporting event. But each of the racers is hiding a turbulent and violent past, and any one of them might be capable of murder…including Stella herself.
When Stella North is chosen to represent Britain in Europe’s first air race for young people, she knows all too well how high the stakes are. As the only participating female pilot, it’ll be a constant challenge to prove she’s a worthy competitor. But promoting peace in Europe feels empty to Stella when civil war is raging in Spain and the Nazis are gaining power—and when, right from the start, someone resorts to cutthroat sabotage to get ahead of the competition.
The world is looking for inspiration in what’s meant to be a friendly sporting event. But each of the racers is hiding a turbulent and violent past, and any one of them might be capable of murder…including Stella herself.
Unknown Binding
First published March 14, 2023
121 people are currently reading
5763 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Wein
38 books3,175 followersTIME magazine has put Code Name Verity on its list of "100 Best YA books of All Time."
O.o
https://time.com/collection/100-best-...
O.o
https://time.com/collection/100-best-...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 391 reviews
February 28, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for an egalley in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars
Europe 1937, The best teenage pilots of their nations gather for what is supposed to be a friendly international race, but someone is determined to get rid of the competition. Thank goodness for the female protagonist, Stella North, England's flying ace and the only female competitor who is determined to solve the mystery.
I love Elizabeth Wein's historical fiction novels, I still include Code Name Verity in many of my favorite books to recommend to friends. Similar to her other novels, I was pretty much a goner from the first page. The plot definitely hooked me and I quite enjoyed the story through Stella's eyes. But... it wasn't as good as Wein's other books. Perhaps it was a feeling that we were racing to the finish and some of the relationships between Stella and the other pilots either dragged or were quite shallow. I was just really relieved to read a YA book that doesn't dissolve into the romance genre. I am deeply grateful that we get an interesting story.
From her author's note, it does sound as if there is possibly a sequel in the making for these characters and it does have me interested enough to want to read that title should it come about.
Expected Publication Date: 14/03/23
Goodreads Review Published 28/02/23
3.5 stars
Europe 1937, The best teenage pilots of their nations gather for what is supposed to be a friendly international race, but someone is determined to get rid of the competition. Thank goodness for the female protagonist, Stella North, England's flying ace and the only female competitor who is determined to solve the mystery.
I love Elizabeth Wein's historical fiction novels, I still include Code Name Verity in many of my favorite books to recommend to friends. Similar to her other novels, I was pretty much a goner from the first page. The plot definitely hooked me and I quite enjoyed the story through Stella's eyes. But... it wasn't as good as Wein's other books. Perhaps it was a feeling that we were racing to the finish and some of the relationships between Stella and the other pilots either dragged or were quite shallow. I was just really relieved to read a YA book that doesn't dissolve into the romance genre. I am deeply grateful that we get an interesting story.
From her author's note, it does sound as if there is possibly a sequel in the making for these characters and it does have me interested enough to want to read that title should it come about.
Expected Publication Date: 14/03/23
Goodreads Review Published 28/02/23
Want to read
January 4, 2023I still haven't forgiven Elizabeth Wein for the ending of Code Name Verity and it's been eight years, but this sounds really interesting.
May 19, 2023
4.5 very strong stars for this thrilling bit of YA historical fiction from the author of Code Name Verity.
When Stella North is chosen to represent Britain in Europe’s first air race for young people, she knows all too well how high the stakes are. As the only participating female pilot, it’ll be a constant challenge to prove she’s a worthy competitor. But promoting peace in Europe feels empty to Stella when civil war is raging in Spain and the Nazis are gaining power—and when, right from the start, someone resorts to cutthroat sabotage to get ahead of the competition.
I really enjoyed this; I loved our two main teen characters, Stella North, and Antoine Robert/Tony Roberts (flying for France). Though the story is mainly told from Stella's POV, the author managed to give Tony and several other young men, an opportunity to fill in some important background information. Wein kept ratcheting up the tension--I was never sure which way the story would go--lots of twists and turns.
I really liked the way the author wove in the bits and pieces of pre-WWII European history. The story is set in the summer of 1937, with the Spanish civil war playing a big role in the lives of several characters. I don't want to say too much and spoil the emotional impact of the various revelations.
While I was very happy with the ending, my knowledge of what these young people would face in the not too distant future cast a melancholy aura over their hope-filled optimism.
When Stella North is chosen to represent Britain in Europe’s first air race for young people, she knows all too well how high the stakes are. As the only participating female pilot, it’ll be a constant challenge to prove she’s a worthy competitor. But promoting peace in Europe feels empty to Stella when civil war is raging in Spain and the Nazis are gaining power—and when, right from the start, someone resorts to cutthroat sabotage to get ahead of the competition.
I really enjoyed this; I loved our two main teen characters, Stella North, and Antoine Robert/Tony Roberts (flying for France). Though the story is mainly told from Stella's POV, the author managed to give Tony and several other young men, an opportunity to fill in some important background information. Wein kept ratcheting up the tension--I was never sure which way the story would go--lots of twists and turns.
I really liked the way the author wove in the bits and pieces of pre-WWII European history. The story is set in the summer of 1937, with the Spanish civil war playing a big role in the lives of several characters. I don't want to say too much and spoil the emotional impact of the various revelations.
While I was very happy with the ending, my knowledge of what these young people would face in the not too distant future cast a melancholy aura over their hope-filled optimism.
August 27, 2022
I wouldn’t call myself a patient reader, unless I know my patience will pay off. Having read Wein’s other works and having been familiar with her style of storytelling, I expected the pay off to be good. And it was!
Out of all her books I’ve read, this was probably the most thrilling. I had so much fun, I couldn’t put it down. I say this as a cat-and-mouse and car chase scene enjoyer in action movies. If you are one too, imagine that in the air. It had me on the edge of my seat. The mystery was carefully laid out, I was aware of how Wein wrote her twists and I tried my best to pay attention to details so I could guess the “culprit” or anticipate events but I was still left surprised. I felt the need to stare at the wall for a few minutes and think about the things I’ve missed and brushed off as unimportant. At the start of this book, I thought this was the type of book that had the protagonist alone against the world but I was wrong in that regard, too. I loved how Wein wrote platonic relationships and was very glad to see it here again. Aside from that - and as expected - there was still something to learn from this book, such as the Nansen passports, which could explain the title.
My rating stands between to a 3 and a 4 star (I am thinking about raising it; we shall see). Endings could make or break a rating for me, and the way this book ended was fitting but somehow felt too abrupt. I still had questions, which I won’t be putting on here because of spoilers. To say the least, I thought there was a whiff of convenience. Brushing that aside though, I’d still call this a thrilling page-turner. Stella North was a another good addition to Wein’s brave heroines.
Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the arc!
Out of all her books I’ve read, this was probably the most thrilling. I had so much fun, I couldn’t put it down. I say this as a cat-and-mouse and car chase scene enjoyer in action movies. If you are one too, imagine that in the air. It had me on the edge of my seat. The mystery was carefully laid out, I was aware of how Wein wrote her twists and I tried my best to pay attention to details so I could guess the “culprit” or anticipate events but I was still left surprised. I felt the need to stare at the wall for a few minutes and think about the things I’ve missed and brushed off as unimportant. At the start of this book, I thought this was the type of book that had the protagonist alone against the world but I was wrong in that regard, too. I loved how Wein wrote platonic relationships and was very glad to see it here again. Aside from that - and as expected - there was still something to learn from this book, such as the Nansen passports, which could explain the title.
My rating stands between to a 3 and a 4 star (I am thinking about raising it; we shall see). Endings could make or break a rating for me, and the way this book ended was fitting but somehow felt too abrupt. I still had questions, which I won’t be putting on here because of spoilers. To say the least, I thought there was a whiff of convenience. Brushing that aside though, I’d still call this a thrilling page-turner. Stella North was a another good addition to Wein’s brave heroines.
Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the arc!
May 10, 2025
Stella North is going fly for England in an air race across Europe. It is 1937 and unrest is flaring up among the European countries that have not long left behind the brutality of the Great War. In an effort to promote peace, young flyers from European countries line up to show what they have to offer aviation and for the lucrative prize. In the wake of Guernica, the teenagers competing find themselves at odds based on their country’s response to the fascist tide sweeping the continent. Suddenly a select number of pilots seem to become targets from an unknown menace. When one ends up dead on the first leg of the race will others soon be taken out?
I don’t know what took me so long to get this read. Code Name Verity remains one my most respected titles ever read. Wein does an excellent job creating a sense of menace and intrigue, while showcasing dynamic personality both among the young fliers and their escorts. She is a master of making history feel tangible.
52 Book Club25: 18) A character who can fly
I don’t know what took me so long to get this read. Code Name Verity remains one my most respected titles ever read. Wein does an excellent job creating a sense of menace and intrigue, while showcasing dynamic personality both among the young fliers and their escorts. She is a master of making history feel tangible.
52 Book Club25: 18) A character who can fly
September 2, 2025
IN A NUTSHELL
'Stateless' is an engaging, exciting, informative novel that worked very well as an historical thriller, scaling up the tension right to the end, but it went further than I'd expected. The descriptions of the flying were very vivid and realistic. The story avoided simple stereotypes. I felt an emotional connection to these young people who did not yet know that they were two years away from a World War that would reshape Europe. It made me see our present generation of European teenagers as being in a similar situation, as I believe that the hybrid war between Russia and the rest of Europe is likely to escalate into a deadly military conflict soon.
I don't normally read YA historical fiction, but I saw this cover in my local Public Library and couldn't resist picking it up. I was immediately surprised and impressed by how good it was. I looked 'Stateless' up online and saw that it had won. ITW Thriller Award for Young Adult Novel (2024), Crimefest Award (Best Crime Novel for Young Adults) (2024), and the Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award (Juvenile/Y.A.) (2024). I downloaded a digital copy from the library and fell into the book.
It starts as a one-young-woman-striving-to-win-against-odds story, framed as a Europe-wide air race, in which young pilots represent their country in a competition intended to promote peace and friendship between nations.
Almost immediately, it becomes more complicated. Our English Rose heroine, Stella North, isn't actually English, she's stateless and she's not the only young pilot who isn't who she appears to be.
Then someone starts killing pilots in the air in incidents that look like accidents. For Stella North, the struggle becomes not one of winning a race for the honour of her host country, but of surviving and helping others to survive the attacks on their lives. Eventually, the book becomes about deciding who to trust with your life.
'Stateless' gave a strong sense of threat from the rise of Fascism, which has some disturbing contemporary echoes.
It got the details right on the places (oddly, I've spent time in every city that the competitors go to). I also picked up (and verified as I went along) pieces of history I was ignorant of, for example, the existence of a Nansen Passport specifically for stateless people and the sabotage at the 1929 Women's Air Derby.
The biggest surprise to me was how deeply I felt the doom of these brave, optimistic young people, all of whom would be exactly the right age to have their lives twisted out of shape by the coming war. It made me wonder whether the present generation of European teens can see the next stage of the war with Russia coming.
'Stateless' is an engaging, exciting, informative novel that worked very well as an historical thriller, scaling up the tension right to the end, but it went further than I'd expected. The descriptions of the flying were very vivid and realistic. The story avoided simple stereotypes. I felt an emotional connection to these young people who did not yet know that they were two years away from a World War that would reshape Europe. It made me see our present generation of European teenagers as being in a similar situation, as I believe that the hybrid war between Russia and the rest of Europe is likely to escalate into a deadly military conflict soon.
I don't normally read YA historical fiction, but I saw this cover in my local Public Library and couldn't resist picking it up. I was immediately surprised and impressed by how good it was. I looked 'Stateless' up online and saw that it had won. ITW Thriller Award for Young Adult Novel (2024), Crimefest Award (Best Crime Novel for Young Adults) (2024), and the Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award (Juvenile/Y.A.) (2024). I downloaded a digital copy from the library and fell into the book.
It starts as a one-young-woman-striving-to-win-against-odds story, framed as a Europe-wide air race, in which young pilots represent their country in a competition intended to promote peace and friendship between nations.
Almost immediately, it becomes more complicated. Our English Rose heroine, Stella North, isn't actually English, she's stateless and she's not the only young pilot who isn't who she appears to be.
Then someone starts killing pilots in the air in incidents that look like accidents. For Stella North, the struggle becomes not one of winning a race for the honour of her host country, but of surviving and helping others to survive the attacks on their lives. Eventually, the book becomes about deciding who to trust with your life.
'Stateless' gave a strong sense of threat from the rise of Fascism, which has some disturbing contemporary echoes.
It got the details right on the places (oddly, I've spent time in every city that the competitors go to). I also picked up (and verified as I went along) pieces of history I was ignorant of, for example, the existence of a Nansen Passport specifically for stateless people and the sabotage at the 1929 Women's Air Derby.
The biggest surprise to me was how deeply I felt the doom of these brave, optimistic young people, all of whom would be exactly the right age to have their lives twisted out of shape by the coming war. It made me wonder whether the present generation of European teens can see the next stage of the war with Russia coming.
March 14, 2023
As in some previous Wein books I have read, I found Stateless to be good, not great. As a matter of fact, I finished it weeks ago and just now realized I didn't review it. What better time than the day of the book's official release.
As the Nazis are gaining power, an air race for European young people has been arranged in the hope that it will bring everyone together. Stella North is the only female participant, representing Great Britain. She feels a lot of pressure to represent well since no one believes in her abilities as a pilot.
She loves nothing more than flying, but it loses some of the fun when she witnesses what appears to be one plane driving another plane into a crash. Who can she trust? Tension mounts as other things start happening, and all the pilots are in danger even if they don't know it.
The relationships among the pilots are interesting and the story is well told. I just thought it all a bit far-fetched. But true to young adult fiction, it is exciting and kept my interest.
If you enjoyed Wein's other stories, Code Name Verity, Rose Under Fire, etc., you will most likely like Stateless.
As the Nazis are gaining power, an air race for European young people has been arranged in the hope that it will bring everyone together. Stella North is the only female participant, representing Great Britain. She feels a lot of pressure to represent well since no one believes in her abilities as a pilot.
She loves nothing more than flying, but it loses some of the fun when she witnesses what appears to be one plane driving another plane into a crash. Who can she trust? Tension mounts as other things start happening, and all the pilots are in danger even if they don't know it.
The relationships among the pilots are interesting and the story is well told. I just thought it all a bit far-fetched. But true to young adult fiction, it is exciting and kept my interest.
If you enjoyed Wein's other stories, Code Name Verity, Rose Under Fire, etc., you will most likely like Stateless.
March 30, 2023
Good grief but Wein writes a gripping book. Stateless is set in Europe, on the eve of World War II; war is not—quite—yet a whisper of word in Stella's consciousness. Raised in the shadow of loss, what she really loves is flying, and now she has the chance of a lifetime: a friendly competition, in the name of promoting peace, between a dozen young pilots. They'll race in stages across Europe, culminating in a life-changing prize for one of them and good press for all the countries involved.
That's all good and well...until Stella witnesses one pilot force another out of the sky, and suddenly a friendly race becomes something else entirely.
This is the first of Wein's books that I've read that focuses more on mystery than on war—war is a huge factor in this one (see: eve of WWII; also the Spanish Civil War as a significant factor in some characters' stories), but it's not the primary story. Stella has a limited number of suspects, which rapidly narrows (the villain becomes clear midway through the book, and the focus shifts from whodunnit to survival and outwitting), and, as with so many of Wein's books, there's a wonderful emphasis on friendship and working together.
I'm fascinated by the inclusion of Nansen passports, which I'd never heard of before. They sent me on a bit of a Wikipedia rabbit hole—they're a former solution to a problem that still exists today. I won't go into too much detail for what they mean for this particular bit (although I will say that passports, in general, matter in Stateless), but I love getting those little details—learning something else about a particular point in history.
Time to do a reread of some of Wein's books, I think—I can very nearly quote from Code Name Verity and The Pearl Thief, but it's been long enough since I read Black Dove, White Raven that it'll practically be a brand-new Wein book full of surprises.
That's all good and well...until Stella witnesses one pilot force another out of the sky, and suddenly a friendly race becomes something else entirely.
This is the first of Wein's books that I've read that focuses more on mystery than on war—war is a huge factor in this one (see: eve of WWII; also the Spanish Civil War as a significant factor in some characters' stories), but it's not the primary story. Stella has a limited number of suspects, which rapidly narrows (the villain becomes clear midway through the book, and the focus shifts from whodunnit to survival and outwitting), and, as with so many of Wein's books, there's a wonderful emphasis on friendship and working together.
I'm fascinated by the inclusion of Nansen passports, which I'd never heard of before. They sent me on a bit of a Wikipedia rabbit hole—they're a former solution to a problem that still exists today. I won't go into too much detail for what they mean for this particular bit (although I will say that passports, in general, matter in Stateless), but I love getting those little details—learning something else about a particular point in history.
Time to do a reread of some of Wein's books, I think—I can very nearly quote from Code Name Verity and The Pearl Thief, but it's been long enough since I read Black Dove, White Raven that it'll practically be a brand-new Wein book full of surprises.
December 15, 2024
3.5
good but mid
took me so long to read bc I kept stopping in the middle since I found better books 😭
good but mid
took me so long to read bc I kept stopping in the middle since I found better books 😭
April 26, 2023
Riveting & uplifting! Loved the sassy heroine & smart aleck, deeply courageous hero—a great combo. Also, the combo of author Elizabeth Wein & narrator Moira Quirk was perfection. Up next—I think I have to grab a copy for my classroom, re-read Code Name Verity & then move on to Wein’s backlist. Looks like I’ve started my teacher summer reading list :)
May 26, 2023
4.5 This book was SUCH a blast! I loved the concept of a murder mystery woven in with a pre WW2 historical fiction. The entire race was so fun to read about and the romance was wonderful. I pounded through the entire book in 2 days on audio while working on a project. It’s very fast past and a quick read. I highly recommend!
February 9, 2024
I really wanted to love this book. Elizabeth Wein’s novel Code Name Verity is one of my favorite novels of all time. That’s pretty high praise considering the number of books I read each year. Stateless didn’t captivate me. I found the story hard to follow. I didn’t love it,
September 8, 2024
Maybe I should be a pilot
August 23, 2023
Trigger warnings: murder, gun violence, death, threat of war, racism, antisemitism.
I LOVE the way that Elizabeth Wein weaves incredible stories around her love of historic planes, and Code Name Verity is, always and forever, one of my favourite young adult books. So when I saw that this was a combination of badass female pilot and the interwar period and a MURDER MYSTERY, I was freaking SOLD.
This was, to be honest, a tad slow at times, but I loved the competition aspect of the story, the way it dealt with refugees caught without a country, and the way many of the characters discover similarities between themselves over the course of the story. So yeah, it's definitely not my favourite of Wein's books. But it was a solidly good time, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
I LOVE the way that Elizabeth Wein weaves incredible stories around her love of historic planes, and Code Name Verity is, always and forever, one of my favourite young adult books. So when I saw that this was a combination of badass female pilot and the interwar period and a MURDER MYSTERY, I was freaking SOLD.
This was, to be honest, a tad slow at times, but I loved the competition aspect of the story, the way it dealt with refugees caught without a country, and the way many of the characters discover similarities between themselves over the course of the story. So yeah, it's definitely not my favourite of Wein's books. But it was a solidly good time, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
August 16, 2023
i made a lot of unearthly sounds reading this and screamed into my pillow again because tony and northie are so so perfect and fantasized about strangling YOU KNOW WHO and then cried because :( why’d I have to get so emotionally attached to these little european pilots and their silly little planes
April 19, 2023
It's 1937 in Europe. Tensions are building; there has been civil war in Spain and the Nazis are being Nazis in Germany, restricting information to the population, and shipping off "malcontents" and the like to camps from which they don't return.
Lady Frith has organized the "Circuit of Nations Olympics of the Air" to promote peace amongst Europe's young pilots. There's a big sum of money for the winner, and pilots from Germany, France, Britain and Italy are all there to compete.
Stella North has taught herself to fly, and is eager to test herself against the others. At the same time, she is reluctant to catch too much official attention; though raised in England, she's originally from Russia, saved during the Russian Revolution. Stella is a skilled navigator and pilot, and is eager to test herself against others. She quickly finds the pilots are skilled, but all bring their resentments and angers against other countries and regimes with them.
The pilots must all navigate their way around Europe, and the one who consistently has the best time along each leg of the trip is the winner.
Very quickly, things turn from difficult (stupid reporters focusing on what she's wearing, etc.) to serious. For an event intended to build excitement and goodwill amongst European nations, the opposite, of course, happens. There is plenty of veiled nastiness and posturing amongst the male pilots, with Stella watching in exasperation as they obsess over statistics and mechanical details. Also, sabotage and actual attacks against the pilots quickly change what should have been a fun and exhilarating event turns into a harbinger of the coming war.
Elizabeth Wein has crafted a tense, fast-moving story, with great character moments for pilots Stella, Tony and Sebastian, and vivid historical details. Though there was no race exactly as portrayed in this book, it's still a great way to show all the simmering tensions existing at the time, as well as the wilful unwillingness to see escalating problems (e.g., Lasy Frith). Also, we know Hitler will bring war to everyone soon, so for the few happy moments and successes here, I was constantly reminded that many of the young men will soon be flying against each other in earnest with malicious intent.
The end felt like there could be more story told about Stella, Tony and Sebastian, and I hope Wein writes it.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Penguin Random House Canada for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Lady Frith has organized the "Circuit of Nations Olympics of the Air" to promote peace amongst Europe's young pilots. There's a big sum of money for the winner, and pilots from Germany, France, Britain and Italy are all there to compete.
Stella North has taught herself to fly, and is eager to test herself against the others. At the same time, she is reluctant to catch too much official attention; though raised in England, she's originally from Russia, saved during the Russian Revolution. Stella is a skilled navigator and pilot, and is eager to test herself against others. She quickly finds the pilots are skilled, but all bring their resentments and angers against other countries and regimes with them.
The pilots must all navigate their way around Europe, and the one who consistently has the best time along each leg of the trip is the winner.
Very quickly, things turn from difficult (stupid reporters focusing on what she's wearing, etc.) to serious. For an event intended to build excitement and goodwill amongst European nations, the opposite, of course, happens. There is plenty of veiled nastiness and posturing amongst the male pilots, with Stella watching in exasperation as they obsess over statistics and mechanical details. Also, sabotage and actual attacks against the pilots quickly change what should have been a fun and exhilarating event turns into a harbinger of the coming war.
Elizabeth Wein has crafted a tense, fast-moving story, with great character moments for pilots Stella, Tony and Sebastian, and vivid historical details. Though there was no race exactly as portrayed in this book, it's still a great way to show all the simmering tensions existing at the time, as well as the wilful unwillingness to see escalating problems (e.g., Lasy Frith). Also, we know Hitler will bring war to everyone soon, so for the few happy moments and successes here, I was constantly reminded that many of the young men will soon be flying against each other in earnest with malicious intent.
The end felt like there could be more story told about Stella, Tony and Sebastian, and I hope Wein writes it.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Penguin Random House Canada for this ARC in exchange for my review.
March 16, 2023
{3.5 stars}
Stella North is in a flying competition for young people set to thrill people across Europe. It's 1937 and the world in general is uneasy. Stella is living and performing under the Union Jack but she has a bit of a secret, she is a refugee from Russia. As the only girl, she is bound and determined to perform well, until on the first leg she witnesses the downing of one of her competitors. Then the race is on to find out who the killer may be, keep herself alive and maybe finish the competition.
This one has a bit of a Hunger Games vibe. Lots of vibrant, interesting, young people competing for fame and glory. I'll admit, it was perhaps a bit too much plane talk at times, but if that is your bag, you will love this one. I did like traveling with Stella and trying to figure out just which of her competitors might be the bad guy.
Thanks to The Novl for the gifted copy. All opinions above are my own.
Stella North is in a flying competition for young people set to thrill people across Europe. It's 1937 and the world in general is uneasy. Stella is living and performing under the Union Jack but she has a bit of a secret, she is a refugee from Russia. As the only girl, she is bound and determined to perform well, until on the first leg she witnesses the downing of one of her competitors. Then the race is on to find out who the killer may be, keep herself alive and maybe finish the competition.
This one has a bit of a Hunger Games vibe. Lots of vibrant, interesting, young people competing for fame and glory. I'll admit, it was perhaps a bit too much plane talk at times, but if that is your bag, you will love this one. I did like traveling with Stella and trying to figure out just which of her competitors might be the bad guy.
Thanks to The Novl for the gifted copy. All opinions above are my own.
January 27, 2025
This book was brilliant. The author’s knowledge of pre ww2 flight, the planes, all the history, and in particular the Spanish history was amazing- most I’d never heard of and hit up Wikipedia! Also the insight to the emotions pre ww2. The desperate hope people had for a bright future, yet seeing the signs of another terrible war brewing was something I hadn’t ever considered. And the plot itself- fascinating, and the personalities of the characters and their varied stories, not to mention the excellent narration combined to make this simply a fantastic listen. Keep writing!! Highly recommend.
March 1, 2024
I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this one but what a delightful surprise! Fast paced and full of action as the young pilots race across Europe as it sits on the brink of WWII. Lots of tension and distrust ensue as the young g representatives plot their flight paths across the continent. The friendships, bonds and connections made make you want to fist pump as you race along with them.
Highly recommend for grades 8 and up.
Highly recommend for grades 8 and up.
April 9, 2025
4.5
Absolutely incredible historical adventure. I didn't enjoy this as much as Code Name Verity, but Elizabeth Wein really knows how to sweep the reader up in the story and stakes and to write compelling characters. The audiobook was fantastic as well, the narrator could do a vast array of different European accents and make it look easy. One of those books that I was sad to finish!
Absolutely incredible historical adventure. I didn't enjoy this as much as Code Name Verity, but Elizabeth Wein really knows how to sweep the reader up in the story and stakes and to write compelling characters. The audiobook was fantastic as well, the narrator could do a vast array of different European accents and make it look easy. One of those books that I was sad to finish!
September 24, 2023
3.5/ 4
This was for book club and outside of my usual genre. I did enjoy the timeline of this book and how fast paced the book felt. It was interesting to look at this time period without focusing on WW2.
This was for book club and outside of my usual genre. I did enjoy the timeline of this book and how fast paced the book felt. It was interesting to look at this time period without focusing on WW2.
January 6, 2024
It had a good ending and plot, but the storyline was quite slow.
January 7, 2023
Another excellent historical fiction offering from Wein.
*Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
*Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
August 31, 2024
Stateless by Elizabeth Wein is easily one of my favorite reads of 2024. I love this author's engaging brand of historical fiction. I'd say I loved this as much as I loved her novel Code Name Verity which is honestly a modern classic. If you loved that, I can't recommend this one enough. I'll have to get caught up on what I've missed from her asap.
February 20, 2023
I will read anything Elizabeth Wein writes, and I have to say that this book makes it into my top three favorites of hers. Like everything she writes, the history in this story has been meticulously researched and seamlessly woven into a story that kept me on the edge of my seat. While the beginning carefully sets the stage for what's to come, the back half takes off at full speed ahead, and I couldn't put it down.
While the mystery was full of twists and turns, keeping the reader guessing right till the very end, what really drew me was the characters and the relationships that develop between them. Stella, Tony, and Sebastian are the stars of the show, but the development of the camaraderie between all of the racers was delightful to watch.
I was so excited to receive an ARC for this book, and truly, I could not put it down!
While the mystery was full of twists and turns, keeping the reader guessing right till the very end, what really drew me was the characters and the relationships that develop between them. Stella, Tony, and Sebastian are the stars of the show, but the development of the camaraderie between all of the racers was delightful to watch.
I was so excited to receive an ARC for this book, and truly, I could not put it down!
Read
March 3, 2023Like all of the Elizabeth Wein books I've read, this was so well written and engaging. I had such a hard time putting it down and just read the second half in one sitting. This one definitely felt like a thriller and I had to know what was coming next. I loved the big cast and how the different countries of Europe were represented. I would've loved to learn more about some of the characters, but it would've been a lot to open it to more of them, so it was probably a good call letting some of them be vague figures.
My one real knock on this one is that the romance felt abrupt and forced. It felt like, for a large part of the book, there wouldn't be one at all, but maybe there was sort of a love triangle? And then suddenly in the last 50 pages, she was thinking she couldn't live without one of the guys. Meanwhile, I'd been thinking we were just gonna skip the romance and the book would've been perfectly fine without it.
My one real knock on this one is that the romance felt abrupt and forced. It felt like, for a large part of the book, there wouldn't be one at all, but maybe there was sort of a love triangle? And then suddenly in the last 50 pages, she was thinking she couldn't live without one of the guys. Meanwhile, I'd been thinking we were just gonna skip the romance and the book would've been perfectly fine without it.
December 14, 2023
ELIZABETH WEIN DOES IT AGAIN?
WHAT is it about this book! it's the same exact thing as CNV where I fully know that there's something missing but the majority of me is absolutely enthralled to the point where I'm willing to give it the full five stars. It must be the character relationships, the sudden bonds formed under pressure where they just come together - it must be the chess metaphor that slipped in at one point (I am an absolute sucker for those). It also must be that I LIKED Stella and Tony and Sebastian and the rest of them. It is disappointingly rare that I fully like YA casts lo l help but for how little we really got to know the aviators (other than S & T obvs) I was surprisingly connected to all of them. (Maybe? Sequel? Perhaps?? But :()
maybe I go reread CNV now. wilding over here... week 4 of camp here we come.
WHAT is it about this book! it's the same exact thing as CNV where I fully know that there's something missing but the majority of me is absolutely enthralled to the point where I'm willing to give it the full five stars. It must be the character relationships, the sudden bonds formed under pressure where they just come together - it must be the chess metaphor that slipped in at one point (I am an absolute sucker for those). It also must be that I LIKED Stella and Tony and Sebastian and the rest of them. It is disappointingly rare that I fully like YA casts lo l help but for how little we really got to know the aviators (other than S & T obvs) I was surprisingly connected to all of them. (Maybe? Sequel? Perhaps?? But :()
maybe I go reread CNV now. wilding over here... week 4 of camp here we come.
March 10, 2023
STATELESS is an enthralling YA historical murder mystery. Taking place in Europe before WWII, the story follows Stella North, a pilot who has entered into a European air race for young people, where she is the only female competitor. As she faces the press and her fierce competition, she soon realizes something sinister is happening in the race, when she sees one of her fellow pilots attacked in the air and go down in the water. As the race continues, she and her fellow competitor from France begin to investigate who could be behind the sabotage.
What I loved: This was quite an enthralling read with an engaging murder mystery. The story takes on quite the suspenseful tone as the competition leaves the young pilots in the crosshairs of whoever is behind the sabotage and attacks. The mystery is hard to solve with a good red herring that keeps the readers on their toes. The plot moves quite quickly as a result.
Stella is an intriguing character, and her background evolves into something deeper as the story continues. She is also a woman competing in something that is not particularly welcoming, although she is not the first pioneer in this field, mentioning women who competed in American races before, as well as a few others. She wants to prove to herself and the world that she has what it takes, though, of course, the prize for the race is certainly appealing as well.
The historical setting was really interesting, capturing Europe on the brink of war. As the competitors speak with each other, they learn about how the tensions are portrayed and felt by different countries, giving readers information about the climate at the time and the paths leading to WWII. Although the focus was on the race, these elements really added to the story well.
Final verdict: STATELESS is an enthralling YA historical murder mystery that takes the reader on a suspenseful ride through the air in Europe on the brink of WWII. Highly recommend for readers who enjoy historical reads, a fast pace, and a twisty mystery.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
What I loved: This was quite an enthralling read with an engaging murder mystery. The story takes on quite the suspenseful tone as the competition leaves the young pilots in the crosshairs of whoever is behind the sabotage and attacks. The mystery is hard to solve with a good red herring that keeps the readers on their toes. The plot moves quite quickly as a result.
Stella is an intriguing character, and her background evolves into something deeper as the story continues. She is also a woman competing in something that is not particularly welcoming, although she is not the first pioneer in this field, mentioning women who competed in American races before, as well as a few others. She wants to prove to herself and the world that she has what it takes, though, of course, the prize for the race is certainly appealing as well.
The historical setting was really interesting, capturing Europe on the brink of war. As the competitors speak with each other, they learn about how the tensions are portrayed and felt by different countries, giving readers information about the climate at the time and the paths leading to WWII. Although the focus was on the race, these elements really added to the story well.
Final verdict: STATELESS is an enthralling YA historical murder mystery that takes the reader on a suspenseful ride through the air in Europe on the brink of WWII. Highly recommend for readers who enjoy historical reads, a fast pace, and a twisty mystery.
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
March 17, 2023
I was sent a copy of this book for review.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.
In 1937 tensions across Europe were at an all-time high. To promote unity among the countries in the escalating conflict, a new air race is created to forge new friendships and showcase countries' similarities rather than differences. Things do not go as planned as long-harboured resentments and mistrust are rife within the competition. Representing Britain, Stella North is the only female contestant. Stella is a poster child for the race's ideals as she is from Russia, speaks many languages and resides in the UK. However, Stella holds a 'Nansen' passport which declares her as having a "stateless" nationality.
The Press hound the pilots from all 12 nations, making them eager to start the first leg of the journey. However, Stella witnesses a plane being forced from the sky by another pilot resulting in their death from crashing into the sea. She has no idea if it was one of her fellow contestants trying to eliminate another competitor or whether it was a random attack. Even more worrying, will it happen again and could she become a target?
When the crash is ruled an accident, Stella decides she cannot let the killer get away with it. She begins an investigation to uncover what happened and what the murderer's true motivations are. Can Stella find allies within the group of pilots that surround her or will the ongoing feuds and dangerous countries they are visiting be the downfall of the entire endeavour?
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Thoroughly engaging and immersive story from the start. I read it in one sitting as I couldn’t put it down. Stella is a great character, full of gumption, and determination to prove herself, while simultaneously feeling insecure over her past and sadness at the loss of her family. The backdrop of international intrigue adds many layers to the plot as it's easy for the reader to know Europe's future yet still root for the tournament to make a difference and hope that the characters survive the ongoing threats looming over them. Overall, a gripping story with plenty of action, mystery and heart. Highly recommend.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.
In 1937 tensions across Europe were at an all-time high. To promote unity among the countries in the escalating conflict, a new air race is created to forge new friendships and showcase countries' similarities rather than differences. Things do not go as planned as long-harboured resentments and mistrust are rife within the competition. Representing Britain, Stella North is the only female contestant. Stella is a poster child for the race's ideals as she is from Russia, speaks many languages and resides in the UK. However, Stella holds a 'Nansen' passport which declares her as having a "stateless" nationality.
The Press hound the pilots from all 12 nations, making them eager to start the first leg of the journey. However, Stella witnesses a plane being forced from the sky by another pilot resulting in their death from crashing into the sea. She has no idea if it was one of her fellow contestants trying to eliminate another competitor or whether it was a random attack. Even more worrying, will it happen again and could she become a target?
When the crash is ruled an accident, Stella decides she cannot let the killer get away with it. She begins an investigation to uncover what happened and what the murderer's true motivations are. Can Stella find allies within the group of pilots that surround her or will the ongoing feuds and dangerous countries they are visiting be the downfall of the entire endeavour?
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Thoroughly engaging and immersive story from the start. I read it in one sitting as I couldn’t put it down. Stella is a great character, full of gumption, and determination to prove herself, while simultaneously feeling insecure over her past and sadness at the loss of her family. The backdrop of international intrigue adds many layers to the plot as it's easy for the reader to know Europe's future yet still root for the tournament to make a difference and hope that the characters survive the ongoing threats looming over them. Overall, a gripping story with plenty of action, mystery and heart. Highly recommend.
July 11, 2023
Stella North is chosen to represent the Britain in Europe’s first air race for young people. She knows the staked are high but how far will she go? Stella is the only female competitor but is conflicted in the race as the threat of war rages across Europe. With the Spanish War conflict and the threat of Germany gaining power, she must figure out how to protect herself while trying to protect herself from the sabotage occurring within the race. With unlikely friendship with two of the competitors, Stella is in the race for her life.
I love this book and really enjoyed the storyline. Stella was a fun character to read as she navigated the race. The surprise friendships made me smile and it was good to see the comradery between them. Throughout the book the only thing I could think of is that these kids will be engaging in war against one another in few years and the thought broke my heart. Despite that, I loved this book and really enjoyed it.
I love this book and really enjoyed the storyline. Stella was a fun character to read as she navigated the race. The surprise friendships made me smile and it was good to see the comradery between them. Throughout the book the only thing I could think of is that these kids will be engaging in war against one another in few years and the thought broke my heart. Despite that, I loved this book and really enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 391 reviews