First, many thanks to Jesseca Wheaton for the review copy! I've wanted to read this for a while and it was a wonderful opportunity presented to me :D I finished this in about two days, and read late into the evening when I should have been sleeping xD
A man. A child. A war. When German soldiers invade France during World War II, young Joyanna's perfect world is shattered. In the hands of those who hate her, she battles to comprehend why people can be so ruthless and cold toward those whom they have never met.
David Sullivan, pilot in the Royal Air Force, was certain he would never hate, but a painful loss forces him to either reconsider or do the inconceivable—forgive. He is suddenly challenged by the realization that doing God's will is not easy, but most important. With the lives of freedom-fighters relying on him, he must learn the difficult lesson that he is not in control, but merely one who must surrender his heart of obedience to One greater.
A sudden turn of events lands Joyanna and David in the same country—but for far different reasons. When their paths cross, David finds he must make a decision that will affect them both for the rest of their lives.
Will he choose vengeance, or will he let his life be ruled by a higher standard? A standard of Honor.
- THE BOOK HAS A VERY NICE TITLE. It reminds me of another hi-fi I read called "In Search of Honor." Honor seems to play a great part in conflicts and wars.
- THE CHARACTER RELATIONSHIPS. I just appreciated the love and friendship and the complicated mess of emotions and hostility and hate. Ooh. Wow. It was intricate and complex and made me laugh and grin and frown and grind my teeth in frustration.- JOYANNA. It's not that often that you come across a book where you have an equal amount of time spent in the grown up's pov as well as the child's. That was a special, very nice thing about this story. And Joyanna was really brave and sweet plus I loved her story.- DAVID'S EMOTIONAL ROLLER-COASTER RIDE. It was ... jarring. I was really frustrated with him at times. Wanted to whop his head. But I love him all the same and I understand :) Everything was so ... sudden. On occasion it felt as though all these torrents of emotions could have some build-up first rather than just come crashing down all of a sudden, but it's not a big issue and probably realistic enough.- ERICH. He's ... almost my favorite character. Evil and still the bad guy and he never really changed - but it was so interesting to watch him because he was so conflicted. I just shake my head at him, and feel sorry for him, and want to bang his head.
- THE HISTORICAL SETTING AND ASPECTS. I appreciate the details that must go into hi-fi. And I admire the writer for all the research that had to be done. Hi-fi is always fascinating in the sense that even though this isn't a real story, it could have been.- THE THEMES. These reminded me of so many other WWII books I've read. And they were just so real and honest and things anyone and everyone would struggle with in such a time.
- THE ACTION. Honestly, I was expecting a bit more of ... what, I'm not really sure? Battle scenes? But what was there was, was really good. Chases, fights, kidnapping, spying, flying, so on and so forth.- THE STORYLINE. Good plot if you ask me. It went on wonderfully. I was immediately struck by the thought of HOW VERY CLEVER it was of the author to weave together the stories of an American pilot, a Jewish girl, and a Nazi soldier. So smart. And it really impressed me.
- THE LACK OF DETAIL. Yeah. I felt the writing could have used more description. Show rather than tell. (And I feel super awkward saying this cause it's my problem too.) More prose - more of that silent reflection and observation. About the setting and the surroundings. Those could have been described better to really stimulated the senses. And action scenes could have taken up more space/time.- A FEW THINGS WERE A BIT ... ODD? But these things go into spoiler zone, so if you haven't read the book, I don't want you to read this. However, if you have already read it, you may highlight the following blank section: How did the Germans figure that Joyanna would act so well? Like she wouldn't slip up? And if she wouldn't purposefully drop hints, wouldn't she make a mistake at some point? She had already betrayed a friend's secret before, how were they to expect her to keep theirs? And it was really a huge coincidence about Erich's cousin (was it? Wasn't brother, right?). Not that I really mind it in books, but still a coincidence. Probly not likely in real life.
- Then there's always the personal factors, not anything got to do with the book -- WWII is one of those times of which I've read a lot of books. So this was good and different, but yet not in a class of it's own, nor an unlike-anything-i've-ever-read-before book. And it was a bit shorter than I expected? Nothing wrong with that - it's not even a proper complaint. :D
All in all, it was a very good, four-star book and I highly recommend it to those who like hi-fi and WWII and who haven't yet read this story!
have you read A Question of Honor?
do you plan to?
if you have, what do you think?
It sounds really good! I might recommend this to my historical fiction loving friends!!! :)
ReplyDeleteYes! It would be great if you did that, Gray!
DeleteAmazing review, Lisa! I love all your quote graphics. Yes, I've read AQoH...two or three times, actually. Gil... <3
ReplyDeleteThanks girl <3 I'm glad you liked the graphics ... it always takes time because I don't write the quotes down when I come across them and then I have to go hunting for them xD Yeah I know - you're critique partner to Jess, right? I know, Gil ... <3
DeleteHaha, sounds familiar. xD
DeleteYup – critique partner. If you liked this book, you'd probably enjoy book-2 and the series prequel. They're both coming out this fall, I believe. :D
Hurray!!!
DeleteI haven't read this one , but at the moment I'm kind of obsessed with World War II, so... yeah. I might have to get my hands on that one ;)
ReplyDeleteWELL MY FRIEND YOU'VE FOUND THE RIGHT BOOK. There are are actually quite a few WWII books existing, eh? You really do need this though!
DeleteEEEEEP THIS BOOK LOOKS AWESOME <3
ReplyDeleteIT IS SO!!! THANKS FOR COMMENTING!
DeleteLisa, I always love your reviews! My one complaint is that you're clearly helping my TBR try to crush me. Aaaacckkkk! XD
ReplyDeleteSeriously, though, even though hi-fi isn't my go-to genre, I'll have to look into A Question of Honor more... *scampers off to Goodreads*
Aww thanks Lila, you're so sweet <333 Ahem ... true. *points to your tbr* IT'S HIS FAULT HE STARTED IT. Because basically your tbr and me have a secret plot. He contacted me and asked if I would aid him, and I agree because he bribed me with great ideas for my current wip. Oops. Guess the cat is out of the bag now xD
Delete*nods* in all seriousness, you definitely should! Wait ... you're on Goodreads? We aren't friends yet are we? Cause I don't remember... *scampers off to check*
*whispers* can you link me to your account?
Deletehttps://www.goodreads.com/user/show/67812854-lila-red Does this link work?
DeleteYou'll be my first friend! :D I keep meaning to find you guys on there and follow you all, but hey I could be procrastinating on more important things, lol.
Hmmm, my TBR and I need to have a little talk, apparently XD
Yes, okay, I've sent you a friend request!!! I know, it's hard to keep up with all the medias xD
DeleteHahaha ... don't tell him I told you ... please ...???
This book is one of the ones that made me cry so YESS IT WAS AMAZING. I cannot wait for the next book, oh GOSH.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
-Ang | thepeculiarmessenger.wordpress.com
OMW I'M GLAD YOU LOVED IT THAT MUCH :D I totally agree. The next book tho ... i. need. as well xD
Delete