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The Spider and the Sparrow
May 1915. After tragedy strikes during the Second Battle of Artois, Frenchman Julian Olivier will do anything to get out of the trenches. So when British Intelligence recruits him to spy behind enemy lines, he jumps at the opportunity. Just before he begins, however, he has a chance encounter with a young French woman who leaves his heart marked for the remainder of the war—even if he doesn’t know her name.
Warren Flynn is a Canadian airborne hero, and dogfights with the Germans are all in a day’s work. Second only to his love of flying is his fascination with Claire Donovan, the daughter of an American munitions manufacturer living in Paris. Warren flies Julian into Germany and soon receives orders to post the Allies’ newest operative—an attractive peasant woman named Evette—in Claire’s home.
As a dangerous ring of spies and saboteurs threatens to turn the war against the Allies, Julian discovers goodness in his enemies’ hearts. But even if he survives, will he ever be reunited with the woman whose memory he can’t erase? Will Warren survive the war, and will Evette unearth the infiltrator in her own territory before it’s too late?
Warren Flynn is a Canadian airborne hero, and dogfights with the Germans are all in a day’s work. Second only to his love of flying is his fascination with Claire Donovan, the daughter of an American munitions manufacturer living in Paris. Warren flies Julian into Germany and soon receives orders to post the Allies’ newest operative—an attractive peasant woman named Evette—in Claire’s home.
As a dangerous ring of spies and saboteurs threatens to turn the war against the Allies, Julian discovers goodness in his enemies’ hearts. But even if he survives, will he ever be reunited with the woman whose memory he can’t erase? Will Warren survive the war, and will Evette unearth the infiltrator in her own territory before it’s too late?
291 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2016
12 people are currently reading
802 people want to read
About the author
A.L. Sowards
22 books1,233 followersI love books, so that makes Goodreads my favorite social media site. As a reader, I enjoy a variety of books. As a writer, I create historical novels with a wholesome mix of action, adventure, and romance. My stories have earned Whitney Awards, Foreword Indies Finalists positions, Readers’ Favorite Gold and Silver medals, a Historical Novel Society Editor’s Choice Selection, and a Praiseworthy Award.
I'm a wife and a mother of three, and I've called Washington State, Utah, and Alaska home. I'm usually reading a couple books at once and working on multiple writing projects too. Other than that, my life is pretty ordinary. I'm grateful for that. I'll let the characters in my books have all the adventures.
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About My Goodreads Ratings:
I joined Goodreads as a reader first, but since I’m an author too, I’ve made some changes to how I rate books. For fiction, I'll give a book 5 stars if I enjoyed every page. Otherwise, I'll leave the rating blank. For nonfiction, 5 star books are ones I enjoyed enough that I’d like to read them again. They’re books I connected with and highly recommend to others. 4 star books are good books that I thought were worth reading once, and they’re also recommended.
I'm a wife and a mother of three, and I've called Washington State, Utah, and Alaska home. I'm usually reading a couple books at once and working on multiple writing projects too. Other than that, my life is pretty ordinary. I'm grateful for that. I'll let the characters in my books have all the adventures.
Stay in Touch:
Newsletter sign up: https://alsowards.com/newsletter/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a.l.sowards/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ALSowards/
About My Goodreads Ratings:
I joined Goodreads as a reader first, but since I’m an author too, I’ve made some changes to how I rate books. For fiction, I'll give a book 5 stars if I enjoyed every page. Otherwise, I'll leave the rating blank. For nonfiction, 5 star books are ones I enjoyed enough that I’d like to read them again. They’re books I connected with and highly recommend to others. 4 star books are good books that I thought were worth reading once, and they’re also recommended.
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books-i-wrote
January 14, 2020This is my fifth novel. It takes place during a new time period for me (WWI instead of WWII), and it’s a new subgenre too. I’d classify my previous novels as historical thrillers; this one is historical fiction. The plot revolves around several characters working against a German spy and sabotage ring during the Great War, and the book is about how those characters survive (or try to survive) the war.
So who are the characters?
First, there’s Julian Olivier, a French infantryman with an Alsatian mother. Since he speaks German, he’s asked to be a spy in Essen, Germany, keeping track of what’s going on at the Krupp Factory. He also meets the masterminds behind the Lothair League, a group determined to sabotage Allied supplies and ferret out Allied plans.
Then there’s Warren Flynn, a Canadian pilot with the Royal Flying Corps. He loves flying, but the destruction all around wears on him, and he’s not sure the Allies can win the war with conventional methods. He takes solace in the company of Claire Donovan, an American heiress transplanted from Charleston to Paris. As the war progresses, both Warren and Claire become involved in thwarting members of the league.
Evette Touny is a French peasant girl who escapes an abusive home life to work in a munitions factory. When she helps prevent a plot to blow up her factory, she’s hired by British Intelligence to work against the league full-time, under cover as Claire Donovan’s houseguest.
As the characters work against the league their paths cross and friendships form. I won’t tell you much more about the plot for fear of spoiling it. Even though I wouldn’t classify it as pure thriller, the novel is fast-paced. You can also expect clean romance, white-knuckle suspense, and oodles of history woven into the story.
This is a stand-alone novel. Readers of some of my other books might recognize Julian Olivier’s name though, because his relatives show up in Espionage, Sworn Enemy, and Deadly Alliance.
Here are some early reviews:
A.L. Sowards has done it again! Another riveting story that puts you on the streets of France and Germany, giving you a first-hand, pulse-racing view of spies and World War I heroes that is sure to keep you reading and guessing long into the night.
Rebecca Belliston, author of the Citizens of Logan Pond series
You can almost smell the gunpowder, mustard gas, and mud. This is a captivating novel that takes the reader on a roller coaster of emotions from despair and desperation to love and hope. A great read!
KR Machado, former A-10 pilot, US Air Force
More interesting than your high school history class (and probably more informative), this look into the Great War aptly shows the conflict from both sides of the trenches and the cost for soldiers and civilians.
M. Grant, MA in Military History
So who are the characters?
First, there’s Julian Olivier, a French infantryman with an Alsatian mother. Since he speaks German, he’s asked to be a spy in Essen, Germany, keeping track of what’s going on at the Krupp Factory. He also meets the masterminds behind the Lothair League, a group determined to sabotage Allied supplies and ferret out Allied plans.
Then there’s Warren Flynn, a Canadian pilot with the Royal Flying Corps. He loves flying, but the destruction all around wears on him, and he’s not sure the Allies can win the war with conventional methods. He takes solace in the company of Claire Donovan, an American heiress transplanted from Charleston to Paris. As the war progresses, both Warren and Claire become involved in thwarting members of the league.
Evette Touny is a French peasant girl who escapes an abusive home life to work in a munitions factory. When she helps prevent a plot to blow up her factory, she’s hired by British Intelligence to work against the league full-time, under cover as Claire Donovan’s houseguest.
As the characters work against the league their paths cross and friendships form. I won’t tell you much more about the plot for fear of spoiling it. Even though I wouldn’t classify it as pure thriller, the novel is fast-paced. You can also expect clean romance, white-knuckle suspense, and oodles of history woven into the story.
This is a stand-alone novel. Readers of some of my other books might recognize Julian Olivier’s name though, because his relatives show up in Espionage, Sworn Enemy, and Deadly Alliance.
Here are some early reviews:
A.L. Sowards has done it again! Another riveting story that puts you on the streets of France and Germany, giving you a first-hand, pulse-racing view of spies and World War I heroes that is sure to keep you reading and guessing long into the night.
Rebecca Belliston, author of the Citizens of Logan Pond series
You can almost smell the gunpowder, mustard gas, and mud. This is a captivating novel that takes the reader on a roller coaster of emotions from despair and desperation to love and hope. A great read!
KR Machado, former A-10 pilot, US Air Force
More interesting than your high school history class (and probably more informative), this look into the Great War aptly shows the conflict from both sides of the trenches and the cost for soldiers and civilians.
M. Grant, MA in Military History
May 10, 2016
Full disclosure: I was sent an advanced copy for the purpose of reviewing this book, but it did not influence my review.
This is another outstanding work by A. L. Sowards, and it’s the fifth book I’ve read by the author. Like the previous novels, the research is impeccable, and the story – while essentially a love story – incorporates the historic events into the narrative; they are not merely setting for the story, but the events are woven into the thread of the plot. This attention to history is not as common as you might assume; it is rare that the story doesn’t eclipse the importance of history (or vice versa) in a story of historical fiction, but the balance here makes this a book that everyone can enjoy.
In this one, a French soldier seizes an opportunity to spy in Germany, and while he’s certain he’ll not survive the war there, at least he feels his death won’t be another meaningless one in the trenches. Meanwhile, a girl he met while on leave (and despairing a return to the trenches prior to that opportunity) is able to take the money he gave her and escape from an abusive relationship to Paris, and she becomes a counter-intelligence agent. They both treasure their chance meeting, but if they are to survive the war – let alone find each other again – they need a miracle. And even if they get one, there is a mole feeding information to a network in France that will want revenge!
This is another outstanding work by A. L. Sowards, and it’s the fifth book I’ve read by the author. Like the previous novels, the research is impeccable, and the story – while essentially a love story – incorporates the historic events into the narrative; they are not merely setting for the story, but the events are woven into the thread of the plot. This attention to history is not as common as you might assume; it is rare that the story doesn’t eclipse the importance of history (or vice versa) in a story of historical fiction, but the balance here makes this a book that everyone can enjoy.
In this one, a French soldier seizes an opportunity to spy in Germany, and while he’s certain he’ll not survive the war there, at least he feels his death won’t be another meaningless one in the trenches. Meanwhile, a girl he met while on leave (and despairing a return to the trenches prior to that opportunity) is able to take the money he gave her and escape from an abusive relationship to Paris, and she becomes a counter-intelligence agent. They both treasure their chance meeting, but if they are to survive the war – let alone find each other again – they need a miracle. And even if they get one, there is a mole feeding information to a network in France that will want revenge!
February 18, 2016
I want to start by gushing and letting everyone know that I think A.L. Sowards is an amazing writer. This is her fifth book, and it is the fifth book of hers I have read. I know every time I will find an excellent book that brings the time period to life for me. She researches the period and the battles, it shows in her writing.
This story focuses on WWI. Julian is the first character we are introduced to. He is fighting in the trenches for France. It is miserable! He is miserable. After an injury and the death of his best friend, he is given the opportunity to become a spy for France. He assignment is Germany. He is the child of a German mother and a French father. He is a good man who is concerned about the state of his soul.
The book has other characters who's stories are told. A Canadian pilot who Julian helps after his plane crashes. The pilot, Warren , then flies him behind enemy lines. Claire is Warren's girlfriend who lives in Paris. Then there is Evette, a young woman Julian helps flee and abusive situation. Each of the lives become connected and make for a great multi-layer story.
Another reason that I love A.L. Soward's books, is that she writes stories that show the goodness in people on both sides of the war. She also shows the ugliness.
The book is set during WWI, so there is war violence. The book also contains some romance.
This story focuses on WWI. Julian is the first character we are introduced to. He is fighting in the trenches for France. It is miserable! He is miserable. After an injury and the death of his best friend, he is given the opportunity to become a spy for France. He assignment is Germany. He is the child of a German mother and a French father. He is a good man who is concerned about the state of his soul.
The book has other characters who's stories are told. A Canadian pilot who Julian helps after his plane crashes. The pilot, Warren , then flies him behind enemy lines. Claire is Warren's girlfriend who lives in Paris. Then there is Evette, a young woman Julian helps flee and abusive situation. Each of the lives become connected and make for a great multi-layer story.
Another reason that I love A.L. Soward's books, is that she writes stories that show the goodness in people on both sides of the war. She also shows the ugliness.
The book is set during WWI, so there is war violence. The book also contains some romance.
February 18, 2016
I remember when I was young after my great-grandma passed away--we were cleaning out her house and came across a "hidden" panel in a wall, where we found my great-grandpa's WWI gas mask. I remember wondering about what he went through and what that mask had seen. I'm not sure where it ended up, but I do know that this story really brought that period of time alive for me.
I love a book that has a few different story lines that are woven together in a way that binds them in unexpected ways. It always takes me a few chapters to get a feel for who is who and then I'm off on an exciting adventure. In this book, we are introduced to Julian, a French soldier who is recruited to be a spy in Germany. We also see a French peasant woman, who is determined to escape an abusive half brother, and also serves as a spy. She lives with an American, Claire, who is living in Paris with her father. Claire is tied to Warren, a Canadian pilot, who is the man who dropped Julian off on his assignment. See how they're all connected?
Each chapter pulled me deeper into this story of intrigue, adventure, war, and love. I couldn't help losing myself in depths of the story and found myself rooting for these characters, along with feeling their heartbreak, pain, stress, nerves, and joy. I hope there will be more books in this era forthcoming from Ms. Sowards. I loved it!
Content: war violence, not overly graphic, but still moderate. Mild romance (kissing, vague mention of prostitutes). Clean!
*I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
I love a book that has a few different story lines that are woven together in a way that binds them in unexpected ways. It always takes me a few chapters to get a feel for who is who and then I'm off on an exciting adventure. In this book, we are introduced to Julian, a French soldier who is recruited to be a spy in Germany. We also see a French peasant woman, who is determined to escape an abusive half brother, and also serves as a spy. She lives with an American, Claire, who is living in Paris with her father. Claire is tied to Warren, a Canadian pilot, who is the man who dropped Julian off on his assignment. See how they're all connected?
Each chapter pulled me deeper into this story of intrigue, adventure, war, and love. I couldn't help losing myself in depths of the story and found myself rooting for these characters, along with feeling their heartbreak, pain, stress, nerves, and joy. I hope there will be more books in this era forthcoming from Ms. Sowards. I loved it!
Content: war violence, not overly graphic, but still moderate. Mild romance (kissing, vague mention of prostitutes). Clean!
*I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
February 18, 2016
THE SPIDER AND THE SPARROW was another superb release from this author! I frankly do not know how she does it... How she immerses the reader in this historical and terrible time in history where your emotions are pulled in every which way. Emotions of devastation, heartbreak, but also determination that these characters will do what they can, and hope for the future, for a future with the possibility of love. The tensions and suspense grows throughout the story until the climax at the end when you can barely hang on and wonder how these heroes will make it. Another story from this author that I highly recommend!
These characters grew on me throughout the story. I saw the misery they're experiencing in the beginning and the efforts they make in pushing forward. I saw their humanness, their conviction and determination, their hearts. There was so much heartbreak, but also so much strength and love among these characters. Difficulties and tragedies like war really bring out the best or the worst in people and the characters, both good and bad, show that. These characters showed the way war and death weighs on someone, even when victorious. Even when shooting down enemy planes a character struggled with knowing that there were people inside who lost their lives. Then the soldiers and so many deaths on both sides as if they were pawns in a game that they had no choice in.
The author also did something different in this story when one of the spies was living across enemy lines... We see the German people and how their lives were impacted. How terrible the war was for so many of them and how their own enemy could learn to love and care for them. War is terrible for both sides and not all of the enemy believe as their leaders do.
The plot slowly built as the spies were set up and as the war and other movements become more precarious and urgent. I could feel the intensity building. The end was extremely tense and I was really nervous about how it would end and if everyone that I had grown to care about would make it. This is fiction at its best, when you can relate and feel for characters and cheer them on against these terrible odds.
Here are a couple of touching quotes from the book:
"Real love obeys boundaries and stretches hearts, makes you feel like you can fly but always keeps the other person's happiness at the center of your thoughts and deeds. Real love doesn't take what it wants and leave the other person with the consequences. Real love is patient. Real love is kind."
"For some reason, it made him miss Claire. Even when she couldn't put it into words, he felt her comfort, her lack of condemnation with each touch of her hand."
If you read historical romantic suspense or stories that are set during WWII, I would highly recommend THE SPIDER AND THE SPARROW!
Content: Some violence and suspense relative to the genre and war, but would consider this clean.
Source: I would like to thank the publisher, Covenant Communications, for my complimentary review copy, which did not affect my review in any way.
These characters grew on me throughout the story. I saw the misery they're experiencing in the beginning and the efforts they make in pushing forward. I saw their humanness, their conviction and determination, their hearts. There was so much heartbreak, but also so much strength and love among these characters. Difficulties and tragedies like war really bring out the best or the worst in people and the characters, both good and bad, show that. These characters showed the way war and death weighs on someone, even when victorious. Even when shooting down enemy planes a character struggled with knowing that there were people inside who lost their lives. Then the soldiers and so many deaths on both sides as if they were pawns in a game that they had no choice in.
The author also did something different in this story when one of the spies was living across enemy lines... We see the German people and how their lives were impacted. How terrible the war was for so many of them and how their own enemy could learn to love and care for them. War is terrible for both sides and not all of the enemy believe as their leaders do.
The plot slowly built as the spies were set up and as the war and other movements become more precarious and urgent. I could feel the intensity building. The end was extremely tense and I was really nervous about how it would end and if everyone that I had grown to care about would make it. This is fiction at its best, when you can relate and feel for characters and cheer them on against these terrible odds.
Here are a couple of touching quotes from the book:
"Real love obeys boundaries and stretches hearts, makes you feel like you can fly but always keeps the other person's happiness at the center of your thoughts and deeds. Real love doesn't take what it wants and leave the other person with the consequences. Real love is patient. Real love is kind."
"For some reason, it made him miss Claire. Even when she couldn't put it into words, he felt her comfort, her lack of condemnation with each touch of her hand."
If you read historical romantic suspense or stories that are set during WWII, I would highly recommend THE SPIDER AND THE SPARROW!
Content: Some violence and suspense relative to the genre and war, but would consider this clean.
Source: I would like to thank the publisher, Covenant Communications, for my complimentary review copy, which did not affect my review in any way.
June 28, 2020
Novels that take place during wars were not something I read before reading A.L. Soward's book Defiance which takes place during WWII. Reading that book opened me up to enjoying books of that genre, if they're well written, which hers are. She brings the stories to life with her writing and as a bonus, I learn a lot because of her meticulous research.
This one is set in WWI in France and Germany, and intertwines the lives of French soldier Julian Olivier, Canadian pilot Warren Flynn, and a Frenchwoman Evette Touny. Julian hates the war, especially war in the trenches, and after he's injured and one of his friends is killed he accepts an offer to go undercover as a German in a household in Essen, Germany. Because his mother is German he speaks German and French.
While on his way back to his unit from convalescent leave (before he was recruited to be a spy in Germany), Julian meets Evette when she has an altercation with a soldier trying to take her horse while she's moving her mother's belongings. He helps her move her mothers things and realizes she's being abused by someone. When she mentions saving money to "escape to Paris" Julian gives her money to help her. When he's in Germany, he often wonders about her and if she ever made it to Paris.
Evette escapes her physically abusive half brother and is recruited to be a spy. She lives in a home belonging to an American munitions manufacturer living in Paris and his daughter Claire, who is the love interest of Warren Flynn. Warren Flynn flew Julian into Germany for his undercover assignment. You can now see how all of these characters lives intertwine, which makes for a wonderfully captivating story.
I loved the goodness of of the main characters. Julian was worried about losing his soul because of the things the war required him to do, and was able to see the good in the family he was living wiht in Germany while undercover. The ugly side of war is also shown but this characters showed that you can be a good person no matter the situation.
A.L. Sowards writes books that take me to other places and times. She makes me care about the characters and I'm saddened by their losses and worry for them when they get themselves into scary situations, such as Evette being determined to find out who the double agent/leak in the office was. I knew something was going to happen to her. I figured out who it was right before it was revealed and was kind of surprised. I liked that several characters get a happy end and I also liked that the book is written by mulitple points of view.
I appreciate that the author includes a map of the areas in which the story takes place and has a list of common words and their definitions. I find it very helpful. If you're a fan of historical fiction you should definitely check out books by this author.
This one is set in WWI in France and Germany, and intertwines the lives of French soldier Julian Olivier, Canadian pilot Warren Flynn, and a Frenchwoman Evette Touny. Julian hates the war, especially war in the trenches, and after he's injured and one of his friends is killed he accepts an offer to go undercover as a German in a household in Essen, Germany. Because his mother is German he speaks German and French.
While on his way back to his unit from convalescent leave (before he was recruited to be a spy in Germany), Julian meets Evette when she has an altercation with a soldier trying to take her horse while she's moving her mother's belongings. He helps her move her mothers things and realizes she's being abused by someone. When she mentions saving money to "escape to Paris" Julian gives her money to help her. When he's in Germany, he often wonders about her and if she ever made it to Paris.
Evette escapes her physically abusive half brother and is recruited to be a spy. She lives in a home belonging to an American munitions manufacturer living in Paris and his daughter Claire, who is the love interest of Warren Flynn. Warren Flynn flew Julian into Germany for his undercover assignment. You can now see how all of these characters lives intertwine, which makes for a wonderfully captivating story.
I loved the goodness of of the main characters. Julian was worried about losing his soul because of the things the war required him to do, and was able to see the good in the family he was living wiht in Germany while undercover. The ugly side of war is also shown but this characters showed that you can be a good person no matter the situation.
A.L. Sowards writes books that take me to other places and times. She makes me care about the characters and I'm saddened by their losses and worry for them when they get themselves into scary situations, such as Evette being determined to find out who the double agent/leak in the office was. I knew something was going to happen to her. I figured out who it was right before it was revealed and was kind of surprised. I liked that several characters get a happy end and I also liked that the book is written by mulitple points of view.
I appreciate that the author includes a map of the areas in which the story takes place and has a list of common words and their definitions. I find it very helpful. If you're a fan of historical fiction you should definitely check out books by this author.
October 4, 2016
I hate how relieved I feel to finish this. It has so much good potential, and I can't say everything about it is annoying, but in general I just couldn't ever get into it despite my fascination for the First World War.
So the characters....Warren Flynn (the RFC pilot), Claire Donovan, Julian Olivier (French soldier...I love his name which is one thing in his favour!), and Evette something-or-other. I can't say I grew attached to any of the characters, although I would say Warren is the best of the four. I liked the scenes of him flying.
I felt the story missed out on a lot of details. Characters were brought in, and it took me ages to figure out who they were. A couple scenes ended at an exciting moment and the next scene would be weeks later. It just didn't feel right.
Also, there are very few mentions of Christianity. The first couple times heaven was mentioned, it was one of the characters saying they hoped they would be in heaven when they died. Even at the end when a couple of the main characters believed in God, there is never any reference to salvation. The book felt more of a clean secular fiction, then Christian fiction.
The romance was so-so. Julian and Evette's romance was a little frustrating to me. I can't say no one falls in love at first sight, but I just didn't like that they were willing to kiss and touch when they saw each other once before! Warren and Claire's romance was somewhat better, but you still have the whole father-doesn't-like-guy storyline that gets frustrating to me (why does the father always have to look bad??).
All in all I just didn't enjoy it that much, and because my expectations were high I was disappointed. It's not a book that I would say no one should read, but it isn't a book I'd be really recommending or wanting to read again.
*I received this from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review*
So the characters....Warren Flynn (the RFC pilot), Claire Donovan, Julian Olivier (French soldier...I love his name which is one thing in his favour!), and Evette something-or-other. I can't say I grew attached to any of the characters, although I would say Warren is the best of the four. I liked the scenes of him flying.
I felt the story missed out on a lot of details. Characters were brought in, and it took me ages to figure out who they were. A couple scenes ended at an exciting moment and the next scene would be weeks later. It just didn't feel right.
Also, there are very few mentions of Christianity. The first couple times heaven was mentioned, it was one of the characters saying they hoped they would be in heaven when they died. Even at the end when a couple of the main characters believed in God, there is never any reference to salvation. The book felt more of a clean secular fiction, then Christian fiction.
The romance was so-so. Julian and Evette's romance was a little frustrating to me. I can't say no one falls in love at first sight, but I just didn't like that they were willing to kiss and touch when they saw each other once before! Warren and Claire's romance was somewhat better, but you still have the whole father-doesn't-like-guy storyline that gets frustrating to me (why does the father always have to look bad??).
All in all I just didn't enjoy it that much, and because my expectations were high I was disappointed. It's not a book that I would say no one should read, but it isn't a book I'd be really recommending or wanting to read again.
*I received this from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review*
March 2, 2016
This is only the second book I've read by this author, but she is quickly becoming a favorite. This book takes place during WWI and it's well researched and well written. I felt like I was witnessing what was happening firsthand.
Julian is French and wants to get out of the trenches so he becomes a spy. Before he leaves, though, he meets a French woman and continues to think about her even though he never learned her name. He lives with a German family and comes to truly care about them and what might happen to them.
Warren is a Canadian pilot who loves to visit Claire, an American living in Paris. He's pretty formal with her most of the time so she's not sure how he feels about her. When he does clue her in, her father also weighs in with his opinion, and the whole situation ends up leaving Claire confused. Evette is French and comes to live with Claire. She's a spy helping the Allies and it's dangerous work.
I loved how this story unfolded. The book takes place over the course of four years and there were situations that needed time to work themselves out. Warren, Claire, Julian and Evette's lives intersected at times and they were there for each other. There was friendship, loss, betrayal, secrets, and best of all, romance. There were a few twists that I didn't see coming and a reunion I was looking forward to for a long time. This book is fantastic and I'm looking forward to reading more from this author in the future!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
Julian is French and wants to get out of the trenches so he becomes a spy. Before he leaves, though, he meets a French woman and continues to think about her even though he never learned her name. He lives with a German family and comes to truly care about them and what might happen to them.
Warren is a Canadian pilot who loves to visit Claire, an American living in Paris. He's pretty formal with her most of the time so she's not sure how he feels about her. When he does clue her in, her father also weighs in with his opinion, and the whole situation ends up leaving Claire confused. Evette is French and comes to live with Claire. She's a spy helping the Allies and it's dangerous work.
I loved how this story unfolded. The book takes place over the course of four years and there were situations that needed time to work themselves out. Warren, Claire, Julian and Evette's lives intersected at times and they were there for each other. There was friendship, loss, betrayal, secrets, and best of all, romance. There were a few twists that I didn't see coming and a reunion I was looking forward to for a long time. This book is fantastic and I'm looking forward to reading more from this author in the future!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
February 13, 2016
This WWI historical fiction opened my eyes to a piece of history I wasn’t very familiar with. Yes, I learned about WWI in school, but this book made me feel like I was there…and it wasn’t pretty. I slunk around in the trenches with French soldiers. I soared in rickety fighter planes with a Canadian pilot and watched men and burning planes fall from the sky. I followed spies around and discovered how they sent their secret codes and felt the drama of wondering if they would be caught as the sun rose each new day. I watched in horror as men got gassed and saw what those poisons did to their bodies. I saw the plight of the German people as supplies ran low and they slowly starved in a drawn out war they couldn’t win. Sowards really did her homework and wove a riveting tale with interesting threads of facts that not only fascinated me, but educated me as well. Julian and Evette are the main heroes in this book (their children’s stories are told in previous books like Espionage). Claire, Warren and Howard McDougal also take up a fair amount of the stage as well in this story that captivated my imagination and heart. I highly recommend this one.
***I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
***I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
February 10, 2016
I. Love. This. Book.
Both of the World Wars are a fascinating time for me, but I've spent most of my time studying World War II. The time period around the first world war is just so super fascinating though, and the author did a fantastic job of weaving in historical details with the story. I felt so immersed in it. I loved the romance of it, the action, the look into the awful life of soldiers and those at home. I love how the author didn't paint the Germans as all-evil villains, and how all the characters had a mix of good and bad--so realistic. I picked this book up to get into last night and ended up not putting it down until I'd finished! Great thrills. Great romance. Great read.
Both of the World Wars are a fascinating time for me, but I've spent most of my time studying World War II. The time period around the first world war is just so super fascinating though, and the author did a fantastic job of weaving in historical details with the story. I felt so immersed in it. I loved the romance of it, the action, the look into the awful life of soldiers and those at home. I love how the author didn't paint the Germans as all-evil villains, and how all the characters had a mix of good and bad--so realistic. I picked this book up to get into last night and ended up not putting it down until I'd finished! Great thrills. Great romance. Great read.
January 8, 2016
This book is awesome. A World War I novel that's fast-paced with lots of plot twists (and even some romance; my fav!). I don't know if you've read A. L. Sowards' books before, but she writes amazing historical fiction with details that blow my mind. Seriously, I'm not sure how she knows all that she does about WWI weapons, strategy, politics, and airplanes. Pretty cool. Her previous books have been WWII, but this one is set a few years earlier, during WWI, in France and Germany.
February 10, 2016
I was very pleased to be given a copy of this book to read and give an honest review. I had already purchased, read and enjoyed A.L. Sowards earlier trilogy set in World War Two and was excited to read another book set in the Great War Era.
One thing that I found particularly interesting was that one of the main characters, Julian Olivier (also known as the Spider) was a French "poilu" Almost all Great War novels that I have read have been written from the viewpoint of someone from Britain, USA or Canada, so it was nice to see a book that focused on someone in the French army. The main heroine was also a native French woman. She became known as "the Sparrow".
From reading , it is clear that A.L. has done her research well and incorporates it smoothly into the storyline of the book. There is a map which was clear and easy to read even on my kindle, and there was a word list at the beginning to help readers understand various words that might be difficult or unfamiliar. I did have a small problem with this on my Kindle as I couldn't read it when holding my Kindle like a book and had to hold the Kindle horizontally. I don't know if this issue is something unique to my older Kindle or something others have experienced too. The cover art is excellent and made me want to know more about what the book was about.
Battle descriptions in the earlier part of the story gave me a real feel for the horror that these soldiers faced and how difficult it must have been to see comrades dying all about one, be injured and then know you are being sent out to face the same situation. Julian Olivier had another option because his background with one parent French and one from Alsace-Lorraine, meant that he could pass easily as a German. He chose to act as a spy in Germany as away to escape further trench warfare.
Evette on the other hand, came from a background where she faced physical and verbal abuse. A chance encounter with an unknown soldier (Julian) left her with the means to escape her own personal hell and forge a new life. Her powers of observation and ability to slip around without being seen made her a good fit for the spy industry too.
These two, along with several other key characters, made for a very intriguing story with some really unexpected twists and turns along the way. I did not discover until the afterword that these two also had a link to the earlier trilogy.
A.l. Sowards writes books with characters of strong moral values and faith. That is present in this novel too but perhaps to a lesser extent than what was in the earlier trilogy. The book is clean and suitable for young adult readers as well as any interested in a good spy story set in WW1.
One thing that I found particularly interesting was that one of the main characters, Julian Olivier (also known as the Spider) was a French "poilu" Almost all Great War novels that I have read have been written from the viewpoint of someone from Britain, USA or Canada, so it was nice to see a book that focused on someone in the French army. The main heroine was also a native French woman. She became known as "the Sparrow".
From reading , it is clear that A.L. has done her research well and incorporates it smoothly into the storyline of the book. There is a map which was clear and easy to read even on my kindle, and there was a word list at the beginning to help readers understand various words that might be difficult or unfamiliar. I did have a small problem with this on my Kindle as I couldn't read it when holding my Kindle like a book and had to hold the Kindle horizontally. I don't know if this issue is something unique to my older Kindle or something others have experienced too. The cover art is excellent and made me want to know more about what the book was about.
Battle descriptions in the earlier part of the story gave me a real feel for the horror that these soldiers faced and how difficult it must have been to see comrades dying all about one, be injured and then know you are being sent out to face the same situation. Julian Olivier had another option because his background with one parent French and one from Alsace-Lorraine, meant that he could pass easily as a German. He chose to act as a spy in Germany as away to escape further trench warfare.
Evette on the other hand, came from a background where she faced physical and verbal abuse. A chance encounter with an unknown soldier (Julian) left her with the means to escape her own personal hell and forge a new life. Her powers of observation and ability to slip around without being seen made her a good fit for the spy industry too.
These two, along with several other key characters, made for a very intriguing story with some really unexpected twists and turns along the way. I did not discover until the afterword that these two also had a link to the earlier trilogy.
A.l. Sowards writes books with characters of strong moral values and faith. That is present in this novel too but perhaps to a lesser extent than what was in the earlier trilogy. The book is clean and suitable for young adult readers as well as any interested in a good spy story set in WW1.
March 4, 2016
Note: I received this free copy of The Spider and the Sparrow from the author, A.L Sowards, with the expectation that a review would follow. A.L. is a Goodreads friend and I always pay attention to her comments and book reviews. This is the first book of hers that I have read (although I do have another of her books on the shelf-purchased from Amazon) Here is my review:
This 3.5 Star WWI novel opens with this great first paragraph:
May 1915, Artois Province, France
THE SKY RAINED WATER DROPLETS and artillery shell fragments through the loud, misty morning. The water left puddles under the duckboards at the bottom of the French trenches and turned Julian Olivier’s horizon-blue uniform into a muddy mess. The artillery, most of it fired from French 75mm Soixante-Quinze guns, landed largely on the Germans and, thus, troubled Julian little.
This family-friendly spy novel set in France and Germany covers 4 years, from May 1915 to April 1919. I would put the book in the YA genre, perfect for the young reader to learn history while enjoying an exciting story. You have fighter pilots, good spies, bad spies, male and female heroines of strong character, and a story with positive role models.
Overall, I thought the book started off very strong and established characters you care about. You have French men and women; German men, women and children; Canadians, British and Americans too. The two good agents, both French, have a connection early and then you will be on the edge of your seat through the book to see what happened. A.L. Sowards throws you some curves and surprises throughout. You have to read all the way to the end to find out who lives and who doesn’t.
I found the beginning and the end of the novel tense and exciting. I found the middle less so. The tension and suspense of the two spy threads wasn’t very high in the middle of the book. But the tension builds quickly as the spy rings are under threat of being exposed. The last quarter of the book raced to the denouement.
Highly recommended for readers interested in WWI and who don’t need the gore and coarse language of other accounts.
This 3.5 Star WWI novel opens with this great first paragraph:
May 1915, Artois Province, France
THE SKY RAINED WATER DROPLETS and artillery shell fragments through the loud, misty morning. The water left puddles under the duckboards at the bottom of the French trenches and turned Julian Olivier’s horizon-blue uniform into a muddy mess. The artillery, most of it fired from French 75mm Soixante-Quinze guns, landed largely on the Germans and, thus, troubled Julian little.
This family-friendly spy novel set in France and Germany covers 4 years, from May 1915 to April 1919. I would put the book in the YA genre, perfect for the young reader to learn history while enjoying an exciting story. You have fighter pilots, good spies, bad spies, male and female heroines of strong character, and a story with positive role models.
Overall, I thought the book started off very strong and established characters you care about. You have French men and women; German men, women and children; Canadians, British and Americans too. The two good agents, both French, have a connection early and then you will be on the edge of your seat through the book to see what happened. A.L. Sowards throws you some curves and surprises throughout. You have to read all the way to the end to find out who lives and who doesn’t.
I found the beginning and the end of the novel tense and exciting. I found the middle less so. The tension and suspense of the two spy threads wasn’t very high in the middle of the book. But the tension builds quickly as the spy rings are under threat of being exposed. The last quarter of the book raced to the denouement.
Highly recommended for readers interested in WWI and who don’t need the gore and coarse language of other accounts.
February 18, 2016
I have loved every one of A.L. Sowards' books. They really make history jump off the pages for me. I love the way that she is able to incorporate love stories into the harsh landscape of these wars.
I loved the characters, and the way that you see things from multiple points of view. In this one you see things through Evette's, Claire's, Warrens and Julian's points of view and they each have a very different point of view.
Evette is a young French peasant woman trying to escape her abusing half brother. She hopes that life in Paris working in one of the factories will be an easier life for her. She has a chance meeting with a kind French soldier who helps her to realize her goal sooner than she ever dreamed possible and she can't get that young man out of her mind.
Claire is a wealthy young American girl living with her widowed father in Paris. Her father is kind and amenable to having Evette live with them when she needs someplace to go.
That brings us to Warren. He's a Canadian who flies for the British RAF. He's a dashing hero who is in love with Claire and always looking for the next German kill.
And last but not least, Julian. Julian is the kind French soldier who helped Evette. He too can't forget her and only wishes he had been smart enough to get her name before he sent her on his way. But he has a lot on his mind other than Evette. He is a French spy embedded in Germany with a family. He must take extreme care not to give himself away so that he doesn't get killed.
I loved each of the characters and the way that they were all intertwined, mostly without knowing it. They each had a large part to fulfill in the war and they each did that part with valor and courage. I loved seeing each of the points of view.
The plot of this one is really well-written. It's full of action, that's just what's going to happen during the war, adventure do to the spying, and romance. The ending was not at all what I was expecting, it was pretty crazy and kept me on the very edge of my seat.
Make sure you check out this book and all of A.L. Sowards' other books if you're a fan of historical fiction. You won't regret it!
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the characters, and the way that you see things from multiple points of view. In this one you see things through Evette's, Claire's, Warrens and Julian's points of view and they each have a very different point of view.
Evette is a young French peasant woman trying to escape her abusing half brother. She hopes that life in Paris working in one of the factories will be an easier life for her. She has a chance meeting with a kind French soldier who helps her to realize her goal sooner than she ever dreamed possible and she can't get that young man out of her mind.
Claire is a wealthy young American girl living with her widowed father in Paris. Her father is kind and amenable to having Evette live with them when she needs someplace to go.
That brings us to Warren. He's a Canadian who flies for the British RAF. He's a dashing hero who is in love with Claire and always looking for the next German kill.
And last but not least, Julian. Julian is the kind French soldier who helped Evette. He too can't forget her and only wishes he had been smart enough to get her name before he sent her on his way. But he has a lot on his mind other than Evette. He is a French spy embedded in Germany with a family. He must take extreme care not to give himself away so that he doesn't get killed.
I loved each of the characters and the way that they were all intertwined, mostly without knowing it. They each had a large part to fulfill in the war and they each did that part with valor and courage. I loved seeing each of the points of view.
The plot of this one is really well-written. It's full of action, that's just what's going to happen during the war, adventure do to the spying, and romance. The ending was not at all what I was expecting, it was pretty crazy and kept me on the very edge of my seat.
Make sure you check out this book and all of A.L. Sowards' other books if you're a fan of historical fiction. You won't regret it!
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 15, 2016
How to convey how much I love this book? Hmm. First of all, I couldn't stop reading, even though I had dozens of obligations I needed to keep and cute boys begging for my attention. I'd sneak into the bathroom and read, my boys worried I was sick. Second of all, it's just so good! Action, romance, heart-wrenching stories of the war, family drama, characters that you can't help but love.
I would highly recommend this book and anything A.L. Sowards writes.
I would highly recommend this book and anything A.L. Sowards writes.
September 16, 2016
War stories intrigue me! The people have such a passion to do anything to aid in the 'war effort.' Lives are put on the line, but lives are also being lost, so if they can help, they will--Such bravery!
I cannot even imagine being a spy, or being put in a war prison, or trying to escape enemy territory--within these pages you will experience it all. This book is one that you will want to read!
So well written you will feel as if you are right there too-
I cannot even imagine being a spy, or being put in a war prison, or trying to escape enemy territory--within these pages you will experience it all. This book is one that you will want to read!
So well written you will feel as if you are right there too-
April 4, 2016
This WWI novel has it all--action, intrigue, romance, and suspense. So nice to read a novel that is clean and has characters with real values! Never read anything by A.L. Sowards before and I look forward to reading more of her novels. Her attention to detail is impressive and I feel like I really learned things about the Great War.
October 12, 2016
This was amazing tale - based on factual events - of the horrors of war, espionage with touches of romance. It brought to life, some of the inhumane treatment men and women struggle with during war times, without the gruesome detail. Many of those not out on the front, are unaware, but often suffer economically. Although this is the setting of WW1, it greatly applies to all wars. The setting of this tale is in historical France and Germany, just prior to and after the U.S. involvement. It is a love story within the tragic conditions and loss of brutal war. There is plenty of excitement and adventure throughout the book until the very last page.
The story begins in the trenches near the France/Germany borders, then expands to countrysides, into Paris and also Germany. The story fluctuates between the lives of four key characters,: Evette, Julian, Claire, and Warren. It is dated over almost a two year span. (Included in the novel is an illustration of a map, showing the areas involved.)
Trough the trauma of the trenches, the adventures of espionage, and the tender touches of romance, this touching, suspenseful tale will keep the reader involved throughout the story, which never drags.
*Although this book was gifted to me, it in no way obligates me to give a positive review.
The story begins in the trenches near the France/Germany borders, then expands to countrysides, into Paris and also Germany. The story fluctuates between the lives of four key characters,: Evette, Julian, Claire, and Warren. It is dated over almost a two year span. (Included in the novel is an illustration of a map, showing the areas involved.)
Trough the trauma of the trenches, the adventures of espionage, and the tender touches of romance, this touching, suspenseful tale will keep the reader involved throughout the story, which never drags.
*Although this book was gifted to me, it in no way obligates me to give a positive review.
January 14, 2019
Read this a few years ago and enjoyed it a lot.
June 8, 2024
I enjoyed this plot and the characters. I thought the book dragged out in parts, though
November 8, 2016
I requested this book after recently meeting the author and wanting to read something she'd written. I like historical fiction, though WWI is not a period I've read much about, and this was a gripping adventure story that kept me interested from beginning to end. The story centers on espionage in World War I; the Spider of the title is Julian Olivier, a German-speaking Frenchman sent to spy on the Krupp munitions factory, and the Sparrow is Evette Touny, involved in counterespionage in Paris. The story of the war plays out through their actions, as well as those of Canadian pilot Warren Flynn and the girl he's attracted to, Claire Donovan, whose father is an American maker of war materiel.
Much as I liked Warren and Claire, I think the book would have been tighter if it had stuck strictly to the POVs of Julian and Evette. Julian's development as a character is particularly good, as he goes from being a simple poilu to having sympathy for the German family he works for as his cover. But both romances are sweet and satisfying, and I would be sad to lose Warren's story. The ending is rather melodramatic--which is to say the villain suddenly turns out to have a flair for gruesome death hitherto unrevealed--but in general everyone's scars are well-earned, and I was glad to have read it.
This novel is sort of a prequel to some of the author's other books, or at least Julian's relatives show up elsewhere, and I'm interested enough to want to give those a try.
I received a free copy of this from Netgalley.
Much as I liked Warren and Claire, I think the book would have been tighter if it had stuck strictly to the POVs of Julian and Evette. Julian's development as a character is particularly good, as he goes from being a simple poilu to having sympathy for the German family he works for as his cover. But both romances are sweet and satisfying, and I would be sad to lose Warren's story. The ending is rather melodramatic--which is to say the villain suddenly turns out to have a flair for gruesome death hitherto unrevealed--but in general everyone's scars are well-earned, and I was glad to have read it.
This novel is sort of a prequel to some of the author's other books, or at least Julian's relatives show up elsewhere, and I'm interested enough to want to give those a try.
I received a free copy of this from Netgalley.
April 5, 2016
I received a copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Romance, clean
While I started out listing this as romance, the main story line is really the espionage and the subterfuge behind the group trying to infiltrate and cause havoc in Paris. The story is set in WWI.
This was a beautifully written story. There are multiple interrelated story lines going on, and two romances. The subtle interweaving of the story lines, the intermingling stories worked well for me as a reader. The suspense to see who the informers were, and who the traitors were in the story was well done. The flying sequences, and the escape were also very well done and suspenseful. Overall a great read for me! I haven't read this author before and put off requesting to read this, and am so glad I went past my initial hesitation! I can't wait to read other books by this author!
The characters were well done. The author knows how to get to the emotions and feelings in every day life, and put them down to make you feel like you are in the worry, wonder, and chaos of the story. Beautiful period piece that will appeal to many different readers! Great read for me!
Romance, clean
While I started out listing this as romance, the main story line is really the espionage and the subterfuge behind the group trying to infiltrate and cause havoc in Paris. The story is set in WWI.
This was a beautifully written story. There are multiple interrelated story lines going on, and two romances. The subtle interweaving of the story lines, the intermingling stories worked well for me as a reader. The suspense to see who the informers were, and who the traitors were in the story was well done. The flying sequences, and the escape were also very well done and suspenseful. Overall a great read for me! I haven't read this author before and put off requesting to read this, and am so glad I went past my initial hesitation! I can't wait to read other books by this author!
The characters were well done. The author knows how to get to the emotions and feelings in every day life, and put them down to make you feel like you are in the worry, wonder, and chaos of the story. Beautiful period piece that will appeal to many different readers! Great read for me!
June 2, 2016
I found out about this book after attending several events where the author was present. Each time the cover and blurb caught my attention and when I had a chance to read I happily took it, and I'm glad I did.
I'll admit that a WWI romance is a bit outside of my usual reading, but I found this one thoroughly enjoyable. The setting of WWI was a fascinating one, giving some of the flavor of a traditional war romance, but with the specifics of WWI. The opening scenes in the trenches of France are powerful and set the reader firmly in the space of the story, something which never wavers through the rest of the novel.
I enjoyed the plot and the drive to the climax is exciting and fun. I also enjoyed the romances, but I'm afraid that while I liked both romances trying to give stage to everyone kept either of the romances from being as deep and satisfying as I wanted. I don't know that I could choose which one I would have moved more to the forefront, but I did want just a little more.
I'm looking forward to reading more from this author. Fortunately she's got plenty to choose from!
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for a honest review.
I'll admit that a WWI romance is a bit outside of my usual reading, but I found this one thoroughly enjoyable. The setting of WWI was a fascinating one, giving some of the flavor of a traditional war romance, but with the specifics of WWI. The opening scenes in the trenches of France are powerful and set the reader firmly in the space of the story, something which never wavers through the rest of the novel.
I enjoyed the plot and the drive to the climax is exciting and fun. I also enjoyed the romances, but I'm afraid that while I liked both romances trying to give stage to everyone kept either of the romances from being as deep and satisfying as I wanted. I don't know that I could choose which one I would have moved more to the forefront, but I did want just a little more.
I'm looking forward to reading more from this author. Fortunately she's got plenty to choose from!
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for a honest review.
February 19, 2016
Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres. I love when stories are based on real events in history and take me to a place I've never been before. I think it's so important to remember events like WWII and the people who fought and lost so much. It was such a terrible time in history- so much suffering.
This book brings in characters from several countries and follows them in their separate plights that eventually all link together. It incorporates the ground battles, the air men and their dog fights, and the spies. The author does a fantastic job of making the characters so human and real- on all sides of the war.
I wouldn't say this book is a desperate page turner as the story progresses in a more gentle, fluid way. Things develop slowly but I was never bored or feeling impatient. The people and places were set up vividly in my mind and I enjoyed the gradual coming together of the events and characters.
Content: war violence, abuse
This book brings in characters from several countries and follows them in their separate plights that eventually all link together. It incorporates the ground battles, the air men and their dog fights, and the spies. The author does a fantastic job of making the characters so human and real- on all sides of the war.
I wouldn't say this book is a desperate page turner as the story progresses in a more gentle, fluid way. Things develop slowly but I was never bored or feeling impatient. The people and places were set up vividly in my mind and I enjoyed the gradual coming together of the events and characters.
Content: war violence, abuse
October 1, 2023
The lives of a Canadian fighter pilot, a French peasant girl, a Scottish intelligence officer, an Alsatian soldier, an American debutante, and a German spymaster all converge, diverge, and intertwine in this adventure thriller set against the backdrop of wartime Paris and the Western Front in World War I. Some of the situations may seem a little improbable when you step back and examine them, but lots of improbably things happen in war. This is a fun book whose plots keep moving along with no real dead spots. The author is new to me, but she seems to have an eye for historical detail and interesting characters so I will probably seek out more of her works.
I really appreciated the notes in the back of the book that described her research into the various topics and events that went into the story, and where she took small liberties to fit the needs of the story.
My only quibble might be with the rate at which pilot Warren Flynn shoots down German aircraft. Four a week, or in one case even three in one day, is treated kind of like it's just another day at the office. Apart from that, she really nails the details, like the dates on which certain models of aircraft were introduced, when offensives or events like the mutiny of the French Army happened, etc. Her attention to detail makes the reader feel comfortable that he could be reading something that might have actually happened.
I really appreciated the notes in the back of the book that described her research into the various topics and events that went into the story, and where she took small liberties to fit the needs of the story.
My only quibble might be with the rate at which pilot Warren Flynn shoots down German aircraft. Four a week, or in one case even three in one day, is treated kind of like it's just another day at the office. Apart from that, she really nails the details, like the dates on which certain models of aircraft were introduced, when offensives or events like the mutiny of the French Army happened, etc. Her attention to detail makes the reader feel comfortable that he could be reading something that might have actually happened.
March 2, 2018
Had I known how much I was going to enjoy this book, I probably wouldn't have started it when I did. I had a lot of grading that needed to be done, and I was totally distracted by the book. I was listening to it as an audio book, but I also have a hard copy of the book. When I first started listening, it took all my self-control not to ditch my grading and read. However, as I neared the end (and I found myself doing other things and listening so that I could get more of the story in), I finally gave in and pulled out my hard copy, since I can read faster than the audio book.
Honestly, I would like to have given the book 4.5 stars. I didn't love the bit of a love triangle, but it wasn't a huge part of the story, so I got over it. The ending also seemed a little melodramatic. However, I rounded up simply because of my fascination with it.
I love history and I don't know very much about WWI. I loved the research notes she included at the end. I will definitely be reading more of her books. (However, I will have to make sure I do it when I have time...)
Honestly, I would like to have given the book 4.5 stars. I didn't love the bit of a love triangle, but it wasn't a huge part of the story, so I got over it. The ending also seemed a little melodramatic. However, I rounded up simply because of my fascination with it.
I love history and I don't know very much about WWI. I loved the research notes she included at the end. I will definitely be reading more of her books. (However, I will have to make sure I do it when I have time...)
May 3, 2024
This started out soo well. I was enthralled by the story, especially as I know a lot about WWII but my WWI knowledge is greatly lacking. The characters were such fun to follow as they intertwined in their stories and were involved in the war. However, about 75% of the way through, as the war ended and the story was coming to a happy spot, everything went weird. It just turned too unrealistic I felt. To get an exciting ending I guess, the author went far beyond what they should have to give a cliffhanger ending. Before that I was enchanted with the story. At this point I was disgusted with the story and finished it only to end on a happy ending rather than the sour taste the rest left. 3 stars just because of the last 20% of the book. Suitable for most ages. It's war and violence is prevalent but otherwise is good.
December 27, 2025
✨Audio Review✨
The Spider and the Sparrow by @a.l.sowards
A WWI Novel
Narrated by Jason Tatom and he did a fabulous job!
Anytime I can get another story from A. L. Sowards read Ijump at the chance. And when I saw this was a WWI novel I got extra excited because there are so few for this time period.
Two heroic fighters, two battle worn foes, two love stories, and too many spies. The way the story weaves different individuals into each other’s lives was surprising and unique.
Julian, desperate to escape the horrible conditions in the trenches.
Evette, desperate to escape an abusive step brother.
An unforgettable moment.
Warren head over heels for Claire.
Claire head over heels for romance
Warren needs to up his game and Claire needs to learn what is worth fighting for.
This story held so much. The pains and afflictions of war. The scars it leaves. The desperation. The determination and grit that so many needed to make it through. This story was so unique. This story will hit you in the feels. Another unforgettable story from Sowards.
The Spider and the Sparrow by @a.l.sowards
A WWI Novel
Narrated by Jason Tatom and he did a fabulous job!
Anytime I can get another story from A. L. Sowards read Ijump at the chance. And when I saw this was a WWI novel I got extra excited because there are so few for this time period.
Two heroic fighters, two battle worn foes, two love stories, and too many spies. The way the story weaves different individuals into each other’s lives was surprising and unique.
Julian, desperate to escape the horrible conditions in the trenches.
Evette, desperate to escape an abusive step brother.
An unforgettable moment.
Warren head over heels for Claire.
Claire head over heels for romance
Warren needs to up his game and Claire needs to learn what is worth fighting for.
This story held so much. The pains and afflictions of war. The scars it leaves. The desperation. The determination and grit that so many needed to make it through. This story was so unique. This story will hit you in the feels. Another unforgettable story from Sowards.
June 2, 2020
WW1, action, espionage, and romance
It isn’t often an author is able to represent both sides of a conflict in a compassionate and respectful way. Sowards does that in this book. You see the human side of war and how neither side escapes the tragedy.
I enjoyed the characters, action and light romance in this book. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good novel.
It isn’t often an author is able to represent both sides of a conflict in a compassionate and respectful way. Sowards does that in this book. You see the human side of war and how neither side escapes the tragedy.
I enjoyed the characters, action and light romance in this book. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good novel.
January 7, 2024
I was super into this book and I loved it. There was a couple things that felt a little unrealistic but overall I could forgive it for the sake of the story… The characters were good and I liked how their stories intertwined but held their own too.
Then with an hour left of the audiobook it took a total turn, not in a plot twist way, but in an unexpectedly dark and strange way. Didn’t love that and it brought my 4 star rating down to 3.
Then with an hour left of the audiobook it took a total turn, not in a plot twist way, but in an unexpectedly dark and strange way. Didn’t love that and it brought my 4 star rating down to 3.
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