Where Eagles Never Flew: A Battle of Britain Novel Paperback – November 11, 2020

The thorough research necessary to produce such an excellent book is both awe- inspiring and delightful. I look forward to the subsequent books as soon as Christmas is over. My regards to the author, who deserves a coveted pat on the back. I agree that this is the most in-depth (fictional )book on operations of the RAF in World War II that I’ve ever read.Good show Dr. Schrader !

The Battle of Britain of 1940, in which the Royal Air Force desperately yet decisively defeated the overconfident Luftwaffe and their unrelenting attempt to bomb the British Isles into submission, is a popular subject and the setting of countless books of fiction. Yet few accounts, fictional or non-fictional, capture the tension, the uncertainty, the dangers and the risks so vividly as Helena P. Schrader’s “Where Eagles Never Flew.” This exceptional novel is nothing short of a vicarious transport to a not so far away era, when barely trained young men on both sides of the English Channel blasted into the air at the controls of beastly powerful Spitfires, Hurricanes, Me109s, and Stukas for yet another daily mission from which safe return could easily become a losing bet.Schrader isn’t known for neglecting the roles and importance of women in both war and peace; Where Eagles Never Flew doesn’t break with her established tradition. Her female characterizations, whether of the strong or the weak, are seamlessly integrated with the male in situations, romantic or otherwise, which rival the military and air combat aspects in intelligent presentation, intrigue, and pure excitement, while successfully avoiding any hint of feminist cliches.Particularly outstanding is Schrader’s inclusion of equally well-developed German characters, their wartime environment with all its dangers from both Allied forces and the fanatical Nazis holding Germany in an iron grip, the struggles of those aware of the evil pervading the very soul of their homeland, and the easy, luxurious complacency of those who bought into the grand Nazi fabrications, whether as a matter of course or one of survival.I could easily fill pages with discussion of and praise for Where Eagles Never Flew, but will leave it as the next best thing to cranking up a Spitfire, taxiing to the runway, and opening the throttle all the way!

This is an eminently readable book with many interesting and sympathetic characters.Well written and historically accurate, it kept me going to the end.The 'both sides' approach is unique in my reading in BOB literature and, in general, serves well. Romantic entanglements seem natural and the consequences for the women are well described.As in many Amazon books, a copy editor would be a great help. Several howlers could be fixed- 'hoard' should read 'horde', for example. Seems this is a cost most writers are unwilling to bear to the detriment of their text.Too bad; I would be glad to do this one for free just for the pleasure of working with a clearly literate author.

Schrader has written a great story on the Battle of Britain. She takes you from the early stages of WWII to Dunkirk and back to Great Britain for the Battle of Britain. Not only is the writing very good, with excellent descriptions, but she takes you to the other side where you get a really good look at the Nazi air arm. Enemy airman performing their duties and the realization that they are not so different than the brave men of the RAF. The reader not only follows the RAF pilots through their life threatening sorties, but also through their off duty times. Men and women living on the edge, here today and gone this afternoon. Life is taken away that quickly. That is why these young pilots lived, drank and loved hard. The mortality rate of your squadron mates is so very high that you better enjoy the time you are here on this blessed English soil. The interesting part of the book is you are treated to a similar outlook by the German fliers. Rather than get into the book's characters, I would definitely say that if you enjoy reading about historical fiction relating to WWII and specifically the Battle of Britain you don't want to miss "Where Eagles Neve Flew". I beleive you too will thourghly enjoy this book.

I came upon this author, Helena Schrader, by accident. Every book I have read by her, is excellent, including this book.This book is about the Battle of Briton. She tries to show both the English and German perspectives. She does an excellent job trying to explain the strategy of each side. The chess battle that went on, was just amazing.She also talks about the human side of war. These men and women are flawed, and she shows these flaws. How the battle not only affected the pilots physically, mentally, and emotionally, but how it affected the people behind the scenes. I never realized how hard and driven the mechanics were driven in the war. How the families of the pilots are affected.Please note that one review on Amazon said this book is anti-American. The Americans do not even enter the war for another year after this book ends. Some pilots are angry with the Americans because they are not in the war. But that is probably the truth. This book is in no way anti-American.This book, and author are just excellent. I highly recommend this book, or any of her books. Her trilogy on Leonidas is also highly recommended. She is a great writer, and she knows her history.

a good book..in my opinion

A good read that shares The Battle of Britain story, though the eyes of people on both side of the battle, where German and British characters are equally developed, and the historical research underpinning the novel is strong, setting the stories in a context that comes to life.The strong narrative brings out the many perspectives of war – from both allies and enemies; through fanatical and fearful flyers; parents and children; civilians and military, those falling in love and out of love and who will never love again. A strength is that the book does not create hero’s. Though there is a central “couple” falling in love, there are many other well rounded characters (whose stories are shared further in the books that follow). The tensions, tiredness, uncertainties and sudden death in war are captured through the lives of these people. The growing importance of women’s in The Battle of Britain is interwoven with the men’s stories, giving them recognition often lacking in other histories and stories. The battle on the ground, by “erks” and many others, to keep planes flying, airfields operational, pilots trained and other services running is another thread that unfolds through the book.Though a long novel, this book is a good read which flows and is hard to put down.

As accurate as any novel or book I have read about The Battle of Britain, excellent read, completely believable.

This novel describes all aspects of the Battle of Britain: the British and the Germans, the strong and the weak, their lovers and mistresses; the ground crews, their sleepless nights repairing aircraft and awaiting their return; the families and relatives; the dogfights and the boring patrols; the sleepless nights and the terrifying days; the welcome rains and the unwelcome clear skies.It brings to life the whole period in vivid detail.

A well put together novel set during the Battle of Britain. Factually very good and well written. Enjoyable.