Code Name Verity

This is going to be a rave I hope.  The entire post may be a SPOILER though, so be warned.

I literally can't think of anything to say that isn't a spoiler, so, I would just highly encourage anyone to read this book without me telling them anything about it.

Alright, the spoilers are beginning! Look away!!

I really didn't like the character of Queenie in the beginning, she seemed so vain and witless, though now I understand just how wonderful and beautifully crafted she was.  I admire so much how she put her most vulnerable self under von Linden's scrutiny, sacrificing the truth of her love for Maddie to the Gestapo for any information that actually mattered. She also crafted wonderful stories that foreshadowed what was to come, like the great aunt who killed her husband, and, my personal favorite, her narrow escape from the German who brutally damaged her neck.  I love how she basically revealed herself - that she gets in incredibly dangerous situations, but her riskiness is what makes her methods effective, and she always slips out.  However, she always needs Maddie to repair the damage in the end, which she does, both times.  ("Kiss me Hardy!! Kiss me QUICK!"  That line is so emotional).  If Julie is a flame that burns in and out, Maddie is her rock that is steady and there for her "Fly the plane, Maddie."  It's just so beautiful.  (I also shipped them very hard).

Also all of the other characters were so wonderful and complex, like von Linden with Isolde (such a beautiful name), Paul with his creepiness who still died for what was right, and especially Anna Engle who was so smart and brave.  The female protagonists were incredible, especially because none of them were there to fulfill some romance, they were 100% adventure.

Oh man, this book was just wonderful.  I'm so happy I got to read it.