This is the first book in the brass compass series. And boy is it a good one. I cannot wait to read more in this series. I have started dipping my toes into the water with Historical Fiction and this is a book that has really sealed the deal with me continuing with historical fiction. This was well written and grounded in facts. I love that this book has a female heroine who has gone as a spy in the U.S. who is sent into Germany during WWII. It follows her and her mission, but also her as she falls in love. I definitely recommend this book! It is amazing.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2023-02-14 16:51:202023-02-20 09:08:31Operation Blackbird (Brass Compass Series Book 1) by Ellen Butler – Review by Christine Baranek
This story is a good spy adventure. Butler does an awesome job crafting a suspenseful historical novel. The plot keeps you on the edge of your seat and turning the page. Characters are fleshed out with depth and humanity. I appreciate how the author adds a glossary since I’m not familiar with the German and WW2 jargon. Looking forward to the next adventure!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Brandy Vaughnhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBrandy Vaughn2023-02-14 00:49:002023-02-20 09:04:11The Brass Compass (Brass Compass Series Book 1) by Ellen Butler – Review by Brandy Vaughn
Lilly Saint James has had a good life travelling and attending prestigious schools throughout Europe where she has been taught manners and proper etiquette. Throughout her travels and schooling she has also mastered several different languages including French, Italian, and German. Lilly has never wanted to attend these schools and instead yearned to be home with her mother. When her mother suddenly dies in 1938 Lilly feels lost and angry that she was not able to be there. She lashes out at her stepfather and becomes desperate to find her way in the world. All Lilly really wants to do is to help with the war effort but is unsure how she can do so.
When Lilly is discovered by the OSS (Office of Strategic Services), an agency newly formed by the government, it gives her the opportunity to work undercover as a spy. When Lilly stumbles onto an opportunity to become a nanny for a German Army Colonel she is able to gather valuable intelligence to take back to the Allies. Working within a small group of other OSS agents, and trusting few, becomes especially dangerous when her secondary contact is captured and interrogated by the SS. With no choice but to save herself Lilly flees into the night determined to get the valuable intel contained in the mini film cartridge in her shoe into the hands of the Allies.
Lilly’s journey is fraught with danger as she works her way through enemy territory. She has no help and is uncertain who to trust so it is vital that she reaches her destination. She weaves her way through the darkness battling cold, exhaustion, and hunger desperate to get the vital strategic information into the hands of the Allies. Lilly’s life is at risk at every turn and even more so when she is captured and tortured by the enemy. Will Lilly survive the torture? Will she get the intel into the hands of the Allies?
This book had me intrigued from the beginning and I fell in love with Lilly’s character. Not only was Lilly intelligent, but she was quick to think on her feet as well. The sheer bravery and determination it took for her to continue going was admirable. Lilly found a way to survive the harshest of conditions and keep going under circumstances where many others would have just given up. Lilly never gave up hope that she would get her vital intel into the hands of the right people. I found myself cheering her on as she trudged through snow and the cold. I prayed that she would find food and shelter. I cringed and cried when Lilly was captured and brutalized. I hoped and I prayed that Lilly would continue fighting and reach her destination.
This book gave me valuable insight into the lives of the brave men and women who risked life and limb during the war. Many of whom worked tirelessly behind the scenes and did not receive recognition for their sacrifices. It made me appreciate even more so the heroic actions of those who fought in the war and what they sacrificed to keep us safe. To all those who risk their lives to keep us safe, thank you.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2023-02-13 13:23:152023-02-15 22:39:21The Brass Compass (Brass Compass Series Book 1) by Ellen Butler – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
This book kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time I was reading it. The suspense really got me. I couldn’t believe some of the things Lily went through and survived. This was such an entertaining read that kept me wondering what else could happen. IF you’re looking for something to keep your mind busy for a few hours pick this up today. I can’t wait to see what else this author has in store for us.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ashley Westermanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAshley Westerman2022-11-22 21:02:162022-11-22 21:02:16The Brass Compass by Ellen Butler – Review by Ashley Westerman
The Brass Compass (Cold War Novel #1) by Ellen Butler
This isn’t the first book I’ve read by the author. The Brass Compass is the first book in the Cold War Series. The author captured my attention from the beginning. It was a hard book to put down and I really didn’t want it to end.
Lily wants to go home to the states, but it’s not in the cards for her just yet. She finds that being a spy is a dangerous job. She also learns that some things are meant to be. The quote I chose for Lily is: “My father was a foreign service officer for the State Department. We moved around a lot. I spent most of my childhood living around Europe.”
Charlie is the captain in his group. He meets Lily and can’t help but fall for her. He knows what she does. When she’s offered a job he knows that life isn’t going to be quiet. The quote I chose for Charlie is: “I have a feeling with you, quiet and calm is never going to be in our future.”
Highly recommended for Historical Thriller lovers.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amanda Kimblehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda Kimble2022-11-17 12:04:272022-11-18 11:59:15The Brass Compass (A Cold War Novel #1) by Ellen Butler-Review by Amanda Kimble
We may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.
Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.
Essential Website Cookies
These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.
Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refuseing them will have impact how our site functions. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site.
We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain.
We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. You can check these in your browser security settings.
Google Analytics Cookies
These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience.
If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here:
Other external services
We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.
Google Webfont Settings:
Google Map Settings:
Google reCaptcha Settings:
Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:
Other cookies
The following cookies are also needed - You can choose if you want to allow them:
Privacy Policy
You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page.