Reviews and Endorsements

Moral Fibre: “The narrative follows both characters as they deal with the world of England in the final years of the war, not just professionally, but personally. … The two narrative strands beautifully balance each other up to the book’s climax. A richly textured, absorbing war tale that works equally well as a touching love story.” 

Grounded Eagles: " Schrader’s prose is understated but often arresting... The stories here offer the reader compelling psychological explorations of men grappling with the traumas of war... Together, the novellas paint a grimly vivid portrait ...while also limning the contradictory ideals that they attempted—and often failed—to live up to during wartime. An impressive and memorable trio of works about the many costs of war."

Where Eagles Never Flew: "Scenes exploring the characters inner lives are compelling...Schrader also succeeds in accurately portraying the bombing raids and defense missions.... A painstakingly researched war novel with complex characterizations."  

Rebels against Tyranny: "The well-meaning but flawed Sir Balian is a  great central figure—a bit like William Shakespeare’s portrayal of the young Prince Hal .... An exciting royal adventure with a large cast." 

The Emperor Strikes Back:  "Schrader’s (Rebels Against Tyranny,  2018, etc.) prose manages to summon the culture and time period of the  Crusader states while remaining light and readable...." 

Moral Fibre: ""With superb plotting, Schrader focuses on Kit’s character development. ... Meanwhile, Schrader weaves in subplots concerning Georgina, his extended family (of both African and British descent), and fellow crew members. ... Readers will find themselves engaged in the complexities, not only of Kit, but of the men in his bomber crew. ... In all, this is an absorbing work sure to interest not only WWII buffs but anyone who enjoys historical fiction." 

Grounded Eagles: "Schrader excels at examining the nexus of physical and psychological trauma. For instance,  David Goldman, Stranger’s protagonist, must literally and figuratively learn to live with a new  identity. Schrader captures the poignancy and complexity of this struggle as David considers the  impact his scarred face has on those at the hospital: "It wasn’t his bandaged face that had made  the nurse vomit, but what lay underneath.”

The Emperor Strikes Back: “From  central  actors  to  more  minor   characters,  each  individual  has  a  depth  that  will  leave   readers  highly   invested  in  the  story’s  outcome.”  

Envoy of Jerusalem:  "Schrader, a career diplomat with a PhD in  history, delivers a meticulous historical drama full of telling details  and dialogue that's contemporary-feeling without compromising its  historical authenticity.... [T]he story presents both Christian and  Muslim points-of-view, so there is no facile stereotyping of  villains....[R]eaders are sure to find the author's enthusiasm for  Crusade-era history infectious." 

Rebels against Tyranny:  “…a robust and irresistible tale  brimming with historical accuracy… Together, the dialogue, plot, and  descriptive language make this a compulsive page-turner.” 

Moral Fibre: "The intriguing dialogue, the settings, the clear descriptions of such harsh situations – this author has hit on all cylinders once again, and even provides the most exhilarating history lesson I, personally, have ever had the pleasure of reading. “5-Stars!”  Quill says: Helena Schrader’s in-depth stories, fantastic characters, and ability to write an unforgettable tale makes her one of the best authors out there!"   

Grounded Eagles: "Three intriguingly intertwined stories by aviation expert and award-winning author Helena P. Schrader focus on the experiences of wartime pilots in the sky and on the ground, coping with trauma, disability, and the possibilities for new challenges. Each story reads like, and could be deemed, a novella, so much background and apparent zeal does the author provide for her characters and their complex situations. ... Quill says: With credentials and genuine enthusiasm for the daily professional and personal challenges faced by men who choose to make war in the skies, Schrader has constructed a trio of powerful tales expressing a myriad of viewpoints - male, female, young, old – with rich historical detail to underpin and enrich each offering."

Where Eagles Never Flew: " This author struck gold with this story. ... The human side of war is intense and  the detailed descriptions of the crafts and the fights were so vivid  that they pulled me back in time... Quill says: I cannot recommend this highly enough. Do not miss this memorable, intense, amazing story." 

Traitors for the Sake of Humanity:  " "I was riveted by each character’s story. … Truly inspiring, these awesome ‘Traitors’ keep you on the edge of your seat. Schrader has done it yet again: 5-Stars!"  

Envoy of Jeruslaem: " "...this is one of the best historical  series ever written. ... A very detailed drama full of historical truths  intertwined with a fantastically written tale, ... The zest this author  has for her subject is dramatic, intense and something that will never  be forgotten!" 

Rebels against Tyranny:  "The heir to the Ibelins is a great  character for the reader to “walk beside” as dungeons and palaces are  entered ...This thrilling hero is, as always when it comes to Schrader’s works of art, one of unforgettable strength." 

The Emperor Strikes Back: the author is brilliant in her  writing and ... continues to offer the most exciting historical series  that mesmerizes the reader.

Where Eagles Never Flew:  "Readers may pick up Where Eagles Never Flew for its promise of action, but will find it holds unexpected,  satisfying psychological depth as its characters grow, evolve, and  confront each other and the enemy during a life-changing period in  Britain's history. It's a story steeped in real-life events that goes  far in tracing the changing roles and influence of women in the world,  and is highly recommended reading for World War II history enthusiasts  looking for something more than descriptions of battles." 

Traitors for the Sake of Humanity:      

“The presence and methods of resistance, how Hitler's power and appeal were opposed in various strata of society, and how the country and its people won small victories at great personal costs is compellingly documented through the eyes, minds, and hearts of characters that come to life under Schrader's hand. Anyone who would understand, on more than a factual level, the emotions and motivations of resisters and believers alike will find this powerful history captured in a story that is, yes, complex...but also thoroughly engrossing and thought-provoking.”  

Moral Fibre: "The novel.. takes the reader into the English psyche of that time, tapping the depths of human emotions.... Meticulously researched and skillfully written, Schrader's Moral Fibre steps off the pages and comes to life. Her nuanced characters and authentic dialogue also provide a glimpse of Britain's stratified class-conscious culture during the WWII era.... A riveting read and highly recommended!” 

Where Eagles Never Flew: "Helena P. Schrader brings a wealth of knowledge to her story to make this one of the most authentic and well-told stories of the Battle of Britain we have ever read. The planes practically come alive in detail and clarity ... This realism extends to the characters themselves. The pilots, Ginger and Banks, worry what their squadron thinks of them ... Emily Pryce, a volunteer at the Salvation Army, struggles with her pacifist ideals even as she falls for Robin, who risks his life every time he climbs into the air. The characters come to us as individuals who are authentic, relatable, and unique. ... Schrader delivers a winning WWII account of the Battle of Britain that resonates with authenticity and will quickly find a place of honor on the shelf. In short, here’s a historical fiction novel that readers will find hard to put down. Highly recommended."

Rebels against Tyranny:  "A romantic and intricate [work of]  historical fiction that will entrance - sometimes enrage - but always  enlighten readers. Welcome to the 13th century where things aren't really as different as you may imagine." 

The Emperor Strikes Back: “Schrader’s detailed rendering of the  ill-fated first marriage of Bailin, John d’Ibelin’s eldest son, and heir, to  Eschiva de Montbéliard, a cousin by marriage, will capture readers  hearts." 

Moral Fibre: "Helena P. Schrader’s rich historical novel Moral Fibre follows a World War II bomber pilot, and those he cares about, as they find purpose, courage, and love. ... People counter these cruelties with faith. Even Georgina’s father questions how a person can believe in God when evil is present in the world, with his daughter drawing a connection to the suffering on the cross, which precedes the joy of resurrection, to suggest that suffering on Earth often precedes eventual victories. Questions of what ethical warfare ought to look like are also raised."

Where Eagles Never Flew:  "Its high-octane descriptions of air maneuvers and daring escapes are breathtaking.... Because of its ambitious scope and phenomenal details, down to the last "Mae West" jacket, the novel is compelling, humanizing a historical event ...."  

Envoy of Jerusalem:  "... a captivating work of historical  fiction...that offers insight into the religious politics of the Middle  Ages. ...Even the most minor character is fully described and the attention to the smallest details is evident in every aspect of the  novel. ... Passionate prose brings the fascinating backdrop of the Middle  Ages to life, and interest holds throughout." 

Rebels against Tyranny: "This book is redolent with the smoke and  incense of the High Middle Ages, and its characters think like medieval  knights and merchants yet speak in language that is contemporary." 

 "Where Eagles Never Flew is both inspirational and terrifying in its reality and should be required reading for anyone under the illusion that air warfare is in any way glorious. The people depicted are disturbingly authentic, and how their lives become entwined is beautifully crafted by Ms. Schrader; ... a compelling read… A fantastic book!"  

Where Eagles Never Flew:  "... a towering and sweeping story that truly does convey the horror and tragedy of war, especially the incredible odds the RAF was faced with as it stood seemingly alone in those dark days of 1940. Author Helena P. Schrader has done a remarkable job of conveying to the reader the intensity and suffering that these young men…. I particularly enjoyed that the author chose to tell this tale from “both sides” of the fence, thereby humanizing and allowing the reader to have understanding and empathy, not only for the RAF boys but also for those of the Luftwaffe. "  

Traitors for the Sake of Humanity:  “Helena P. Schrader has produced a brilliant view of this history through the eyes of the German people who lived it, agonized over its evil, and suffered its consequences. …. A meticulously detailed history is interwoven with touching personal interactions amid the eternal struggle for survival and self-worth while under the yoke of evil. … My recommendations for this brilliant work cannot be higher. I offer personal thanks to Helena P. Schrader for her poignant and sensitive treatment of the human side of the vanquished.” 

Envoy of Jerusalem:  "... a captivating work of historical  fiction...that offers insight into the religious politics of the Middle  Ages. ...Even the most minor character is fully described and the attention to the smallest details is evident in every aspect of the  novel. ... Passionate prose brings the fascinating backdrop of the Middle  Ages to life, and interest holds throughout." 

Rebels against Tyranny: "This book is redolent with the smoke and  incense of the High Middle Ages, and its characters think like medieval  knights and merchants yet speak in language that is contemporary." 

Where Eagles Never Flew: "This is the best book on the life  of us fighter pilots in the Battle of Britain that I have ever seen.  Refreshingly it got it smack on the way it was for us. I couldn't put it  down!" Battle of Britain "Ace" Wg/Cdr Bob Doe 

Where Eagles Never Flew: "This is a  superb novel about the Battle of Britain and is a must-read for anyone  interested in that period in our history. It is now 67 years since the  Battle of Britain and the summer of 1940 is gradually moving from common  memory into a piece of history. So much has been written about the  battle from the early factual accounts written within a year or two of  the battle, through to a rash of 1950's pilot biographies and memoirs  and a host of novels from the 1960's to the present day, that it is hard  to imagine that a new novel could be written that would make the  conflict seem fresh. Yet this is exactly what `Chasing the Wind' has  achieved." Simon Rodwell

Where Eagles Never Flew: "Helena  has written a book that will become a classic. It was rated by Bob Doe,  one of the top Battle of Britain fighter aces, as a book that told the  story correctly and he was delighted to recommend this to a wider  public. This book will be enjoyed for many years, however many times you  read this. Written from actual events and pilots experiences during the  air fighting of the Battle of Britain, it tells the story of just why a  few hundred men prevented invasion and the horrors of death camps being  a reality in Britain. Never was so much owed by so many to so few.  These men now have a book to tell it like it was. Highly recommended"  Paul Davies Battle of Britain Historical Society