#Authorinterview with Helena P. Schrader

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Alma Boucher is talking with Helena P. Schrader, author of Voices on the Wind — Assault: A Novel of Malta in WWII.

FQ: What inspired you to write a novel centered on Malta during World War II? 

SCHRADER: The story itself. You can't make something like this up. Literally, more bombs fell on an island one-fifth the size of Los Angeles than on all of Germany in 1942. In April 1942 alone, more bombs rained down on Malta than in the entire Blitz of London -- which was three times larger! On top of that, the island was slowly starving to death. Yet the Maltese didn't surrender and they didn't wallow in self-pity. They kept fighting, and won.

In a way, Malta was a microcosm of Britain itself; Britain too was dependent on imports carried by ships -- simply at a far larger scale. The Germans came close to choking off Britain's lifeline too, but the Battle of the Atlantic raged over five years, while the crisis on Malta came in eight months. The combination of a massive air offensive and a near successful siege make the story of Malta in 1942 especially dramatic and so uniquely suitable for fiction.

FQ: Malta itself feels like a character in the story. Was that your intention from the beginning? 

SCHRADER: Not really. Malta is fascinating, unique and indomitable. It's a tiny island with a history that reaches back before the age of the Pyramids in Egypt. It was conquered and settled by Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, and finally Napoleon himself! In 1565, it withstood a massive siege by an Ottoman  seaborne army and a tiny force of defenders led by the Knights of St John (one of my favorite militant orders) emerged victorious. What followed was a period of artistic and architectural flourishing that is unique in the Mediterranean and left a magnificent legacy. Yet the Knights of St John became decadent and corrupt. They were swept aside by Napoleon only for the Maltese people to rise up in rebellion and defeat the French in weeks -- with a little help from Admiral Lord Nelson! The people invited the British in -- but issued a Declaration of Rights that articulated limits to British rule. The next century and a half was one of mostly symbiotic relations between the Maltese and the British. In addition, Malta played a important role in both World Wars. You can't ignore -- or invent -- a character like that.

FQ: The novel portrays both military and civilian experiences. Why was it important to include multiple perspectives?

SCHRADER: Because there are so many perspectives. I would argue that is true of nearly every historical event. All my novels include multiple perspectives and story lines. I detest books written in the first person. It's like filming a movie with only a single, handheld camera.

FQ: Were there any real-life accounts or personal stories that particularly influenced the narrative?

SCHRADER: I relied heavily on the wonderful memoir by Charles Grech, a native of Malta, who lived through the war as a youth, Raiders Passed: Wartime Recollections of a Maltese Youngster. I loved Paul McDonald's tribute to Christina Ratcliffe and other women who lived through this crisis in Ladies of Lascaris: Christina Ratcliffe and the Forgotten Heroes of Malta's War. Another important source was Wing Commander T.E. Neil's Onward to Malta and Angus Mansfield's "I Wish I Had Your Wings: A Spitfire Pilot and Operation Pedestal, Malta 1942." Another gem is Frank Leighton's memoir, Frayed Lifelines: A Siege Survivor's Story, which depicts life on Malta in this period from the perspective of an ordinary 'erk' (aircraftman) working with the Air/Sea Rescue unit; very detailed right down the color and design of ration cards. No heroics whatsoever! And since nothing is better than a novel for evoking a society, I must mention Nicholas Monsarrat's The Kappillan of Malta.

For the maritime story line, I relied heavily on The Quiet Heroes by Bernard Edwards and At All Costs by Sam Moses. These books don't single out any specific 'hero' or character, but they provide a wealth of information on what it was like manning merchant ships in WWII.

FQ:  What was the most surprising fact you discovered about Malta during your research?

SCHRADER: Although I suspected that Malta was an 'intelligence hub' simply due to its proximity to Sicily, I was astonished to discover that the only X-machine for deciphering German enigma messages located outside of the British Isles was installed in the British HQ bunker at Lascaris.

Because of the high levels of classification, the Official Secrets Act, and wartime training, we know far less about intelligence operations than other kinds of operations. While the release of F.W. Winterbotham's book The Ultra Secret made "Ultra" and "Enigma" household words and the role of Bletchley Park has become famous since, these are only part of the story. Malta's role in intelligence was first hidden, and has now largely been forgotten. Historians appear not to have fully explored it. We do know, however, that at least one WAAF was assigned to Intelligence on the island. So Candice is not implausible.

FQ: How do the characters reflect the resilience and determination of the Maltese people?

SCHRADER: Malta didn't surrender. The Maltese didn't rebel against British rule. They didn't offer passive resistance. They didn't scrawl graffiti on the ruins demanding British withdrawal. The Maltese manned the anti-aircraft batteries, they served in the RAF and RN. Maltese women were plotters and Y-Service operators. Maltese health care professionals ran and manned the hospitals. Malta was not simply a base for action; Malta was a participant. As my novel suggests, morale was worse in the RAF than among the civilian population.

FQ: What role does hope play in sustaining your characters through the hardships they face?

SCHRADER: That's really more for you to judge as a reader. Robin certainly is not hopeful about the situation! He's a cynical realist. Ned is far more focused on his own role than the overall situation. Stevie states baldly that the Admiralty cannot afford to sustain the losses incurred by supplying Malta and suggests they will abandon it 'soon'. (But, of course, in this volume he has not yet become directly involved in the situation in the Mediterranean and has no direct insights.) Candice is simply struggling to do her job and not disgrace herself in her own eyes -- and falling in love, of course.

FQ: How important was it for you to highlight the sacrifices made by the people of Malta?

SCHRADER: It's the very least we can do. The Second World War was not a "war of choice," or a war of domination, much less an aggressive war on the part of the Allies. Malta's role was critical to Allied victory, and as such we all owe a debt to the Maltese as we do the veterans of the war the world over.

FQ: Why do you think Malta's wartime story remains relevant today?

SCHRADER: I believe that we can best understand ourselves by understanding the past. The assault and siege of Malta doesn't have a one-to-one relevance with anything happening today -- although one reader said she felt like she was reading about Gaza, and another reader said they thought of Ukraine.  The main point is simply that this novel is based on real events. Most of what I describe really happened. This isn't fantasy. It isn't dystopian or alternative fiction. The broad events depicted happened and understanding how people cope in such situations should be an inspiration to us all.

FQ: If readers could take away one message from Voices on the Wind — Assault: A Novel of Malta in WWII, what would it be?

SCHRADER: When fighting tyranny, you don't calculate the chances of success or fight because you expect to win; you fight because you define yourself by your opposition to evil.

Thank you for the lovely review and the opportunity to answer a few questions.

 #Bookreview of The Power of Four: Elements, Humors, Temperaments, Types

By: W. Nikola-Lisa

Publisher: Gyroscope Books

Publication Date: August 21, 2026

ISBN: 979-8986017389

Reviewed by: Ephantus Muriuki

Review Date: June 19, 2026

W. Nikola-Lisa, in his book The Power of Four: Elements, Humors, Temperaments, Types, first reminds readers that numbers have, since ancient times, been used as the means by which humans measure things; second, that mythological and religious symbolism is often based on numbers; third, that philosophical, metaphysical, and mystical traditions often use numbers to anchor key concepts from Pythagorean cosmology to medieval science; and lastly, that numerical relationships are basic to the rhythm and harmony of music. Among all the numbers we know, Nikola-Lisa insists that there is one among them that has more power than any other, and that is number four. This, he asserts, is not because of some magic that it carries but rather, because of its unique association with the fundamental structures of human experience, including the four seasons, the four cardinal directions and the four solar markers, among others.

Nikola-Lisa puts a lot of effort to trace and explain the persistence of the number four pattern across four distinct domains: namely Elements, Humors, Temperaments, and Types. In a profound and undeniably articulate manner, he takes the reader back in time to when philosophers replaced mythological explanations of the cosmos. By doing so, he allows the reader to understand that the four-element theory was one of the earliest major successful intellectual models for explaining the universe, and later, theories of the human body and health. As you read on, you discover that this work is not merely an exposition of the history of an idea but a logical, well-argued text that makes one understand why grouping in four always feels somehow natural, smooth and remarkably useful to the human mind. As you delve deeper, you also discover that the exploration of the power of four is crucial, particularly in revealing our enduring need for frameworks that make life more manageable and more meaningful.

This book tackles an undeniably complex subject. It is no small feat how the author navigates multiple millennia of intellectual history, all while reinterpreting familiar historical figures and engaging critically with other primary sources. A lot goes into making sure that the reader doesn't get lost, including avoidance of jargon, incorporation of metaphors and analogies like the Pandora's box of Greek philosophy, and occasional injection of humor and sarcasm to lighten dense passages. The author has thoughtfully structured the book into four parts, which you discover mirrors the very pattern he looks to illuminate. And through his deliberate keenness of when to linger and when to move on, you find yourself appreciating his slow, immersive opening, which lays the conceptual framework making the later sections feel not only fluid, but also interconnected.

Quill says: The Power of Four: Elements, Humors, Temperaments, Types by W. Nikola-Lisa is a book that intellectual historians, philosophy students, and lovers of ancient Greek thought will deeply appreciate. It is historically rich, and, though dense in historical scope, chronological range, and conceptual depth, it will absolutely reward those who agree to sit with its complexity and engage with its ideas. How it brings the past to life is truly a masterful technique that creators and writers will love to borrow from, and maybe even apply in their work. Lastly, rare among books of its kind, it is a book that will leave readers rethinking about the very frameworks they normally use to understand the world.

For more information about The Power of Four: Elements, Humors, Temperaments, Types, please visit the author's website at: nikolabooks.com/

 #Bookreview of Super Science Vol. 1

By: N. Alessandro K.

Illustrated by: M.K. Perker

Publisher: The Lab Press

Publication Date: August 12, 2025

ISBN: 978-1964226071

Reviewed by: Diana Coyle

Review Date: June 16, 2026

A global phenomenon is happening in which ordinary people are being granted scientific powers in Super Science Vol. 1 by N. Alessandro K.

For five consecutive days, the sky over twelve spots of the globe turned amethyst purple. In those locations, varying people such as engineers, scientists and even high school teachers began creating scientific breakthroughs never seen before. Ordinary creations were becoming extraordinary, but unfortunately not all were used in a positive manner. In Los Angeles, three years later, Sergeant Esmerelda Villanueva and Officer Jack Mantle are trying to keep the population under control, which is a feat in itself. But then an expected turn of events presents itself. What happens to Esmerelda and Jack? How do they both handle the outcome of it?

This fully detailed graphic novel had a full cast of characters that readers get to know as they turn the pages. Each one was unique and well-developed and the readers can easily believe these characters are real people. Two main characters, Sergeant Esmerelda Villanueva and Officer Jack Mantle work as Los Angeles police officers. These characters help carry this far-fetched storyline right until the very end of this novel. Readers will develop a rapport with both of these characters and they will find themselves believing that both Esmerelda and Jack are real people who are just doing their difficult job in Los Angeles.

The storyline was extremely unique and that aids in pulling the readers in immediately, as they try to figure out what will happen next. As you turn the pages, the storyline becomes more and more intriguing as readers become more engrossed and need to learn what happens to Esmerelda and Jack.

This graphic novel was rich in details and very colorful to the reader’s eye. There’s so much happening on every page that you want to make sure you take in every panel of the story as not to miss anything. The illustrations were superbly done by M.K. Perker and perfectly complemented the storyline in each picture. The colors were varying from panel to panel, and were well chosen depending on how detailed each scene needed to be.

N. Alessandro K. (Nicholas Kalikow) is a feature film writer, director, and producer as well as a freelance photographer.

Quill says: Super Science Vol. 1 by N. Alessandro K. is an engrossing graphic novel that will keep readers engaged until the very last page, complete with a never-before-heard-of storyline, well-developed, relatable characters, and superb, colorful illustrations that perfectly complement the story.

For more information about Super Science Vol. 1, please visit the publisher's website at: thelabpress.com/pages/super-science

 #Bookreview of Ursula: A Yosemite Bear

By: Weeden Minor

Publication Date: November 16, 2018

ISBN: 978-1729409060

Reviewed by: Nellie Calanni

Review Date: June 15, 2026

In Ursula: A Yosemite Bear, Weeden Minor introduces young readers to Ursula, a young bear cub whose idea of spring fun quickly evolves from making snow angels into a daring rescue mission.

When Ursula emerges from winter hibernation, she is eager to reunite with her forest friends – a yellow-bellied marmot and a raven, who has playfully rebranded himself as a Spanish-speaking traveler named Raul. However, the playful dynamics shift into high gear when Ursula's father is captured by park rangers and designated a "two-tag bear," putting him at risk of being relocated far away from Yosemite permanently. Refusing to let her family be torn apart, Ursula, along with her clever animal trio and a sympathetic Miwok pack train operator named Billy, roams the rugged mountain trails to orchestrate a brilliant escape.

What works beautifully in this book is how it treats teamwork and environmental coexistence as something simple yet meaningful. Ursula's loyalty is infectious, and the animals' inclusive approach shows children that friendship isn't about being the biggest or the strongest creature in the woods, but about leveraging each individual's unique talents. Each animal Ursula relies on has a specific skill: the marmot has tiny, razor-sharp claws perfect for unlocking tight mechanisms, and the raven provides high-flying aerial scouting to monitor ranger trucks. Even the old packer, Billy, uses his deep heritage and knowledge of the "animal" language to safely cover their tracks. This gives the story real heart and makes it approachable for young children who may be trying to figure out where their own strengths lie.

The accompanying illustrations are a strong companion to the story. The beautiful Yosemite settings – from the shimmering waters of Mirror Lake to the towering, sun-dappled granite of Half Dome – feel alive and warm, keeping the pages accessible and visually engaging for little eyes. There are moments where you pause on the art just to take in the scene: the cozy interior of a bear's cave, wild flowers poking through late winter snow, and a vibrant evening campfire set against a brilliant backdrop of the Milky Way galaxy. It creates a cozy, inviting mood that reinforces the underlying themes of family, nature conservation, and belonging.

Ursula: A Yosemite Bear is neither too short nor too busy. It strikes a good balance for early readers or for read-aloud time with younger kids, pacing its narrative beautifully so the story can breathe without losing its adventurous momentum. The dialogue is packed with humor, and a lighthearted section featuring joking pack mules keeps the tension of the ranger chase from feeling too intense for a sensitive audience.

The message of wildlife protection is not new, as many children's books celebrate kindness toward animals and respect for national parks. But what sets this book apart is Ursula’s inventiveness, and how those small choices (using flower pollen to sport a cool new orange hairstyle, or walking backward in the snow to trick trackers) are shown in playful detail. That gives the narrative authenticity and makes it more likely that kids will feel empowered to protect wildlife and think creatively when helping those they love.

Quill says: Ursula: A Yosemite Bear is a sweet, encouraging tale that reminds children--and adults reading with them--that bravery starts with love for your family and a willingness to stand up for your friends. With enchanting illustrations and a wonderful spirit of environmental conservation, it’s a book young readers will want to read again and again.

 #Bookreview of Voices on the Wind

By: Helena P. Schrader

Publisher: Cross Seas Press

Publication Date: June 11, 2026

ISBN: 979-8987177075

Reviewed by: Alma Boucher

Review Date: June 15, 2026

Voices on the Wind – Assault: A Novel of Malta in WWII by Helena P. Schrader is a meticulously researched and deeply immersive historical novel.

Readers are transported to one of the Second World War’s most crucial, yet often overlooked battlefronts: the island of Malta. Malta is strategically positioned between Gibraltar and Alexandria, and serves as a vital British stronghold, protecting the sea lanes, supporting intelligence gathering, and disrupting Axis supply routes to North Africa. Schrader vividly captures the desperate situation facing the island as relentless Luftwaffe and Italian bombing raids threaten to break both military defenses and civilian morale. Through detailed depictions of daily life under siege, the novel demonstrates how every aircraft, convoy, and intelligence breakthrough could mean the difference between survival and defeat. The overwhelming odds faced by Malta and its defenders create a compelling narrative filled with tension, courage, and sacrifice.

Several interconnected characters showcase different aspects of Malta’s struggle. Robin Priestman arrives flying a Spitfire to reinforce the island’s air defenses. He discovers that modern aircraft alone cannot solve the severe shortages of fuel, supplies, spare parts, and infrastructure. His growth as a leader reflects the extraordinary challenges of maintaining combat readiness under constant attack. Equally engaging is Edward “Ned” Nettleton, a determined pilot who embraces dangerous Beaufort torpedo-bomber missions despite his limited experience. This demonstrates resilience and dedication as he strives to protect his crew. Schrader also introduces Candice Weld, whose promotion to Malta’s intelligence services places her at the heart of the island’s codebreaking efforts. Her work with the “Boniface” decoding machine adds another fascinating dimension to the story, illustrating how intelligence played a crucial role in Malta's defense. The inclusion of historical figure Adrian Warburton adds authenticity, humor, and an engaging glimpse into one of the war’s most daring reconnaissance pilots.

Beyond its military action, the novel explores themes of perseverance, duty, teamwork, and the importance of intelligence in modern warfare. Schrader highlights the resilience of ordinary civilians and servicemen who endured daily bombardment while continuing to support the war effort. The story emphasizes that victory depends not only on battlefield heroics but also on logistics, communication, and the countless individuals working behind the scenes. Readers gain a deeper appreciation for Malta’s strategic significance and the extraordinary determination required to keep the island operational despite seemingly impossible circumstances. The lessons of courage, adaptability, and collective sacrifice resonate strongly throughout the narrative. Schrader’s writing style is richly detailed and historically precise, reflecting her expertise as both a novelist and historian.

The pacing is deliberate yet engaging, balancing aerial combat, intelligence operations, and personal character development with equal skill. While readers seeking nonstop action may find some sections heavily focused on military logistics and historical detail, these elements ultimately strengthen the authenticity of the narrative and deepen the reader’s understanding of the campaign.

Quill says: Voices on the Wind – Assault: A Novel of Malta in WWII is an outstanding combination of historical fiction, meticulous research, compelling characters, and gripping wartime drama to bring the Siege of Malta vividly to life. Fans of military history and character-driven World War II fiction will find this an informative, moving, and thoroughly rewarding read.

For more information about Voices on the Wind – Assault: A Novel of Malta in WWII, please visit the author's website at: helenapschrader.com/

 #Bookreview of Searching for Noriko

By: Al Dawson

Publisher: Luna del Lobo Books

Publication Date: June 4, 2024

ISBN: 978-1795154031

Reviewed by: Douglas C. MacLeod, Jr.

Review Date: June 14, 2026

Franscico (“Frankie”) Castillo has trouble sleeping. His marriage is falling apart, and he mentally cannot step away from his sordid past as a World War II soldier. Readers are aware of a secret early on in Searching for Noriko, Al Dawson’s novel, but Frankie’s wife is unknowledgeable about his dilemma.

Along with his crippling PTSD and nagging leg injury, Frankie feels guilty about leaving war-torn Japan and his love-interest Noriko, a woman whom he deeply cared for, soon after the fighting ended and Japan proceeded to heal and rebuild. He got sent home, married the woman he was dating while in the States, had a child named Ellen, and built his own successful company, despite the insurmountable odds and circumstances of his life. Yet, Frankie still has this figurative gaping wound; and, the only way to operate on it is to go to his old haunts to find Noriko and to apologize for his unexpected departure. This decision leads to events that add to a complex, but easy-to-follow narrative with multiple characters (including Kume, Frankie’s other daughter), who come together for an explosive ending.

Searching for Noriko is very well-constructed with developed characters, each of which have a distinct voice and a stake in Frankie’s situation. Frankie decides to fly to Japan with Ellen to find his former paramour, and Kume decides she wants to know more about her natural father. These actions lead to the eventual meeting of all of the players, two metaphorical trains running parallel that collide with force during the novel’s climax of the novel. Admittedly, some moments are far-fetched—a plot point devoted to the Japanese mafia’s need to find hidden gold, the love affair between Ellen and an obnoxious environmental lawyer, and the coincidental meeting at the end—however, Dawson makes what seems unfeasible, feasible, and in less capable hands, it could have been disastrous. Dawson understands pacing and purpose; and, with each detail, context is implicitly and explicitly stated to ensure readers are not burdened with not knowing why, or with information not pertinent to the story.

Also impressive is Dawson’s knowledge of Japanese and World War II history. Not much of the story takes place during the War, but when added, it is done so with intent so as not to divulge too much of what is going to happen throughout the novel, nor to Frankie if and when he finds Noriko. Most compelling is his relationship with his wife, Melanie, who is in the dark as to what is happening to her husband, a man who always seemed tortured despite his full life. Lost a bit is his relationship with his brother and mother, who are on the peripherals, ghosts of a past that molded him into a tragic but redeemable figure. Dawson though, through his prose, is careful as he makes it known that we all are a sum of our parts. Who we are is based on the people who surround us and the places we come from, and readers can impressively see that through Frankie’s eyes and memories.

World War II was not the only life-altering event discussed in Searching for Noriko. Minimally mentioned is 9/11; and, much of the book takes place in late 2001 and 2002, in New York. While in Manhattan, Kume and her significant other, Gary, nonchalantly travel around as if nothing happened. They take cab rides. They eat dinners. They talk about an impending fashion show. They jump on planes without second thought. Mundane things in a city that never sleeps. But there are no discussions about the Twin Towers, about the death and destruction that took place on September 11th. This terror attack stopped the world for months after it happened, and yet these people are oblivious to this tragedy. Dawson, in essence, could have alluded to the heartbreak in a more significant way without stealing away from the narrative.

Quill says: Searching for Noriko is a compelling piece of historical fiction about family dynamics and the power of respect in love, filled with good storytelling and strong details about Japan during and after World War II.

For more information about Searching for Noriko, please visit the author's website at: lunadellobo.com/

 #Bookreview of Mika Makes it Work!

By: Amanda Aizu

Illustrated by: Edo Ward

Publisher: Blue Shiba Books

Publication Date: March 30, 2026

ISBN: 978-1-970849-03-5

Reviewed by: Shrubaboti Bose

Review Date: June 10, 2026

Mika Makes It Work! by Amanda Aizu is a story about a young girl who believes that every problem can be solved.

Mika is good at fixing things, be it broken toys, leaky watering cans, or even Grandpa’s squeaky glasses. She is always able to find a way to repair anything. She usually exclaims, “I’ll make it work!” before immediately plunging in to handle anything that needs fixing. One day, when her friend Kai’s birthday cake suddenly collapses in the middle, it is up to her to save the day. What follows is a series of increasingly ambitious and hilarious attempts to repair the cake, culminating in a lesson that sometimes the simplest solutions are the best ones.

Mika’s determination and optimism are admirable, but what makes the story so engaging is seeing how some of her grand ideas spiral into unexpected chaos. With the invention of the impressive new gadget called the “Cake-Fixer 3000,” the situation soon turns into a ridiculous mess, as pancakes go flying and frosting splashes all over the place. This utterly silly and exaggerated sequence of events unfolding will undoubtedly amuse children and young readers. Its innate repetitive structure and playful sound effects add a lively rhythm that makes the book especially delightful during read-aloud sessions.

The illustrations complement the narrative beautifully, bringing Mika’s exciting personality to life through expressive characters and visual details akin to comic strip panels. Bright, cheerful scenes filled with frosting explosions, sticky mishaps, and funny reactions help maintain a light-hearted tone throughout the story. Even when things go completely haywire, the colorful graphics reassure the reader, ensuring that the experience remains pleasant rather than stressful, and encouraging children to laugh at mistakes rather than fear them.

What makes this book particularly appealing is the way it celebrates creativity while gently introducing the value of flexibility. Mika’s confidence and willingness to try new ideas are definitely qualities that deserve praise, but the story also demonstrates how solutions need not always take a complex route. With the help of her grandpa’s calm guidance, Mika eventually realizes this. This inspires children to take away the lesson that success can also come from adapting, simplifying, and working together. The transformation of the ruined cake into “Cake Surprise” serves as a charming reminder that unexpected outcomes can sometimes lead to even better results.

The author encourages children to embrace thinking creatively to solve problems and to approach challenges with confidence. At the same time, the story also teaches us resilience by showing that mistakes are not failures, but opportunities to learn and adjust. Mika’s journey reinforces the importance of persistence, teamwork, and maintaining a positive attitude when things do not go according to plan. These valuable lessons are interlaced with humor and silliness within the story, making them easy for young readers to absorb and remember.

Quill says: Mika Makes It Work! is a wonderful story about creativity, perseverance, and accepting the fact that even when things go wrong, a little imagination can turn any problem into a sweet surprise.