Karl Stewart

The year is 1918, and American troops are pouring into France.

Charlie Carter, the soon-to-be son-in-law of Western legend See Bird, is among them. But Carter is one of a new breed of warriors, those who fight from the skies aboard that new invention, the aeroplane.

In these frail and flimsy crafts, Charlie seeks to take the fight to the German invaders. When the initial excitement wears off, Charlie discovers that death is always his worst enemy.

A Riveting and Realistic Look into WWI Aerial Combat

Karl Stewart’s novel, Charlie’s Wings, is a compelling historical adventure of a World War I aviator, Charlie Carter. It is loosely based on Stewart’s own family history and is tied to his “Legend of See Bird” trilogy. Charlie’s Wings is a great mix of action and adventure with a little bit of romance and can be read as a standalone story even though it is part of a larger body of work. Charlie’s Wings follows our man Charlie as he navigates aerial combat when it first became a reality. As Charlie risks his life day in and day out, the one constant in his life is his dedication to his girl back home, Gertie. 

This novel captures the thrill of new technology as well as the risks and fears that went along with it—from mechanical failures, test-piloting new aircraft under enemy fire, and understanding the reality that pilots were nearly as at-risk flying practice maneuvers as they were flying against the enemy. Karl Stewart brings extensive research into his work and ties it to the emotions of his characters as they grow and learn throughout the novel.

In addition to great research, Stewart is adept at writing detailed, exciting action sequences. Every aerial battle is hard-fought and detailed without being too technical. The dogfights are some of my favorite parts of the book, and the varied emotions that the characters displayed during and after these battles seemed on point for the dangers they were facing. While Charlie puts on a brave face in battle, he always understands that death is waiting for him if he makes the wrong move, and he drives that point home to himself and to his fellow pilots on several occasions.

Throughout the novel, Stewart’s main focus is on Charlie Carter, but he also focuses on other characters, particularly those who are influential for Charlie’s growth, such as Charlie’s fiancée, his plane mechanic, superior officers, and fellow wingmen. This emphasis gives the story more depth and offers greater context.

The romance aspect of this story is refreshingly wholesome and honest as Charlie remains true to his Gertie even in the face of temptation. Through their correspondence we see how they continue to grow closer despite Charlie being an ocean away. 

Through this relationship, Stewart also manages to add illustrative historical touches that enrich the story and give the reader a glimpse of life in the hills of West Virginia in 1918 as well as life on an airfield base. Stewart also explores the other aspects of the ravages of war when Charlie and his comrades travel to Paris and to other French towns that have fallen victim to German assault. This connection keeps the reader heavily entrenched in the story’s time and place and does well to show that war has far-reaching effects.

Charlie’s Wings is exciting and real. Karl Stewart writes a confident, well-researched story, and I look forward to reading more of his work.

Reviewed by: Gloria Johntel, Wisconsin Writers Association

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