The Echo of Valor

Codename Rose - Based On A True Story

By: Hannah Byron

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

Inspired by the real-life story of SOE agent Eileen Nearne, this dual timeline historical fiction novel explores the legacy of a forgotten heroine.

Torquay, 2007

Dr Mia Thompson is no stranger to silence. But when a new client—reclusive and enigmatic—invites her into a quiet seaside home, Mia uncovers something extraordinary: a past veiled in secrecy and bravery.

Her client is Eileen Nearne, once a radio operator for Churchill’s Special Operations Executive. Dropped into Nazi-occupied France, Eileen risked everything to support the Resistance. Her story—marked by betrayal, capture, torture, and resilience—is one of extraordinary courage. Yet after the war, she was dismissed, interrogated, and left in the shadows.

As Mia digs deeper, determined to bring Eileen’s truth to light, she partners with Sebastian Stone, a local journalist with demons of his own. What begins as a tribute becomes a journey—into the heart of quiet heroism, family ties, and the wounds war leaves behind.

The Echo of Valor: Codename Rose is a gripping WWII and dual timeline novel, perfect for fans of Kristin Hannah, Kit Sergeant, Ellie Midwood, and Kate Quinn. Set between modern-day England and wartime France, it honors the forgotten stories of female spies, post-war healing, and the enduring power of recognition and remembrance.

Endorsed by Eileen Nearne’s family. Contains realistic depictions of war.

I love it!!

I love this book so much. I love how the story goes to the past and the present

This is a wonderfully powerful story.

I loved this story! However, virtual voice kind of sucked the enjoyment most of the time. This is the second book I have listened to that had virtual voice. I HATE IT!! I want to hear the inflection, and emotion of the story. I truly enjoyed this book, but would have loved it even more except the virtual voice kind of ruined that for me.

AI just doesn’t work with this book

AI just did not sound right. A happy gleeful chirpy voice was out of place in the concentration camps. I’ve listen to a few other book using AI voice and they were ok, but I did not like it with this book. Otherwise it was a good book.

AI narration is horrendous

The story is of course so important and IMO tragically disrespected by the off-tone, American accented AI narrator. Words are mispronounced, emotional tone doesn’t match the narrative, American sounding accent totally off. The story is so incredible and the really poor narration is really distracting. I rarely write reviews but this was so bad I’m hoping it gets Audible’s attention and that they fix it and are more mindful and careful in the future. This audiobook should not have been released in its present version.

Disappointing

First, the AI voice was awful. It mispronounced words, paused in odd places, and the inflection was inappropriate. Even a good voice wouldn't have helped much. The details were minimal, leaving the spy work sound mundane and without risk. Even the details of the concentration camp were so bland that there was minimal tension or emotion. I do not recommend this book.