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mauraho's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
city_girl_writer's review against another edition
5.0
It is very personal to me. I don't know how to rate it besides 5 stars. I *must* read the sequel!
zombiezami's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
4.25
I read this for a book club. It was hard for me to get into, but I did eventually get there. The part I liked best about this book was the worldbuilding. I especially enjoyed the author's approach to imagining tech that really doesn't work the way you want it to, or that you have to McGyver to make useful, or that wasn't made with you in mind. Even in other dystopias involving inadequate technology, I feel that Onyebuchi's approach is uniquely nuanced.
All of the big emotional inflections in the book definitely hit, for example, "Chinelo's death, Agu's death, finding out that Onyii killed Ify's mother and lied about where she came from . Even so, there were a lot of characters, in my opinion, and I kept forgetting who was who.
All of the big emotional inflections in the book definitely hit, for example, "
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm, Gun violence, Death, Blood, Child death, Chronic illness, Torture, Hate crime, Murder, Confinement, Cursing, Violence, War, Death of parent, Body horror, Bullying, Abandonment, Medical content, Stalking, Animal death, and Addiction
Moderate: Racial slurs, Islamophobia, Drug use, Drug abuse, Slavery, Religious bigotry, Alcohol, Terminal illness, Vomit, Toxic relationship, Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, and Cancer
Minor: Misogyny, Domestic abuse, Colonisation, and Sexism
blogginboutbooks's review against another edition
4.0
WAR GIRLS was inspired by the Nigerian Civil War that started in 1967. I knew nothing at all about the event or even about Nigeria, honestly, going into this book. Onyebuchi's aim in writing this novel is to shine a light on a historical event few people know about, showing the devastating effects of war on a people, a country, and especially on children. I think Onyebuchi accomplishes his goal with this novel, which is vivid, heart-wrenching, and thought-provoking.
At 422 pages, WAR GIRLS is a chunkster. Although it definitely could have used some chopping, there's plenty of action to keep the story moving along. In fact, it's mostly action. I read the book in a couple of days, propelled through the pages by its short, fast-paced chapters and Onyebuchi's cinematic storytelling. I'm not much for sci-fi, but the Iron Man-ish tech in this story is really cool. I got confused at times, especially when it came to the differences between red-bloods, Augments, synths, cyberization, etc., but I actually enjoyed reading about it all, which surprises me since robots and such are really not my thing at all. Although her part in the novel is sadly miniscule, the android Enyemaka might actually be my favorite character in the book.
Maybe it's not too surprising in a war book, but WAR GIRLS is very much plot-driven, with not enough time spent on character development. As the star of the show, Onyii gets the most "screen" time and is thus the most complex member of the cast. While she's sympathetic and likable in her devotion to and protection of her war sisters, her crafting still isn't intricate enough for her to feel like a real person. Ichy's character development is even thinner. I still liked these two and wanted the best for them, but I didn't feel as emotionally invested in their plight as I wanted to. It was even more difficult to feel connected to any of the minor characters since they all blend together in one almost faceless lump. With no distinct personalities, I had a hard time keeping track of who was who. Since I didn't know them, I didn't care about them, and their deaths made little impact on my reader heart.
On the whole, I enjoyed WAR GIRLS. It's diverse; it has a strong, empowering feminist vibe; it's engrossing and action-packed; and it's thought-provoking. Richer character development and deeper connections between cast members would have given the story some much needed emotional depth. A more focused plot within the war framework would have helped the tale feel more focused and immersive as well.
If I could, I would give this book 3 1/2 stars. Since I can't, I'm rounding up.
At 422 pages, WAR GIRLS is a chunkster. Although it definitely could have used some chopping, there's plenty of action to keep the story moving along. In fact, it's mostly action. I read the book in a couple of days, propelled through the pages by its short, fast-paced chapters and Onyebuchi's cinematic storytelling. I'm not much for sci-fi, but the Iron Man-ish tech in this story is really cool. I got confused at times, especially when it came to the differences between red-bloods, Augments, synths, cyberization, etc., but I actually enjoyed reading about it all, which surprises me since robots and such are really not my thing at all. Although her part in the novel is sadly miniscule, the android Enyemaka might actually be my favorite character in the book.
Maybe it's not too surprising in a war book, but WAR GIRLS is very much plot-driven, with not enough time spent on character development. As the star of the show, Onyii gets the most "screen" time and is thus the most complex member of the cast. While she's sympathetic and likable in her devotion to and protection of her war sisters, her crafting still isn't intricate enough for her to feel like a real person. Ichy's character development is even thinner. I still liked these two and wanted the best for them, but I didn't feel as emotionally invested in their plight as I wanted to. It was even more difficult to feel connected to any of the minor characters since they all blend together in one almost faceless lump. With no distinct personalities, I had a hard time keeping track of who was who. Since I didn't know them, I didn't care about them, and their deaths made little impact on my reader heart.
On the whole, I enjoyed WAR GIRLS. It's diverse; it has a strong, empowering feminist vibe; it's engrossing and action-packed; and it's thought-provoking. Richer character development and deeper connections between cast members would have given the story some much needed emotional depth. A more focused plot within the war framework would have helped the tale feel more focused and immersive as well.
If I could, I would give this book 3 1/2 stars. Since I can't, I'm rounding up.
powisamy's review against another edition
4.0
I was really excited to read the book, when I discovered the book was part of the tour as it was compared to Black Panther although I didn't really know what it was about. I was, however, surprised by how much I did enjoy the story.
I did, however, find it slow at the beginning. There was a lot of world building which was slow going at first but when I got going I really enjoyed the book. I also did find some problems with the flashbacks but they didn't take away from my feelings on the book.
I think that one of the reasons that I connected to the story because it is a story of two sisters. I liked seeing both of their point of views as it showed the terrible sides of war and although one of the plot points is creepy to read about. It highlights the realities of war.
I think the book also does not shy away the realities of ar especially child soldiers which are a main point of the plot. I also think that it is really important that the book talks about the Biafran War and draws attention to it as it is a history that more people should know about.
Basically the book is really good which kept me engaged and had really good characters about an important issue.
The Verdict:
War Girls is a must read for YA fans blending fact and fiction perfectly.
I did, however, find it slow at the beginning. There was a lot of world building which was slow going at first but when I got going I really enjoyed the book. I also did find some problems with the flashbacks but they didn't take away from my feelings on the book.
I think that one of the reasons that I connected to the story because it is a story of two sisters. I liked seeing both of their point of views as it showed the terrible sides of war and although one of the plot points is creepy to read about. It highlights the realities of war.
I think the book also does not shy away the realities of ar especially child soldiers which are a main point of the plot. I also think that it is really important that the book talks about the Biafran War and draws attention to it as it is a history that more people should know about.
Basically the book is really good which kept me engaged and had really good characters about an important issue.
The Verdict:
War Girls is a must read for YA fans blending fact and fiction perfectly.
brigitte's review against another edition
I will come back, the library just wanted her back
saintswitchblade's review against another edition
4.0
I'm not usually a sci-fi fan but this book is great. A story about found family during a futuristic civil war, based on the actual Nigerian civil war of the 1960s, including queer part-robot women and misandry? Sign me up. Love when a man can write about how useless men are.
soveryaary's review against another edition
4.0
Couldn't put it down! So dramatic and raw. I'm tickled to death to find out there is a sequel. I will remember the characters of Onyii and Ify for quite a long time. Glad this book exists and can teach someone as unknowing as me about this conflict.
simoneandherbooks's review against another edition
4.0
In many ways, this book read more like a military fantasy than it did a science fiction novel. I mean, it's definitely science fiction. The detailed descriptions of their mechs, the technology called "Accents" built into their brains, and even going up to space were definitely signs of a well-built hard science fiction novel. But something about Tochi Onyebuchi's writing that makes this feel so much more than that. Perhaps it's because of his keen ability to get into the souls of these characters and bring together a world built on real life situations. Set in the future, but inspired directly by the Nigerian/Biafrin Civil War as well as other components like child soldiers, Tochi Onyebuchi really captivated me with this story.
I love this so much and I think it's because of how the story progresses. It starts off with these two young people, Ify and Onyii. In the beginning they're both on the same side of a pretty gruesome war. But when an explosion puts one of the girls on the other side, you get this really interesting glimpse as to how both sides of a war think and act. I really loved this aspect especially since there's always the good vs. evil dichotomy in fantasy and science fiction novels. But when both sides have a perspective, you get a much deeper idea of how complicated and frustrating war really can be for either party.
Ify and Onyii are also still very young and impressionable, so you can see how this dichotomy affects their decision making. I love that you see their growth as the book moves and it reminded me a lot the kinds of decisions a young person has to make that may affect everyone around them. And how the decision they make will affect not only them, but their friends and their community. As the book draws closer to them finally meeting each other again, you can see how their decisions play out and how the people they learned to trust may not be the people they should trust. It made the story so complex especially while they're fighting a war. You want them to be on the good side, but how can you tell that? Do you follow the people who say this is good or do you make the judgment yourself? Just something that I thought about.
The action in this book was so good! I loved the usage of mechs because I feel like I only see them in Japanese anime or the Transformers movies (lol). Even though I enjoyed seeing them used in the book, there's definitely that menacing feeling that giant mechanical robots can only bring. It brings a real sense to how dark this war is. And to speak to that, there was so much darkness in the story as well. Everything from the child soldiers to the quick judgments on who are traitors to the lack of resources to the climate change to betrayal and loyalties to the young android-esque child suicide bombers to the pain and suffering and loss of everyone you knew just brought out the real sadness and horrors of war. If the real Nigerian/Biafran Civil War was similar to what Tochi Onyebuchi writes in this novel, then all I can say is that it sounded so devastating. War is cruel and it's definitely prevalent here.
I think the only thing I wasn't a fan of was the slow burning middle parts. I think that they definitely added to the story, but this wasn't action packed from beginning to end. There was definitely some political and military intrigue that needed to happen, but it was a little too dry for me.
Overall, super intriguing story that really got my attention and I can't wait for Rebel Sisters to be out! I've already got my e-arc of it and will definitely be reading it in the upcoming months!
I love this so much and I think it's because of how the story progresses. It starts off with these two young people, Ify and Onyii. In the beginning they're both on the same side of a pretty gruesome war. But when an explosion puts one of the girls on the other side, you get this really interesting glimpse as to how both sides of a war think and act. I really loved this aspect especially since there's always the good vs. evil dichotomy in fantasy and science fiction novels. But when both sides have a perspective, you get a much deeper idea of how complicated and frustrating war really can be for either party.
Ify and Onyii are also still very young and impressionable, so you can see how this dichotomy affects their decision making. I love that you see their growth as the book moves and it reminded me a lot the kinds of decisions a young person has to make that may affect everyone around them. And how the decision they make will affect not only them, but their friends and their community. As the book draws closer to them finally meeting each other again, you can see how their decisions play out and how the people they learned to trust may not be the people they should trust. It made the story so complex especially while they're fighting a war. You want them to be on the good side, but how can you tell that? Do you follow the people who say this is good or do you make the judgment yourself? Just something that I thought about.
The action in this book was so good! I loved the usage of mechs because I feel like I only see them in Japanese anime or the Transformers movies (lol). Even though I enjoyed seeing them used in the book, there's definitely that menacing feeling that giant mechanical robots can only bring. It brings a real sense to how dark this war is. And to speak to that, there was so much darkness in the story as well. Everything from the child soldiers to the quick judgments on who are traitors to the lack of resources to the climate change to betrayal and loyalties to the young android-esque child suicide bombers to the pain and suffering and loss of everyone you knew just brought out the real sadness and horrors of war. If the real Nigerian/Biafran Civil War was similar to what Tochi Onyebuchi writes in this novel, then all I can say is that it sounded so devastating. War is cruel and it's definitely prevalent here.
I think the only thing I wasn't a fan of was the slow burning middle parts. I think that they definitely added to the story, but this wasn't action packed from beginning to end. There was definitely some political and military intrigue that needed to happen, but it was a little too dry for me.
Overall, super intriguing story that really got my attention and I can't wait for Rebel Sisters to be out! I've already got my e-arc of it and will definitely be reading it in the upcoming months!