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ammbooks's review against another edition
4.0
"If you are dying of thirst, one drop of that dirty water will feel like the best water you have ever tasted. When you are dying of thirst, you will drink it all without question. And after so much thirst, you will not even listen to those who are trying to tell you that there is another well twenty feet away.” Pretty much says it all for any type of prejudice. Heart wrenching and loved the female perspective of child soldiers. But so sad that these types of conflicts are ongoing worldwide.
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.