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tjayreadsbooks's review against another edition
3.0
I almost gave up on this book. I as well had no prior knowledge of the Nigerian Civil War. I knew this book was based on that but I mean I have read many other books based on factual events I had no idea about and that did not stop me from enjoying a good story.
What really got me was in the first half of the book all of the jumping back and forth. I was like was there a plane crash ? IS that the same plane crash or is this a second one? Wait when did that one happen. It was just a lot. I was tempted to just give up on it but I kept going and the second half of the book it got better and I could see why there was a second book. So all of that to say it might be confusing but just keep reading and it does get better.
What really got me was in the first half of the book all of the jumping back and forth. I was like was there a plane crash ? IS that the same plane crash or is this a second one? Wait when did that one happen. It was just a lot. I was tempted to just give up on it but I kept going and the second half of the book it got better and I could see why there was a second book. So all of that to say it might be confusing but just keep reading and it does get better.
nibui's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
gwensadventure's review against another edition
4.0
War Girls is a dystopian like none other. I have read literally hundreds of dystopians, but never anything like this. It is a cool captivating story but also dives deeper in a non cheesy way. Although this story is set in the future, it is loosely based on the Nigerian civil war. Part of what makes this story particularly unique is that it's not based on American culture, but rather centered in Nigeria. It is a commentary on wars, child soliders and the climate crisis told through the adventures of some BA girls who are out to fight for what is right
I would reccomend this book to people who like dystopian but are tired of reading (essentially) the same book over and over, people looking to broaden their horizons and read books with diverse settings and those looking to learn about world history throuh a fictional story.
I would reccomend this book to people who like dystopian but are tired of reading (essentially) the same book over and over, people looking to broaden their horizons and read books with diverse settings and those looking to learn about world history throuh a fictional story.
anneb42's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars, I think. A little bit Nigerian civil war, a little bit Transformers, and a little post apocalyptic radiation hellscape. I enjoyed the writing style and really liked some parts, but I don’t think I’ll pick up the rest of the series.
valesea's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.5
reindeerbandit's review against another edition
5.0
a devastating history lesson, beautifully written. i have to recommend you do not read it before bed though because i had some horrifying dreams.
okinmybook's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
susanatherly's review against another edition
3.0
If I break this down by parts:
Part 1 - *****
Part 2 - ****
Part 3 - **
Author's Notes - *****
This novel has important things to say. About child soldiers. About civil war's devastating impact on ordinary people. About the choices governments make after civil wars. About colonialism. About the Biafra/Nigerian Civil War. I consider it important enough that I think it should be read in high schools.
So why 3 stars? I have personal experience living through civil unrest. I have personal experience of not having a childhood and of being a child forced into an adult role too young. I am happy the author never went through that.
Most readers won't feel what is missing because he did his homework and knows people who experienced this first hand. It was probably the right choice to write a softer take on reality. Maybe knowing what is missing just made me sad.
That said, the story has lots of action and great characters, and while I won't be reading the sequel, you probably should.
Part 1 - *****
Part 2 - ****
Part 3 - **
Author's Notes - *****
This novel has important things to say. About child soldiers. About civil war's devastating impact on ordinary people. About the choices governments make after civil wars. About colonialism. About the Biafra/Nigerian Civil War. I consider it important enough that I think it should be read in high schools.
So why 3 stars? I have personal experience living through civil unrest. I have personal experience of not having a childhood and of being a child forced into an adult role too young. I am happy the author never went through that.
Most readers won't feel what is missing because he did his homework and knows people who experienced this first hand. It was probably the right choice to write a softer take on reality. Maybe knowing what is missing just made me sad.
That said, the story has lots of action and great characters, and while I won't be reading the sequel, you probably should.