emily_mh's review
adventurous
challenging
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
I really liked the art style of this graphic novel, in particular the use of lighting and the extraordinary amount of detail in the illustrations. I loved the discussion it held on colonisation, both on its effects and on the narratives that fulfil it and what creates and sustains those narratives. I particularly liked the exploration of military and history as tools of colonialism; the illustration of how the military is romanticised so it can exploit vulnerable people as recruits was also excellent. However, I thought Aiza's character development from pro- to anti-colonisation was a little rapid, and the fact that . I think telling this story as series or even a duology would have provided the space for these developments occur without being rushed. Another criticism I had is that while the sense of the world I got from the art was strong, the worldbuilding was lacking in the actual narrative. Regardless of these two critiques, I did enjoy reading this story and following Aiza in her journey!
Spoiler
half the recruits changed their mind on colonisation after one discussion was downright unbelievable
Content Warnings
Graphic: Colonisation, War, Blood, Fire/Fire injury, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Violence and Injury/injury detail
Minor: Ableism, Physical abuse, Death, Cursing, and Torture
Major: ethnic racism Minor: famine, capital punishment
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