aaron_j136's review
dnf @ 20% I am not enjoying the writing in this book so I am putting it down for now. may pick it up again one day- great story just not so great writing
theshaggyshepherd's review
5.0
War Girls by Tochi Onyebuchi is a book that takes a horrific event in history and turns it into a futuristic story to bring awareness to the world in a way that draws you in and makes you want to learn more about the actual history of this war. Like so many other readers that will be drawn to this book by the beautiful cover and promise of a new adventure, I came into this knowing nothing about the Biafran War. While the word Biafran seemed familiar, I would not have been able to tell you one single detail about this even in history but this book has me yearning to learn more. I appreciate the Author's Note at the end of the book that directs the readers to further reading about this.
Onyii and Ify are two characters that could not be less alike - one a strong leader that will do anything for the people she loves and the other a studious follower intent to believe what she is told in order to survive and attempt to enjoy her life. But throughout the book, they both are thrown into situations they struggle to handle, they both grow into women stronger than they themselves could have imagined, and they both make decisions they never would have expected to be forced to make. Two desperate but strong women show us the struggle of life during war times and what that can turn you into, but also how redemptive everything can turn out to be. War Girls is a beautiful and educational story that every girl should read.
Onyii and Ify are two characters that could not be less alike - one a strong leader that will do anything for the people she loves and the other a studious follower intent to believe what she is told in order to survive and attempt to enjoy her life. But throughout the book, they both are thrown into situations they struggle to handle, they both grow into women stronger than they themselves could have imagined, and they both make decisions they never would have expected to be forced to make. Two desperate but strong women show us the struggle of life during war times and what that can turn you into, but also how redemptive everything can turn out to be. War Girls is a beautiful and educational story that every girl should read.
tampax's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- 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
3.0
tjayreadsbooks's review
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
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
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
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.5