A review by bookbrig
War Girls by Tochi Onyebuchi

adventurous challenging medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

If you're in the mood for action packed sci-fi with intricate world building and real world parallels you should absolutely pick this up. It's got amazing mech fights, fascinating and heartbreaking interpersonal stuff, and wonderfully complex teen girls. Also it's set during a civil war, so the violence feels guttingly realistic at times (hi, when you get to the part with roses call me if you are also VERY UPSET).

My favorite bit is the first of the 3 segments, as I got to know the main characters and learn about the technology and world. I particularly love the balletic and cinematic way Onyebuchi writes the mech fights and the other battles, giving the story a hectic and overwhelming feel during those scenes. For my taste, some of the later parts a little slow after the opening action, but ymmv depending on how you like your sci-fi. I also have some spoilery thoughts about frustrations with a few characters' motivations, if you do read this and want to talk!

Finally, read the author's note. I knew so little about the actual history that inspired this story, so I'm planning to read several of the non-fiction titles referenced in the note. 
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