Excellent research on Japan during the end of WW2 and interesting what-if scenario of a 3rd atomic bomb, undetonated, in Japan. 

I’ve not read much, of Japan itself during the war, mostly the countries it occupied or the POW camps in isolated places, so I liked reading about the landscape and attitude from that perspective. 

There is so much controversy and moral dilemma about the atomic bombs, whether it was necessary to end the war, and regardless, the depravity of doing so on civilians. I thought this was presented well and the information in the author’s notes was super interesting to that effect. 

The characters - both heroes and villains - were well written, and I enjoyed the story, as sad as the undertone was. It touched on grief, duty, loyalty, fear, friendship and sacrifice, while also building the story and setting of Japan during the war. 

Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are mine