this isn't a war book. not in way we normally see in YA fiction, in which an ordinary girl saves the world.

it is, though, about war. about war, and sacrifices, and friendship, and reality, and loss.

the good:
- NO ROMANCE
- DID YOU HEAR ME SAY NO ROMANCE?
- THIS BOOK HAS NO ROMANCE
- disability rep which i can't judge properly, but seemed really well-done
- the magic system is incredibly creative
- russian setting inspired by the soviet union
- enemies-to-lovers-except-they-just-become-friends
- all-female pilot squad! they fly living metal! female empowerment! sorority bonding!
- FEMINIST AF

the bad:
- the writing is awkward at times
- the ending was too abrupt for me
- the magic system still confuses me

i expected more, i'll admit, but it's still a really fucking solid debut.