This was an interesting read. More than anything else, though, this book made me want to read more stuff from this author.

This was a sad and hopeful love story. I love it so much. It's sweet and depressing, but wonderfully so.

I often feel like I'm missing something when I read Nnedi Okorafor's writing, but I never feel like I'm missing out - if that makes sense. It's always such an interesting read and I'm always left wanting more.

I hate to write reviews that say "I already knew all this" because it sounds negative, but for me it isn't. Sometimes validation that what I've "just known" is really nice. And really, don't most millennials "just know" most of what is in this book. We know it, but then are told by older generations that we're delusional and then, well... This book happens because we already knew it. Now it's time everyone else knew it.

This book was inspiring, informative, and interesting - and I might like alliteration a bit much.

I read Boxers and Saints one right after the other essentially as one book. As they overlap timeframe and just follow different people, I'm going to write one review for the two.

I'm aware that this is a fictional story regarding a real war, but I'm not sure what my takeaway should be. Like, is this a critique of religious zealotry inciting violence in general? Was it meant to be point out how crappy it is to overrun a people's culture because you think you're right and they're wrong?

We get both sides. And we're kind of led to believe that both sides are right.

BUT, the invaders' side (Saints) is presented by a Chinese girl who seemingly barely understand the religion she's been adopted into. She grows into more understanding, but still not much. Her father seemingly had delusions and now she sees people that aren't there, too. So is she a reliable narrator?

The "rebels" are Chinese people that are rejecting the invaders and their religion, which should be acceptable, but is it? They're killing everyone - women and children, too. And are they delusional? They seem to think a ritual turns them into actual gods. The leader sees people that no one else sees. How reliable is his narration?

Maybe the takeaway is just that life is messy and complicated and there's no simple answer for things? But I feel like there's at least one simple solution here: don't force your beliefs on others and don't try to change others' briefs unless they are causing harm with their beliefs.

I read Boxers and Saints one right after the other essentially as one book. As they overlap timeframe and just follow different people, I'm going to write one review for the two.

I'm aware that this is a fictional story regarding a real war, but I'm not sure what my takeaway should be. Like, is this a critique of religious zealotry inciting violence in general? Was it meant to be point out how crappy it is to overrun a people's culture because you think you're right and they're wrong?

We get both sides. And we're kind of led to believe that both sides are right.

BUT, the invaders' side (Saints) is presented by a Chinese girl who seemingly barely understand the religion she's been adopted into. She grows into more understanding, but still not much. Her father seemingly had delusions and now she sees people that aren't there, too. So is she a reliable narrator?

The "rebels" are Chinese people that are rejecting the invaders and their religion, which should be acceptable, but is it? They're killing everyone - women and children, too. And are they delusional? They seem to think a ritual turns them into actual gods. The leader sees people that no one else sees. How reliable is his narration?

Maybe the takeaway is just that life is messy and complicated and there's no simple answer for things? But I feel like there's at least one simple solution here: don't force your beliefs on others and don't try to change others' briefs unless they are causing harm with their beliefs.

This was such a sweet story. Aster is such a delightful character, he just wants to do what he knows he's is born to do - witchcraft. But as a bit, he's not allowed. Regardless, he's kind throughout everything. I appreciate kindness in my books more than almost anything else.

Aster and Charlie meet a witch who thinks she's the only one and is dealing with the emotional trauma of having been bullied and growing up as an orphan. Kindness is still such an important aspect of this story.

Aster's family welcomes Ariel with open arms, but without full disclosure of what the adults know about her. Once more, kindness is so important.

Oh my Nokley! Snap is absolutely delightful and her friend Lu is so adorable!!! And the whole backstory of everything is just wonderful. I audibly reacted to so much throughout the book, and even teared up a few times.