Title and Author of the Book: We Rule the Night by Claire Eliza Bartlett

Plot Overview (from Goodreads): Seventeen-year-old Revna is a factory worker, manufacturing war machines for the Union of the North. When she’s caught using illegal magic, she fears being branded a traitor and imprisoned. Meanwhile, on the front lines, Linné defied her father, a Union general, and disguised herself as a boy to join the army. They’re both offered a reprieve from punishment if they use their magic in a special women’s military flight unit and undertake terrifying, deadly missions under cover of darkness. Revna and Linné can hardly stand to be in the same cockpit, but if they can’t fly together, and if they can’t find a way to fly well, the enemy’s superior firepower will destroy them–if they don’t destroy each other first.

Critique: My favorite character was Linné. She was a very powerful character in the book (even if she may not have had the power of the magical Weave). She would stand by and up for what she believed in, like fighting for her country even if women weren’t allowed to fight on the front.

One thing about the book that I wish was different was the fact that there was no map! Throughout the story, I was constantly reminded of landmarks that the Night Raiders would fly by, but did not have a map to relate to. I kept on thinking of Lord of the Rings as I thought about this, and how cool it would be to see where the Union was in relation to Elda (also because I could only think of Russia when the scenes were being set).

I really enjoyed the mix of magic and history, as this story was based on the Night Witches of World War 2. I had heard of the Night Witches before reading this book, so it was super cool to read a fiction book based on these women. I also really enjoyed the fact that the main plot was not about a romantic relationship (like a lot of YA books are, I feel) but rather an unlikely friendship between the two main characters.

Title and Author of the Book: We Rule the Night by Claire Eliza Bartlett

Plot Overview (from Goodreads): Seventeen-year-old Revna is a factory worker, manufacturing war machines for the Union of the North. When she’s caught using illegal magic, she fears being branded a traitor and imprisoned. Meanwhile, on the front lines, Linné defied her father, a Union general, and disguised herself as a boy to join the army. They’re both offered a reprieve from punishment if they use their magic in a special women’s military flight unit and undertake terrifying, deadly missions under cover of darkness. Revna and Linné can hardly stand to be in the same cockpit, but if they can’t fly together, and if they can’t find a way to fly well, the enemy’s superior firepower will destroy them–if they don’t destroy each other first.

Critique: My favorite character was Linné because of her relatable personality and physical and mental strenght through everything her and Revna went through. She was also very empowering because she joined the Union even though she could be busted by her father, the General. I thought this book was especially intriguing because it was not the usual romance that is associated with YA novels. It was more of a friendship book which really cought my attention throughout the entire book. If I could change anything it would be the beginning. The beginning was intriguing but I wanted to know more about Revna and how her family sought out the Weave, which were the special powers she had.

Cover Critique: The cover reflected the story very nicely. It tied into the fact that the Weave, the supernatural power, was a string-type thing and was very powerful, referring to the bird on the front.

Recommendation: I would tell a friend that this book shows friendship between people you least expect and how to be a true friend. It also shows a compelling aspect of a supernatural power made from an ordinary object in real life.

Star Rating: 4/5