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tashaseegmiller's review
5.0
I knew I wanted to read this book the first time that I heard about it. But what it ended up being was so much more than I would have ever imagined. There is the pacing that one would expect from a book about pilots during WWII, moments when the reader is forced to hold their breath because . . . because (spoiler free people), but in between, before and after, Runyan infuses the lives of these characters with loves and passions and doubts. We get to see a deep desire to break through the glass ceiling, and a desire to still claim their femininity while doing so. I couldn't read this book fast because I didn't WANT to read this book fast. The writing is lush, the descriptions full of life, and somehow, WWII Russia became a world I wanted to stay in a little longer. Brilliant.
camillermc's review
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
katrenia's review
5.0
A great book depicting the service of women in the Russian army during WW2. I love when I learn something while being entertained. The ending had me shedding a few tears. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a good wrap up.
The Audible narrator was just ok. I enjoyed her accent. She spoke incredibly slowly, so I had to use 1.25 speed. There wasn’t much distinction between characters.
The Audible narrator was just ok. I enjoyed her accent. She spoke incredibly slowly, so I had to use 1.25 speed. There wasn’t much distinction between characters.
dalyn84's review
5.0
Thoughtfully written novel based on true events during world war II with focus on the contributions of women to service.
ja3m3's review
3.0
I really enjoyed the storyline and the details about the fighting unit in Russia. I thought the dialogue was very predictable and somewhat juvenile thus the 3 stars.
universe500's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
tonyriver's review
4.0
I enjoyed this book - interesting strong and unusual characters, fascinating place and time. I confess to not having heard of the amazing group of women this story is based on and was compelled to look them up on Google.
Well written and compelling story with of course the inevitable grief and loss that goes with war. These women felt they were on the side of righteousness, although they began to see that Stalin has his flaws as well!
Well written and compelling story with of course the inevitable grief and loss that goes with war. These women felt they were on the side of righteousness, although they began to see that Stalin has his flaws as well!
mmm___'s review against another edition
3.0
Good concept for a novel. But the author made the protagonist and her immediate companions way too important. A little too sappy too. I feel like the story could have been told differently and much more effectively.
kerrylonsdale's review
5.0
DAUGHTERS OF THE NIGHT SKY is a heart-pounding, epic tale about an incredibly brave squadron of Russian WWII female fighter pilots. Through the eyes of Katya, Aimie K. Runyan, takes us through their harrowing adventures and the roller coaster ride of love and loss in war. Runyan weaves an unputdownable story of bravery, perseverance, and sacrifice. This is a stunner of a novel that I found truly inspiring and well worth the read.
novelesque_life's review
3.0
SYNOPSIS:
A novel—inspired by the most celebrated regiment in the Red Army—about a woman’s sacrifice, courage, and love in a time of war.
Russia, 1941. Katya Ivanova is a young pilot in a far-flung military academy in the Ural Mountains. From childhood, she’s dreamed of taking to the skies to escape her bleak mountain life. With the Nazis on the march across Europe, she is called on to use her wings to serve her country in its darkest hour. Not even the entreaties of her new husband—a sensitive artist who fears for her safety—can dissuade her from doing her part as a proud daughter of Russia. After years of arduous training, Katya is assigned to the 588th Night Bomber Regiment—one of the only Soviet air units comprised entirely of women. The Germans quickly learn to fear nocturnal raids by the daring fliers they call “Night Witches.” But the brutal campaign will exact a bitter toll on Katya and her sisters-in- arms. When the smoke of war clears, nothing will ever be the same—and one of Russia’s most decorated military heroines will face the most agonizing choice of all. (From Publisher)
DAUGHTERS OF THE NIGHT SKY
Written by Aimie K. Runyan
JANUARY 2018; Lake Union Publishing (316 Pages)
Genre: fiction, historical fiction, war, world war II, women, Russia, Romance
RATING: 2.5 STARS
I was very intrigued with this novel's synopsis. It was not only a book featuring a woman set during World War II, but it takes place in Russia. I have not read many fiction books about or set in Russia, especially not a book like Daughter in the Night Sky. I may have had too high expectations as I found the the novel hard to get into and hold my attention. Often I read several pages and it seemed like much had happened. I am very picky about romances...in that it either clicks with me or it doesn't. I felt Katya a bit wooden in this aspect. What I did like about the book was the passion behind the book, about the subject matter. I am looking forward to researching more about this time in Russia and about the women in the war.
***I received an eARC from the PUBLISHER via NETGALLEY***
My Novelesque Blog
A novel—inspired by the most celebrated regiment in the Red Army—about a woman’s sacrifice, courage, and love in a time of war.
Russia, 1941. Katya Ivanova is a young pilot in a far-flung military academy in the Ural Mountains. From childhood, she’s dreamed of taking to the skies to escape her bleak mountain life. With the Nazis on the march across Europe, she is called on to use her wings to serve her country in its darkest hour. Not even the entreaties of her new husband—a sensitive artist who fears for her safety—can dissuade her from doing her part as a proud daughter of Russia. After years of arduous training, Katya is assigned to the 588th Night Bomber Regiment—one of the only Soviet air units comprised entirely of women. The Germans quickly learn to fear nocturnal raids by the daring fliers they call “Night Witches.” But the brutal campaign will exact a bitter toll on Katya and her sisters-in- arms. When the smoke of war clears, nothing will ever be the same—and one of Russia’s most decorated military heroines will face the most agonizing choice of all. (From Publisher)
DAUGHTERS OF THE NIGHT SKY
Written by Aimie K. Runyan
JANUARY 2018; Lake Union Publishing (316 Pages)
Genre: fiction, historical fiction, war, world war II, women, Russia, Romance
RATING: 2.5 STARS
I was very intrigued with this novel's synopsis. It was not only a book featuring a woman set during World War II, but it takes place in Russia. I have not read many fiction books about or set in Russia, especially not a book like Daughter in the Night Sky. I may have had too high expectations as I found the the novel hard to get into and hold my attention. Often I read several pages and it seemed like much had happened. I am very picky about romances...in that it either clicks with me or it doesn't. I felt Katya a bit wooden in this aspect. What I did like about the book was the passion behind the book, about the subject matter. I am looking forward to researching more about this time in Russia and about the women in the war.
***I received an eARC from the PUBLISHER via NETGALLEY***
My Novelesque Blog