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trin's review
5.0
A masterful blend of action and history, bolstered by fantastic characters. I love this series. I know it's going to emotionally destroy me in the end, but I love it.
mariawjw's review
4.0
4,5 stars!
After waiting for over a year to read this book, you can not imagine how happy I was when it arrived in a box at my house and I was able to read it in it's full glory.
I was afraid of what everybody calls the "middle book syndrome" where the second book in a trilogy is quite boring when you compare it with the first and last book. But believe me, this book is not sick! It was actually better than the first! Or at least, more exciting.
Where do I start with this?
Silver Stars is about girls who turned into women during one of the darkest periods of our world. Where in Front Lines they were "greenies", their soul is now beyond their physical years. They face horrible, cruel and brutal things.
I have recommended Front Lines to almost anybody who loves to read and I am going to do the same with Silver Stars.
The only reason this book has 4,5 stars and not 5 is due to the fact that I think certain aspects could have been explored more than the book does. We get a lot of Rio Richlin, but not that much Rainy and Frangie, which if you ask me, is a shame as they all are interesting characters we've grown to love.
Throughout the book I thought to myself, this writing is amazing, the storyline is interesting and most importantly, this book visualizes everything. You can see the horror these women go through, something that is very hard to write.
So wrapping this review up, I can only say:
Read this amazing series!
After waiting for over a year to read this book, you can not imagine how happy I was when it arrived in a box at my house and I was able to read it in it's full glory.
I was afraid of what everybody calls the "middle book syndrome" where the second book in a trilogy is quite boring when you compare it with the first and last book. But believe me, this book is not sick! It was actually better than the first! Or at least, more exciting.
Where do I start with this?
Silver Stars is about girls who turned into women during one of the darkest periods of our world. Where in Front Lines they were "greenies", their soul is now beyond their physical years. They face horrible, cruel and brutal things.
I have recommended Front Lines to almost anybody who loves to read and I am going to do the same with Silver Stars.
The only reason this book has 4,5 stars and not 5 is due to the fact that I think certain aspects could have been explored more than the book does. We get a lot of Rio Richlin, but not that much Rainy and Frangie, which if you ask me, is a shame as they all are interesting characters we've grown to love.
Throughout the book I thought to myself, this writing is amazing, the storyline is interesting and most importantly, this book visualizes everything. You can see the horror these women go through, something that is very hard to write.
So wrapping this review up, I can only say:
Read this amazing series!
infinite_tbr's review against another edition
5.0
This book is definitely the best one I’ve read this month and is the running for the best read this year! In Silver Stars, Michael Grant brings us back into World War II as the Allies begin their push into Italy from Northern Africa. Our heroines - Frangie, Rio, and Rainy - have all shown their mettle, now we get to see them truly become heroes.
If you didn’t know, these books reimagine World War II but with the US enlisting and drafting women right alongside the men. I love it! We get to see the war in truly graphic detail, face the sexism and racism of the time, and empathize with amazing characters. I can’t put words to how important I think all of those things are, especially with current political movements pushing back against much of the progress that’s been made to combat sexism and racism. I also like that not all of the characters actively fight against these things. Frangie can’t push back without risking her life!
And Michael Grant does not shy away from the horrors of World War II. Multiple characters die in battle - in one scene, Rio talks about having to climb over bloated corpses as they advance on the German position. We see the Gestapo and the atrocities they committed. The fight for Italy was brutal,and despite writing for YA, Grant doesn’t pull back any of gore and fear.
I really can’t say enough positive things about this book. How often do we get to read narrative fiction about female soldiers that feels authentic. We watch these girls grown into women and harden themselves to survive the horrors they are experiencing. We see the camaraderie between Rio’s platoon members despite their differences. We also have amazing moments when they talk about boys and their personal lives, just like most 18-year-old girls do.
If you didn’t know, these books reimagine World War II but with the US enlisting and drafting women right alongside the men. I love it! We get to see the war in truly graphic detail, face the sexism and racism of the time, and empathize with amazing characters. I can’t put words to how important I think all of those things are, especially with current political movements pushing back against much of the progress that’s been made to combat sexism and racism. I also like that not all of the characters actively fight against these things. Frangie can’t push back without risking her life!
And Michael Grant does not shy away from the horrors of World War II. Multiple characters die in battle - in one scene, Rio talks about having to climb over bloated corpses as they advance on the German position. We see the Gestapo and the atrocities they committed. The fight for Italy was brutal,and despite writing for YA, Grant doesn’t pull back any of gore and fear.
I really can’t say enough positive things about this book. How often do we get to read narrative fiction about female soldiers that feels authentic. We watch these girls grown into women and harden themselves to survive the horrors they are experiencing. We see the camaraderie between Rio’s platoon members despite their differences. We also have amazing moments when they talk about boys and their personal lives, just like most 18-year-old girls do.
ifyouhappentoremember's review against another edition
3.0
It has been well over four years (yikes!!!!) since I've read the first book in the series, [b: Front Lines|18743370|Front Lines (Front Lines, #1)|Michael Grant|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1434989382l/18743370._SY75_.jpg|26623929]. I remember enjoying it and being sucked into this alternative history.
With Silver Stars, however, my feelings are more lukewarm and I am struggling to figure out why. Maybe there was too much time in between my reading of the first and second book so I forgot/lost the emotional connection I had to the characters and events of the story. Perhaps my reading tastes have gradually changed over time. Whatever the reason, I was mildly entertained but mostly bored during the duration of time I spent reading this book. I had the same entertainment level as one would have when watching a squirrel climb a tree. And I can't really point to a singular reason as to why. In this installment, the stakes got higher, the characters forced to make harder choices and, the consequences of those actions had serious repercussions - and none of it made much impact on me.
I don't plan on reading the final book in the series. I just don't care enough to finish what I started.
With Silver Stars, however, my feelings are more lukewarm and I am struggling to figure out why. Maybe there was too much time in between my reading of the first and second book so I forgot/lost the emotional connection I had to the characters and events of the story. Perhaps my reading tastes have gradually changed over time. Whatever the reason, I was mildly entertained but mostly bored during the duration of time I spent reading this book. I had the same entertainment level as one would have when watching a squirrel climb a tree. And I can't really point to a singular reason as to why. In this installment, the stakes got higher, the characters forced to make harder choices and, the consequences of those actions had serious repercussions - and none of it made much impact on me.
I don't plan on reading the final book in the series. I just don't care enough to finish what I started.
saskiamenu's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
lovelylittlelostgirl_'s review
4.0
I couldn't put it down. I love the main characters and how far they have come.
thekawaiislartibartfast's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
powisamy's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars
Front Lines was one of my favourite books of last year, and Silver Stars does not disappoint. The characters are developed, the world is dangerous, and the harm is around every corner. It makes for a tense and enjoyable read, and I will continue to love it. It is fair to say that I can't wait for the next book.
Longer Review soon...
Book Review Summary:
Front Lines was one of my favourite books of last year, and Silver Stars does not disappoint. The characters are developed, the world is dangerous, and the harm is around every corner. It makes for a tense and enjoyable read, and I will continue to love it. It is fair to say that I can't wait for the next book.
Book Review:
Silver Stars as previously stated is the sequel to Front Lines, an alternative WWII novel where women, soldier girls, can serve in the US army. The book follows Rio, a soldier, Frangie, the medic and Rainy, the intelligence as they go through the ordeals of war.
OK so I'm just going to say it, I loved this book. I am always slightly scared when reading sequels because most of them often act for filler books, this is obviously not the case for Silver Stars. Silver Stars packs the same punch that Front Lines have but the stakes are so much higher.
We see the true casualties of war and this is not shied away from with descriptions of how these come to be. Although this was an element that I enjoyed, those who don't like gory details may find this slightly off-putting although this does not cover a large amount of the book if you were worried about this.
Character development has also a massive part that I loved this book especially seeing more about Frangie and Rainey whose stories are developed in this book. We get to seen the fire of Rainy who has a very important mission in this book which shows the strength of her character showing that women are just as brave as men and are equally as capable.
Frangie also is developed as a character and knowing more about her past and her relationship with her brother was nice to see in this book. Although we do see her develop in Silver Stars, I would love to see more of her character in Purple Hearts so if I had any complaints about this book then it would be more Frangie. I think using Frangie's character to see racism at the time is something that I also really like about this series, because to just ignore it would be ignoring a part of history that needs to be told. So this is something that I also like.
Rio is a massive part of the series and again we see massive development from her especially about the effect that war can have on people. She is such a determined and likeable character that I can't help not but like her. Rio's relationship with Jenou is just wonderful. I like that in times of war, a female friendship can still be developed and be complicated as this is something that you still don't see in YA books but you should. I also love Jack so much and his relationship with Rio but something in my head tells me that it will not end well so I feel like Purple Hearts will probably make me cry.
Basically, I loved Silver Stars and can't wait for Purple Hearts and if you haven't read this series yet you should!
The Verdict:
Silver Stars is a wonderful sequel to one of my favourite books of last year and to beat this is a massive task in itself. But Silver Stars did and it too is one of my favourite books. I highly recommend this series being a highly unique twist on WWII literature with a feminist touch.
Front Lines was one of my favourite books of last year, and Silver Stars does not disappoint. The characters are developed, the world is dangerous, and the harm is around every corner. It makes for a tense and enjoyable read, and I will continue to love it. It is fair to say that I can't wait for the next book.
Longer Review soon...
Book Review Summary:
Front Lines was one of my favourite books of last year, and Silver Stars does not disappoint. The characters are developed, the world is dangerous, and the harm is around every corner. It makes for a tense and enjoyable read, and I will continue to love it. It is fair to say that I can't wait for the next book.
Book Review:
Silver Stars as previously stated is the sequel to Front Lines, an alternative WWII novel where women, soldier girls, can serve in the US army. The book follows Rio, a soldier, Frangie, the medic and Rainy, the intelligence as they go through the ordeals of war.
OK so I'm just going to say it, I loved this book. I am always slightly scared when reading sequels because most of them often act for filler books, this is obviously not the case for Silver Stars. Silver Stars packs the same punch that Front Lines have but the stakes are so much higher.
We see the true casualties of war and this is not shied away from with descriptions of how these come to be. Although this was an element that I enjoyed, those who don't like gory details may find this slightly off-putting although this does not cover a large amount of the book if you were worried about this.
Character development has also a massive part that I loved this book especially seeing more about Frangie and Rainey whose stories are developed in this book. We get to seen the fire of Rainy who has a very important mission in this book which shows the strength of her character showing that women are just as brave as men and are equally as capable.
Frangie also is developed as a character and knowing more about her past and her relationship with her brother was nice to see in this book. Although we do see her develop in Silver Stars, I would love to see more of her character in Purple Hearts so if I had any complaints about this book then it would be more Frangie. I think using Frangie's character to see racism at the time is something that I also really like about this series, because to just ignore it would be ignoring a part of history that needs to be told. So this is something that I also like.
Rio is a massive part of the series and again we see massive development from her especially about the effect that war can have on people. She is such a determined and likeable character that I can't help not but like her. Rio's relationship with Jenou is just wonderful. I like that in times of war, a female friendship can still be developed and be complicated as this is something that you still don't see in YA books but you should. I also love Jack so much and his relationship with Rio but something in my head tells me that it will not end well so I feel like Purple Hearts will probably make me cry.
Basically, I loved Silver Stars and can't wait for Purple Hearts and if you haven't read this series yet you should!
The Verdict:
Silver Stars is a wonderful sequel to one of my favourite books of last year and to beat this is a massive task in itself. But Silver Stars did and it too is one of my favourite books. I highly recommend this series being a highly unique twist on WWII literature with a feminist touch.
meowzik's review
5.0
Silver Stars is an explosive step up from [b:Front Lines|18743370|Front Lines (Soldier Girl, #1)|Michael Grant|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1434989382s/18743370.jpg|26623929], which was a great read. Grant continues to seamlessly blend history with his own alternate history, brilliant characters, and an amazing plot. The war continues for Rio, Rainy, and Frangie - and despite the grim storylines for all three girls, Grant keeps it gritty and realistic without making it depressing to read. It was an excellent read and I can't wait for the next one!
futuristic_cashews's review
Michael Grant is an excellent author and an admirable person -one I deeply respect- however, I feel like he doesn’t reach his full potential. This was a great book - but not a masterpiece, not something you cannot get out of your mind for months and years. Which is a shame, because in my opinion, Grant is an author capable of a masterpiece.