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Open Fire
A dramatic page-turner that captures the devastating toll of war and the impact of women's struggles and solidarity, through the lens of a little-known slice of history.
In 1917, Russia is losing the war with Germany, soldiers are deserting in droves, and food shortages on the home front are pushing people to the brink of revolution. Seventeen-year-old Katya is politically conflicted, but she wants Russia to win the war. Working at a munitions factory seems like the most she can do to serve her country--until the government begins recruiting an all-female army battalion. Inspired, Katya enlists. Training with other brave women, she finds camaraderie and a deep sense of purpose. But when the women's battalion heads to the front, Katya has to confront the horrifying realities of war. Faced with heartbreak and disillusionment, she must reevaluate her commitment and decide where she stands.
In 1917, Russia is losing the war with Germany, soldiers are deserting in droves, and food shortages on the home front are pushing people to the brink of revolution. Seventeen-year-old Katya is politically conflicted, but she wants Russia to win the war. Working at a munitions factory seems like the most she can do to serve her country--until the government begins recruiting an all-female army battalion. Inspired, Katya enlists. Training with other brave women, she finds camaraderie and a deep sense of purpose. But when the women's battalion heads to the front, Katya has to confront the horrifying realities of war. Faced with heartbreak and disillusionment, she must reevaluate her commitment and decide where she stands.
264 pages, ebook
First published March 3, 2020
7 people are currently reading
545 people want to read
About the author
Amber Lough
5 books124 followersAmber Lough is a life-long traveller and learner of languages. When not reading or writing, Amber can be found hiking on a mountain ridge, swimming with sharks, gardening, watching a musical, or wishing she was doing so. After a short career in the U.S. Air Force, Amber discovered that if writing was her true passion, then she should write.
Amber lives in Germany with her husband, two kids, two cats, and more fish than she has bothered to count.
Amber lives in Germany with her husband, two kids, two cats, and more fish than she has bothered to count.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
November 22, 2019
I have had the privilege of reading this book in successive drafts, and it has only gotten better.
Based on the story of the Women’s Battalion of Death in WWI Russia, it follows Katya, an officer’s daughter who volunteers for the regiment. Amber Lough, the author, is a veteran of the Iraq War and writes clear, compelling battle sequences as well as fleshing out the characters so that their travails break your heart. The friendship between Katya and her buddy Masha, as well as Katya’s relationship with her deserter brother Maxim, stands out as extremely well done, and the historical figure of the regiment’s leader and founder, Maria Bochkareva, becomes a compelling character as well. I had a few quibbles with some of the political setting in terms of the Russian Revolution (as usual, not enough screen-time for non-Bolshevik socialists), but the character of Sergei, a Bolshevik activist who wants Katya to desert for both personal and political reasons, was also very well done.
The ending and the last line broke my heart, as they should have.
I had issues with the book recommendations at the end–Richard Pipes wrote the single worst book on the revolution that I have had the misfortune of reading, and it is recommended here–but Lough’s research is strong. Katya’s political confusion is realistic for the era and her age, although I wasn’t quite sold on some of her contradictory actions.
I want a sequel very badly but also can’t bear the thought of these characters living through the brutal Russian Civil War, so I would say Lough did a great job in both telling a compelling story and attaching me to the characters.
Based on the story of the Women’s Battalion of Death in WWI Russia, it follows Katya, an officer’s daughter who volunteers for the regiment. Amber Lough, the author, is a veteran of the Iraq War and writes clear, compelling battle sequences as well as fleshing out the characters so that their travails break your heart. The friendship between Katya and her buddy Masha, as well as Katya’s relationship with her deserter brother Maxim, stands out as extremely well done, and the historical figure of the regiment’s leader and founder, Maria Bochkareva, becomes a compelling character as well. I had a few quibbles with some of the political setting in terms of the Russian Revolution (as usual, not enough screen-time for non-Bolshevik socialists), but the character of Sergei, a Bolshevik activist who wants Katya to desert for both personal and political reasons, was also very well done.
The ending and the last line broke my heart, as they should have.
I had issues with the book recommendations at the end–Richard Pipes wrote the single worst book on the revolution that I have had the misfortune of reading, and it is recommended here–but Lough’s research is strong. Katya’s political confusion is realistic for the era and her age, although I wasn’t quite sold on some of her contradictory actions.
I want a sequel very badly but also can’t bear the thought of these characters living through the brutal Russian Civil War, so I would say Lough did a great job in both telling a compelling story and attaching me to the characters.
February 28, 2020
Thank you to netgalley and Lerner publishing for a copy of Open Fire. The novel starts out with World War 1 with the Russians fights the Germans and the Tsar loosing power. You meet a woman named Katya she is headstrong always getting what she wants. She works in a TNT factory with her best friend Masha. One day the imperial army comes to the factory and asking for women volunteers to join the army. that is unhard of in the 1917! They quickly sign up and start their journey to train the in the Army.
I really enjoyed this novel, Amber Lough did a great job leading her readers in and feeling like they were truly there training with these women and when it was time to be on the battlefield.
I really want to learn more about Katya's family, her brother, father and mother. I'm not asking for a sequel but I would have loved more.
I really enjoyed this novel, Amber Lough did a great job leading her readers in and feeling like they were truly there training with these women and when it was time to be on the battlefield.
I really want to learn more about Katya's family, her brother, father and mother. I'm not asking for a sequel but I would have loved more.
October 25, 2020
I had high hopes for this one but like my reading of Elizabeth Wein, she's not accessible in telling a story to YA that keeps the intrigue and interest while shedding light on a forgotten part of history in Russia. The pacing was too slow for sure.
She was a girl growing up in Russia during a tumultuous time and whose job it was to stuff grenades, then she has the opportunity to fight. But I wasn't invested in her or the story enough to read thoroughly.
She was a girl growing up in Russia during a tumultuous time and whose job it was to stuff grenades, then she has the opportunity to fight. But I wasn't invested in her or the story enough to read thoroughly.
December 18, 2019
I don't often read historical fiction. I'm more of a high fantasy or contemporary reader. But I really loved this book. Katya was a great main character. I have to admit that my knowledge of Russia in this time period was limited. So it was a nice refresher of what I'd learned in high school (and a nice expansion on that knowledge as well, why didn't they tell us there was a female death squad?!). I kind of wish the story had been longer, it was just such a quick read. And I had hoped for an epilogue because
November 12, 2019
Oh, I adored this book. It's history + Russia + female solidarity + girl power. It was so powerful and original to read about the devastating realities of war through a girl's eyes. Lough's prose is poetic and resonant and I didn't want to leave the world she'd created.
March 5, 2020
You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight
Usually when we think of 1917 Russia, one thing comes to mind: Anastasia. But no worries, Open Fire is here to remind you that there was a whole heck of a lot more going on in early twentieth century Russia! I mean, I had heard of Bolsheviks, but did I know what one was? Not particularly. I knew some people were no longer fans of the Tsardom (obviously) but not the ins and outs, nor the country's involvement in WWI. This book not only is quite informative in nature, but emotive as well. Let's chat about it!
What I Liked:
• Like I said, it's wonderfully historical. Yes, I found myself down a few Wikipedia rabbit holes. No, I have no regrets. Not only was the author awesome at the facts, but she did an incredible job of making me feel like I was in Russia of yore.
• Friendship is so freaking huge. This is a book in which the friendship gives you all the feels. I genuinely can't recall the last time I loved a friendship in a book so much. And while I will get to this more in my next point, the women in this story fight (often literally) so hard for each other, it was not only emotional but inspirational.
• Female power. The women in this book are not going to sit back and let the war happen without them. Nope, they're going to just go fight it themselves. And look, these are not career soldiers. These are your average, every day women- factory workers, students, mothers, and the fact that they are willing to train and fight and die for their cause is just mind-blowing, especially in a society that frankly finds them dispensable.
• Family is a big deal too. Whether it be positive, negative, or somewhere in the middle, we learn so much about not just Katya's family, but of her friends' family lives. Which just shines an even greater light on their lives and what drives them.
What I Didnt:
• Some of the military stuff got to be a bit overwhelming. Obviously I get that training is going to be a big deal, but there were a few points that it felt a bit draggy to me.
Bottom Line: Incredibly inspiring, with a stunning look into a period of time we don't usually get a glimpse of, this book tugged at my feels for sure.
Usually when we think of 1917 Russia, one thing comes to mind: Anastasia. But no worries, Open Fire is here to remind you that there was a whole heck of a lot more going on in early twentieth century Russia! I mean, I had heard of Bolsheviks, but did I know what one was? Not particularly. I knew some people were no longer fans of the Tsardom (obviously) but not the ins and outs, nor the country's involvement in WWI. This book not only is quite informative in nature, but emotive as well. Let's chat about it!
What I Liked:
• Like I said, it's wonderfully historical. Yes, I found myself down a few Wikipedia rabbit holes. No, I have no regrets. Not only was the author awesome at the facts, but she did an incredible job of making me feel like I was in Russia of yore.
• Friendship is so freaking huge. This is a book in which the friendship gives you all the feels. I genuinely can't recall the last time I loved a friendship in a book so much. And while I will get to this more in my next point, the women in this story fight (often literally) so hard for each other, it was not only emotional but inspirational.
• Female power. The women in this book are not going to sit back and let the war happen without them. Nope, they're going to just go fight it themselves. And look, these are not career soldiers. These are your average, every day women- factory workers, students, mothers, and the fact that they are willing to train and fight and die for their cause is just mind-blowing, especially in a society that frankly finds them dispensable.
• Family is a big deal too. Whether it be positive, negative, or somewhere in the middle, we learn so much about not just Katya's family, but of her friends' family lives. Which just shines an even greater light on their lives and what drives them.
What I Didnt:
• Some of the military stuff got to be a bit overwhelming. Obviously I get that training is going to be a big deal, but there were a few points that it felt a bit draggy to me.
Bottom Line: Incredibly inspiring, with a stunning look into a period of time we don't usually get a glimpse of, this book tugged at my feels for sure.
July 28, 2023
This book takes place during World War One in Russia, a time period and event that I have not done much research on. It centers on Katya Pavlova, a 17 year old girl whose father is a Colonel in the Russian army. At the start of the story, she's working at an ammunitions factory to help to war efforts, but by the end of the book, she is a platoon leader for the Women's Battalion of Death.
I have conflicting feelings for this book. On the one hand, I'm very anti-war and war it the whole setting of this book! On the other hand, there was an intense sense of feminism in this book. The Woman's Battalion of Death was a group created to help the war effort and basically shame the men who no longer wanted to fight, since apparently there was no greater shame than being shown-up or beaten by a woman. The Russian women had to prove that they were just as valuable as men by selling their souls to the military and dying on the battlefield.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and thought the pacing of it was perfect. We got to see the pre-battle, training, and active battle. Though I didn't really agree with Katya's motives the whole time, this was a story and a piece of history that I wouldn't have experience otherwise.
I have conflicting feelings for this book. On the one hand, I'm very anti-war and war it the whole setting of this book! On the other hand, there was an intense sense of feminism in this book. The Woman's Battalion of Death was a group created to help the war effort and basically shame the men who no longer wanted to fight, since apparently there was no greater shame than being shown-up or beaten by a woman. The Russian women had to prove that they were just as valuable as men by selling their souls to the military and dying on the battlefield.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and thought the pacing of it was perfect. We got to see the pre-battle, training, and active battle. Though I didn't really agree with Katya's motives the whole time, this was a story and a piece of history that I wouldn't have experience otherwise.
Read
November 21, 2020Amber Lough's latest book, OPEN FIRE, sat on my shelf for quite a few months before I cracked the (virtual) spine. I knew the novel's setting was 1917 Russia, and I did not feel any pull to read about that time or place. HOWEVER, once I began reading, I was so enchanted and impressed by the main character that everything about her life, including the place and time she lived in, began to matter. I found myself eagerly soaking up Russian history and smaller details of day-to-day life while turning pages to find out how it would all end for Pavlova, the 17-year-old heroine.
As a protagonist, Pavlova is a perfectly pitched main character for the story she tells. She is part of the status quo yet purposefully chooses actions (some small, some large) that are revolutionary, actions which are unexpected yet entirely believable. For this reader, the fine balance of the protagonist's almost cognitive dissonance w.r.t. politics gave her a depth and resonance that lifts this novel into a good read for YA and adults alike.
As a protagonist, Pavlova is a perfectly pitched main character for the story she tells. She is part of the status quo yet purposefully chooses actions (some small, some large) that are revolutionary, actions which are unexpected yet entirely believable. For this reader, the fine balance of the protagonist's almost cognitive dissonance w.r.t. politics gave her a depth and resonance that lifts this novel into a good read for YA and adults alike.
October 3, 2020
Read as an ARC.
What an incredible book! This was set in a very interesting time period that I didn’t know about at all, so it was cool to learn about a war during that time that isn’t what we normally think about when we hear about Nazi Germany. Katya is a heroine, but she’s definitely morally gray, and that makes her all the more fitting as this story’s main character. The conclusion isn’t the most satisfying, but war rarely is, and I’m glad that the author chose to highlight that with the unresolved relationships Katya continues to have even towards the end. Also, I was totally expecting to read a spy romance historical fiction novel at the beginning, but what ended up happening was so great and the many empowering females in this novel are so worthy of stanning, to be honest, much more so than what I had in mind.
Anyways, this is an amazing read even as an ARC, and I can’t wait to see what the finished book offers!!
What an incredible book! This was set in a very interesting time period that I didn’t know about at all, so it was cool to learn about a war during that time that isn’t what we normally think about when we hear about Nazi Germany. Katya is a heroine, but she’s definitely morally gray, and that makes her all the more fitting as this story’s main character. The conclusion isn’t the most satisfying, but war rarely is, and I’m glad that the author chose to highlight that with the unresolved relationships Katya continues to have even towards the end. Also, I was totally expecting to read a spy romance historical fiction novel at the beginning, but what ended up happening was so great and the many empowering females in this novel are so worthy of stanning, to be honest, much more so than what I had in mind.
Anyways, this is an amazing read even as an ARC, and I can’t wait to see what the finished book offers!!
June 27, 2020
This book is a must read: a strong, thoughtful female (military!) protagonist, an unusual time period for YA fiction, and really well-crafted story telling.
ETA: FWIW, it’s #ownvoices military, which we don’t get enough of.
ETA: FWIW, it’s #ownvoices military, which we don’t get enough of.
March 28, 2024
3,75 stars
I liked the overall plot of "Open Fire" and I really liked the main character as well, but I think the writing could have been a little more immersive and there could have been more in-depth character development.
I liked the overall plot of "Open Fire" and I really liked the main character as well, but I think the writing could have been a little more immersive and there could have been more in-depth character development.
December 5, 2019
The premise of the book is undeniably intriguing: The year is 1917 and Katya, a young woman of seventeen, is living in Petrograd, Russia and doing her part for the war by working in a munitions factory. She comes from a family that has been loyal to the Tsar (her father is a soldier in the Imperial army) and she seemingly has had no cause to question the life she has been born into - until war upends everything and she suddenly finds herself a training as part of an all-female army battalion an about ready to experience the war closer than she ever could have dreamed.
This sounds like an amazing set up for a story and, based on the formation of actual female combat units in the wake of the February Revolution, a chance to unveil a mostly hidden part of the women's history in Russia. Yet, somehow, it all fell disappointingly short for me. Lough's writing is competent and trained, clearly, but lacks a kind of emotional connection to the subject that is desperately needed in this story. From the start, we get a lot of telling but little showing of what is going on in with Katya. For example, she walks out of work and joins a march/protest and there is no understanding of why she joined or any conflict she may feel about what is happening around her, despite the fact that she is acting in a way that may raise the concern of her family. This kind of remote narrative continues throughout the book, even at its most climactic, ultimately leading to a difficulty in feeling anything for the character and the dangers she encounters. The author gives a great historical account but falls short of providing an engaging story at the heart of it.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
This sounds like an amazing set up for a story and, based on the formation of actual female combat units in the wake of the February Revolution, a chance to unveil a mostly hidden part of the women's history in Russia. Yet, somehow, it all fell disappointingly short for me. Lough's writing is competent and trained, clearly, but lacks a kind of emotional connection to the subject that is desperately needed in this story. From the start, we get a lot of telling but little showing of what is going on in with Katya. For example, she walks out of work and joins a march/protest and there is no understanding of why she joined or any conflict she may feel about what is happening around her, despite the fact that she is acting in a way that may raise the concern of her family. This kind of remote narrative continues throughout the book, even at its most climactic, ultimately leading to a difficulty in feeling anything for the character and the dangers she encounters. The author gives a great historical account but falls short of providing an engaging story at the heart of it.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
February 19, 2020
I ADORED this book, not only because of its topic, but because it was beautifully written. The eastern front in WWI is sadly neglected in fiction, and the author's own military experience gives Katya's tale an authenticity that was very immediate and engaging. Highly recommend.
November 24, 2019
I chose to read this book because after reading the description and it being over a Russian girl during the first World War, I was intrigued. It sounded really cool to read a book written from that perspective and got me really excited!
After reading a few chapters, I sadly knew that the book wasn't going to exceed my hopes. The writing was bad, there was minimal world building, the characters were very bland and the book was very predictable. I mean very. In the end the plot wasn't really gripping or very interesting, it was more of a chore to read this book than that it was fun. I just wasn't very fond of the main character and her thoughts, she wasn't really special and annoyed me throughout most of the book sadly.
I would not recommend this book, as it was boring and not really interesting. The idea behind it is good, but in my opinion the execution of it was not very convincing.
I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
After reading a few chapters, I sadly knew that the book wasn't going to exceed my hopes. The writing was bad, there was minimal world building, the characters were very bland and the book was very predictable. I mean very. In the end the plot wasn't really gripping or very interesting, it was more of a chore to read this book than that it was fun. I just wasn't very fond of the main character and her thoughts, she wasn't really special and annoyed me throughout most of the book sadly.
I would not recommend this book, as it was boring and not really interesting. The idea behind it is good, but in my opinion the execution of it was not very convincing.
I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
November 12, 2019
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. "Open Fire" will be released on March 3rd, 2020.
I really must be on a war novel kick right now: the last three books I read (this, "My Long List of Impossible Things," and "The Fountains of Silence" - review of that forthcoming) were all either about a war, or dealt with the aftermath of one. Sadly, "Open Fire" was probably my least favorite of that trilogy - but it still had a lot to offer.
Summary
In 1917, Russia is losing the war with Germany, soldiers are deserting in droves, and food shortages on the home front are pushing people to the brink of revolution. Seventeen-year-old Katya is politically conflicted, but she wants Russia to win the war. Working at a munitions factory seems like the most she can do to serve her country—until the government begins recruiting an all-female army battalion. Inspired, Katya enlists. Training with other brave women, she finds camaraderie and a deep sense of purpose. But when the women's battalion heads to the front, Katya has to confront the horrifying realities of war. Faced with heartbreak and disillusionment, she must reevaluate her commitment and decide where she stands.
Review
I have a thing for Russian history that I honestly cannot explain. Since Russian Revolution YA novels are rare birds indeed, I jumped at the chance to read this - and I was surprised to find, after not reading the description very carefully (I saw the word "Russia" and hit download on the spot), that it covered an aspect of the Revolution that I had no knowledge of. It was fascinating to read about the incredible grit that the women of the battalion around which the story centered displayed at a time when they were not given many chances to. I loved that it shone a light on a forgotten part of Russia's recent past, and it was a very educational portrait of the time. But...
I kinda didn't feel anything.
Though I learned a lot, I never really felt much of an emotional connection to Katya or her comrades-in-arms. There was a sort of flatness to the story and characters that made it hard to feel for them, and though I wish I could say I had, I never really felt drawn into their world. That made it a little hard to "get into," and though I blew through it in a few hours, it wasn't really out of desire to know what happens next to beloved characters. I truly wish I could say otherwise because it's such an interesting story and sheds light on a historical episode that so few people know about, but ultimately it felt a little bit flat to me. The amount of research that clearly went into this was incredible and the time period and setting were incredibly well-drawn, but unfortunately, my final verdict still stands: educational, but bland.
Rating: 3/5 Befuddled Emu
I really must be on a war novel kick right now: the last three books I read (this, "My Long List of Impossible Things," and "The Fountains of Silence" - review of that forthcoming) were all either about a war, or dealt with the aftermath of one. Sadly, "Open Fire" was probably my least favorite of that trilogy - but it still had a lot to offer.
Summary
In 1917, Russia is losing the war with Germany, soldiers are deserting in droves, and food shortages on the home front are pushing people to the brink of revolution. Seventeen-year-old Katya is politically conflicted, but she wants Russia to win the war. Working at a munitions factory seems like the most she can do to serve her country—until the government begins recruiting an all-female army battalion. Inspired, Katya enlists. Training with other brave women, she finds camaraderie and a deep sense of purpose. But when the women's battalion heads to the front, Katya has to confront the horrifying realities of war. Faced with heartbreak and disillusionment, she must reevaluate her commitment and decide where she stands.
Review
I have a thing for Russian history that I honestly cannot explain. Since Russian Revolution YA novels are rare birds indeed, I jumped at the chance to read this - and I was surprised to find, after not reading the description very carefully (I saw the word "Russia" and hit download on the spot), that it covered an aspect of the Revolution that I had no knowledge of. It was fascinating to read about the incredible grit that the women of the battalion around which the story centered displayed at a time when they were not given many chances to. I loved that it shone a light on a forgotten part of Russia's recent past, and it was a very educational portrait of the time. But...
I kinda didn't feel anything.
Though I learned a lot, I never really felt much of an emotional connection to Katya or her comrades-in-arms. There was a sort of flatness to the story and characters that made it hard to feel for them, and though I wish I could say I had, I never really felt drawn into their world. That made it a little hard to "get into," and though I blew through it in a few hours, it wasn't really out of desire to know what happens next to beloved characters. I truly wish I could say otherwise because it's such an interesting story and sheds light on a historical episode that so few people know about, but ultimately it felt a little bit flat to me. The amount of research that clearly went into this was incredible and the time period and setting were incredibly well-drawn, but unfortunately, my final verdict still stands: educational, but bland.
Rating: 3/5 Befuddled Emu
May 3, 2020
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a copy for review.
"Men are always afraid of women who have power."
I have read A LOT of books about or surrounding the Russian Revolution but THIS book was a breath of fresh air! A good majority of historical fiction about the revolution is just that, strictly about the revolution. Now I'm not saying that authors don't put their own little spins, and different POV's in them, but they all center around the same events and it gets repetitive sometimes. However Amber Lough has given us the revolution from the view of a FEMALE soldier battalion. FINALLY! I honestly don't understand how this has been passed up by YA authors especially.
We follow Katya and her friend Masha from the factories to boot camp, to the front lines. Katya comes from a family of soldiers. She is better off than most people at this time, however she believes strongly in helping with the war. Her father is staunchly statist, while many people around Katya follow the Bolsheviks. Masha drags Katya along to an assembly about forming a women's battalion, and after a rousing speech given by the leader, Bochkareva, the girls join the Women's Battalion of Death. This was created in the hopes of bolstering the men and getting them to stay and fight.
This is a view point we rarely see in historical fiction, and yet there were so many women, and all female squads in the Russian army that it is sad that they're so overlooked in history. This ended up being so much more about female camaraderie, strength, and loss with the background being the revolution. I really enjoyed the characters and the friendships that developed. I loved the little chapter headers, which were snippets of Katya's father telling her the story of Saint Olga (who was a badass and possibly slightly insane). The only thing that I really didn't understand, and honestly felt disjointed was Sergei. He was an acquaintance of Katya's from school, who is a strong Bolshevik supporter. He tries to get Katya to spy for them, which lasts for maybe a couple random paragraphs. He is then seen seeing her off to the front. We then see him in the last couple pages, and I think he's maybe supposed to be a slight love interest??? Friend?? I honestly have no clue. He ends up being so irrelevant to the story I genuinely don't know why he's even here.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. I love that someone took the time to research and write a story about these badass women. If you like this time period or are just a fan of historical fiction, I definitely recommend picking this one up.
"Men are always afraid of women who have power."
I have read A LOT of books about or surrounding the Russian Revolution but THIS book was a breath of fresh air! A good majority of historical fiction about the revolution is just that, strictly about the revolution. Now I'm not saying that authors don't put their own little spins, and different POV's in them, but they all center around the same events and it gets repetitive sometimes. However Amber Lough has given us the revolution from the view of a FEMALE soldier battalion. FINALLY! I honestly don't understand how this has been passed up by YA authors especially.
We follow Katya and her friend Masha from the factories to boot camp, to the front lines. Katya comes from a family of soldiers. She is better off than most people at this time, however she believes strongly in helping with the war. Her father is staunchly statist, while many people around Katya follow the Bolsheviks. Masha drags Katya along to an assembly about forming a women's battalion, and after a rousing speech given by the leader, Bochkareva, the girls join the Women's Battalion of Death. This was created in the hopes of bolstering the men and getting them to stay and fight.
This is a view point we rarely see in historical fiction, and yet there were so many women, and all female squads in the Russian army that it is sad that they're so overlooked in history. This ended up being so much more about female camaraderie, strength, and loss with the background being the revolution. I really enjoyed the characters and the friendships that developed. I loved the little chapter headers, which were snippets of Katya's father telling her the story of Saint Olga (who was a badass and possibly slightly insane). The only thing that I really didn't understand, and honestly felt disjointed was Sergei. He was an acquaintance of Katya's from school, who is a strong Bolshevik supporter. He tries to get Katya to spy for them, which lasts for maybe a couple random paragraphs. He is then seen seeing her off to the front. We then see him in the last couple pages, and I think he's maybe supposed to be a slight love interest??? Friend?? I honestly have no clue. He ends up being so irrelevant to the story I genuinely don't know why he's even here.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. I love that someone took the time to research and write a story about these badass women. If you like this time period or are just a fan of historical fiction, I definitely recommend picking this one up.
February 27, 2024
Open Fire
By: Amber Lough
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why did I read this book?
I read this book because it’s about the 1917 war between Russia and Germany. It’s about an exciting part of history that I’m interested in reading about. Katya Pavlov the main character is a Russian girl who is trying her best to do something about the ongoing war. With a father who was a colonel fighting on the front lines against Germany. With a mother who left Katya and her brother Maxim. And her brother is sent off to war to go to the front lines for Russia.
Praise:
I recommended this book a 5 star because of all these hardships in Katya’s way she still manages to keep pushing through. It keeps the reader hooked on what she may do next. At the start, she was just a student going to University then decided to drop out to make grenades in a factory while also being an informant. Then she decides to join the women's battalion to fight on the front lines with her comrades. It makes you wonder if she is going to make it out alive and succeed or not.
Critique:
I don’t have anything to critique about this book. From start to finish it was a great read overall. The whole time I kept wanting to find out what would happen next.
Overall thoughts:
This book has a great plot and can capture the emotions of the characters which makes the reader sympathize with them. It made for a unique book when the point of view was coming from a woman who was heading toward the front lines. In a time when society thought it would be better for women to stay back home rather than fight.
Recommendation?
Great book that is action-packed, you should give it a chance.
June 2, 2020
Sometimes all it takes is one woman.
1917. After word of her brother’s desertion reaches Katya’s ear, she joins Maria Bochkareva’s Battalion of Death—an all-female regiment meant to shame the deserting male troops and those refusing to fight back into the war effort. Katya has already been abandoned as a child by her mother, and her father has served at the front for years. With her brother’s disappearance, she’s never felt more alone. As she trains to become a soldier, Katya learns how important her battalion is for the war effort, for Russia, and for herself. She’ll need all her training and courage when her platoon stands across the trenches from the German army, for they show her no quarter.
Open Fire is a fairly quick read but completely absorbing. Katya’s journey from a factory worker loading grenades to a soldier in the heat of battle is mesmerizing. It’s hard to imagine the obstacles and ostracizing these women faced, which came from both the male troops and the Bolsheviks who wanted Russia to disengage from the war. This is a harrowing time in Russia, and Katya struggles to find her place in it all. Competing political outlooks are explored using intriguing perspectives. Battle scenes are not overly graphic yet are able to capture the emotion and intensity of the moment. Katya’s story is one of resilience and empowerment. I was left wanting to learn more of these courageous trailblazers. Lough does an outstanding job telling an emotionally rich and impactful story inspired by these near-forgotten heroes. Highly recommended.
Review originally posted via the Historical Novel Society at: https://historicalnovelsociety.org/re...
1917. After word of her brother’s desertion reaches Katya’s ear, she joins Maria Bochkareva’s Battalion of Death—an all-female regiment meant to shame the deserting male troops and those refusing to fight back into the war effort. Katya has already been abandoned as a child by her mother, and her father has served at the front for years. With her brother’s disappearance, she’s never felt more alone. As she trains to become a soldier, Katya learns how important her battalion is for the war effort, for Russia, and for herself. She’ll need all her training and courage when her platoon stands across the trenches from the German army, for they show her no quarter.
Open Fire is a fairly quick read but completely absorbing. Katya’s journey from a factory worker loading grenades to a soldier in the heat of battle is mesmerizing. It’s hard to imagine the obstacles and ostracizing these women faced, which came from both the male troops and the Bolsheviks who wanted Russia to disengage from the war. This is a harrowing time in Russia, and Katya struggles to find her place in it all. Competing political outlooks are explored using intriguing perspectives. Battle scenes are not overly graphic yet are able to capture the emotion and intensity of the moment. Katya’s story is one of resilience and empowerment. I was left wanting to learn more of these courageous trailblazers. Lough does an outstanding job telling an emotionally rich and impactful story inspired by these near-forgotten heroes. Highly recommended.
Review originally posted via the Historical Novel Society at: https://historicalnovelsociety.org/re...
June 1, 2023
"There are worthy wars fought badly and unworthy ones fought well, and all of them are hell."
This book focuses, first and foremost, on the preparation for combat that our main character, Katya, and the other women face. She is part of the first all-female company whose purpose is to not only support the front lines, but shame the men who desert. A great deal of this novel feels like set-up; set up for the setting and status quo, set up for character development, set up for the oncoming battle. The book is short, and the writing simple, so everything clips along at a steady pace until the warzone is finally reached.
And that's when this book really starts to shine. Attack after grueling attack. There is adrenaline and fear and panic. There is comradery and sisterhood and victory. There is disappointment and loss and emptiness. The novel is best when it shows the grueling nature of trench warfare, and the fact that every victory, no matter how slim, was almost always matched by a near equal defeat. Lives lost for a zero net gain on the battlefield.
Despite the style being closer to a middle school or high school novel, the themes and plot carry a maturity that isn't often seen in novels aimed at this demographic. It makes for a very quick, yet enjoyable read. And while I wish the third part, the part that takes place on the battlefield, was a bit longer, I appreciate what I got and how it ended.
This book focuses, first and foremost, on the preparation for combat that our main character, Katya, and the other women face. She is part of the first all-female company whose purpose is to not only support the front lines, but shame the men who desert. A great deal of this novel feels like set-up; set up for the setting and status quo, set up for character development, set up for the oncoming battle. The book is short, and the writing simple, so everything clips along at a steady pace until the warzone is finally reached.
And that's when this book really starts to shine. Attack after grueling attack. There is adrenaline and fear and panic. There is comradery and sisterhood and victory. There is disappointment and loss and emptiness. The novel is best when it shows the grueling nature of trench warfare, and the fact that every victory, no matter how slim, was almost always matched by a near equal defeat. Lives lost for a zero net gain on the battlefield.
Despite the style being closer to a middle school or high school novel, the themes and plot carry a maturity that isn't often seen in novels aimed at this demographic. It makes for a very quick, yet enjoyable read. And while I wish the third part, the part that takes place on the battlefield, was a bit longer, I appreciate what I got and how it ended.
February 16, 2024
An easy read about a young 17 year old girl, Katya,who is holding it together in the 1st world war when Russia is fighting and struggling against Germany. The war is creating food shortages for the Russians and the country is divided on what is best for the people.
After receiving a flyer whilst working in a grenade factory to sign up and be a solider, Katya decides to join the Russian army with her best friend Masha and go to the front line to fight for their country.
Katya finds herself needing to make the decision of her life, for her country and for the approval of her father
The story reads easily, taking you along for the journey. You feel quite immersed in the women's training and the processes of making them soldiers.
The last third of the book is fast and brutal.
A great book for many reasons to pass on to my daughter to read. It will give us plenty to discuss. Women on the front line? What war does to people's dreams and hopes. What expectations do young adults put on themselves in their time? Kayta's relationships with her best friend, her brother, her father, Sergi?
A 4th star because these chicks actually existed.
A sad reminder again that war is pointless. "They (wars) may save nations or break them, but they always take more than they give back."
After receiving a flyer whilst working in a grenade factory to sign up and be a solider, Katya decides to join the Russian army with her best friend Masha and go to the front line to fight for their country.
Katya finds herself needing to make the decision of her life, for her country and for the approval of her father
The story reads easily, taking you along for the journey. You feel quite immersed in the women's training and the processes of making them soldiers.
The last third of the book is fast and brutal.
A great book for many reasons to pass on to my daughter to read. It will give us plenty to discuss. Women on the front line? What war does to people's dreams and hopes. What expectations do young adults put on themselves in their time? Kayta's relationships with her best friend, her brother, her father, Sergi?
A 4th star because these chicks actually existed.
A sad reminder again that war is pointless. "They (wars) may save nations or break them, but they always take more than they give back."
March 7, 2020
This book was powerful. It’s a quick read that had me racing through it. I admire the author for writing this and bringing it to light. While it is fiction, a lot of the events happened. It starts out very strong, with a college age girl making grenades for WW2 in Russia. I admired her allegiance and beliefs and her willingness to stand up for them. When given the opportunity, she signs up for the first women’s army battalion.
I loved hearing about training and achieving so many triumphs unusual for women. I cheered right along with them. Then they are called to the front. Hearing what these women endured (even if it is fictional) was heart-wrenching but incredibly inspiring. Hearing the main character be proud of herself pulled at my heart strings.
A lot of the book had very little content. But the battle was gruesome and bloody. These women endured many hardships and trials while fighting. There is attempted rape, a few die and they are pushed to do the unthinkable. Grief is described expertly and it was easy to feel pangs of it right along with them. It was very powerful and inspiring and I’d recommend this to all history lovers or those who love strong female characters.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you #netgalley, author Amber Lough and Lerner Publishing Group the opportunity.
I loved hearing about training and achieving so many triumphs unusual for women. I cheered right along with them. Then they are called to the front. Hearing what these women endured (even if it is fictional) was heart-wrenching but incredibly inspiring. Hearing the main character be proud of herself pulled at my heart strings.
A lot of the book had very little content. But the battle was gruesome and bloody. These women endured many hardships and trials while fighting. There is attempted rape, a few die and they are pushed to do the unthinkable. Grief is described expertly and it was easy to feel pangs of it right along with them. It was very powerful and inspiring and I’d recommend this to all history lovers or those who love strong female characters.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you #netgalley, author Amber Lough and Lerner Publishing Group the opportunity.
April 16, 2020
I’m gonna be honest with you guys. I requested this book for the cover. It is creepy as hell and I kind of love it!
I was excited to see this was a historical fiction. I’ve read a lot of historical fiction based in Paris during WW2. A LOT. I have never read one based in Russia during WW1, so that was a very pleasant surprise.
Katya’s father has been in the Russian military forever. He aligns with the Tsars and supports them. Katya does, too. Then one day she gets pulled to a rally with her friend. Katya ends up joining an all-woman regiment for a war she’s not even sure she agrees with.
What I loved most about this book were the female friendships. The girls in the battalion had to stick together to survive – literally. Not all of them make it out of the war alive, and you can tell how much it pains the ones who do. They have become closer than sisters and always have each other’s backs.
I also loved that it was set in Russia during WW1! Like I said, I have never read a book with that setting. I loved learning about the all-female battalion and it led me to research more!
The only thing that kept me from a 4 star rating was the pacing. Parts of it were packed with action, and parts seemed to move super slowly. It’s not a long book, so I wasn’t expecting parts quite that slow.
Overall, this was an enjoyable book that taught me things! I love books that make me thing and encourage me to learn more!
Thank you to Netgalley and Carolrhoda Lab for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and feelings are my own.
I was excited to see this was a historical fiction. I’ve read a lot of historical fiction based in Paris during WW2. A LOT. I have never read one based in Russia during WW1, so that was a very pleasant surprise.
Katya’s father has been in the Russian military forever. He aligns with the Tsars and supports them. Katya does, too. Then one day she gets pulled to a rally with her friend. Katya ends up joining an all-woman regiment for a war she’s not even sure she agrees with.
What I loved most about this book were the female friendships. The girls in the battalion had to stick together to survive – literally. Not all of them make it out of the war alive, and you can tell how much it pains the ones who do. They have become closer than sisters and always have each other’s backs.
I also loved that it was set in Russia during WW1! Like I said, I have never read a book with that setting. I loved learning about the all-female battalion and it led me to research more!
The only thing that kept me from a 4 star rating was the pacing. Parts of it were packed with action, and parts seemed to move super slowly. It’s not a long book, so I wasn’t expecting parts quite that slow.
Overall, this was an enjoyable book that taught me things! I love books that make me thing and encourage me to learn more!
Thank you to Netgalley and Carolrhoda Lab for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and feelings are my own.
November 20, 2020
I am fascinated by this historical fiction title featuring a real-life Russian women's infantry battalion during World War I. While I didn't adore some of the blind patriotism for Mother Russia in the story; I thought some of the characters were relatable and realistic.
This book absolutely energizes my interest in Russian history. I must learn more about the Bolsheviks, Rasputin, the last Romanov czarist family, Lenin and more. I don't think the book does enough to explain the background behind the mass desertions of Russian soldiers that necessitated the creation of an all female battalion in the first place.
This paired nicely with the Last Czars on Netflix, which was a little 'porny' to be honest. I could have done without some of the full frontal nudity and gratuitous sex scenes in this series; but it provided a quick 6-episode 'Russia 101' crash course for those who did not know about Rasputin and his orgies, the women's bread marches turning into full on protests of the czarist regime, and all of the peasant revolts.
This book absolutely energizes my interest in Russian history. I must learn more about the Bolsheviks, Rasputin, the last Romanov czarist family, Lenin and more. I don't think the book does enough to explain the background behind the mass desertions of Russian soldiers that necessitated the creation of an all female battalion in the first place.
This paired nicely with the Last Czars on Netflix, which was a little 'porny' to be honest. I could have done without some of the full frontal nudity and gratuitous sex scenes in this series; but it provided a quick 6-episode 'Russia 101' crash course for those who did not know about Rasputin and his orgies, the women's bread marches turning into full on protests of the czarist regime, and all of the peasant revolts.
Read
July 16, 2022From the Publisher
A dramatic page-turner that captures the devastating toll of war and the impact of women's struggles and solidarity, through the lens of a little-known slice of history. In 1917, Russia is losing the war with Germany, soldiers are deserting in droves, and food shortages on the home front are pushing people to the brink of revolution. Seventeen-year-old Katya is politically conflicted, but she wants Russia to win the war. Working at a munitions factory seems like the most she can do to serve her country—until the government begins recruiting an all-female army battalion. Inspired, Katya enlists. Training with other brave women, she finds camaraderie and a deep sense of purpose. But when the women's battalion heads to the front, Katya has to confront the horrifying realities of war. Faced with heartbreak and disillusionment, she must reevaluate her commitment and decide where she stands.
A dramatic page-turner that captures the devastating toll of war and the impact of women's struggles and solidarity, through the lens of a little-known slice of history. In 1917, Russia is losing the war with Germany, soldiers are deserting in droves, and food shortages on the home front are pushing people to the brink of revolution. Seventeen-year-old Katya is politically conflicted, but she wants Russia to win the war. Working at a munitions factory seems like the most she can do to serve her country—until the government begins recruiting an all-female army battalion. Inspired, Katya enlists. Training with other brave women, she finds camaraderie and a deep sense of purpose. But when the women's battalion heads to the front, Katya has to confront the horrifying realities of war. Faced with heartbreak and disillusionment, she must reevaluate her commitment and decide where she stands.
September 22, 2024
"There are worthy wars fought badly and unworthy wars fought well, and all of them are hell. They may save nations or break them, but they always take more than they give back."
This is the kind of book I wish I had read in high school. There are obvious themes, but there are also many other messages layered into this novel. There are a wealth of topics that would be great for that age (and any age) to ponder and to discuss. I've been seeking out more on World War I and I really love learning more about little known sides of history and this novel fulfilled both. Told from the Russian POV and from a female soldier it was truly unique. The plot stuck closely to the history without adding unnecessary fluff (phew!) I liked all of the characters- there could have been more to them, but honestly I have no complaints. This is exactly the type of historical fiction I prefer- short and to the point, yet with lots of heart.
This is the kind of book I wish I had read in high school. There are obvious themes, but there are also many other messages layered into this novel. There are a wealth of topics that would be great for that age (and any age) to ponder and to discuss. I've been seeking out more on World War I and I really love learning more about little known sides of history and this novel fulfilled both. Told from the Russian POV and from a female soldier it was truly unique. The plot stuck closely to the history without adding unnecessary fluff (phew!) I liked all of the characters- there could have been more to them, but honestly I have no complaints. This is exactly the type of historical fiction I prefer- short and to the point, yet with lots of heart.
November 30, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I love a good historical fiction book but this just didn't meet up to my expectations or standards. I was initially intrigued by this book because it delves into the Russian Revolution which is a nice break from all those WWI and WWII historical fictions I read so often. However after a few chapters of this book, it became more of a chore than anything to finish this book. The character development was not good, and I just couldn't personally connect with the characters. And that's a big thing! Personal connection is key to a good book and a bestselling book at that. The overall story was really predictable and I personally wouldn't recommend this book however someone else might love it. It's all about personal preference, right?
I love a good historical fiction book but this just didn't meet up to my expectations or standards. I was initially intrigued by this book because it delves into the Russian Revolution which is a nice break from all those WWI and WWII historical fictions I read so often. However after a few chapters of this book, it became more of a chore than anything to finish this book. The character development was not good, and I just couldn't personally connect with the characters. And that's a big thing! Personal connection is key to a good book and a bestselling book at that. The overall story was really predictable and I personally wouldn't recommend this book however someone else might love it. It's all about personal preference, right?
March 2, 2020
I enjoyed this novel about a young woman in pre-Revolutionary Russia who joins up with the all-women's Battalion of Death in the First World War. Katya is the daughter of a dedicated Tsarist military leader, but working in an armaments factory, she becomes interested in the Bolshevik movement. She becomes an informant and decides to join the all-women's battalion as a way of proving herself to her father, herself, and her nation. Lough offers great details about the organization and training of women in this real-life battalion, but avoids much of the political context in which it functioned historically. Ultimately, readers are left wondering how Katya's political views will settle, and what will happen to her when the battalion's founder is executed and the battalion is disbanded after the establishment of the communist regime.
July 15, 2020
I read this book in two sittings and really enjoyed it. I knew nothing about the Women's Death Battalion before reading it - the historic details and background are expertly woven into the story so you can just sink into Katya's experience. It's not surprising that the author has first-hand military experience because the scenes when the girls are in battle are so believable. Wow. It's not a long read yet so much is packed into these pages that you'll put it down knowing a whole lot more than you did at the start.
I especially appreciated the way the author handled the complexity of the war, the different sides and perspectives in Russia at the time (1917), and how she brought the women's role to light without being single-sided in her approach. It was well-rounded, interesting, and an intense exploration of a forgotten (or neglected) piece of history.
I especially appreciated the way the author handled the complexity of the war, the different sides and perspectives in Russia at the time (1917), and how she brought the women's role to light without being single-sided in her approach. It was well-rounded, interesting, and an intense exploration of a forgotten (or neglected) piece of history.
August 20, 2020
[Read as an ARC]
This book was amazing! I’ve read so many books exploring the consequences of war in various fantasy settings, but this book outlines the stark reality of war as it is in history. The main character Katya is both brave and strong but is never above having flaws or moments of weakness. Additionally, what I love most about this book is that it doesn’t try to “convert” the reader to one belief system or another. Throughout the book Katya interacts with Sergei who supports Lenin and her father who supports the tzar but Lough never tries to condemn one belief system as being entirely wrong. Rather she uses Katya’s experiences to show the shortfalls and benefits of both. Additionally, similar to the ATLA episode “The Southern Raiders,” Lough doesn’t try to placate the reader with cliche generalizations of forgiving the enemy and instead has Katya work through her experiences and acknowledge the necessity of some actions in war. Lastly, I just had a wonderful time reading about Russian history and especially women’s roles in it. It was fun to learn more about Russian culture and to read about the various different saints and stories (and of course I thought of Inej and her knives).
This book was amazing! I’ve read so many books exploring the consequences of war in various fantasy settings, but this book outlines the stark reality of war as it is in history. The main character Katya is both brave and strong but is never above having flaws or moments of weakness. Additionally, what I love most about this book is that it doesn’t try to “convert” the reader to one belief system or another. Throughout the book Katya interacts with Sergei who supports Lenin and her father who supports the tzar but Lough never tries to condemn one belief system as being entirely wrong. Rather she uses Katya’s experiences to show the shortfalls and benefits of both. Additionally, similar to the ATLA episode “The Southern Raiders,” Lough doesn’t try to placate the reader with cliche generalizations of forgiving the enemy and instead has Katya work through her experiences and acknowledge the necessity of some actions in war. Lastly, I just had a wonderful time reading about Russian history and especially women’s roles in it. It was fun to learn more about Russian culture and to read about the various different saints and stories (and of course I thought of Inej and her knives).
June 26, 2020
I read Open Fire a few weeks ago. It’s really stuck with me, especially during this time of isolation. The main character is a strong young woman who joins the Russian army to serve at the front during WWI. There is social unrest in the country centered around the inequity of treatment of some groups at the expense of others. (Sound familiar?) The theme of sacrificing yourself for the good of the whole also resounds in today’s world. Combine all that with deft description and solid female friendships and you’ve got a satisfying novel that hit the shelves at just the right time. I hope more people discover it, despite the online nature of life right now. Highly recommended.
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