It's one of those stories you never hear about and it's outrageous! I loved this story, the realities behind it and the humanization of these unknown characters. Historical fiction is difficult as a genre, since the reality doesn't always go well with what readers wish to read about, but the mention that the story is ending when it's still alrightt was everything. I appreciated the truthfulness of this idea and I loved the book even more because of it. I completely recommend it!

Night Witches is a fascinating story in the historical fiction genre. It portrays women in the Russian Air Force who flew nighttime bombing raids. I liked the characters, who were round and dynamic. Good pacing. My interest was further piqued by the storyline itself: women doing “manly” things, withstanding gender discrimination. Yet, these women fought and died for their beloved Motherland. They did not receive much honor or credit for their bold undertaking. In this little known, compelling story!

A quick story of one young pilot's experience with the Night Witches, the famed all-women Russian bombing regiment of World War II. I had initially read Leila's review before reading the book so was aware of some of the errors in geography and travel—although in the height and confusion of war, I think it might be possible for what would ordinarily be a short train ride to turn into 9 days. Improbable, perhaps, but possible.

The story of the Night Witches is incredibly important, as they were the first women in air combat—the 586th were fighter pilots, but eventually integrated men, while the 588th remained all women—and deserve to have their story told. This book was enjoyable and read like a story and less a history textbook, but I felt it could have been longer and more fleshed out. The ending was sudden and very rushed, making me feel like I had suddenly skipped 10 pages.

I received this ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.

Fascinating story, loved it. Aviation, women strugging to be accepted as equals and sheer grit of overcoming the enemy.

I read Night Witches as part of my WWII women reading. I have to say that this was the BEST book of all that I read. The story was engaging and easy to follow. I have recommended this book to several of my friends and my book club.

I've always said someone should write a book about the Night Witches, and here it is! Fascinating people in real life, and just as fascinating in fiction. Well done.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC for my Kindle.
I love reading historical fiction, especially about WWII. Until "Night Witches," I had never heard about Russian women who flew and navigate bomber planes against the Germans. The only problem I had was with the book was the ending was too rushed.

Unfortunately, this was not the book I thought I was requesting. I'm sure readers will love it, but I have too much on my plate right now to pick up books that I'm not already waiting to read. Sorry!

The story starts with Nadia, an old lady from Moscow, being interviewed by an American about her part in the war. She is amazed that, after all this time, anyone would be interested. Her story is like many of women fighting in wars, previously not told. Fighting for Russia, against Germany, may not be a story we have heard, but echoes many stories of women, unsung, fighting for their country. As aviators, they faced derision and an uphill battle to be taken seriously. It is a tale that is inspiring, interesting and at times sad. Certainly worth a read.

There is so much of history that has been rewritten or scrubbed of some truly amazing women. “The Night Witches” is the first time I’ve heard these ridiculously talented women. Not only did they volunteer to do a task that most would have balked at, (flying canvas and wooden planes into a war zone) they succeeded against so many odds. Author Mirren Hogan has given these women a voice. These women, all three divisions of them, had to face not only disdain and disapproval from the Axis forces but from some of their own superiors.

It would have been quite easy for Hogan to simply write a cut and dry story about these women branded the Night Witches. Instead she gives them depth and a history. We grow to care about each of their lives, feeling shattered when we have to remember that this isn’t a fairy tale but a war story and not everyone is going to get a happy ending. I enjoyed the way Hogan described the changes that the women went through from strangers to sisters-in-arms. The way that the war and each other affected their emotions and state of mind was brilliantly written. I was also impressed with the author’s ability to not give into the trope that too many writers sink to when writing about women. This idea that if you have nothing but women, then it will turn into a big catfight, is too often used. Hogan has written that idea clear off. These strong women do what they have to not only for themselves but also for their country. If you enjoy WWII fiction and stories about strong women, this is for you. I hope to read more by author Mirren Hogan in the future.

*This eBook was provided by NetGalley and Sands Press in exchange for honest feedback*