Hullmetal Girls

Reviewed by: Sarah Cropley - Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 9, 2018

Review

Hullmetal Girls is Emily Skrutskie's third novel, a thrilling sci-fi tale that focuses on the first person perspectives of Aisha and Key, two girls who have just been transformed into Scela--mechanically enhanced soldiers that share a body and mind with a super computer exoskeleton to help keep order and safety in the Fleet, the group of ships orbiting through space without a planet to anchor themselves to. Aisha agreed to become part of the program for the salary that would provide medical care for her little brother. Key doesn't remember why she signed up, a fact that is distressing to her despite the assurances from the medical team that it occasionally happens. As Aisha, Key, and their teammates face their first threats in the form of a Fractionist protest, a movement unhappy with the inequity between the seven Districts of the Fleet, questions begin to form about the dark forces that are secretly at work. Aisha and Key both find themselves lost and wondering who they might really be working for.

Skrutskie is a master of the science fiction genre and bringing her unique biological, visceral twist to the narrative. The result are characters that grab the reader and yank them through the sharp turns of the story. Hullmetal Girls is not gripping because of its suspenseful moments (of which there are many) nor its unique take on common sci-fi tropes (which feels fresh and inventive). Instead, it is the heart of the characters, their compelling emotions, and diverse experiences that makes the reader immediately care about what will happen next. Strongly recommended.

Overall Book Score: excellent