If you are in the mood to read something extraordinary with humanitarian notions, then you need to get your hands on James Myles’ novel, Is It Ever Right to Kill?
It is not just a war fiction novel—it is a powerful psychological, emotional, and moral journey that places a young British medical student into the heart of a war-torn Ukraine, testing her principles, friendships, and personal identity in ways she never imagined.
At the heart of this extraordinary narrative is Robyn Rowbotham, a third-year medical student in London whose world is abruptly disrupted by a pre-dawn phone call. Her best friend Kat, a Ukrainian refugee and fellow boarding school alum, is in tears—her parents have gone missing amidst the chaos of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. What unfolds is not just a story about war, but about what it means to be loyal, to stand up when others sit down, and to act when the world tells you to stay quiet.
Myles crafts Robyn with profound care. She is thoughtful, flawed, passionate, and fiercely committed to those she loves. Her decision to leave behind a promising future and her relationship with Peter, a houseman doctor at Guy’s Hospital—illustrates the agonizing weight of moral obligation. Robyn’s transformation from a med student to a frontline medic in Ukraine is not glamorized. It’s portrayed with realism: the physical toll, the emotional fractures, and the ethical quagmires she must navigate.
What distinguishes this novel is its grounded detail and human authenticity. The military jargon, the descriptions of makeshift field hospitals, the camaraderie among international volunteers, and even the discomfort of wet boots and blood-soaked uniforms—all contribute to a visceral, immersive reading experience. These are not distant battles; these are scenes that beat with life and death.
Alongside the warfront action lies the deeper narrative tension: the personal cost of choosing to help. Robyn’s confrontations with Peter—who represents a voice of reason and caution, are not merely arguments, but ideological battles. Peter urges her to focus on becoming a doctor at home, arguing that she can save more lives through her degree. But Robyn knows, in her gut, that helping someone you love in their darkest hour is not a decision made with numbers. It’s made with heart.
The novel doesn’t preach. Instead, it invites readers to question: What would I do in her place? Would I risk it all for a friend? Would I stand by my morals, even when they contradict logic?
James Myles’ prose is rich with humanity, filled with tension and tenderness. He doesn’t shy away from the horror of war, but neither does he forget the resilience, humour, and hope that survive within it. In Robyn, he gives us a heroine who is refreshingly real—someone readers will admire, worry for, and long to emulate.
Is It Ever Right to Kill? is a masterfully written, emotionally intelligent, and morally complex novel that transcends genre. It is a war story, yes—but it is also a friendship story, a coming-of-age saga, and a philosophical exploration of duty and love. Robyn’s journey isn’t just one of physical relocation, but of spiritual elevation.
This is a must-read for anyone seeking a compelling narrative that doesn’t just entertain, but challenges you to think—and feel—deeply.
