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Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Confinement, Death, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Alcohol, War, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Ableism, Bullying, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Racism, Self harm, Sexual content, Abandonment, Classism
Minor: Body shaming, Homophobia, Sexual assault, Suicide attempt
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Classism
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism
Minor: Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Sexism, Torture
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Body shaming, War
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Fire/Fire injury
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Body horror, Death, Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Torture, Violence, Murder, War
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Domestic abuse, Genocide, Gore, Misogyny, Rape, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Colonisation, War, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
This YA sci-fi blends futuristic mechas (think giant battling robots) with historical elements like foot binding and the systemic suppression of women. In this world, male and female pilots team up to steer these robots—but the male pilot can sacrifice the female if needed. So yes, there’s plenty to be angry about.
The female main character, who had her feet bound at a young age, experiences chronic pain and occasionally relies on a wheelchair. While there’s a love triangle, it’s quite tame, and the book leans heavily into its raw, emotional core.
I wished for more nuance, maturity, and backstory for the characters, but I’m hopeful the sequel (coming December 24, 2024) will deliver!
If you love fierce female leads and stories dripping with justified fury, this one’s for you.
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Misogyny, Violence, Blood, Murder, Alcohol, War, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Violence, Classism
Mainly because good polyam rep is so hard to find, I'm willing to forgo a lot of other standards.
To quote a good movie: "It makes no damn sense. Compels me though."
Graphic: Alcoholism, Body shaming, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Murder, Gaslighting, Alcohol, War, Classism
Moderate: Biphobia, Gun violence, Slavery, Vomit, Police brutality, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail
I really appreciate the way Xiran captures this
While there’s SO much more to say about anti-colonialism/empire, sexism, gender based violence and oppression, and propaganda, this was a fantastic beginning. I feel like the soul of the book is Zetian fighting back for all those who can’t anymore, and to make sure that those to in future generations don’t face the same abuse, violence, and oppression that she and all those before have had to.
On a lighter note
I appreciate the stage that was set in this book, and I am simultaneously terrified and excited for book two, and to see the next level of these discussions.
I really haven’t properly captured this book because I am still processing it, and will be for some time to come. 10/10 would recommend. I will be tagging some content warnings below, although the author also provides them in the beginning of the book. Definitely read this one when you’re feeling stalwart because it’s some heavy themes but well handled and important. 🙌🏽
Okay, gonna go preorder Heavenly Tyrant now…😉
Moderate: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, Colonisation, War, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
Graphic: Death, Misogyny, Sexism, Torture
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, Murder
Moderate: Addiction, Misogyny, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Torture, Xenophobia