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Also, Taiping and Wan'er -I loved how their history was humorously revealed, and how their characters developed. More of them, please.
Moderate: Death, Misogyny, Violence, War
Minor: Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Injury/Injury detail
Graphic: Violence, War, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexual content, Pregnancy, Colonisation
Graphic: Misogyny, War
Moderate: Medical trauma, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
Minor: Confinement, Forced institutionalization
Moderate: Child death, Confinement, Death, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Xenophobia, Medical content, Death of parent, Murder, War, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
Minor: Domestic abuse, Homophobia, Miscarriage, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Forced institutionalization, Police brutality, Kidnapping, Pregnancy, Alcohol
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Gore, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Medical content, Medical trauma, Murder, Pregnancy, Sexual harassment, War, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Cursing, Rape, Self harm
Graphic: Body horror, Body shaming, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Colonisation, Dysphoria, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Ableism, Body shaming, Confinement, Physical abuse, Sexism, Police brutality, Murder, Classism
Minor: Child abuse, Sexual assault
Graphic: Misogyny, War
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Police brutality, Medical content, Murder, War, Injury/Injury detail
Zetian is the perfect encapsulation of the sentiment "I support women's wrongs". I think that the way this book explores the complex emotions that Zetian has about her rise to the heights of power is incredibly interesting. Zhao's writing emphasizes Zetian's internal struggle for independence versus her feelings of belonging within a group. This inner battle is explored in even greater detail as the story progresses and Zetian develops her political alliance and fosters the integration of women into greater places of power.
Also, Zhao's finessed writing of the side characters made me feel the same way about them that Zetian does throughout the story. They each served to highlight the war occurring within and outside the court demonstrating authoritarian and patriarchal approaches to conflict. As Zetian is often swept to the side during important political decisions for a man's opinion the plot continues to highlight the rage that builds inside Zetian throughout the first book. Furthermore, it helps to improve the reader's understanding as Zetian begins to make her political calculations.
Layered on top of exploring the characters, Zhao also articulates the political intrigues of the imperial court. This subplot has a strong sense of authenticity, due to the book's roots in the biography of the real Wu Zetian. The nuanced discussion of the problems encountered by the revolutionary government was also approached in such an interesting way that allowed Zetian to show growth in her political understanding as well as demonstrate her humanity to the people of Huaxia. Zhao was also able to highlight that having a seat at the table is not the same thing as having equality within a society.
The ending of this book was wild. I know that there is some source material used for the basis of this book that I am not aware of, but I did feel that the final portion of the book was a bit rushed. I am also confused about where the battle lines are now drawn between the different factions of the book. Maybe a reread or the next book will provide some clarity, but I'm not entirely sure what to make of these events. Also, I'm not sure what Zetian gained through her actions.
Overall, an enthralling read. If you love morally grey characters, battles, and political intrigue I would highly recommend it.
Graphic: Ableism, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Sexual violence, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Grief, Medical trauma, Murder, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, War, Injury/Injury detail, Classism