Reviews with content warning for Violence - Iron Widow

This feminist retelling of the rise of Wu Zetian was everything. It makes you really think about misogyny, gender-based violence, and binary gender roles in such an interesting and action-packed way.

You’ll find yourself furious throughout the book with how many times women’s pain, suffering and lives are seen as necessary sacrifice zones for the “good” of society. I especially loved Wu Zeitan’s badasss spirit, thirst for justice & the poly romance 🔥

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bexs848's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional inspiring mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

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orchidforever's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

I loved this book till the epilogue. I think I ranted for a bit at my husband. But I also know it’s set up for the next book but man. I’m mad.

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sadie_hawkins's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

if the writing wouldn't be so elite, this would be a 4 star read.

my problem with this book started at the first chapter. unnecessarily long, drages, terrible first introduction. i ended up skipping lines.

after the second chapter... it only got better and better. i find the dark elements, scary enough to keep you tense but not grotesque.

main character was interesting, i enjoyed being inside her mind and author succeded to gave her messages without making me feel like i was reading *inspiring pinterest quotes*.

the only weak writing was the deliverance of li shimin's backstory. but i forgive that.

slowburn was very tastefully done. characters relationships to each other felt very realistic even though this book is single pov.

my only other problem is.... the ending. in this point, problem can be me because i am not used to reading sci-fi. So the long war scene at the end... i think i ended up skipping a brunch.

the real ending was *fine* but i really don't like ambiguous endings. the ending was probably predictable but still, deliverance was good so it didn't felt forced.

i will %100 re-read, since i finished it in less than 24 hours since it was too captivating.

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