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loves_nurse's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Intense and exciting war story. Descriptive scenes. (Will come back and edit this later when I get thoughts gathered.)
jnbailey's review against another edition
5.0
I held off due to no publication date for the 2nd- but, I couldn’t hold off. If you’re iffy about mech I think this is so well written you’ll change your mind.
I can’t even put into words how good this book was!
I can’t even put into words how good this book was!
allison_keaty's review
5.0
I had waited a long time to finally get around to reading this and skies it did not disappoint!
This was by far the best debut novel I have read in a very long time, and I've read some pretty bad debuts. Everything about this book was perfection, great world building, fabulous character development and a gripping mystery.
But that ending though! I can already tell that the sequel is going to be EPIC!
This was by far the best debut novel I have read in a very long time, and I've read some pretty bad debuts. Everything about this book was perfection, great world building, fabulous character development and a gripping mystery.
But that ending though! I can already tell that the sequel is going to be EPIC!
monarchsandmyths's review
5.0
first read 1/3/22: oh i'm just supposed to wait for a sequel??? like this didn't just make me lose my absolute mind???
4.5 STARS
the pure joy at a highly hyped book living up to the expectations (and maybe a little bit more). xiran jay zhao is clearly the kind of writer who easily draws you in (something that didn’t surprise me as a fan of their youtube channel), and wu zetian is the kind of protagonist who keeps you turning the pages. this is undeniably a primal scream of a book, as described, and it makes me both excited and incredibly nervous for what’s going to come next.
at its heart, this book is undeniably queer and not just in a way that leaps past sexual orientations, but also past gender. though all of the characters seem to fit into the western idea of being cis in the loosest terms, the gender binary and the various restrictions set upon the characters are clearly not accepted. i’m not going to say this makes any of the character trans, but i do think that it’s impossible to say that zetian, and others, don’t transcend a traditional idea of gender (especially a western one, which is the only one that i can really speak for). beyond that, zetian, yizhi, and shimin are all inextricably queer on page and though it’s a point of possible societal contention, it’s never one within their little triangle, ultimately celebrated and accepted. this book isn’t exactly queer joy, in fact it’s queer rage more than anything, but it celebrates and cherishes queerness in such a beautiful way nonetheless.
in terms of the actual worldbuilding and plot, i’m not sure how much i can say that would be of much worth. this book is beautiful and intricate, and it’s been one of the few books that i’ve read in the past few months where i was actively able to picture the setting in my head for most of the book. science fiction, even in a somewhat more fantastical situation can be daunting, but i felt nearly completely immersed in the world from page one. furthermore, it kept me on my toes, and left me a little bit upset that i have to wait for a sequel at the end (seriously what do i do now that i have all this information and no idea what happens next). even though i’ve finished the book, i still feel like i haven’t fully left the world of iron widow, and i’m definitely not complaining.
and oh the character arc’s, what a joy. this book is determined to not let any of the characters be what they seem, for better or for worse. some of the characters are possibly morally worse than you might first assume, but that doesn’t mean that you don’t root for some of those characters or that they aren’t the good guys in the story. zetian is a nearly perfect definition of morally gray, there’s clearly lines but they seem so much further than what you might at first assume or what you might choose for yourself. but once again, you can’t help but root for her. on the other hand you have shimin and yizhi, who seem like polar opposites and in some ways they are, but in many core ways they’re alike. they’re both not all what they seem, and i think this book is dedicated to not only exposing their intricacies, but their softer parts as well as the more ragged edges and cruel parts. no character in this book is what they seem at the beginning of the book, nor are they completely one way or another. even the more stilted moments end up flowing together, making it hard to remember what felt wrong in the first place.
i don’t necessarily think this book is for everyone, but i do recommend it. the more i read, the more i wanted to read, and the more that i cannot wait to see what happens next (although i am definitely extremely terrified of what that might be). so treat yourself to a primal scream, some queer rage, and a world and story that’ll come alive in your mind.
4.5 STARS
the pure joy at a highly hyped book living up to the expectations (and maybe a little bit more). xiran jay zhao is clearly the kind of writer who easily draws you in (something that didn’t surprise me as a fan of their youtube channel), and wu zetian is the kind of protagonist who keeps you turning the pages. this is undeniably a primal scream of a book, as described, and it makes me both excited and incredibly nervous for what’s going to come next.
at its heart, this book is undeniably queer and not just in a way that leaps past sexual orientations, but also past gender. though all of the characters seem to fit into the western idea of being cis in the loosest terms, the gender binary and the various restrictions set upon the characters are clearly not accepted. i’m not going to say this makes any of the character trans, but i do think that it’s impossible to say that zetian, and others, don’t transcend a traditional idea of gender (especially a western one, which is the only one that i can really speak for). beyond that, zetian, yizhi, and shimin are all inextricably queer on page and though it’s a point of possible societal contention, it’s never one within their little triangle, ultimately celebrated and accepted. this book isn’t exactly queer joy, in fact it’s queer rage more than anything, but it celebrates and cherishes queerness in such a beautiful way nonetheless.
in terms of the actual worldbuilding and plot, i’m not sure how much i can say that would be of much worth. this book is beautiful and intricate, and it’s been one of the few books that i’ve read in the past few months where i was actively able to picture the setting in my head for most of the book. science fiction, even in a somewhat more fantastical situation can be daunting, but i felt nearly completely immersed in the world from page one. furthermore, it kept me on my toes, and left me a little bit upset that i have to wait for a sequel at the end (seriously what do i do now that i have all this information and no idea what happens next). even though i’ve finished the book, i still feel like i haven’t fully left the world of iron widow, and i’m definitely not complaining.
and oh the character arc’s, what a joy. this book is determined to not let any of the characters be what they seem, for better or for worse. some of the characters are possibly morally worse than you might first assume, but that doesn’t mean that you don’t root for some of those characters or that they aren’t the good guys in the story. zetian is a nearly perfect definition of morally gray, there’s clearly lines but they seem so much further than what you might at first assume or what you might choose for yourself. but once again, you can’t help but root for her. on the other hand you have shimin and yizhi, who seem like polar opposites and in some ways they are, but in many core ways they’re alike. they’re both not all what they seem, and i think this book is dedicated to not only exposing their intricacies, but their softer parts as well as the more ragged edges and cruel parts. no character in this book is what they seem at the beginning of the book, nor are they completely one way or another. even the more stilted moments end up flowing together, making it hard to remember what felt wrong in the first place.
i don’t necessarily think this book is for everyone, but i do recommend it. the more i read, the more i wanted to read, and the more that i cannot wait to see what happens next (although i am definitely extremely terrified of what that might be). so treat yourself to a primal scream, some queer rage, and a world and story that’ll come alive in your mind.
readsknitsrepeats's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
4.5
Damn, this book was amazing. Thrilling and ruthless (sometimes violent), it offered a lot of commentary on gender norms, the patriarchy, and misogyny. I loved Zetian's quest for revenge and justice, as well as her utter defiance of societal expectations. The plot was fantastic, with an unexpected ending that left me eagerly anticipating the sequel.
Quotes:
Female. That label has never done anything for me except dictate what I can or cannot do. No going anywhere without permission. No showing too much skin. No speaking too loudly or unkindly, or at all, if the men are talking. No living my life without being constantly aware of how pleasing I am to the eye. No future except pushing out son after son for a husband, or dying in a Chrysalis to give some boy the power to reach for glory.
It's as if I've got a cocoon shriveled too tightly around my whole being. If I had my way, I'd exist like that butterfly, giving onlookers no easy way to bind me with a simple label.
_____
How do you take the fight out of half the population and render them willing slaves? You tell them they're meant to do nothing but serve from the minute they're born. You tell them they're weak. You tell them they're prey.
You tell them over and over, until it's the only truth they're capable of living.
_____
This silly man is trying to shame me with my own body.
Well, guess what? I have a fine body. He can get it from any angle he wants, but the video will have no real leverage over me.
I don't give a shit if he might release it to the public.
Shame and humiliation are self-imposed emotions, and from here on out, I choose not to feel them.
_____
Despite their best efforts, I find myself worthy of happiness.
Everything they've used to bind me, I will turn against them.
_____
I have no faith in love. Love cannot save me. I choose vengeance.
_____
"The entitled assholes of the world are sustained by girls who forgive too easily. And there's nothing I'd like to rid the world of more than entitled assholes. Except Hunduns, of course."
_____
“Redemption story, they said? There will be no redemption. It is not me who is wrong. It’s everyone else.”
___
"You know what I think" I say. "I think this whole concept of women being docile and obedient is nothing but wishful think-ing. Or why would you put so much effort into lying to us? Into crippling our bodies? Into coercing us with made-up morals you claim are sacred? You insecure men, you're afraid. You can force us into compliance, but, deep down, you know you can't force us to truly love and respect you. And without love and respect, there will always be a seed of hatred and resistance. Growing. Festering. Waiting." I dig my nails into An Lushan's upside-down head like roots pressing at pavement. "Before you die, let me confirm something for you: girls like me are everywhere, barely putting up the facade of wives and daughters and concubines. And I don't think they'll be very happy about the army's lies."
____
"Girls are naturally weaker in spirit than boys."
How did I not ask that crucial Wait, why? for so long? How many aspects of the piloting system — and the world in general— are based on sterile facts, and how many are just illusions? Illusions that reinforce themselves generation after generation, because people don't question the convenient boxes they're penned into, the arbitrary rules they live by?
Quotes:
Female. That label has never done anything for me except dictate what I can or cannot do. No going anywhere without permission. No showing too much skin. No speaking too loudly or unkindly, or at all, if the men are talking. No living my life without being constantly aware of how pleasing I am to the eye. No future except pushing out son after son for a husband, or dying in a Chrysalis to give some boy the power to reach for glory.
It's as if I've got a cocoon shriveled too tightly around my whole being. If I had my way, I'd exist like that butterfly, giving onlookers no easy way to bind me with a simple label.
_____
How do you take the fight out of half the population and render them willing slaves? You tell them they're meant to do nothing but serve from the minute they're born. You tell them they're weak. You tell them they're prey.
You tell them over and over, until it's the only truth they're capable of living.
_____
This silly man is trying to shame me with my own body.
Well, guess what? I have a fine body. He can get it from any angle he wants, but the video will have no real leverage over me.
I don't give a shit if he might release it to the public.
Shame and humiliation are self-imposed emotions, and from here on out, I choose not to feel them.
_____
Despite their best efforts, I find myself worthy of happiness.
Everything they've used to bind me, I will turn against them.
_____
I have no faith in love. Love cannot save me. I choose vengeance.
_____
"The entitled assholes of the world are sustained by girls who forgive too easily. And there's nothing I'd like to rid the world of more than entitled assholes. Except Hunduns, of course."
_____
“Redemption story, they said? There will be no redemption. It is not me who is wrong. It’s everyone else.”
___
"You know what I think" I say. "I think this whole concept of women being docile and obedient is nothing but wishful think-ing. Or why would you put so much effort into lying to us? Into crippling our bodies? Into coercing us with made-up morals you claim are sacred? You insecure men, you're afraid. You can force us into compliance, but, deep down, you know you can't force us to truly love and respect you. And without love and respect, there will always be a seed of hatred and resistance. Growing. Festering. Waiting." I dig my nails into An Lushan's upside-down head like roots pressing at pavement. "Before you die, let me confirm something for you: girls like me are everywhere, barely putting up the facade of wives and daughters and concubines. And I don't think they'll be very happy about the army's lies."
____
"Girls are naturally weaker in spirit than boys."
How did I not ask that crucial Wait, why? for so long? How many aspects of the piloting system — and the world in general— are based on sterile facts, and how many are just illusions? Illusions that reinforce themselves generation after generation, because people don't question the convenient boxes they're penned into, the arbitrary rules they live by?
sienamystic's review
2.0
Great premise and a strong start but ultimately the characters are one-note and I started skimming rapidly at about the halfway point.
dskybutler's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
nightshade_1's review
5.0
“The world does not deserve my respect. It is not worthy of my kindness or compassion.”
⥼~-✰-~⥽ ☽ ˚•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙˚＊☾ ⥼~-✰-~⥽
ೃ︵➷ wow just wow about this book! I’m so glad I picked this for my new year reads tbr! I really enjoyed this more than when I read These voilent delights! This book does deserve to be known more. But that’s what I love about books when they’re not popular going into a book in the unknown without its popularity.
The main character in this book Zeitan is seeking out revenge who killed her sister. Eventually becomes one of the pilots herself theres a lot of complications along the way finding out more about her own family and herself. What I like about this book it shows that women can also be warriors too not just men in battles this is what I like to see in these books.
There is a lot of love triangle relationships going on this book and I love that keeps you on the edge on who is she going to pick.. Yizhi or Shimn… I feel like the book itself was also really good the plot did take a while to get into which why however it took me a bit longer to read (but least it wasn’t anything like Serpent and dove!
ೃ︵➷ wow just wow about this book! I’m so glad I picked this for my new year reads tbr! I really enjoyed this more than when I read These voilent delights! This book does deserve to be known more. But that’s what I love about books when they’re not popular going into a book in the unknown without its popularity.
The main character in this book Zeitan is seeking out revenge who killed her sister. Eventually becomes one of the pilots herself theres a lot of complications along the way finding out more about her own family and herself. What I like about this book it shows that women can also be warriors too not just men in battles this is what I like to see in these books.
There is a lot of love triangle relationships going on this book and I love that keeps you on the edge on who is she going to pick.. Yizhi or Shimn… I feel like the book itself was also really good the plot did take a while to get into which why however it took me a bit longer to read (but least it wasn’t anything like Serpent and dove!
samolineux's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
kalaira's review
4.0
This book isn't perfect but has some great elements and I had a good time nontheless. The twist ending was...something