Reviews tagging 'Sexual violence'

Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao

401 reviews

ceruleanseas's review against another edition

adventurous dark sad tense fast-paced

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

3.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Confinement, Death, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Alcohol, War, and Injury/Injury detail

Moderate: Ableism, Bullying, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Racism, Self harm, Sexual content, Abandonment, and Classism

Minor: Body shaming, Homophobia, Sexual assault, and Suicide attempt

embersbooknook's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

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

4.5

I don’t know exactly what I was expecting when I picked up this book but HOLY SHIT🤯  It blew my mind.  It was such a huge undertaking of a book in that I feel like, while we could nitpick character arcs and plot rhythm, the scope of the book was, to me at least, very focused on the undertaking of exposing the evils of empire, and of the consequences of peoples and groups of peoples too long oppressed, and the way that systems of oppression harm EVERYONE.  

I really appreciate the way Xiran captures this

especially in the way that men are shown to be being lied to, fooled, and used by the powers that be, too.  Especially with them being ‘tributes’ once they reach a certain age.  Also in the way that many of the male pilots don’t want to hurt their female co-pilots and yet do because they have bought the lies, but then also live with the guilt because they don’t realize the whole thing is totally rigged.  It’s deep and feels so chillingly close to our own realities

.   

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

MY THROUPLE BETTER MAKE IT DAMMIT!!!  They’ve been through enough, I want them to rule the world as a throuple - Zetian, Yizhi, and Shimin just need to be okay at the end of this. 😭😭❤️‍🩹

 

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…😉 

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Content Warnings

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, and Classism

The rape is never any on page depictions, but it is implied to have happened to a few non major characters and there is pressure on the female protagonist to allow sex from people she doesn’t want it from. Rape is also discussed as a theme throughout the book in regards to gender based violence and oppression. I’ll be honest, it wasn’t easy to read despite not being overly graphic. I experienced intimate partner sexual coercion, manipulation, and a couple assaults and that made it feel close to home for me. If you’ve been through something more traumatic than I have, definitely read with care and don’t be afraid to take breaks and be sure to have some self care in place❤️‍🩹 It is an excellent read but heavy so I felt these notes were needed. The other violence mentioned, while not overly graphic, is still upsetting at times so again just…take good care.

morgs_gray's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional 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? It's complicated

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, and War

Moderate: Alcoholism, Physical abuse, Sexual violence, and Grief

Minor: Body shaming, Domestic abuse, and Rape

hplreads's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious sad 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

4.0

An incredible mecha war adventure. Inspired by Chinese historical figures and novels, Iron Widow takes a feminist lens to traditional gender roles and asks how would the military industrial complex use young people to their advantage in at times the cruelest and most inhumane ways.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Addiction, Misogyny, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Torture, and Xenophobia

jes42's review against another edition

dark emotional tense fast-paced

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

5.0

Hands down one of the best books I've ever read. The execution of the characters, world building, and plot devices tying into the themes of the book was near flawless. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Ableism, Addiction, Death, Misogyny, Sexism, Violence, and Alcohol

Moderate: Confinement, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Gaslighting, Colonisation, and Classism

bisexualwentworth's review against another edition

• 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

5.0

I can’t believe I waited this long to read this book, but I’m also very glad that I won’t have to wait very long for the sequel. This was so much fun. Xiran Jay Zhao perfectly combines Chinese history, scifi chaos, and feminist rage into a compulsively readable novel. It is also exactly what is says it’s going to be, and this is so rare that I have to give Zhao and their team massive credit for that.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Misogyny, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Murder, and Sexual harassment

Moderate: Racism, Rape, and Xenophobia

themdash's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Really wonderful concept and hints of incredible world-building, including a GREAT twist at the end… but it’s dragged down by uneven pacing, lack of detail, immature writing style, and jumps in characterization (Zetian’s feelings about Shimin seem to completely change overnight). I’ll continue the series, but can’t recommend it.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Ableism, Addiction, Alcoholism, Body horror, Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Fatphobia, Genocide, Gore, Gun violence, Homophobia, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Xenophobia, Blood, Police brutality, Kidnapping, Grief, Medical trauma, Suicide attempt, Murder, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Colonisation, Dysphoria, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism

body_by_art's review against another edition

adventurous dark reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

A good first outing by this Author. The story is good. You want to know what happens next. But the author isnt GREAT yet. It feels like the book is screaming the message at you, and then beating you over the head with it. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Alcoholism and Physical abuse

Moderate: Sexual violence and Trafficking

lostinadaydream's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional inspiring mysterious 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

5.0

Was ein Buch! In den momentan Zeiten genau das was ich brauchte. Eine starke Weibliche Protagonistin die das Patriarchale System ohne Gnade zerstören will!

Zetian ist eine so spannende Protagonistin. Sie hat klare Wertvorstellungen und weiß was sie will. Ihr ist kein Mittel zu schlimm und sie entscheidet sich eine Welt die voll mit Grausamkeit ist, auf die gleiche Art und Weise zu bekämpfen. Ihre Wut und ihr Ziel junge Mädchen und Frauen aus diesem System zu befreien, in welcher die Verstümmelung der weiblichen Füße zur täglichen Praxis gehört, ist bewundernswert. Trotz ihrer gewaltreichen Seiten ist sie dennoch ein bewundernswerter starker und guter Charakter. 

Die Welt in welche wir in diesem Buch eintauchen hat mich von der ersten Seite an gefesselt. Und mit jedem Kapitel immer mehr in den Bann gezogen. Diese Welt in der alles so schwarz weiß zu sein scheint uns aber durch Zetian, Yizhi und Shimin gezeigt wird wie Falsetten reich die Gesellschaft, Liebe und Macht sein kann. 

Mit der Enthüllung des manipulierten Pilotensystems zur Entdeckung der Einwanderung der Menschen auf den Planeten, hat mich dann voll ends überzeugt. 
Der Konflikt der in Hauxia durch das System herrscht hin zu einer über den Planeten hinausgehenden Vertuschung, lässt mich nur mit absoluter Spannung auf das nächste Buch warten. 

Und wenn Shimin nicht überlebt dann mach ich Krawall😭!

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Alcoholism, Death, Misogyny, Sexism, Alcohol, and War

Moderate: Sexual violence and Injury/Injury detail

slayerfaith's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional medium-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

5.0

Amazing book with evocative writing, compelling characters and interesting plot. I was able to predict one of the "twists" at the end, but it did not diminish my enjoyment of the story in any way. Looking forward to the sequel!

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Murder, and War

Moderate: Colonisation and Classism

Minor: Sexual violence