A review by magatsumandala
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao

adventurous dark emotional tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

1.0

I think there was potential with the book! I like seeing women rise up against their oppressive societies, the idea of there being Chinese legends and folklore to that was also very exciting. The mecha system could've been very cool but unfortunately, the book fell flat.
 
There is a ton of misogyny in the book, like the actual writing part of it. Zetian's sister is just Stuffed into the Fridge and is essentially a Disposable Woman. The other women are viewed as unintelligent and antagonistic—which I really did not like, considering they live in a misogynistic society where they are brainwashed and prohibited from actual information about their bodies and such AND the fact that we are stronger together than we are alone.

Prose is clunky and awkward. Didn't like the fact that the only character flaw Zetian seemed to have was her disability because GUESS WHAT??? DISABILITIES ARE NOT CHARACTER FLAWS and it's both lazy and ableist when writers pose a character like that! Pacing was not very good. Plot and characters were lacking.  

3/5 on the entire premise, 1/5 on the actual work. I wonder if I would've thought differently if the publishers didn't meddle with XJZ's writing. 
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