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A review by snowydaze
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
4.5
I really enjoyed the characters and plot of this book. The morally grey characters and polyamorous representation was amazing to see. Additionally the world building was unique and discussed the differences between the cultures well. The discussions of gender norms, addiction, relationships, grief and misogyny among other topics throughout the novel are necessary to the plot and sadly related to issues currently faced by many. The author handles these plot points in a delicate manner and through her writing many different perspectives can be gleamed from the passages. The battle sequences were also very detailed and exciting to read.
However, on a different note I found the ending to be rushed and the epilogue partially confusing. Particularly because of how short it is, the information presented in it does not have enough explanation to really hit home. Additionally she discusses the importance of found family and family obligations in a strange way that works at some points but is muddled in other parts of the story. At times it seems like she excuses their behavior and diminishes her families toxicity as a whole but during other scenes it is explained well. This comes across as muddled and it is harder to fully understand her dilemmas later in the book because of it.
Other than that Iron Widow was a refreshing read with unique plot and although I found the last bit rushed overall it was a great read that I've already pre-ordered and plan on recommending! I can't wait for the next volume to see what happens next!
Disclaimer ~ I got an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
However, on a different note I found the ending to be rushed and the epilogue partially confusing. Particularly because of how short it is, the information presented in it does not have enough explanation to really hit home. Additionally she discusses the importance of found family and family obligations in a strange way that works at some points but is muddled in other parts of the story. At times it seems like she excuses their behavior and diminishes her families toxicity as a whole but during other scenes it is explained well. This comes across as muddled and it is harder to fully understand her dilemmas later in the book because of it.
Other than that Iron Widow was a refreshing read with unique plot and although I found the last bit rushed overall it was a great read that I've already pre-ordered and plan on recommending! I can't wait for the next volume to see what happens next!
Disclaimer ~ I got an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Abandonment, Alcoholism, Body shaming, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Genocide, Grief, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Mental illness, Misogyny, Murder, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Torture, Toxic relationship, and Violence