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A review by bookish_selkie
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
adventurous
dark
funny
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
Iron Widow is one of my top five-star reads of 2021, without question. Iron Widow is a futuristic story where piloting mechas is the key to survival. The mechas require a boy/girl team, but the experience typically kills the girls in the partnership. Determined to get revenge for her big sister who was killed, Zetian agrees to participate. Zetian is revealed to be an Iron Widow- she can sacrifice boys for power to pilot the mechas. As she tries to understand why the system functions in such a misogynistic way, Zetian strives to gain power and prevent more sacrifices before one of the attempts on her life succeeds.
With themes of overthrowing the patriarchy, questioning societal gender norms, and fighting for justice- Iron Widow is a truly compelling and fresh story. I absolutely loved watching Zetian question and destroy ideas about what a woman “should” do. There was also great portrayal and discussion of toxic family dynamics. Iron Widow feels bloody, visceral, and real. Zetian is a fierce and strong character- but she’s also very fun! She is a character who is so unafraid to break the rules and take big risks that it’s impossible to look away. Zetian and the book are inspired by Empress Wu, the only female emperor of China. Iron Widow also contains fantastic LGBTQ+ rep, including a poly relationship. This relationship is one of my favorite aspects of the book! No cliche love triangle here- the relationship is beautifully set up and very well done.
Iron Widow pulls no punches and is incredibly sharp. This is a fast-paced and thrilling adventure. If you enjoy mechas, morally gray characters, strong women who are determined to claw their way to power, and epic battle scenes- then you need to read Iron Widow! I can’t wait to see what happens next! Thank you so much to Xiran Jay Zhao, Penguin Teen, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
With themes of overthrowing the patriarchy, questioning societal gender norms, and fighting for justice- Iron Widow is a truly compelling and fresh story. I absolutely loved watching Zetian question and destroy ideas about what a woman “should” do. There was also great portrayal and discussion of toxic family dynamics. Iron Widow feels bloody, visceral, and real. Zetian is a fierce and strong character- but she’s also very fun! She is a character who is so unafraid to break the rules and take big risks that it’s impossible to look away. Zetian and the book are inspired by Empress Wu, the only female emperor of China. Iron Widow also contains fantastic LGBTQ+ rep, including a poly relationship. This relationship is one of my favorite aspects of the book! No cliche love triangle here- the relationship is beautifully set up and very well done.
Iron Widow pulls no punches and is incredibly sharp. This is a fast-paced and thrilling adventure. If you enjoy mechas, morally gray characters, strong women who are determined to claw their way to power, and epic battle scenes- then you need to read Iron Widow! I can’t wait to see what happens next! Thank you so much to Xiran Jay Zhao, Penguin Teen, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.