You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Scan barcode
A review by bookphenomena_micky
Heavenly Tyrant by Xiran Jay Zhao
adventurous
challenging
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
Headlines:
Betrayal
Complex relationships
Ready your feminist rage
This sequel was a worthy follow-up to Iron Widow. The Zetian that emerged from the chrysalis of the first book was more fierce, more bold and yet she still had vulnerabilities. The co-pilot at the end of Iron Widow became one of the main characters of this piece and I am still frustrated over my own feelings about this character. He was montrous, somewhat noble, half-misogynist, half-feminist, part socialist and so that there were things I liked about him and things I hated about him. I think this conflict of feelings for this character was inevitable.
The relationships in this book were inherently complex, whether political, convenient or romantic. The ending of the previous book indicated a change from the connections I'd come to love. What I wasn't prepared for were the reveals about past, present and to-be romantic entanglements. The betrayals Zetian experienced were hideous and I felt such irridescent rage reading some parts. One reveal in the final third of the book made me close it for processing and stomp around the house a bit, so that I could pick it back up and cheer Zetian's plotting along. I have to say for all the tennis match of feelings this element of the story brought, I was a fan of every twist and turn.
In terms of the world and political plot, there were some huge reveals about the planet, the gods, leaving some uncertainty about friend or foe. Where the story ended up has me yearning for more of what's going to happen to this world.
I can't finish this review without homage to how Zhao wrote the realism of a feminist storyline. Even while this government was becoming less misogynistic, the reality was that Zetian's role wasn't accepted, she was reviled and her womb was a crucial factor in how she was perceived. I ate up these plotlines while side eyeing literally all the men in this book (maybe apart from one).
Will this be a trilogy or more, I don't know but I will jump to attention immediately when I can get my hands on more.
Thank you to Rock The Boat for the review copy.
Betrayal
Complex relationships
Ready your feminist rage
This sequel was a worthy follow-up to Iron Widow. The Zetian that emerged from the chrysalis of the first book was more fierce, more bold and yet she still had vulnerabilities. The co-pilot at the end of Iron Widow became one of the main characters of this piece and I am still frustrated over my own feelings about this character. He was montrous, somewhat noble, half-misogynist, half-feminist, part socialist and so that there were things I liked about him and things I hated about him. I think this conflict of feelings for this character was inevitable.
The relationships in this book were inherently complex, whether political, convenient or romantic. The ending of the previous book indicated a change from the connections I'd come to love. What I wasn't prepared for were the reveals about past, present and to-be romantic entanglements. The betrayals Zetian experienced were hideous and I felt such irridescent rage reading some parts. One reveal in the final third of the book made me close it for processing and stomp around the house a bit, so that I could pick it back up and cheer Zetian's plotting along. I have to say for all the tennis match of feelings this element of the story brought, I was a fan of every twist and turn.
In terms of the world and political plot, there were some huge reveals about the planet, the gods, leaving some uncertainty about friend or foe. Where the story ended up has me yearning for more of what's going to happen to this world.
I can't finish this review without homage to how Zhao wrote the realism of a feminist storyline. Even while this government was becoming less misogynistic, the reality was that Zetian's role wasn't accepted, she was reviled and her womb was a crucial factor in how she was perceived. I ate up these plotlines while side eyeing literally all the men in this book (maybe apart from one).
Will this be a trilogy or more, I don't know but I will jump to attention immediately when I can get my hands on more.
Thank you to Rock The Boat for the review copy.