A review by metalballwheatley
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao

adventurous dark reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This book was so wild and fun, but I wouldn't say that it was perfect. It got kind of cheesy and hammy at times but I still enjoyed it. 

I loved the three main characters and how the two boys were equally supportive towards Zetian despite her being mean to them at times. (Though rightfully so because she doesn't owe them politeness) I also loved the combination of futuristic tech with Tang dynasty aesthetics (I think it's Tang dynasty because that's around the time Wu Zetian was alive). And the mechas! The whole thing with how the mechas worked was so cool and interesting!

I could see how people had problems with the worldbuilding not being explained enough, but I honestly didn't have a problem with it because I'm usually just more focused on the plot. (Worldbuilding isn't really fun if you don't have an interesting plot) My only complaint is that I wish we got to see Shimin and Yizhi interact more so that we could root for their relationship just as we rooted for Shimin and Zetian (I love Yizhi but idk if I rooted for Yizhi and Zetian
since they already liked each other in the beginning
).
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