Review by reallyandromeda - Iron Widow

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reallyandromeda 's review for:

Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao

3.5

adventurous challenging fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I have mixed feelings about this book- firstly i have to confess i devoured the entire thing in a single sitting! Positives: I was seriously invested in the main characters journey and development, i loved the retelling of the love triangle trope, and found the depiction of her anger at her misogynistic society so emotive! However, the writing wasn’t always amazing- but I know this is Xiran’s first book so i am willing to forgive a lot. Briefly summed: the opening chapters used jarringly flowery language which then completely vanished, and the plot felt majorly rushed: I felt the romances could have been explored way more E.g. Shimin died straight after consummating his partnership, but there wasn’t any moments to solidify or discuss the development in their relationships, which slightly undermined the death scene for me, i knew it wasn’t real because he clearly isn’t done yet
, and certain character “twists” felt wildly unearned- i know she probably wanted to establish the complete lack of honest support anyone can offer Zetian in this world, but when our main character is shown to be supremely suspicious these revelations feel a bit unrealistic.
Overall: I will definitely be reading the sequel, but I hope their writing style continues to improve by then!

Content Warnings