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jesslinkletter 's review for:
Iron Widow
by Xiran Jay Zhao
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is my new top read of 2022.
Things I loved:
- A queer polyamorous relationship!! This is something I don't ever think I've seen before in a book and it was a big draw for me to read this
- The whole universe and the world-building was very interesting!
- The characters themselves. Zetian, who is full of rage for the unfair world she's been born into and isn't afraid to harness that anger. Shimin, who is torn between the expectations to perform as a man should in his society and his understanding that the same society lives to tear women apart. And Yizhi, my absolute favourite character, who appears innocent but will not hesitate to cheer on (and even help) Zetian and Shimin with murder.
Things I wanted more of/hope to see in the sequel:
- More women! For a "feminist" book, there is a sad lack of female characters. I want to see other strong women aligning with Zetian to take down the patriarchy.
- I wanted soooo much more character development and insight into their relationship. I can tell there's so much more to unlock in these characters and I'd be very happy if the next book was a few hundred pages longer so that the characters can get their proper development alongside the story.
Things I loved:
- A queer polyamorous relationship!! This is something I don't ever think I've seen before in a book and it was a big draw for me to read this
- The whole universe and the world-building was very interesting!
- The characters themselves. Zetian, who is full of rage for the unfair world she's been born into and isn't afraid to harness that anger. Shimin, who is torn between the expectations to perform as a man should in his society and his understanding that the same society lives to tear women apart. And Yizhi, my absolute favourite character, who appears innocent but will not hesitate to cheer on (and even help) Zetian and Shimin with murder.
Things I wanted more of/hope to see in the sequel:
- More women! For a "feminist" book, there is a sad lack of female characters. I want to see other strong women aligning with Zetian to take down the patriarchy.
- I wanted soooo much more character development and insight into their relationship. I can tell there's so much more to unlock in these characters and I'd be very happy if the next book was a few hundred pages longer so that the characters can get their proper development alongside the story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Physical abuse, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Violence, Murder, War
Moderate: Addiction, Rape, Injury/Injury detail