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A review by sophiesmallhands
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-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
4.75
Iron Widow was my dream combo book, imaginative and absolutely bonkers yet plausible plot? Tick! Unexpectedly varied and three-dimensional characters to cheer for? Tick!
I won’t say too much about the plot to save spoiling it so I’m going to talk mainly about the characters.
If I had to sum up the main character Zetian in one word, it’s easily rage. Zetian is unapologetically angry about the world she’s been born into and how that has limited her opportunities. All her thought processes while almost single-handed dismantling a flawed system (I mean, all patriarchies are flawed at their core really) is fascinating. Much the book reminded me a lot of The Hunger Games, where the system tries to weaponise and control the main female character, only to realise they’re playing with fire.
The love interests, Shimin and Yizhi, who form the other two parts of a queer, polyamorous true love triangle are totally non-stereotypical male YA characters which was tremendously refreshing. At first glance, Yizhi seems like a typical kind, rich boy but ends up displaying a spine of steel in defiance of the traditions that raised him. On the other hand, Shimin could have easily ended up being type casted as the strong, stoic male character, but instead we see a vulnerable, intelligent boy who has been demonised for doing what he thought was right.
My only wish is that we see some more female characters to work alongside Zetian – there was a stark lack of them in this first book and the few female characters we see are either ambivalent or outright antagonistic towards her.
The last 80 pages was absolutely WILD and I’m very keen for the next book!
I won’t say too much about the plot to save spoiling it so I’m going to talk mainly about the characters.
If I had to sum up the main character Zetian in one word, it’s easily rage. Zetian is unapologetically angry about the world she’s been born into and how that has limited her opportunities. All her thought processes while almost single-handed dismantling a flawed system (I mean, all patriarchies are flawed at their core really) is fascinating. Much the book reminded me a lot of The Hunger Games, where the system tries to weaponise and control the main female character, only to realise they’re playing with fire.
The love interests, Shimin and Yizhi, who form the other two parts of a queer, polyamorous true love triangle are totally non-stereotypical male YA characters which was tremendously refreshing. At first glance, Yizhi seems like a typical kind, rich boy but ends up displaying a spine of steel in defiance of the traditions that raised him. On the other hand, Shimin could have easily ended up being type casted as the strong, stoic male character, but instead we see a vulnerable, intelligent boy who has been demonised for doing what he thought was right.
My only wish is that we see some more female characters to work alongside Zetian – there was a stark lack of them in this first book and the few female characters we see are either ambivalent or outright antagonistic towards her.
The last 80 pages was absolutely WILD and I’m very keen for the next book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, and Misogyny
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Medical trauma, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Violence, and War
Minor: Racial slurs and Rape