A review by bellebookcorner
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao

adventurous challenging dark emotional inspiring mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

“I cherished who you’ve manage to be, despite the world telling you over and over that you’re wrong. You may have some undeniably monstrous parts inside you, but that’s okay. I have them too.”
 
Read this if you like; 
• Sci-fi Dystopian 
• A Retelling based on historical event 
• Disability Rep 
• Morally Grey Characters 
• Vengeful FMC 
• Polyamorous Relationship 
 
The plot is interesting to follow, it reminds me so much to the Pacific Rim movie. 
They needed to power those giant machines - Chrysalis with their life force. WOW. That’s taking it to a whole new level! 
 
Wu Zetian (FMC) is not a woman you want to mess with. She’s a vengeful, ruthless and badass women. She's determined to bring justice for all women piloting the Chrysalis. I can feel her rage to the government who apparently has been keeping secrets about the system and the enemy. I admire her for trying to survive in a world of men. 
 
As for the romance I found it to be quite interesting, at first I thought it was gonna be a love triangle but it's not. 
However, I wish the pacing is a bit slower so there’s more room for them to get to know each other deeper and have more interaction throughout the story. 
 
The world building is unique and I hope it’ll be more explored in the next book especially with that unexpected twist at the ending! 
The last few chapters are intense, I was holding my breath and well I’m very surprised to see how this book ends. 
 
Overall, this is a really good debut novel about the reimagining of the rise of Chinese Empress Wu Zetian combined it with futuristic setting and sci-fi elements such as giant robots. 
I’m excited to read the next book because there’s so many questions left answered, so many mystery that needs to be uncovered and I hope we’ll get it on the next book! 
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