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A review by sarahuwu
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
3.25
Loved the concept. This is Zhao’s debut novel and it shows. Feels deus ex-y in parts. I wanted to like Wu Zetian because she genuinely deserves to be angry, but at times she moves from “highly motivated vengeful protagonist” to being an asshole for no reason. The power trip at the end reminded me of the end of game of thrones and not in a good way.
Bonus points for a gay kiss and polyamory, shock at how a queer author would get so supremely close to a bury your gays trope
Bonus points for a gay kiss and polyamory, shock at how a queer author would get so supremely close to a bury your gays trope
Graphic: Alcoholism, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail