A review by nhollie
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao

emotional tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

The plot is interesting and the world building is vibrant, but the way that gender/sexism/women taking back their power is described in the book reminds me so deeply of being on Tumblr in 2014. And I think in the way that talking back against the gender stereotypes of Wu Zeitan’s world and our own, her character becomes flattened and loses complexity. The world building also gets sort of flat and the Chrysalis tech/training gets zoomed through. The best way I can put it is I would have liked to see more nuance — but I’m interested enough in the world and characters to check out the sequel when it comes out and Zhao’s future novels.
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