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A review by lilybear3
Heavenly Tyrant by Xiran Jay Zhao

adventurous challenging dark sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25

Xiran Jay Zhao rapidly became one of my favorite authors.  I am also Chinese American and I have learned so much about my heritage and culture from them.  I'm a fan of their writing and social media presence.  They are vocally Pro-Palestine and speak out on other global issues.

We've waited so long for the sequel (the author talks about why that was on their social media) and it's finally here!  It's filled with action, mechas, complex power struggles, political action, revolution, destroying the patriarchy, and eating the rich.  

The exposition was great and engaging.  I was immediately sucked in.  Even in parts where it got heavily political, I was still into it because I agree with the author's stance on politics and our need for a revolution.  Qin Zheng was a great addition to the cast.  He's a formidable opponent/ally to Zetian and the power struggle between them is interesting.  In the times that it read as a manifesto, it took me out of the story a bit.  I wanted it to be more integrated in the story and I think readers who kind of get these concepts and ideas would have an easier time absorbing and thinking about them.  I think a lot of the scenes were necessary and interesting, like
going to Shimin's old home
.  However, I also felt like this book was too long.  While I don't read books longer than 350 pages often, I think the book could've been shorter without sacrificing the plot or message.

They kind of lost me in the last 75 pages.  I was honestly a little confused about the setting and the things they encounter.  While it is a sci-fi, I felt like it broke my mind a bit and challenged what I thought, but that was happening to Zetian so I experienced what she did.  I don't mind the ending, I wasn't sure how it was going to wrap up anyways.  BUT we got a lovely "To be continued" so Zetian story continues!!!

I like the first book more, but this was still a strong sequel!  I'm still waiting and hoping for a screen adaptation because seeing this story visually come to life would be incredible.

Make sure you check the author's social media and website to make the author's amendment to page 434.  Right after the line,
"It's YOUR turn," the author would like to change the next lines to, "We can sculpt anything out of spirit metal. I could even FEEL through it. We can make this work." The author wants to make it crystal clear that Qin Zheng is getting pegged.  We stan.
You can download and print the amendment from their website.
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