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A review by ddan
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
adventurous
dark
inspiring
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
4.5
The first time I read this book I listened to the audiobook in a feverish state. I don’t know if it’s the fact that I don’t have any fever now, or if my taste and myself changed in these two years, but I think I appreciated this book way more.
I feel like there could’ve been a bit more of background (characters, infos, situations), but it’s a story packed with events so I understand why those might not have been the priority.
Still agree with most of what I said in 2022: I enjoyed this book very much. The love story is secondary to the plot but extremely enjoyable. I understand more the female anger and revenge craving and revolutionary stand, I still don’t necessarily agree with everything— there is an age gap between me and the characters and I feel they’ve been written very well to encapsulate the white-or-black idealistic thoughts of someone that young, and the growth in Zetian and how she learns to consider other point of views than hers and how these difference don’t effectively diverge from her goal -but are just another way to get there- is very nice to read.
I can’t wait to see how these characters are going to grow still and what instead will radicalize them. How are they going to pick up from where the first book ended?
I feel like there could’ve been a bit more of background (characters, infos, situations), but it’s a story packed with events so I understand why those might not have been the priority.
Still agree with most of what I said in 2022: I enjoyed this book very much. The love story is secondary to the plot but extremely enjoyable. I understand more the female anger and revenge craving and revolutionary stand, I still don’t necessarily agree with everything— there is an age gap between me and the characters and I feel they’ve been written very well to encapsulate the white-or-black idealistic thoughts of someone that young, and the growth in Zetian and how she learns to consider other point of views than hers and how these difference don’t effectively diverge from her goal -but are just another way to get there- is very nice to read.
I can’t wait to see how these characters are going to grow still and what instead will radicalize them. How are they going to pick up from where the first book ended?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture
Moderate: Death