Scan barcode
A review by djdembeck
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.5
Basically hunger games in a different culture and timeline, aside from the games portion.
The book lacked imagery, and it felt as though I couldn't 'see' any of the world, I was just hearing the dialogue. This is unfortunate, because some parts seemed interesting.
The author clearly has something against men, which feels like the sentiment of hunger games’ Katniss, x10.
I’m not particularly well versed in LGBTQ stuff, but the story right away started with the main character complaining about people's perception of gender fluidity. It felt like those movies/tv-shows that get political when it’s unrealistic and/or outside the reasonable scope of the plot: forced and immersion-breaking
Also confusing because she continually complains about men, and then goes on to enter a polyam relationship with 2 of them, so the entire position was mute.
The book lacked imagery, and it felt as though I couldn't 'see' any of the world, I was just hearing the dialogue. This is unfortunate, because some parts seemed interesting.
The author clearly has something against men, which feels like the sentiment of hunger games’ Katniss, x10.
I’m not particularly well versed in LGBTQ stuff, but the story right away started with the main character complaining about people's perception of gender fluidity. It felt like those movies/tv-shows that get political when it’s unrealistic and/or outside the reasonable scope of the plot: forced and immersion-breaking
Also confusing because she continually complains about men, and then goes on to enter a polyam relationship with 2 of them, so the entire position was mute.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol, Alcoholism, Forced institutionalization, Kidnapping, Physical abuse, Sexism, Torture, and Toxic relationship