Take a photo of a barcode or cover
A review by paperthinelliott
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
5.0
4.75/5 No but I will literally never stop thinking about this book. I have been in desperate need of polyamarous rep for ages but I’ve always been nervous it would be written incorrectly when it has so much stigma around it. But this book had it perfect. There was so much thrill in watching 3 different relationships develop as well as their love as a group. And there was a perfect balance of romance to the main plot as well. Their want to protect each other never greater than their need to fight against their situation.
I was deeply in love with all three of them. Wu Zeitan’s pure and utter rage was so refreshing to read in YA fantasy. There were no pauses to make her seem more likable, no moments of confusion, just pure desire for revenge and justice. She was capable and determined, struggling even with the concept of relying on others. Yizhi appears as the typical soft boy of the story, the kind, logical and calming presence of the group. But he was so much more, his anger was hidden in his calculated decisions, his carefully controlled emotions and his charming demeanour. And lastly Li Shimin. The angsty “villain” who has enough of a dark past to fill a whole new book. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt so much anger on behalf of a character.
Unfortunately the book wasn’t flawless. There was a lot of world building and plot to fit in amongst all this. And while I thought the author did a commendable job making it as consumable as possible. There were quite a few rushed moments where I felt information fell between the cracks. With how fast paced the story was, I was never lost for too long but I would struggle explaining the story to someone else.
That being said, this book was so fun to read. I want so much more of it in YA fantasy. The polyamory, the historical roots, the clash between science fiction and fantasy. It was incredible.
I was deeply in love with all three of them. Wu Zeitan’s pure and utter rage was so refreshing to read in YA fantasy. There were no pauses to make her seem more likable, no moments of confusion, just pure desire for revenge and justice. She was capable and determined, struggling even with the concept of relying on others. Yizhi appears as the typical soft boy of the story, the kind, logical and calming presence of the group. But he was so much more, his anger was hidden in his calculated decisions, his carefully controlled emotions and his charming demeanour. And lastly Li Shimin. The angsty “villain” who has enough of a dark past to fill a whole new book. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt so much anger on behalf of a character.
Unfortunately the book wasn’t flawless. There was a lot of world building and plot to fit in amongst all this. And while I thought the author did a commendable job making it as consumable as possible. There were quite a few rushed moments where I felt information fell between the cracks. With how fast paced the story was, I was never lost for too long but I would struggle explaining the story to someone else.
That being said, this book was so fun to read. I want so much more of it in YA fantasy. The polyamory, the historical roots, the clash between science fiction and fantasy. It was incredible.