A review by icy_queen
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao

adventurous dark emotional informative inspiring mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Do not expect any of the characters to be "nice" or "good people" and be prepared for many horrible things to happen (definitely check trigger warnings)! If you're ok with that or even enjoy reading it, I highly recommend this book.

The main character is absolutely, wonderfully unhinged and hellbent on revenge for her sister, herself, and all the other girls that were sacrificed, mutilated and/or killed by their society. She doesn't stop at killing her sister's murderer, but strives to destroy the whole system with the help of her soft "rich boy" bestfriend and her dangerous, bad boy, involuntary co-pilot (the three of them form an actual love triangle).

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Classism, Gun violence, Alcohol, Blood, Physical abuse, War, Alcoholism, Cursing, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Addiction, Death, Emotional abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Murder, Sexism, Torture, and Violence

Moderate: Sexual assault, Racism, and Police brutality

Minor: Homophobia, Biphobia, Xenophobia, Fatphobia, and Medical content

There is a a short list of potential triggers at the beginning of the book. Other triggers that cannot be tagged and could be huge SPOILERS:

Main Character Death (unclear if it's final) Foot-binding of girls' feet Domestic Abuse is pretty normal in this society Boys are hugely preferred over girls Purity Culture Etc.