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ivi_reads_books 's review for:
Heavenly Tyrant
by Xiran Jay Zhao
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Less rage-fueled than the first book—but in a way that works. Heavenly Tyrant shifts focus toward political ideologies, power structures, and a sharp critique of capitalism, all while still delivering the high-stakes action and fierce energy that made Iron Widow so compelling.
The FMC, an ambulatory wheelchair user, continues to be a force of nature—rightfully angry at a society that limits her because of her gender and refuses to give her control over her own body. The theme of bodily autonomy is front and center, especially with the bound feed concept and how others try to make decisions for her “own good.”
I really appreciated the strong female friendships in this book—they added heart and balance to the intensity. The sci-fi elements are just as wild and fascinating as ever (mecha battles! alien-ish enemies! magical-tech power systems!), and the world keeps expanding in unexpected directions.
A solid second book that digs deeper into the why behind the rebellion. I’m definitely in for book 3.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Blood, Medical content, War