A review by inkling
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao

adventurous dark fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I had heard a lot of good things about this book before reading it, and it did not disappoint! Very gripping plot, interesting characters and finally a solution to the YA love triangle trope. (no spoilers but it's gay and it's genius). The writing was so immersive and I liked that the world building was continued throughout, the reader isn't just told everything at the beginning. I found the pilot-system a bit hard to understand at first, but the first "battle scene" helped me visualise it. The characters are constantly discovering secrets about their world, which makes it very exciting to read. Got to say though, I was NOT expecting the amount of violence, including sexual violence that is in this book. It is a lot darker than I was ready for and although it fit with the story, it was a little jarring. Something to keep in mind if you don't like reading about those things! 
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