A review by chezler24
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao

adventurous emotional hopeful tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

A fantastic blend of history and sci-fi! Thrilling from start to finish. We have science fiction-inspired giant mechs, legends and magic stemming from legends, and various nods to romance, revenge, and power. I simply could not put this book down! I had that same kind of feeling when I read the Shadow and Bone trilogy where I was just engulfed entirely in this new world and invested in learning this magic/energy system. The ending battle and final turning moment (won't give too much away) seemed a bit rushed to me. I wish there was a little better pacing here or at least a longer beat when everything settled down to fully send off this novel, but it did set up the next installment in the epilogue. With the way this book ended, I can't wait to read the sequel novel now that some "secrets" of the world have been revealed. If there's anyone up for the challenge, it's definitely our leading lady, Wu Zetian. 

Additional Comments: 
- I am obsessed with the cover art! (bonus points for the author's photo)
- "Welcome to your nightmare" is going to be a quote that lives rent-free in my head for the next month. 
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