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A review by mn0rgan
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
This book is poorly written, poorly planned with no hint of character depth or development.
The author tried to cram as many controversial topics in as possible and rushed over any resolution or understanding of the issues. It really feels like she crammed in all these things to gain brownie points and to say that her book includes them. This has a terrible portrayal of Bi people and polyamory. If the goal was to portray an unhealthy polyamorous reaction ship; she did succeed at that.
Everything plot wise was so coincidental and convenient for the protagonist and though she ran into man “issues” she didn’t actually have to put in effort to resolve any of them. All the other character in the books were merely accessories.
The relationships were extremely frustrating because the book provided no reason for these characters to be in love or care for or want to support each other beyond the protagonist suddenly going “I think maybe they’re bi too”
It reads like an unedited fan fiction. The lore doesn’t make sense, contradicting itself consistently and the end was entirely predictable. There is no consistent mood or flow. There is no rhyme or reason for any of the decisions or actions of the protagonist. There is excessive detail for things that don’t contribute to the story and a stark lack of detail for anything that would immerse the reader.
For the majority of the book there isn’t even a reason to KEEP reading. No drive to see the characters succeed or persevere. It was a rushed timeline and plot (if you can even say there is a plot to begin with). The language is inconsistent at best making the narrator entirely unreliable. She will go from speaking very educated and powerfully to using “bonkers”
I was incredibly disappointed because this book was hyped up so much, it has potential for a great setting and story. It was just very badly done. I only finished it because it was for a book club. I really wish I hadn’t spent money on this.
The author tried to cram as many controversial topics in as possible and rushed over any resolution or understanding of the issues. It really feels like she crammed in all these things to gain brownie points and to say that her book includes them. This has a terrible portrayal of Bi people and polyamory. If the goal was to portray an unhealthy polyamorous reaction ship; she did succeed at that.
Everything plot wise was so coincidental and convenient for the protagonist and though she ran into man “issues” she didn’t actually have to put in effort to resolve any of them. All the other character in the books were merely accessories.
The relationships were extremely frustrating because the book provided no reason for these characters to be in love or care for or want to support each other beyond the protagonist suddenly going “I think maybe they’re bi too”
It reads like an unedited fan fiction. The lore doesn’t make sense, contradicting itself consistently and the end was entirely predictable. There is no consistent mood or flow. There is no rhyme or reason for any of the decisions or actions of the protagonist. There is excessive detail for things that don’t contribute to the story and a stark lack of detail for anything that would immerse the reader.
For the majority of the book there isn’t even a reason to KEEP reading. No drive to see the characters succeed or persevere. It was a rushed timeline and plot (if you can even say there is a plot to begin with). The language is inconsistent at best making the narrator entirely unreliable. She will go from speaking very educated and powerfully to using “bonkers”
I was incredibly disappointed because this book was hyped up so much, it has potential for a great setting and story. It was just very badly done. I only finished it because it was for a book club. I really wish I hadn’t spent money on this.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Torture, Body horror, Body shaming, Sexism, Sexual harassment, Toxic relationship, Addiction, War, Violence, Suicidal thoughts, Physical abuse, and Murder
Moderate: Ableism and Biphobia
Minor: Rape