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A review by dragoninwinterfell
Heavenly Tyrant by Xiran Jay Zhao
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Heavenly Tyrant far surpasses its predecessor, Iron Widow, in every way. Xiran Jay Zhao takes the foundation of the complex world, characters, relationships, plot, and magic system from the first book and builds something even more intricate and compelling. The story delves deeper into Zetian's struggles, allowing her to shine as one of the most complex heroines in contemporary fiction.
Zetian continues to be a character full of contradictions—ruthless and vengeful yet deeply principled, driven by her own desires but not reduced to a villain. Her growth, both positive and negative, is nuanced and feels authentic, making her a heroine who demands both admiration and introspection. I loved seeing her engage in more politics, navigating the intricate power dynamics and fighting to make lasting progress for women, even as she faces relentless oppression.
The balance between action, emotional depth, and political intrigue is masterfully handled, and the stakes feel higher than ever. Zetian's journey is not just about personal revenge or survival but about changing a deeply unjust world. Her ability to remain unapologetically ambitious while grappling with the consequences of her choices makes her an unforgettable protagonist.
Heavenly Tyrant is a phenomenal sequel that delivers on every level. I can't wait to see how Xiran Jay Zhao concludes this powerful series in the third book!
Zetian continues to be a character full of contradictions—ruthless and vengeful yet deeply principled, driven by her own desires but not reduced to a villain. Her growth, both positive and negative, is nuanced and feels authentic, making her a heroine who demands both admiration and introspection. I loved seeing her engage in more politics, navigating the intricate power dynamics and fighting to make lasting progress for women, even as she faces relentless oppression.
The balance between action, emotional depth, and political intrigue is masterfully handled, and the stakes feel higher than ever. Zetian's journey is not just about personal revenge or survival but about changing a deeply unjust world. Her ability to remain unapologetically ambitious while grappling with the consequences of her choices makes her an unforgettable protagonist.
Heavenly Tyrant is a phenomenal sequel that delivers on every level. I can't wait to see how Xiran Jay Zhao concludes this powerful series in the third book!