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A review by ciarazard
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Started out strong with a very promising concept, but fell short towards the end because it felt really rushed, as if the author wanted to hastily wrap it all up. There was a lot of tells, no shows — with one fight scene, though exciting, jumping to another constantly.
I agree with the other reviews of Iron Widow; some parts did not feel polished, particularly the characters (most of them, I’ve already forgotten tbh) and the exchange of dialogues. Some lines were out of place and did not suit the context of the “world”, so to speak. In that regard, Huxia didn’t seem all that interesting. I can’t even conjure an image of what it should look like. So yeah, not the best worldbuilding as well. 🤷🏻♀️
From the get-go though I managed my expectations so I wasn’t that disappointed, but I am not THAT eager to read the sequel once released either. I also think the poly relationship between Zetian, Shimin, and Yizhi should have been fleshed out and slowed down a bit more. It was very insta-love — which SUCKS because this is my first time reading a poly romance in a fantasy book. 😅
Overall, it was still a fun read that kept me turning the pages. It wasn’t so bad I felt the need to DNF. It has potential to be great depending on what’s next, for sure.
I agree with the other reviews of Iron Widow; some parts did not feel polished, particularly the characters (most of them, I’ve already forgotten tbh) and the exchange of dialogues. Some lines were out of place and did not suit the context of the “world”, so to speak. In that regard, Huxia didn’t seem all that interesting. I can’t even conjure an image of what it should look like. So yeah, not the best worldbuilding as well. 🤷🏻♀️
From the get-go though I managed my expectations so I wasn’t that disappointed, but I am not THAT eager to read the sequel once released either. I also think the poly relationship between Zetian, Shimin, and Yizhi should have been fleshed out and slowed down a bit more. It was very insta-love — which SUCKS because this is my first time reading a poly romance in a fantasy book. 😅
Overall, it was still a fun read that kept me turning the pages. It wasn’t so bad I felt the need to DNF. It has potential to be great depending on what’s next, for sure.