A review by teatales
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao

adventurous dark emotional tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

Absolutely enthralling. Had to stop myself from devouring this one, will probably reread before it's due back at the library. Can't wait for the sequel. The only potential critique is that Zetian can sometimes come across as one-dimensional because she is so completely angry all the time... but that's also just how trauma works

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Alcohol, Alcoholism, Body horror, Blood, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Grief, Medical content, Misogyny, Murder, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual harassment, and Violence

Moderate: Sexual assault, Racism, Homophobia, and Biphobia