pizzasprite 's review for:

Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao

4.75

adventurous challenging dark fast-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

---

I loved this book, tore through it in a few days. Zetian is a deeply relatable main character, and a perfect voice for this story. Her unapologetic rage is a much-needed voice in YA. I loved how it took many YA tropes and turned them on its head: yay polyamory, boo love triangles! The magic system of qi and Chrysalises was so fun and unique, it reminded me of NGE and Pacific Rim. It is a very dark book, but the violence as way of retribution is very cathartic to read. Looking forward to the next part!

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Blood, War, Injury/Injury detail

Minor: Sexual content