A review by plumpaperbacks
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao

adventurous challenging dark emotional tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I am FLABBERGASTED. I am NUMB. I am in PAIN. Xiran Jay Zhao is an EVIL GENIUS.

I don’t think I could write a proper review for this if I tried, but let me say this: it’s been 40 minutes since I finished the book, and I’ve done nothing except try to process what the hell just happened. Immediately after finishing the book, I had to set my phone down so I wouldn’t throw it. I bit my lip so I wouldn’t shriek. I spent several minutes just staring at the wall.

Every part of this book is absolutely brilliant—the characters, the relationships, the world-building, the plot. The world Zhao created is complex and fascinating, as are the characters. Zetian and Shimin are unhinged and I love them for it. Yizhi is a cinnamon roll on the way to becoming unhinged and I love him for it. The trio’s dynamic is my new favorite thing. It’s iconic. They’re iconic. I’ll be thinking of them for the rest of the day, definitely for the rest of the week, and probably even for the rest of the year.

I’m excited and also terrified out of my goddamn mind for the sequel. The author’s Goodreads review (which I found while looking unsuccessfully for a release date) just says, “Be careful what you wish for because you just might get it in the worst way possible.”

AND I??? EXCUSE ME??? WHAT DOES THAT MEAN????

Let the Iron Widow brainrot begin. :’)))

Representation
  • Full cast of Chinese-inspired characters
  • Bisexual polyamorous protagonist & love interests (protagonist is also disabled & uses a cane)
  • FMM throuple
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