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A review by leedolee
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
adventurous
challenging
dark
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? It's complicated
5.0
BRUH. THIS BOOK.
First of all, the premise of this book did not, at all, prepare me for what was truly about to happen. I imagined it as Pacific Rim with a stunning Chinese backdrop and a strong main character with a polyamorous relationship.
I did not at all imagine the discussion of gender roles, sexualities, relationships, and the full on eff you to the patriarchy. I also was not prepared for the drama, the violence, the dialogue, and the plot twists.
Needless to say, I enjoyed every second of it. A morally grey character? Villainous intentions? Or just what I needed?
Honestly, I was tired of reading about strong characters who were scared to enter into the dark side and fearful about how the world would view them. This book's leads completely did not care about that one bit. And I was here for it.
Read this book!
First of all, the premise of this book did not, at all, prepare me for what was truly about to happen. I imagined it as Pacific Rim with a stunning Chinese backdrop and a strong main character with a polyamorous relationship.
I did not at all imagine the discussion of gender roles, sexualities, relationships, and the full on eff you to the patriarchy. I also was not prepared for the drama, the violence, the dialogue, and the plot twists.
Needless to say, I enjoyed every second of it. A morally grey character? Villainous intentions? Or just what I needed?
Honestly, I was tired of reading about strong characters who were scared to enter into the dark side and fearful about how the world would view them. This book's leads completely did not care about that one bit. And I was here for it.
Read this book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Addiction, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Blood, Body horror, Body shaming, Bullying, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Genocide, Gore, Grief, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Medical trauma, Mental illness, Misogyny, Murder, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Violence, and War