A review by trips
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao

adventurous dark inspiring tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

 I'm going to pitching this book to my friends as "What Darling in the Franxx was like...good?"

I really enjoyed this book, but I can understand how readers will either LOVE it or HATE it. Its got a lot going on, and the way it was marketed doesn't really give you a good idea of what to expect. I personally had a great time with it. The book was some awkward wording and confusing pacing, but I didn't find myself wanting to get off the wild ride at any point. Personally, I thought it was a great story, just told in a slightly unpolished way. I look forward to watching Xiran Jay Zhao progress as writer, she has a lot of potential.

I found the plot is fascinating and not really like anything that out there in the YA market right now. The characters are flawed but loveable, and I kind of love how insane Wu Zetian is. I loved how the mechs worked in relation to the 5 elements. I loved how ruthless so many of the characters were, but I understand not everyone will. 
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