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A review by cherry_lake
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
What a ride!! Omg I haven’t read a book like that in so long. Dynamic, unapologetic story of vengeance, power, love and war. It was like watching an anime. While this book is not highly detailed in its world building, it is sooo evocative and exciting, and it’s the first in a series so I’m actually so pleased with the amount of world building!! Can’t wait for more. Thank you Xiran Jay Zhao!
If you’re wondering if you should read it… if you are tired of watered down dystopian YA novels, moralizing characters, mind NUMBING gender stereotypes (I’m including the stereotypes of the characters who are supposedly breaking the stereotypes as well!!), pussyfooting romance plot lines that are too afraid to commit — then this you might really love.
Also, I listened to the audiobook and the narrator is phenomenal.
If you’re wondering if you should read it… if you are tired of watered down dystopian YA novels, moralizing characters, mind NUMBING gender stereotypes (I’m including the stereotypes of the characters who are supposedly breaking the stereotypes as well!!), pussyfooting romance plot lines that are too afraid to commit — then this you might really love.
Also, I listened to the audiobook and the narrator is phenomenal.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Murder, Alcoholism, Death, Colonisation, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Body horror, Body shaming, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Religious bigotry, Torture, Violence, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Child abuse, Gore, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Rape, Sexual violence, and Sexual assault