Reviews with content warning for Sexual assault - Viúva de Ferro

honestly sad about this one, especially as I pre-ordered it back when it came out. I read most of it pretty quickly, but did not find myself enjoying it all that much and that got worse as I got further into the book.

I think it is fine and will I read the second book? maybe

the fantasy / sci-fi parts were great in my opinion, and I liked how complicated the world building, history, and such seemed to be.

I did not like any of the main characters that much though, and I do not think the relationship between Zetian and Shimin was developed enough for how they were acting, idk. I did not feel any compatibility for them, even when they were supposedly in a relationship. The polyam part though, I want to see more books with relationship dynamics like that.

also the "feminism" was overwhelming and a lot of what I have seen in other books before. I did not see much new or innovative in that respect and it got annoying very quickly.

I don't think it was badly written though and the plot seemed at least well thought-through.

idk overall it was fine, but not my favorite

Content Warnings

corvid_archivist's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional tense medium-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

Content Warnings

sagec_13's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional funny inspiring mysterious medium-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

Literally everyone needs to read this book *now*, it was absolutely AMAZING!

Badass unhinged girl with access to a mecha, mech pilot/ convict forced into the pilot role by Circumstances, and a rich bisexual legend best friend? Sign. Me. Up.

I *love* that Wu Zetian was just. Absolutely unhinged. I've read so many books where the heroine "takes the high road," so it was refreshing to see Zetian not only be as ruthless as she pleased, but also use it as a way to defy the image of "ideal women" in her world.

Also!!! This book is honestly the only book who knows what a love triangle is (everything else where two people are fighting over one? That's a love angle. Or corner.) I LOVE the poly and bi representation here, it was truly wonderful to read (apologies to anyone who heard the Very Loud reaction I had when they stopped dancing around everything and their relationship was finally confirmed).

"Love can be infinite, as much as your heart can open [...] However compatible you are with him, it doesn't have anything to do with how compatible you are with me." had me SOBBING in the best way possible.

And the twist at the end!!!!! I think I actually screamed out loud it was such a shock, I LOVED it. I can't wait to read the sequel!!

Write a comment….

Content Warnings

fragrant_stars's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

Honestly I loved this book. I didn't love it.. as much as I wanted to love it, if that makes sense. It did come off as a little "preachy" at some points-- like when the characters talk about how men aren't just animals who can't control their sexual urges-- but the book as a whole, I loved, and I also loved, loved, loved the ployamoury in it, and the characters, and the ending. I'd definitely recommend this to any and all my friends.

Content Warnings

gibs144's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

The action in this book was exciting, and the plot twists were intriguing, but the magic system - while interesting - was a little video gamey. The book also lacked a lot of emotional depth and reflection.
The love triangle was resolved in a reasonable way

by polyamory

and the relationships were mature, but the main character

went a little crazy and power hungry at the end, particularly with the torture which I did not enjoy.

Content Warnings