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simsplayer30's review against another edition
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture
Moderate: Ableism, Addiction, Alcoholism, Body horror, Body shaming, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Drug abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Racism, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Xenophobia, Suicide attempt, Murder, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, and Classism
ruisquared's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
so to preface, i was quite excited to read this book - i've seen some of xiran's stuff online, and being chinese myself i was intrigued by this concept. that being said, i knew going into this that this book wasn't really for me. 'iron widow' is a blend of YA dystopia, fantasy and sci-fi, all genres that aren't particularly appealing to me. for the target audience i think this book fulfils everything it should - it's accessible for readers of every level, action-filled and fast pace.
my personal gripes can generally be put down to a matter of taste and not being part of the target demographic, but that being said i didn't particularly love this book. the pacing, for one; while fast and suited to the constant action and plot development, i couldn't help but feel that it gave very little in terms of worldbuilding or character development.
for the former, details of this futuristic world are given in exposition as the plot demands. while i much, much prefer this approach over that of lengthy infodumps, it gave the world of huaxia a very skewed, half-finished feeling. the anachronisms themselves didn't bother me so much as the lack of explanation surrounding them - if the qing dynasty practices of the mc's village can coexist with drones and tablets apparently issued by the government, how far does technology stretch in this world? if people are plagued by "media" then how far does the internet exist? if at all? and how do the village folk even know how to operate tablets??? is everyone born an innate ipad kid without needing any instructions or literacy??????
of course, being fair, this is sci-fi. i get why there isn't an explanation for any of this, as it certainly wouldn't benefit the plot or the pacing. but it would be nice to at least see a better thought out world, especially as the concept is so fascinating - a post-apocalyptic society with divinely granted futuristic technology could make for a much more vivid backdrop than the mishmash that is convenient for plot purposes in the story.
for the latter, i have to say that i found none of the characters particularly fleshed out. wu zetian is the worst culprit of this - after the prologue i was surprised that this book was told from first person POV, and as i carried on i felt that zetian's narration gave the reader scarcely anything in terms of showing her motivations or personality beyond "righteous fury badass". in the early half this was especially bad, so much that reading her thirst for vengeance felt like sasuke's essence distilled - why does she want to avenge her sister so badly??? the rest of her family is abusive and neglectful so was her sister any different????? if she was, WHY was it never shown??? never even alluded to?????
the writing also at points descends into the cringe (as much as i hate to use that word). the end of every chapter seems to have a sentence specifically written to become a quote, and because this novel is supposedly from zetian's perspective, is the reader meant to believe these are her thoughts???? even though i don't disagree with the sentiment, the execution comes across as heavy handed.
the other characters don't get off much better. yizhi is two-dimensional and shimin not much better, although at least his background is expanded upon. the romance, too, isn't really given enough time to develop organically, especially between yizhi and shimin. the lack of 'good' female characters apart from zetian also is disappointing for a story so centred around women in general, and although mention is made of girls and women just like zetian they are nowhere to be seen.
all in all, i think this book is good for what it sets out to be. a more developed world and more developed characters would slow down the breakneck pace of this book, making it less YA fiction, but even though i understand why it still seems like a shame.
(i wanted to make a dynasty warriors joke about the assortment of historical chinese figures, but couldn't figure out how to fit it in. so just imagine that i made one. thanks.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, and Torture
katizeluka's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
0.75
Was really looking forward to this, was very disappointed by it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, Torture, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Suicidal thoughts, Xenophobia, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Rape
otakatoe3's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Biphobia, Bullying, Confinement, Death, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Slavery, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Abandonment, Alcohol, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
happysoullovesyou's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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
Xiran, take my soul already.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Grief, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Ableism, Addiction, Confinement, Death, Drug abuse, Self harm, Sexual assault, Torture, Xenophobia, Blood, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Colonisation, and Classism
Minor: Bullying, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Mental illness, Rape, Mass/school shootings, and Death of parent
traciereads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Murder, and War
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, and Classism
Minor: Child abuse, Child death, Rape, Sexual violence, Torture, and Xenophobia
abnormal_shadow's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book was hands down the best thing I read in 2024 and I am currently in the process of rereading this book because I loved it that much. If I ever catch the author in person, I'm giving them all my money and I'm also fighting them to the death because of the way that they made me cry. They give me a throuple which is everything I've ever wanted in a love triangle story ever and then they immediately take it away and I just cannot handle that and I am breaking down (LI SHIMIN MY BABY BOY I LOVE YOU AND IM CRYING)/hj but I would absolutely 100% no doubt about it recommend this book. If you want to read the best thing to come out in the past few years absolutely you should check this book out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, Violence, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, and Medical content
malecbanewood89's review against another edition
adventurous
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? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Physical abuse, Sexism, Violence, and War
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Mental illness, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Toxic relationship, Murder, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Minor: Ableism, Death, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Infidelity, Racism, Forced institutionalization, Grief, and Medical trauma
bunnypunk's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Body horror, Child abuse, Death, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual violence, Violence, Grief, Murder, Gaslighting, Alcohol, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
stephtastrophe's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Iron Widow was interesting read. I got it after seeing Xiran’s YouTube videos then saying they wrote this because they didn’t like the ending of Darling in the Franxx the anime and I didn’t either so I thought perfect.
It also seems to combine other elements from other anime such as the evolution which did I think happen in Darling in the Franxx too. But, also were reminiscent of Pokémon and Digimon. The spirit pressure like Bleach and ki in Dragonball. A bit of every mecha anime too. It was a bit Neon Genesis Evangelion too which a protagonist who didn’t want to be a pilot, was a little whiny at times and some psychological topics like that.
The book was really good and I liked the way they wrote it. Xiran is very good at writing descriptions. Some of them were quite beautiful. Although, as others have pointed out she could’ve described some of the main things better like how Hundun husks got turned in to Crysallis. How the magic system worked better and all sorts of other things to do with it so we the reader could understand it better.
I think some things were brought up too much, almost like filler sentences. Ironic, considering anime often has filler episodes. Such as the small details such as clothing and hairstyles. When we wanted details on the main plot points to do with the mecha more.
I found lotus feet to be brought up almost like filler too when there was just word stuffing going on. It was brought up more often than it needed to be. Of course it’s terrible and she could barely walk and was jealous of everyone who has unbound feet. But I find it odd as well it seemed she was the only character who was mentioned to have it that I remember. The other two main pilot girls have unbound feet and could run to get to their mecha when needed. I found it odd any of them would have bound feet in case they were far away and alone and couldn’t rely on someone carrying them to their mecha.
Another thing I found slightly odd was when she got revenge for her sister she originally just wanted to die after, but surely she should’ve wanted to live her life for both her and her sister? Also, I don’t think she ever mentioned her sister’s name for all she brought her up.
She eventually carried on and seemed to get in a good rhythm eventually with Shimin and Yizhi. Although, she did sort of go from hating Shimin even after he explained he saved a girl to liking him because she learnt it was against his will that he was a pilot. I kind of get it but it seemed like you’d think she’d be more cautious at first with him.
I find although the action pieces were great and some of the story was, there were quite a few times when things just didn’t make sense.
The ending also didn’t make sense. Wu Zetian woke up Qin Zheng finally from his slumber of 200 years and lied he wasn’t cure to get him on side. He asked her “you wish to take over your world” and she says yes. I was like hold on, what? I know she wanted to change things about the pilot system and she’s got the video footage to say the pilot system was rigged and was going to show it the world to show them they’d been lied to, but where did taking over the world come from? I have no idea 🤷🏻♀️
Not only did she want to suddenly take over the world and have everyone kowtow to her, but Yizhi knew and didn’t want her to stop? Did he have a personality transplant at the end? Pretty much the entire story he was the voice of reason in Zetian’s ear but then suddenly he’s down to take over the world? Huh? 🤔
Oh and he kills his own father, what? That seemed very out of character to me.
That’s weirder than how 5 minutes earlier Zetian finally felt bad about Shimin dying and saying previously he should as what did he have to live for, then two seconds later saying “he wouldn’t want me to think like this”. She had some remorse and character development then sort of went back against it. I guess it was probably just what was going on but she was allowed to think that even briefly. She could grieve for him.
Then we get the other plot twist that’s reminiscent of Planet of the Apes and a bit of Attack on Titan ending and I’m sure there’s some other shows and movies that did it but can’t think which, possibly The 100. But I don’t know how she didn’t figure it out when the Hundun said “humans were the scourge of the universe” as it was kind of obvious. So that’s not even their planet, they are the invaders and the Hundun’s are the natives, so they didn’t destroy them, it was the other way around. They started the war. Then Yizhi and his knowledge bomb disappear and a message from the heavenly court, who I assume are other humans who live on a ship in space (ala The 100) as one came down earlier so quick they thought it was the Gods, say they can bring back Shimin basically if she does that they say and doesn’t reveal the truth.
Then she drags her nails down her head and screams because maybe as it turns out the nightmare really is only just beginning.
Zetian was an interesting character and the plot was good barring these few confusing things. She did get on with some of the girls eventually which was nice although the one kind of betrayed her in the end.
The romance plot was kind of alright. I thought there would be more to it. Not a lot happened between them. It was kind of cute though. I did like Shimin and Yizhi.
I’ll definitely read the sequel when it comes out to see what happens next though as I’m invested and would love to see it.
It also seems to combine other elements from other anime such as the evolution which did I think happen in Darling in the Franxx too. But, also were reminiscent of Pokémon and Digimon. The spirit pressure like Bleach and ki in Dragonball. A bit of every mecha anime too. It was a bit Neon Genesis Evangelion too which a protagonist who didn’t want to be a pilot, was a little whiny at times and some psychological topics like that.
The book was really good and I liked the way they wrote it. Xiran is very good at writing descriptions. Some of them were quite beautiful. Although, as others have pointed out she could’ve described some of the main things better like how Hundun husks got turned in to Crysallis. How the magic system worked better and all sorts of other things to do with it so we the reader could understand it better.
I think some things were brought up too much, almost like filler sentences. Ironic, considering anime often has filler episodes. Such as the small details such as clothing and hairstyles. When we wanted details on the main plot points to do with the mecha more.
I found lotus feet to be brought up almost like filler too when there was just word stuffing going on. It was brought up more often than it needed to be. Of course it’s terrible and she could barely walk and was jealous of everyone who has unbound feet. But I find it odd as well it seemed she was the only character who was mentioned to have it that I remember. The other two main pilot girls have unbound feet and could run to get to their mecha when needed. I found it odd any of them would have bound feet in case they were far away and alone and couldn’t rely on someone carrying them to their mecha.
Another thing I found slightly odd was when she got revenge for her sister she originally just wanted to die after, but surely she should’ve wanted to live her life for both her and her sister? Also, I don’t think she ever mentioned her sister’s name for all she brought her up.
She eventually carried on and seemed to get in a good rhythm eventually with Shimin and Yizhi. Although, she did sort of go from hating Shimin even after he explained he saved a girl to liking him because she learnt it was against his will that he was a pilot. I kind of get it but it seemed like you’d think she’d be more cautious at first with him.
I find although the action pieces were great and some of the story was, there were quite a few times when things just didn’t make sense.
The ending also didn’t make sense. Wu Zetian woke up Qin Zheng finally from his slumber of 200 years and lied he wasn’t cure to get him on side. He asked her “you wish to take over your world” and she says yes. I was like hold on, what? I know she wanted to change things about the pilot system and she’s got the video footage to say the pilot system was rigged and was going to show it the world to show them they’d been lied to, but where did taking over the world come from? I have no idea 🤷🏻♀️
Not only did she want to suddenly take over the world and have everyone kowtow to her, but Yizhi knew and didn’t want her to stop? Did he have a personality transplant at the end? Pretty much the entire story he was the voice of reason in Zetian’s ear but then suddenly he’s down to take over the world? Huh? 🤔
Oh and he kills his own father, what? That seemed very out of character to me.
That’s weirder than how 5 minutes earlier Zetian finally felt bad about Shimin dying and saying previously he should as what did he have to live for, then two seconds later saying “he wouldn’t want me to think like this”. She had some remorse and character development then sort of went back against it. I guess it was probably just what was going on but she was allowed to think that even briefly. She could grieve for him.
Then we get the other plot twist that’s reminiscent of Planet of the Apes and a bit of Attack on Titan ending and I’m sure there’s some other shows and movies that did it but can’t think which, possibly The 100. But I don’t know how she didn’t figure it out when the Hundun said “humans were the scourge of the universe” as it was kind of obvious. So that’s not even their planet, they are the invaders and the Hundun’s are the natives, so they didn’t destroy them, it was the other way around. They started the war. Then Yizhi and his knowledge bomb disappear and a message from the heavenly court, who I assume are other humans who live on a ship in space (ala The 100) as one came down earlier so quick they thought it was the Gods, say they can bring back Shimin basically if she does that they say and doesn’t reveal the truth.
Then she drags her nails down her head and screams because maybe as it turns out the nightmare really is only just beginning.
Zetian was an interesting character and the plot was good barring these few confusing things. She did get on with some of the girls eventually which was nice although the one kind of betrayed her in the end.
The romance plot was kind of alright. I thought there would be more to it. Not a lot happened between them. It was kind of cute though. I did like Shimin and Yizhi.
I’ll definitely read the sequel when it comes out to see what happens next though as I’m invested and would love to see it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Gore, Violence, Grief, Murder, Alcohol, War, and Classism
Moderate: Homophobia, Misogyny, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, and Grief