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tjb01's review against another edition
5.0
Twists and turns. Truely transports you to a different world. The characters are interesting and make force you through so many feeling and emotions.
romin's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I really wanted to like this book. The concept of a feminist scifi war story with mech battles is really up my ally, however, it did not live up to my expectations.
The world of the book captures that grungy war feel of a Gundam anime, however, the characters in contrast are extremely unlikeable, and feel exaggerated and one-dimensional. The character development that was there felt inorganic and I had a hard time understanding some changes likenot wanting to be with a family murdering to entering a polycule with her childhood friend.
Politically, I agree with the author, and I understand the points that they were trying to make. However the portrayal of the system / patriarchy felt too contrived and the character's solution for it lacked nuance.
The world of the book captures that grungy war feel of a Gundam anime, however, the characters in contrast are extremely unlikeable, and feel exaggerated and one-dimensional. The character development that was there felt inorganic and I had a hard time understanding some changes like
Politically, I agree with the author, and I understand the points that they were trying to make. However the portrayal of the system / patriarchy felt too contrived and the character's solution for it lacked nuance.
glowfish36's review against another edition
5.0
Wow! This book and the plot were very much unexpected! I loved the world development and I am so excited to see where the story goes in the sequel. I appreciate that the characters grew overtime. Although the story is incredibly captivating, I found the characters dialogue to be very jarring at times and it sometimes ruined the mood for me. Sometimes, the words seemed out of place, sometimes a character’s response seemed forced. I remain perplexed and unsure of how to explain this phenomenon. However, the dialogue became more smooth overtime.
readingwithkirstyn's review against another edition
4.0
This book was absolutely amazing! The moment I saw the cover and read the summary I knew it would be a new favorite! The writing and style of the book are just another bonus!. The phenomenal world building that made me feel as though I was really immersed into the world of Iron Widow - my one downside was the love triangle because I HATE love triangles... BUT this time it ended in a polyamorous relationship and I LOVED that. This author and book surprised me so many times and I cannot wait to read more of Zhao's writing in the future!
roguewolf98's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Loved this book and loved we actually got a proper love triangle
ala77's review against another edition
5.0
Ruined my life…. 10000/10 recommend. Gave me what I’ve always dreamt of and then DESTROYED ME
lima_22's review against another edition
4.0
I came into this book with little expectations, and even put off reading it for a little while. But wow, what a story. I couldn't get enough of this book.
It reminded me a lot of the hunger games, where two outcasts have to work together against all odds to adapt and gain favors in order to survive a ruthless and deadly setting - add alien-robots in a post-apocalyptic world.
I initially found the MC unlikable and their emotions too shallow, which made me unable to empathize with them. The romance also felt forced. But the "villainous" and vengeful arc was well-written and and a better fit with the character (imo). Definitely rooting for more of that in the next book.
The anger resulting from the inequality of genders and persecution of girls may seem like a bit much to some, but I believe it shows well how deeply it can affect certain groups of people and root profound hatred, violence and explosive outbursts of emotions, pushing them to the extremes.
It reminded me a lot of the hunger games, where two outcasts have to work together against all odds to adapt and gain favors in order to survive a ruthless and deadly setting - add alien-robots in a post-apocalyptic world.
I initially found the MC unlikable and their emotions too shallow, which made me unable to empathize with them. The romance also felt forced. But the "villainous" and vengeful arc was well-written and and a better fit with the character (imo). Definitely rooting for more of that in the next book.
The anger resulting from the inequality of genders and persecution of girls may seem like a bit much to some, but I believe it shows well how deeply it can affect certain groups of people and root profound hatred, violence and explosive outbursts of emotions, pushing them to the extremes.
marennrenn's review against another edition
3.0
I absolutely loved the first 100 pages or so. The concept is very interesting and it sounded very promising, but after the story really slowed down and there just wasnt enough character development for me. On the last 100 pages the pacing really picked up again, but the story took a lot of weird turns. Kinda disappointing.