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A review by 1_more_chapter
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
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? Yes
4.5
Zetian reminded me so much of Johanna from The Hunger Games!
The plot of the book lost me a little towards the end but I think it was interesting to see Zetian's slow descent into, not madness as such, but just letting her hatred of the world and its oppressive systems overwhelm her. I think the author did a great job of bringing us into Zetian's mind and allowing us to experience her spiral and feel her hatred of the world.
I would have liked a little more world-building to explain some more of the history leading up to the point we are at as I am a sucker for lore and history but, knowing the twist at the end, it makes a little more sense that we don't know as much.
The plot of the book lost me a little towards the end but I think it was interesting to see Zetian's slow descent into, not madness as such, but just letting her hatred of the world and its oppressive systems overwhelm her. I think the author did a great job of bringing us into Zetian's mind and allowing us to experience her spiral and feel her hatred of the world.
I would have liked a little more world-building to explain some more of the history leading up to the point we are at as I am a sucker for lore and history but, knowing the twist at the end, it makes a little more sense that we don't know as much.