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A review by sagec_13
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
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!!
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!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Sexual assault, Violence, and War