A review by tokki_dokki
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao

adventurous dark emotional funny inspiring mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • 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

I loved the worldbuilding a lot! Very cool, very very fun—the author is great at writing action scenes! I was also very thrilled about the poc and poly representation as well, but I wish the character relationships were a little more fleshed out.

Zetian was also a very interesting character to read. She was strong but she had her flaws, and I liked that. It felt very fitting for a YA protagonist. We find out a lot of darker aspects of their universe thanks to Zetian's character.

I enjoyed reading about her love interests as well, thought I do wish we had been given a little more insight into why/how they end up liking each other within such a short time frame. (Zetian and Yizhi's relationship was the most fleshed out, which I'm grateful for! They were lovely!)

I do think everything went a bit fast for my liking, but as there is a sequel coming, I have hope that the author may elaborate more on certain aspects of the plot or the relatuonships :) Overall, a very solid read, very action-packed and also diverse characters. Enjoyable ♥️
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