A review by alingtori
Iron Widow, by Xiran Jay Zhao
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
Oh wow, how do I start? I devoured this book in just one day and I didn't even notice that it's 400 pages. Iron Widow is an action-packed book centered around Wu Zetian, an 18-year-old girl who offers herself to become a concubine-pilot but becomes more than that.
The description for this book--"Pacific Rim meets The Handmaid’s Tale in this blend of Chinese history and mecha science fiction for YA readers"--is more spot on than I've expected. I'm not the biggest mecha science fiction reader/watcher and I was expecting a lot of technical discussion that might bug me down, but it was surprisingly a very easy read--you don't even have to know Pacific Rim to understand how the piloting mechanics work. There was a good balance of mecha action and plot so I appreciated that very much.
It was, however, Zetian's unhinged energy that captivated me and made me glued to this book. Her rage was so palpable that I, too, felt anger whenever I read all of the injustices women face in this book. I, too, want to lash out whenever women are made to be submissive to men on the basis of their gender. Her ascent to power was so satisfying, but also fearsome. I'm not really complaining, though. It's actually nice to see a female protagonist that is untamed and unabashedly ambitious.
Of course, the poly trio (which was why I started the book in the first place) is also a bonus and I will lose it if they all don't get back together in the next book.
The description for this book--"Pacific Rim meets The Handmaid’s Tale in this blend of Chinese history and mecha science fiction for YA readers"--is more spot on than I've expected. I'm not the biggest mecha science fiction reader/watcher and I was expecting a lot of technical discussion that might bug me down, but it was surprisingly a very easy read--you don't even have to know Pacific Rim to understand how the piloting mechanics work. There was a good balance of mecha action and plot so I appreciated that very much.
It was, however, Zetian's unhinged energy that captivated me and made me glued to this book. Her rage was so palpable that I, too, felt anger whenever I read all of the injustices women face in this book. I, too, want to lash out whenever women are made to be submissive to men on the basis of their gender. Her ascent to power was so satisfying, but also fearsome. I'm not really complaining, though. It's actually nice to see a female protagonist that is untamed and unabashedly ambitious.
Of course, the poly trio (which was why I started the book in the first place) is also a bonus and I will lose it if they all don't get back together in the next book.