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A review by feywild
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
so, the pacing of this book reminded me of a twelve episode anime that has so much potential but not enough time to convey everything. There were so many facets of the story that flew by without explanation that I feel was needed. A lot of concepts were introduced suddenly and I feel the character development was progressing at almost a breakneck speed.
I would have personally enjoyed a bit more yearning between the trio and just more bridging their relationship a bit more? It felt almost as if there were puzzle pieces laid out and perfectly slotted in a way I knew what was coming up next. I do find the relationship between them super endearing though and honestly it makes me want to read the sequel so I can find out what happens.
I was already familiar with Darling in the Franxx having watched it myself and I could definitely see the themes showing themselves and the book did actually touch on a few things that I would have preferred in the anime so I did feel satisfied in that regard. However I feel the feminist tones were a little too .. hard hitting? and that's not me wanting to disavow the overarching message (there were many moments that actually felt empowering.) I suppose if I could sum up my thoughts on this manner, I think Zetian needs to do some more introspection within herself through character development as I feel the view of the world she currently has is completely understandable - but viewed in a very one dimensional manner.
I really hope the sequel touches on Zetian's own feelings about what it means to be a woman as I feel there was a lot about the surrounding world, but not about herself. I want to know more about the main character herself - I want to know more about her own internal conflicts and i think it would be very interesting to have more Zetian-centric character development.
Overall though, I did enjoy this!
I would have personally enjoyed a bit more yearning between the trio and just more bridging their relationship a bit more? It felt almost as if there were puzzle pieces laid out and perfectly slotted in a way I knew what was coming up next. I do find the relationship between them super endearing though and honestly it makes me want to read the sequel so I can find out what happens.
I was already familiar with Darling in the Franxx having watched it myself and I could definitely see the themes showing themselves and the book did actually touch on a few things that I would have preferred in the anime so I did feel satisfied in that regard. However I feel the feminist tones were a little too .. hard hitting? and that's not me wanting to disavow the overarching message (there were many moments that actually felt empowering.) I suppose if I could sum up my thoughts on this manner, I think Zetian needs to do some more introspection within herself through character development as I feel the view of the world she currently has is completely understandable - but viewed in a very one dimensional manner.
I really hope the sequel touches on Zetian's own feelings about what it means to be a woman as I feel there was a lot about the surrounding world, but not about herself. I want to know more about the main character herself - I want to know more about her own internal conflicts and i think it would be very interesting to have more Zetian-centric character development.
Overall though, I did enjoy this!