A review by aloevera
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao

challenging dark tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Gripping from start to end. It’s really rare to find fantasy/sci-fi that doesn’t feel exhausting during the world building, but Zhao makes it all so engaging. Even aspects of the book that I saw coming were presented so powerfully that I didn’t care, it was predictable because it’s such a poignant commentary on our world. I love a badass morally gray female lead, so I was bound to love this book. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, Violence, and War

Moderate: Alcoholism, Death, Genocide, and Classism

This book is DARK.

While Zeitian is not a victim of sexual violence herself, this book still has a lot of references toward the ways society/culture enables sexual assault and sexual violence.

While the war in the book does not have a lot of gore, it is a very emotionally intense depiction of violence/genocide. I found it very empowering, but procede with caution!