A review by bkwrm1317
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Iron Widow was recommended to me back in 2021 when it was published, and it's been on my TBR since. I'm really glad that I elected to get back to this read. A great fit for readers who enjoy fiesty femme protags, switching gender roles, disability representation, tropes around toxic masculinity and patriarchal values, with fantasy and sci-fi elements.
Mechas, Chinese history (?), and the life power of young women being leeched dry to fight aliens terrorizing the human race in the future. Our primary protag's initial goal is to avenge the death of her sister. Once she does this, her journey takes twists and turns that I didn't see coming.
Mechas, Chinese history (?), and the life power of young women being leeched dry to fight aliens terrorizing the human race in the future. Our primary protag's initial goal is to avenge the death of her sister. Once she does this, her journey takes twists and turns that I didn't see coming.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism and Sexism
Moderate: Child abuse, War, Ableism, Violence, Death, Emotional abuse, and Classism