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nocturna_of_space's review against another edition
- 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? It's complicated
2.0
I honestly thought Shimin and Yizhi had a better love story than Zetian with either of them. And I think that's mostly due to the idea that they maybe had some conversations off-screen or something. I really wanted to like the love story in this book. Especially as a poly person. But my god... there was no soul in it and almost no chemistry between Zetian and either of the boys.
Zetian is really just... not like other girls I guess...
I will be looking up what happens to Shimin and Yizhi. I hope they live happily together for the rest of their lives. Also 2 stars for the inclusion of the boy you torture someone with and the boy who welcomes you home with pastries afterwards. Even I have to admit that was great.
Edit: I was just informed that the big sister does have a name. It’s mentioned off hand in the first chapter I think? And then never again.
If you liked this book, all the power to you. It just wasn't my thing. Which is sad, because I really thought it would be.
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Death, Physical abuse, Torture, Violence, Death of parent, War, and Classism
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Sexual assault, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Sexual content
kathigh86's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Alcoholism, Death, Physical abuse, Sexism, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Alcohol, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Gore, and Gaslighting
maybe_its_me's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Death, Misogyny, Sexism, Torture, Violence, Death of parent, War, and Injury/Injury detail
aliyas_encanto's review against another edition
- 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? Yes
4.5
Alright, after much time to process I am ready to give a more coherent review: Zetian is angry. And, in a world that willingly sacrifices young girls against their will for the sake of battle with alien life-forms, I can understand why. The life a girl growing up in a country that values women as lesser than livestock, Zetian seeks revenge for the murder of her older sister. However her spirit is so strong that she is given a second chance as the Iron Widow, a female deemed strong enough to pilot a Chrysalis. The world-building leaves the reader curious about the seemingly dystopian landscape and the questionable rules set in place. It was a heavy story that, although the anger was justified the pride did not allow for true satisfaction of enemy defeats. Zetian is really one of the more complex characters I grew to enjoy, and I am curious how her character will grow in book 2. This is a heavy book, so please check content warnings before engaging.
Graphic: Sexism, Violence, and War
Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, Murder, and Sexual harassment
artemismoon057's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Sexism, Medical trauma, and War
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Suicidal thoughts, and Violence
Minor: Ableism and Colonisation
cs172's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Alcoholism, Body shaming, Death, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Violence, Blood, Abandonment, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Body horror, Torture, Death of parent, and Murder
Minor: Cursing, Forced institutionalization, Vomit, Grief, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
queermothman's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Addiction, Death, Misogyny, Sexual assault, Torture, Violence, Alcohol, and War
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Xenophobia, Grief, Medical trauma, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Biphobia, Body shaming, and Domestic abuse
lianaet's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Alcoholism, Misogyny, Sexism, Torture, and Murder
Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and War
mejamausezahn's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Torture, Violence, Murder, and War
comaduff's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Main theme of the book:
I support women’s rights, but more importantly i support women’s wrongs!!!!
Graphic: Alcoholism, Body horror, Death, Misogyny, Violence, Murder, Colonisation, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Addiction, Domestic abuse, Gore, Physical abuse, Racism, Sexual assault, Torture, Gaslighting, and Alcohol
Minor: Confinement, Cursing, Gun violence, Blood, and Medical trauma