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gippytwo's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Child abuse and Misogyny
Moderate: Alcoholism, Physical abuse, and Injury/Injury detail
twihard_librarian's review against another edition
5.0
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, Violence, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Grief, Sexual harassment, and Classism
Minor: Death of parent
aurora4847'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: Ableism, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Gore, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racism, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Suicide attempt, Murder, Colonisation, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Body horror, Bullying, Rape, Sexual content, Trafficking, Death of parent, and Fire/Fire injury
This book has very heavy topics and scenes, including misogyny, foot binding, death, war, colonisation, murder, torture, death of family members, sexual assault, ableism, racism, exploitation, and war. It is all handled well, and is worth it.deemmoonlight'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: Child abuse and Misogyny
ynysafalon'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
5.0
Graphic: Ableism, Body shaming, Child abuse, Death, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Torture, Violence, Police brutality, Murder, Gaslighting, War, and Classism
nebulamarcus's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, and Classism
Moderate: Addiction and Alcoholism
Minor: Sexual assault and Suicidal thoughts
sirpandacat's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Sexism, and Torture
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Body shaming, and War
Minor: Suicidal thoughts and Fire/Fire injury
ivi_reads_books's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
This YA sci-fi blends futuristic mechas (think giant battling robots) with historical elements like foot binding and the systemic suppression of women. In this world, male and female pilots team up to steer these robots—but the male pilot can sacrifice the female if needed. So yes, there’s plenty to be angry about.
The female main character, who had her feet bound at a young age, experiences chronic pain and occasionally relies on a wheelchair. While there’s a love triangle, it’s quite tame, and the book leans heavily into its raw, emotional core.
I wished for more nuance, maturity, and backstory for the characters, but I’m hopeful the sequel (coming December 24, 2024) will deliver!
If you love fierce female leads and stories dripping with justified fury, this one’s for you.
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Misogyny, Violence, Blood, Murder, Alcohol, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Violence and Classism
sadetanssija'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
3.75
Mainly because good polyam rep is so hard to find, I'm willing to forgo a lot of other standards.
To quote a good movie: "It makes no damn sense. Compels me though."
Graphic: Alcoholism, Body shaming, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Murder, Gaslighting, Alcohol, War, and Classism
Moderate: Biphobia, Gun violence, Slavery, Vomit, Police brutality, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
embersbooknook'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? Yes
4.5
I really appreciate the way Xiran captures this
While there’s SO much more to say about anti-colonialism/empire, sexism, gender based violence and oppression, and propaganda, this was a fantastic beginning. I feel like the soul of the book is Zetian fighting back for all those who can’t anymore, and to make sure that those to in future generations don’t face the same abuse, violence, and oppression that she and all those before have had to.
On a lighter note
I appreciate the stage that was set in this book, and I am simultaneously terrified and excited for book two, and to see the next level of these discussions.
I really haven’t properly captured this book because I am still processing it, and will be for some time to come. 10/10 would recommend. I will be tagging some content warnings below, although the author also provides them in the beginning of the book. Definitely read this one when you’re feeling stalwart because it’s some heavy themes but well handled and important. 🙌🏽
Okay, gonna go preorder Heavenly Tyrant now…😉
Moderate: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, Colonisation, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
The rape is never any on page depictions, but it is implied to have happened to a few non major characters and there is pressure on the female protagonist to allow sex from people she doesn’t want it from. Rape is also discussed as a theme throughout the book in regards to gender based violence and oppression. I’ll be honest, it wasn’t easy to read despite not being overly graphic. I experienced intimate partner sexual coercion, manipulation, and a couple assaults and that made it feel close to home for me. If you’ve been through something more traumatic than I have, definitely read with care and don’t be afraid to take breaks and be sure to have some self care in place❤️🩹 It is an excellent read but heavy so I felt these notes were needed. The other violence mentioned, while not overly graphic, is still upsetting at times so again just…take good care.