WHAT WAS THAT EPILOGUE?! Good thing I'm 5 seconds away from reading the sequel, what a whirlwind.... (more coherent review to come)

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.