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A review by rory18
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-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
4.0
It's a fun power fantasy but I'm not really sure I'd call it feminist since it doesn't exactly pass the Bechdel test and the main character barely has any relationships with women. Also, I called all the plot twists but maybe that's just because I'm also a writer who is writing about colonization and sexism. Also weird how Zetian can't forgive anyone but her boyfriends for anything but has done some pretty frequently-seen-as-unforgivable things herself. I did enjoy it though. Anti-heroes are fun and the boys are interesting.
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Death, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual assault, Torture, Violence, Murder, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Ableism, Xenophobia, and Colonisation
Minor: Biphobia, Homophobia, and Sexual content