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A review by icy_queen
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-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? Yes
4.5
Do not expect any of the characters to be "nice" or "good people" and be prepared for many horrible things to happen (definitely check trigger warnings)! If you're ok with that or even enjoy reading it, I highly recommend this book.
The main character is absolutely, wonderfully unhinged and hellbent on revenge for her sister, herself, and all the other girls that were sacrificed, mutilated and/or killed by their society. She doesn't stop at killing her sister's murderer, but strives to destroy the whole system with the help of her soft "rich boy" bestfriend and her dangerous, bad boy, involuntary co-pilot (the three of them form an actual love triangle).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, Murder, Alcohol, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Racism, Sexual assault, and Police brutality
Minor: Biphobia, Fatphobia, Homophobia, Xenophobia, and Medical content
There is a a short list of potential triggers at the beginning of the book.
Other triggers that cannot be tagged and could be huge SPOILERS:
Main Character Death (unclear if it's final)
Foot-binding of girls' feet
Domestic Abuse is pretty normal in this society
Boys are hugely preferred over girls
Purity Culture
Etc.