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A review by tokiberry
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
adventurous
challenging
slow-paced
- 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? It's complicated
3.5
Iron Widow
⤷ ⭑⭑⭑.𝟱
I don't even know how to start. This is the first book I've read with a poly trope, so that was a good twist. But I couldn't help but feel underwhelmed by the end of this book.
There are a bit of spoilers:
There was so much dialogue that I had trouble understanding the world-building and the lack of character development. Another issue was a lack of backstory on.. well, everything. Things were going on, but I was like, "Okay, but why?" How did the war started? What was Zetian's relationship with her sister like, and why weren't there flashbacks of her as a person? (I was shocked because she is basically why we have this story in the first place). We also missed Zetian and Yizhi's backstory (there were bits and pieces, but that was all it was) and much more. The ending also seemed rushed. It was definitely not what I expected because everything about the war made sense; midway through the book, however, I tried going through the pages as fast as possible to get to the next chapter to find answers.
One thing I would say is that our female lead embodies female rage. I'm not even kidding. Get on her bad side, and she will destroy you. An antihero heroine .
Is this a rant? Maybe.
Would I recommend this to anyone else? If you ask me on the top of my head, then no.
Will I read the next book? Yes, especially after that ending.
⤷ ⭑⭑⭑.𝟱
I don't even know how to start. This is the first book I've read with a poly trope, so that was a good twist. But I couldn't help but feel underwhelmed by the end of this book.
There are a bit of spoilers:
There was so much dialogue that I had trouble understanding the world-building and the lack of character development. Another issue was a lack of backstory on.. well, everything. Things were going on, but I was like, "Okay, but why?" How did the war started? What was Zetian's relationship with her sister like, and why weren't there flashbacks of her as a person? (I was shocked because she is basically why we have this story in the first place). We also missed Zetian and Yizhi's backstory (there were bits and pieces, but that was all it was) and much more. The ending also seemed rushed. It was definitely not what I expected because everything about the war made sense; midway through the book, however, I tried going through the pages as fast as possible to get to the next chapter to find answers.
One thing I would say is that our female lead embodies female rage. I'm not even kidding. Get on her bad side, and she will destroy you. An antihero heroine .
Is this a rant? Maybe.
Would I recommend this to anyone else? If you ask me on the top of my head, then no.
Will I read the next book? Yes, especially after that ending.