Iron Widow
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Iron Widow 〰️
Holy mother of shirt balls. THAT ENDING. I did *not* see that coming, although I probably should have.
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
But I'm getting ahead of myself. Not going to lie; it took a little while for me to get into this book fully. I'm not 100% sure why. I know I found it exciting, and I loved the "history" (actual and implied) of this world. But I only fully got into mid-way, and then I was invested in the story.
Side note, every time Zetian mentioned her feet, I cringe at the thought. I love that the author gave her some flare in the looks department (like her unibrow, even though it gets shaved off, and her bound feet). She feels like just your average girl. Even if her actions prove that she is far beyond anything but ordinary.
I love the world-building, and I LOVE some LGBT+ rep. This was also the first story I read with a polyamory relationship, even if it didn't get to be explored too much.
For a debut novel, I'm impressed. I can see how it became a bestseller instantaneously. It has a strong female lead, compelling characters, great world-building and excellent sequel bating. I can't wait for the second book to come out, especially after what we found out in the last few pages of the epilogue. I can't wait to learn more about how humans forgot they were on an alien planet. Makes sense, though. I was wondering the whole time why other countries weren't helping out in the war or mentioned, but this makes sense now.
Anyway, this was a great read. I do hope we get to Shimin again. I mean, it would be a copout if he came back, but I really liked the guy, despite his "flaws". (The author did a great job at making you like someone society has deemed "the bad guy". He did murder people, but he had the right intentions? Ahaa, what are morals lol)
