Iron Widow

“It's hilarious. Men want us so badly for our bodies, yet hate us so much for our minds.”

When I first started reading this book, I wasn't sure I would like it. After finishing it, I am glad I stuck with it. At first it seemed like another “rich boy defies his family and saves the poor girl” trope but I was very wrong. If feminine rage could be shown through one book, I would pick this one. Moreover, it is not just feminine rage but discourse over government power and how twisted the action of those in power can be to keep control.

I loved the development of Zetian and her journey of discovering just how deep the corruption lies. Misogyny is the main theme in Iron Widow, and the men play their part well. Modelled off of real evil in our current world (the misogyny rooted in Chinese history and governments), they are truly some of the most terrifying villains I've read. At first you think the villain will be Yang Guang or Li Shimin, but the real villain is the corruption that runs deep through every law and legislation they have. Fortunately, Zetian is a badass and takes every moment to kick misogyny in the metaphorical (or not so) balls.

Once again I have started a series that I can't yet finish so I look forward to the sequel, Heavenly Tyrant, at the end of august this year