You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
2.14k reviews by:
bookish_selkie
Very fast and fun, I read this almost in one sitting. I was looking for a great historical romance and this absolutely hit the mark. It was a joy to follow Cassandra and Tom on their journey! Free of overused tropes, Chasing Cassandra was original and charming. Now I need to read the rest of The Ravenels series!
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Iron Widow is one of my top five-star reads of 2021, without question. Iron Widow is a futuristic story where piloting mechas is the key to survival. The mechas require a boy/girl team, but the experience typically kills the girls in the partnership. Determined to get revenge for her big sister who was killed, Zetian agrees to participate. Zetian is revealed to be an Iron Widow- she can sacrifice boys for power to pilot the mechas. As she tries to understand why the system functions in such a misogynistic way, Zetian strives to gain power and prevent more sacrifices before one of the attempts on her life succeeds.
With themes of overthrowing the patriarchy, questioning societal gender norms, and fighting for justice- Iron Widow is a truly compelling and fresh story. I absolutely loved watching Zetian question and destroy ideas about what a woman “should” do. There was also great portrayal and discussion of toxic family dynamics. Iron Widow feels bloody, visceral, and real. Zetian is a fierce and strong character- but she’s also very fun! She is a character who is so unafraid to break the rules and take big risks that it’s impossible to look away. Zetian and the book are inspired by Empress Wu, the only female emperor of China. Iron Widow also contains fantastic LGBTQ+ rep, including a poly relationship. This relationship is one of my favorite aspects of the book! No cliche love triangle here- the relationship is beautifully set up and very well done.
Iron Widow pulls no punches and is incredibly sharp. This is a fast-paced and thrilling adventure. If you enjoy mechas, morally gray characters, strong women who are determined to claw their way to power, and epic battle scenes- then you need to read Iron Widow! I can’t wait to see what happens next! Thank you so much to Xiran Jay Zhao, Penguin Teen, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
With themes of overthrowing the patriarchy, questioning societal gender norms, and fighting for justice- Iron Widow is a truly compelling and fresh story. I absolutely loved watching Zetian question and destroy ideas about what a woman “should” do. There was also great portrayal and discussion of toxic family dynamics. Iron Widow feels bloody, visceral, and real. Zetian is a fierce and strong character- but she’s also very fun! She is a character who is so unafraid to break the rules and take big risks that it’s impossible to look away. Zetian and the book are inspired by Empress Wu, the only female emperor of China. Iron Widow also contains fantastic LGBTQ+ rep, including a poly relationship. This relationship is one of my favorite aspects of the book! No cliche love triangle here- the relationship is beautifully set up and very well done.
Iron Widow pulls no punches and is incredibly sharp. This is a fast-paced and thrilling adventure. If you enjoy mechas, morally gray characters, strong women who are determined to claw their way to power, and epic battle scenes- then you need to read Iron Widow! I can’t wait to see what happens next! Thank you so much to Xiran Jay Zhao, Penguin Teen, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
When Violeta's brother Arien begins waking up with shadows leaking from his fingertips, Leta knows that she must keep his magic a secret at all costs. But after a mysterious lord witnesses Arien’s power, they find themselves spirited away to a place called Lakesedge. In a manor house, Arien and Leta wrestle with their relationship with magic. Leta finds herself drawn to the mysterious Rowan and the Lord Under, a menacing death god. Grappling with the question of what makes someone a monster, Leta must decide how much she is willing to sacrifice to save her brother and her world.
Lakesedge is a very atmospheric and haunting read- you’ll find yourself on the shores of a murky lake with a sense of ominous dread deep in your bones as you look out to the darkening horizon. A love letter to the fall season and gothic horror, this is a fast-paced and high-stakes read. I can already tell that readers will swoon for Rowan, who is the boy/monster of Lakesedge! Leta and Rowan have a bit of a Hades/Persephone vibe to them, which I loved. I also loved the sibling relationship between Leta and her younger brother Arien. They truly cared about each other, going to great lengths to protect each other, and ultimately adventured into the world of dark magic together.
My one issue with the book is the pacing. Everything happens very quickly and the conclusion seemed rushed. Leta and Rowan have an immediate connection, which felt a little insta-love. However, I'm incredibly excited for the sequel and would highly recommend Lakesedge! Thank you so much to Lyndall Clipstone, Henry Holt and Co, Macmillan Children’s Publishing, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Lakesedge is a very atmospheric and haunting read- you’ll find yourself on the shores of a murky lake with a sense of ominous dread deep in your bones as you look out to the darkening horizon. A love letter to the fall season and gothic horror, this is a fast-paced and high-stakes read. I can already tell that readers will swoon for Rowan, who is the boy/monster of Lakesedge! Leta and Rowan have a bit of a Hades/Persephone vibe to them, which I loved. I also loved the sibling relationship between Leta and her younger brother Arien. They truly cared about each other, going to great lengths to protect each other, and ultimately adventured into the world of dark magic together.
My one issue with the book is the pacing. Everything happens very quickly and the conclusion seemed rushed. Leta and Rowan have an immediate connection, which felt a little insta-love. However, I'm incredibly excited for the sequel and would highly recommend Lakesedge! Thank you so much to Lyndall Clipstone, Henry Holt and Co, Macmillan Children’s Publishing, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.