Let me tell you why YOU NEED TO READ IRON WIDOW

[@angiewinchester3384]

YIzhi is the brain, Shimin is the muscle and Zetian is the uncontrollable feminist rage. And I really loved their dynamic.

[@ReadswithRachel]

YES SAME!

[@spicyghosty]

this is the first and only book I've ever read that allows the female protagonist to be angry. to be unhinged. to be generally monstrous, and never make her apologize for it. I could rant for so much longer, but at some point it'll just start coming out as inarticulate key smashes and screeching, so I'll stop now. Wu Zetian and this book genuinely changed my life and that is not an understatement. just. read this book and let it change yours

[@itsgonnabeanaurfromme]

It's just copying the life of Wu Zeitan. All that you're feeling you can get if you pretend a history book is fiction

[@late_prince8945]

I saw everything coming, and It still put me in a choke hold. I love the Iron Triangle. I love our "Don't shoot me, I'm rich!" boy. I Love that Wu Zetian actually gives a lot of fucks but in the end still can murder everyone.

[@Fischohnerad17]

I personally love that this is a story at least partially about revenge that has the protagonist get revenge and not feel dissatisfied with it. She fucks up everybody that's wronged her and she's happy about it. There is no "killing you won't bring my loved one back so there's no point in doing this" which has absolutely dominated revenge stories for a while, but rather "nothing will bring them back or fix things, so there's nothing holding me back". Like, there's merit to both types of endings, but sometimes you just gotta fuck shit up. And I love that

[@belovedwinter]

YES, give me the "my loved one no longer gets to live so you don't either" eye for an eye stories.

[@trueblueedits4673]

As a Chinese girl myself, I'd also like to add that the integration of certain Chinese fantasy elements was very well done. We weren't questioning what influences were used etc. I will say that this book is more on the "action" side of things and everything is just breakneck speed, go go go type vibe and lighter on character development and world-building. But, it is a new author's first-time publishing of the first book in a series. I can see how this world can be built upon and expanded, with the love triangle being better fleshed out (because it REALLY needs it). The flaws, IMO can be overlooked because the concept is just so nice. It's a breath of fresh air in the monotony that has become YA and its cookie-cutter plots + worlds that seem to drag on and on.

[@ReadswithRachel]

Love to hear this! And “a breath of fresh air” is precisely how I’d describe it. Yes!!!

[@ghoulchan7525]

i know this is late. but there is no love triangle. it's polyamorous, idk if i spelled that right.

[@trueblueedits4673]

@@ghoulchan7525 You spelt it right XD and it was a slip of my keyboard when I said triangle, I meant their "triangle" but in reference to their polyamory. I found it to be the book's weakest element for many reasons.

[@ghoulchan7525]

@@trueblueedits4673oh i see, yeah the romance was a bit lacking. But i didn't quite mind.

[@franckensteine]

was hyped more with the "im your nightmare" quote then you SOLD me with the poly relationship like i NEED to start my e-arc asap

[@ReadswithRachel]

DO NOT HESITATE GO IMMEDIATELY

[@lauraisabook]

This video got me super hyped about this book and I didn't think it was possible to be more hyped than I already was!!!

[@ReadswithRachel]

Then my work here was a success lol so glad to hear this

[@Blackcanvasart]

I finished the book in less than a day cause I couldn’t put it down! I’m so hyped for the sequel. A small critique is that there were times when it was a little too spelled out for my liking. There were times it was necessary like the explanation of the magic system. But XiRan actually has said that Iron Widow is relatively old so I’m so hyped for the sequel!!!!

[@ReadswithRachel]

I can see that. I think that’s something that will improve as Xiran continues to write!

[@jadeharley7190]

Yeah like when I was reading the part in the beginning I was like “Oh this is definitely gonna be the thing the character uses at the end” and it ended up playing out how I thought it would

[@sasakimirai4318]

i read this book a few weeks ago, and i haven't stopped thinking about it since. i really love zetian's brutality and rage, and i love that for once the love triangle actually turns into polyamory! i desperately wish more authors did that. i was really disheartened to go on youtube and see so many negative reviews about the book, so it's nice to see your opinion on it! i'm so so excited for heavenly tyrant to come out next year!

[@ReadswithRachel]

Me too!

[@requiem6286]

Bought the book and literally finished it in 2 days. I am not a fast reader by any means, but I simply could NOT put down this book. Without a doubt it is one of the best books I've read in the last year; I love what Xiran did with the love triangle, the three main characters and their dynamic was lovable and captivating, and I adore the writing style. By far the best aspect was the tone/writing style: Wu Zetian's voice was really entertaining -- it was consistent but not static nor monotone, and the artful mix of bluntness/simplicity and raw emotion made for a character (and, by extension, a book) that feels human, and moments that literally made me laugh out loud, whisper "oh shit", or start crying. If you haven't read it already, it is a fantastic book, and I highly recommend it.

[@FortuneCookieKhlavKa]

I had this book in my wishlist for over a year and this review has been the final push I needed to order it

[@Grayvorn]

Just bought this book, and i am beyond excited to read it!!

[@LiteratureScienceAlliance]

Ok I need to make sure I get to this in 2021, I am intrigued by the scifi premise so much! Also all your enthusiasm! Also love a ruthless protagonist!!

[@ReadswithRachel]

The MOST ruthless!!!

[@toyosibee.mp3]

I LOVED THIS BOOK, I was worried I might DNF it after taking a loooong break while reading it, but when it hooked me, it HOOKED me and I’m still thinking about it now.

[@pauieeepau]

I enjoyed Iron Widow. I liked Zetian and her anger, I liked the boys, and I liked the plot twists. Some aspects might not be my fave, but they don't overpower what I like about it. Now that Xiran is spending more time with the sequel, I feel like the second book will be even better. I also enjoyed your gushing of this book. I need to reread it 😊

[@ReadswithRachel]

I’m so glad to hear this 😀

[@midnightsan9917]

I read this book in an afternoon. It was delightful.

[@AnitaSleap1080z]

Iron Widow lit a fire under me as a writer. I've read it maybe 8 times since it's been out and waiting for a lull in work to read Heavenly Tyrant when I get it

[@Annie-pj6vr]

I like this book because of mecha, and big robots and woman getting on the lead, but I also felt like something was missing. I LOVE the author, they're very charismatic and a charming person, so I finished their book because I like them. I watched countless reviews. KZbin videos, tiktok videos, Google reviews and Goodreads. I finally noticed it was a great book to read when your bored or if you want to read something light, cuz there was so many thinga I dislike and found "weird" coming from a feminist protagonist. When she (zetian) talked about the old Empereor I was like: Oh, I know where we're going. And then accidentally "spoiled" myself after reading a comment that didn't have spoiler alert, so.. yeah. I guessed it right. Also, she doesn't have female figures by her side. Even the tiger girl was aggressive towards her for no fair reason except jealousy. Then there's the turtle girl. I didn't like Zetian for doing that, LIKE GIRL, YOU NEED TO UNDERSTAND HER SITUATION BETTER THAN NO ONE ELSE. She was angry, I get that, but when I finished the first book... she didn't have a single female friend. But two males... the male gender that she hates so much. Ah, I have so much to say, but to summarize... 3* out of 5* cuz I can see the potential, plus it was their debut, so I know they can do better and I'm looking after their future work. I love Xiran and Asian fantasy, from any Asian country, so I'm willing to read all of it.

[@pinkyhc4130]

I honestly LOVE Pacific Rim, especially The Black (animated sequel). This sounds SO GOOD!

[@fatcat1399]

SO good. So badass. Can’t wait for golden tyrant!!!💜

[@KathyTrithardt]

I need the sequel immediately.

[@ReadswithRachel]

SAME KATHY SAME

[@drkim4077]

I’m OBSESSED with WU ZETIAN 😭💜

[@angelaholmes8888]

I absolutely had a great time reading this book 🙂

[@ReadswithRachel]

Yay!!! I’m so glad to hear this 💕

[@fairycat23]

I started out smitten with smart pretty boy Yizhi but ended up fawning over nerdy giant Shimin

[@Abyrae]

I honestly reread this book 3 more times since it came out. I love it so much. I cannot wait for the sequel! I'm not even mad that its release date was pushed back, because I trust Xiran's writing will only be better for it. They had to cut a lot of content from IW at the demand of their editor. Maybe with the sequel, they won't be as demanding, and Xiran will be able to integrate some of the cut scenes in as flashbacks or something. I want more Zetian anger and more domestic fluff and more revenge.

[@mayabecker]

Love ur review and reaction about the book (i have the same!) Is so good! Happy to find your channel🖤

[@RobinReads]

the happy squeals alone sold me on the book and i want it right now! and i love that editing rachel ratted out filming rachel 😂

[@ReadswithRachel]

I can’t wait for it to be out so I can hear your thoughts on it!

[@RobinReads]

@@ReadswithRachel i preordered it right after watching your video 😂😂 so i’m going to read it as soon as it’s in my hands!!

[@Bridget466]

This review makes me want to revisit the book and rewatch the author’s two parter on the empress for the umpteenth time. I’m desperate for when Zhao releases the sequel next year! They also have another book that’s like Chinese Yugi-Yo meets Percy Jackson of sorts.

[@pagesandprose1736]

I'm requesting my library acquire this IMMEDIATELY!

[@ReadswithRachel]

THEY MUSTVGET IT!!!

[@lua_ferraz]

You already got me interested in this one in your ARC video, now I'm really excited to get to it!

[@ReadswithRachel]

I hope you love it as much as I did 💕💕

[@aubreyaskew6701]

I WANT TO READ THIS RIGHT NOW 😭 You've convinced me to pre-order! I was going to pick it up after it came out in September, but now I'm calling my local indie.

[@ReadswithRachel]

This made my day!!

[@bibliophile2012]

I just found your channel a week ago and have been sporadically watching your back catalogue. I am glad you love this book as much as I do. I was worried when I saw it on your shelf in a different video that you would have a video tearing it up. Though I couldn’t figure out what you wouldn’t like. I’m glad this is the video I found :)

[@ReadswithRachel]

People have this idea that I don’t like a lot of books but I swear I do!

[@uncalamar]

HYPE i preordered the book a while ago and i physically cannot wait

[@ReadswithRachel]

You won’t be disappointed!

[@TheWordN3rd]

This makes me even more hyped for this book!

[@ReadswithRachel]

My work here is complete lol

[@rosallora]

THIS BOOK IS EVERYTHING TO ME TOO THE FUCKKKKKK AAAAAAAAAAAA

[@violetception]

ok i finally read iron widow, and i really enjoyed it! so i was really surprised to see sooooo many negative reviews on here. tbh i think that there was just a major miscommunication in marketing/readers' expected understanding of the story. i'm kind of sick of all the criticisms of feminism in the book/ zetian being a 'bad' feminist character. like, did people not figure out that she was supposed to be morally gray, basically the villain by the end? i thought this novel was really amazing in how it allowed her to really channel her rage without apology the entire time. if anything i thought iron widow did a *great* job grappling with the fraught pendulum between solidarity and competition with other women that would occur in a world that is so deeply patriarchal. zetian obviously has deep wells of righteous feminine rage etc., but her first priority is aggregating power for herself/her lovers. you can't help but cheer her on while also being able to recognize how f'ed up her actions are. i love that she is a flawed and complicated character, it makes it a much more interesting and engaging read. the book is not without flaws- i would love more development between all the members of our lovely throuple, as well as more exposition/clarity on certain elements of the world building like the chrysalises. the pacing was fast, which helped keep the momentum, though maybe some time to further flesh out the details could have been spared. i felt much closer to the chinese cultural and historical references/elements since i'm also chinese, but maybe more explanations might be necessary for readers that don't have the same background? *SPOILER* i saw the planet of the apes-style ending reveal coming from a mile away, but i think it was still a solid cliffhanger to keep us anticipating the next one. now i'm waiting with bated breath for heavenly tyrant (seriously, how are people thinking zetian is the hero when the sequel is titled that?)! hopefully zhao will be able to further develop the threads and ideas they teased in iron widow.

[@violetception]

maybe it sounds dramatic, but all the complaints about iron widow being "bad representation for feminism" make me feel like laughing hysterically while my braincells are actively dying. like, guys, this novel is not feminist theory, it is a story first and foremost. these comments keep whinging on and on about zetian not performing feminism in the 100% kosher way and that is the point; this world forces her to make moral compromises and ethical concessions and continue justifying them to herself. maybe they should go research the historical figure that inspired this character- wu zetian would not have become the only chinese empress if she didn't step on a lot of people to get and stay there (including other women). it's why all the not-at-all-subtle diatribes and tangents about the plight of women are not insufferable and preachy to get through, because it is obviously filtered through the unreliable narration of zetian's self-vindication. this feels like dany's madness arc in GOT season 8, but with actual effort put in, lol.

[@annalisaely4298]

This sounds so cool!

[@ReadswithRachel]

It is an absolute DELIGHT

[@bebella9005]

RACHEL I CAN'T WAIT FOR THIS AAAAAAAAAAA

[@shannonquinn]

Pre-order made, I need this book ASAP!!!!

[@ReadswithRachel]

Shannon! I got a package from you and I am so incredibly thankful to you for sending me those books. ❤️

[@shannonquinn]

@@ReadswithRachel You're so welcome! I've gotten SO MANY awesome recommendations from you, it was about time I gave something back. 😁❤️

[@ReadswithRachel]

I appreciate your support so much. Can’t wait to review those books!

[@TheresesNook]

So I’ve seen this book around but i didn’t know what it was about, but now i do and i NEED 👀👀

[@ReadswithRachel]

YES YOU DO!!!

[@cynthiaholmes5124]

I so can't wait to read this book hopefully the library will be receiving it in September this book definitely reminds me of another series by Suzanne young so far I have only read the first two books the first book is called girls with sharp sticks I really enjoyed it 🌟🍁🍂😊😃

[@ReadswithRachel]

I’ll have to check that out! ❤️❤️❤️

[@KelsiReads]

why even have a book club if you don't get to make everyone read your favorite books amiright

[@spookyfirst9514]

Sounds like part 'Raise the Red Lantern' and "Pacific Rim'. Though I'd say it's more 'anti-Red Lantern'. The movie Raise the Red Lantern was a movie released in 1991, about concubinage in 1920's China.

[@HiyyihLouvre]

I own 5 copies of this book..... might make it 6

[@ReadswithRachel]

Why not round up to ten!

[@HiyyihLouvre]

@@ReadswithRachel ???? WHY WOULD YPU SAY THIS??!??!!? 😭😭😭😭😭 I AM BUT A POOR COLLEGE STUDENT WHO *ALREADY* SPENDS ALL HER MONEY ON BOOKS

[@Nomoredrama2000]

I had to put the book down after three pages. I can kind of tell when a book is going to infuriate me and it usually involved reading the first page. Also the author might be well versed in Chines culture and history, but she's no writer.

[@ReadswithRachel]

Alright

[@edsgirl9290]

I got this book in a subscription box! How explicit would you say the violence was and how often did it come up? I know it’s there but I’m curious if it’s easy to skip over, thanks!

[@ReadswithRachel]

Hey! Pretty low on person to person violence in my opinion, there’s a few fights but most of the fighting is between the machines.

[@MrRorosuri]

me want

[@limerence8365]

K I get what this book was going for but it failed at it. A throuple? Sounds cool but the most unromantic couple I've ever read. She feels sorry for female relatives being part of the patriarchy? Lets kill them for it than. Fights for women? What? There's barely other female characters in this and let's murder the most developed for caring about her children. Revenge for death of a sister? Let's mention her once by name and never get any idea of what she was like as a person, so basically just a fridged woman. Stop her tirade for with women hostages? Well that didn't stop her 5 minutes earlier from squashing a building full of nameless women. Also let's save the day with a deus ex dragonpox cure and for the protagonist to just happen across people who happen to know where the big dragon mecha is. So much of this needed development.

[@240713910]

1000% agree. This book doesn't even pass the Bechdel test. Not a good representation for feminism.

[@itsgonnabeanaurfromme]

That's valid. Everyone has different opinions. It's hard to be objective when the author is in the same space apparently.

[@ReadswithRachel]

I’m gonna be honest I don’t know what your comments in reference to because this video is about three years old 😂

[@itsgonnabeanaurfromme]

​@@ReadswithRachelwhat does this being three years old have to do with anything? I'm referring to the book and your review, what else? Read.