Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao

Iron Widow is a science fiction book inspired by Chinese history. It's a book that I did not know that I needed. Like the protagonist, Wu Zetian, I grew up being told that my only purpose was to serve men and the worst thing I could be would be to not be pleasing to men. Her fury against being part of a society like that echoes my own. I enjoyed all of the characters, especially Zetian's two lovers.

Reading about a pansexual polyamorous character is something I would not have imagined--outside fan fiction. I'm so glad that there are books like this now. 

Also, there are giant robots and stuff. I'm all about the characters but the biologically-based mecha and qi-based energy systems are interesting. 

When I listen to audiobooks that I enjoy, I frequently want to look at a passage to see how it reads. I experienced that with this book. However, I was also grateful for Rong Fu's narration so I could learn the correct pronunciation of names. 

This is the first of a two-book series and ends on a cliffhanger. The next book is not due for release until the end of August 2023. 

Length: 12 hours 14 minutes | 400 pages

Snowflake Challenge 3

I don't feel up to getting too spicy but there is something that has been on my mind lately that I do feel like venting about. 

My favorite fandom is Weiss Kreuz. The fandom peaked about 15 or 20 years ago. I was not active in the fandom at the time and probably would still be a lurker if it were active now. I still wish it were active rather than all but dead. 

I would enjoy reading the discussions that other people have. I would enjoy the fan art and fan fiction. I would revel in the fan translations and fan websites. I especially miss a fan website called Hope Forlorn which hosted a wealth of resources.