Iron Widow (**/*****)

Let's start off by saying that 2 stars mean it's OK, not that it's awful or terrible or the worst book that has ever been written.

I went into this read with a lot of high hopes, and in many ways, those expectations were met; in others not so much:

- I applaud the heart of this book and the non-conforming stance it takes on so, so many different accounts
- I'm disappointed in the lack of history and flesh provided for setting
- The pacing was.... odd, for a lack of better explanation. It started off really quick and eye-catching, dragged a little towards some of the middle portion, and then the end went back to quick BAM BAM but perhaps a bit... too fast? I love a good twist at the end, but this one felt thrown in haphazardly.

If there was more context to the setting, to the history, and what the heck is actually going on, it would have been a lot more cohesive. This will still be one that I reach for on recommendations for anyone wanting something that's not afraid to break standards, some shock value, and non-gender conforming.