I enjoyed how angry the main character was 🙂

Haha but seriously, I enjoyed Zetian . I’ve read many books that have tried to go the “vengeful feminist” route but haven’t achieved the same level of visceral rage. We’re taught as a society (and especially women) to steer away from hate as an emotion, but sometimes there’s no other way to describe or portray a feeling. It’s not a pretty emotion but it’s a human one and I loved how Zhao has made it feel authentic.
I liked the overall feminist messaging, though sometimes it felt heavy handed, but it wasn’t done condescendingly so I ain’t mad at it. Honestly, having gone to a women’s college, it reminds me of the conversations we’d be having on the daily so it’s all a win in my book.

**spoilers**

The unapologetic approach to cutting off toxic family was also very cathartic to read. Writers often have characters with toxic family dynamics either work everything out or take the high road in some form or fashion. Zetian isn’t soulless she’s human and I think her decision to COMPLETELY ANNIHILATE her family is very validating (*cough* in a metaphorical sense of course) to everyone who’s family struggles are messy and ugly.