Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Politics bogs down second volume in fantasy/sci-fi series.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
HEAVENLY TYRANT quickly elevates Wu Zetian to Empress of Huaxia after she wakes Emperor Qin Zheng out of a 200-year-long slumber. As empress she can wield a lot of power, but she also chafes under the expectations of the men around her. And under her now-husband Qin Zheng, who treats her like she's his property. But she's determined to make their world a better place for all women, and she'll stop at nothing to make it happen. At the same time, Qin Zheng has started a revolution by throwing out the wealthy elite oppressors and moving the balance of power toward the vast majority of people who suffered the oppression. As they discover truths about their world, how it came to be, and why it is the way it is now, Zetian and Qin Zheng realize that bringing true freedom to the people of Huaxia for all time will take them to a place they could never have imagined, and can't expect to make it back from.
Is It Any Good?
Fans of Iron Widow will be glad that a lot of what they enjoyed about that book is back in this second volume. Heavenly Tyrant features familiar characters, a rich and deeply imagined world that artfully blends fantasy and science fiction, sometimes wicked, usually sly humor, and of course, piloting the Chrysalises and fending off Hunduns. Not to mention colorful new characters and amazing locations. Unfortunately, the action and story slow way down over and over again with long arguments about politics and how to govern. Even battles and romance are interrupted by arguments.
The issues they talk about are important, for sure, like gender equality, equal access to opportunities, education, and health care, body autonomy, and so much more food for thought. But it starts to feel like being lectured to instead of hearing new ideas or making your own mind up about the issues. It was originally planned as a duology, but the cliffhanger ending promises "to be continued," and readers who stuck it out to the end will be eager for the next installment.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Heavenly Tyrant. Is it too much? Is it justified? Why, or why not?
What about the sexy stuff? Is it realistic? How is sex combined with violence in the story, and how do you feel about it?
What do you think about Zetian and Qin Zheng as characters? Are they heroes? Are their actions justified? What are their strengths and weaknesses?
Would you call Zetian courageous? Why, or why not? Is courage required to lead?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Activism , Fantasy ( Magic ) , Robots
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Tundra Books
- Publication date : December 24, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 17
- Number of pages : 544
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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