Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao is easily one of my favorite books read in 2021. Full of adventure, Iron Widow is a story of Zetian, a woman destined to change the world. Zetian offers herself as a concubine pilot, where she works towards the revenge of her sister's murder. Inverting the social system that has long been in place, Zetian kills the male pilot and embodies the name Iron Widow -- a female pilot that can sacrifice men to power giant mecha Chrysalises.

Zetian is then paired with male pilot Li Shimin, known infamously for killing his family. As the story unfolds, Zetian learns there is much more to Li than the rumors the swirl around him though. The relationships fleshed out in this story were perfect and I loved the way these were explored. F*** a love triangle!

Zetian is a character who takes hold of her destiny and shapes it using every ounce of willpower she has -- I was enthralled -- I picked this book up and didn't put it down until it was finished.

My only complaint is that I now have to wait for the next one. And that I didn't read this sooner!

I absolutely LOVEDDDDD this book! It inspired my "To All The Literary Angry Girls" post and it got it's own blog post later on! The links are attached!

Love the premise, it's a mecha story set in futuristic Chinese-inspired world what's more to love? Plus the little references to the Four Chinese Classics gives me serotonin. I'm really happy there's a poly rep within the YA genre and Zhao really set the bar. However, the rest falls flat. Between the mediocre plot and rushed characterization, I don't get to see much of the worldbuilding (it feels plainly vague). I feel if the author would polish their world and lore a bit more, this wouldn't feel like a first draft.

With that out of the way, I have to say I have high hopes for Zhao and their writing career. I'm curious what would the second book entail, hopefully the world would be fleshed out more in there.

'Iron Widow': 5⭐

(Unpaid Review: thank you to @netgalley, @xiranjayzhao and the publishers for allowing me to read this eArc copy in exchange for a review.)

This was pitched to me as Pacífic Rim meets The Handmaid's Tale and that alone got me like: YES, I'M IN.
Then, I dove into it. Man, oh MAN, was this fantastic! The characters, the plot and subplot, THOSE LAST CHAPTERS, really got the best of me and I swear to God, I'm going to C-R-Y, if I don't get this book physically!

I’m not sure my words can do this book justice. Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao is a sci-fi novel unlike any I’ve read. It touches on issues like racism, rape, misogyny, murder, and femicide just to name a few while also exploring gender roles and turning them on their heads. This is NOT for the faint of heart. Following the story of one girl’s quest for vengeance, Iron Widow takes you on a heart-stopping, bloody adventure that will leave your head spinning and your heart aching.

Wu Zetian is an easy character to root for. Told entirely from her perspective, the story unfolds as Zetian faces one heartbreak after another. Zetian is tired and fed up with the role she is forced into in her life. Watching her sister die on national television was the final straw. Zetian is out for revenge, and she will stop at nothing to obtain it, even denying herself a life of ease and happiness with the only boy that makes her feel something other than hate. To avenge her sister, Zetian offers herself as a concubine-pilot for the Huaxian army of Chrysalises.

The entire system and world that Zetian lives in is based on a misogynistic view that women are inferior to men (this is where The Handmaid’s Tale reference comes into play). I personally loved how the author incorporated Chinese history here in the binding of Zetian’s feet and even how she used the Yin and Yang symbol to represent the pilots’ seats in the Chrysalises, not to mention the concubine sacrifices in battle. It’s truly horrific, making you root for Zetian to succeed all the more.

And succeed she does, over and over again. Each time more bloody than the last, testing the patience of those in power. But Zetian isn’t alone. She has Gao Yizhi and Li Shimin. These two couldn’t be more different, but somehow compliment Zetian and her battle. Like her, they will fight to the death for what they believe in. Shimin is the feared Iron Demon, someone that the country believes is the worst of the worst criminals, and yet because of his strong qi and ability to pilot the Chrysalises, he is also the most popular pilot. Yizhi is a son of one of the highest officials, yet he believes that women and men are equals. It is easy to see Zetian’s attraction to both boys and how the three form a relationship. This relationship is the backbone of the plot, most of the action and wins they receive wouldn’t have happened otherwise.

Overall, I really enjoyed Iron Widow. I listened to an audiobook copy, and the narrator is fantastic. I loved hearing how to pronounce some of the names, but also she breathes life into the characters, adding a sense of urgency to the plot and endearing them to the reader even more. If you are a fan of science fiction, then you need to read this one. It is required not just recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.

I have heard nothing but rave reviews for this book, and was so excited to get to read it. It follows our protagonist Zetian, who decides to sign up to be a mecha pilot’s concubine to get revenge on the man who killed her sister. Zetian has grown up in a very misogynistic society that has abused and belittled girls in one form or another. Despite this, Zetian is a strong, stubborn, outspoken character who knows that these things are wrong and is determined to right them or get back at those who allow it to happen. Along the way she is paired up with pilot Li Shimin, a feared pilot known for violence and murder, and together they are meant to fight the Hunduns, robot-alien type creatures. She is eventually joined by her friend and crush from home, Yizhi, and the three have to work together on their journey.

I liked learning about this world. It is inspired by Chinese history, specifically the first and only female emperor. I also liked how many important themes were discussed, like gender, misogyny, patriarchy, disability, sexuality, polyamory, alcoholism, and so on. I thought these aspects and discussion of them were woven throughout the story really well. One of the main reasons I wanted to read this was because I learned it involved polyamory rather than your standard YA love triangle. I personally felt like I wanted the relationships between the three to be a bit more developed. I thought the attraction/emotions between Yizhi and Shimin in particular seemed pretty rushed into, and I didn’t really get why they liked each other so much so quickly. I really liked the concept of the three of them loving one another but I never really felt invested in their relationships.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it.

In Huaxia, boys and girls are paired to pilot Chrysalises, the giant robots that make up their country's main defensive force against the mecha aliens beyond the Great Wall. Zetian offers herself up as a pilot concubine, not for glory or honor, but for the chance to assassinate the pilot who was responsible for her sister's death -- and she succeeds at her mission of vengeance by killing him through the psychic link while in the Chrysalis and emerging from the cockpit unscathed. Dubbed the Iron Widow for what she's accomplished, Zetian is paired with the strongest, most controversial male pilot in the force, Li Shimin. There are many who would see them both dead despite the unquestionable asset they happen to be in the war. But driven by her determination to understand and overturn the misogynist pilot system and prevent the needless deaths of more girls, Zetian won't go down without a fight.

I had an inkling that I would, at the very least, enjoy Iron Widow. (And I say that as someone who rarely, if ever, reads sci-fi.) As it turns out, it's so, so good, and very much unlike anything I've read previously despite some familiar elements and tropes! I'm rarely able to just sit back, relax (or stress, depending on what the characters are going through) and let the author lead me where she will with her words, so this was a pleasant surprise. With her debut novel, Xiran Jay Zhao has done something really interesting here; she's taken a historical figure (Wu Zetian, the only female emperor in Chinese history), planted them in unique circumstances and let her imagination run wild with how it all comes together. The plot is the main driving force behind Iron Widow, and while I normally prefer more character-driven tales, I didn't mind it at all in this case.

There are, however, a few elements of Iron Widow that could have used a little bit more development (though I anticipate that happening as the series continues). Like the world, though it's understandably limited considering the position Zetian is in and the heavy focus on the war effort. And the characters, who we only get a limited perspective on and usually through the lens of limitations or trauma. (And yes, this includes Zetian, who readers will mostly identify as an angry young woman who is reckless after losing the person who matters most to her; someone who will do whatever it takes to keep herself and her own safe.) And the character relationships too, especially the romance that blossoms in this story (though I'll definitely give it props for surprising me in a good way).

The thing is, however, that despite my reservations, I really enjoyed Iron Widow. The beginning hooked me immediately, the story was compelling and refreshingly different from anything I've recently read and it totally gave me anime vibes (which is always a good thing in my book). I'm so glad that I ended up reading it and I'm very much looking forward to the sequel!

Absolutely adored this book. This poly triad has my heart forever, the idea of concubines being killed for power was such an interesting take and the way it was written with forced addiction and imprisonment of those who are inherently more powerful was done really well, glad Xiran memed themself into a NYT bestseller

I have heard so many amazing things about this book, so naturally I was ecstatic receiving a review copy from netgalley! I will be recommending this book! wonderful author!

Iron Widow was a thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable read, but I think I walked in with higher expectations that I should have. Xiran Jay Zhao’s debut novel takes inspiration from Chinese mythology and history, reimagining Empress Wu (the only female emporia in Chinese history) as a mecha pilot in a futuristic world where girls service male pilots as concubine-pilots to power Chrysalises (war machines taking inspiration from various creatures in Chinese mythology) in Huaxia’s ongoing war with the Hunduns.

(The concubine-pilots typically die unfortunately.)

I loved Zhao’s take of Empress Wu in Iron Widow and the different figures throughout Chinese history and mythology. When her sister is killed as a concubine-pilot in the army for one of the pilots, Zetian hatches a plan (not the greatest, but hey, it’s a plan and that’s step one) to follow in her sister’s footsteps and enlist under the same pilot that killed her so she can take her revenge. Only things don’t work out exactly to plan (or maybe it did depending on who you ask), the tables turn, and Zetian ends up killing the pilot during a battle where theoretically, she should’ve died from her mind being consumed. She didn’t even have to actually murder him.

(Not gonna lie, I love how that plan turned out.)

In an effort to control her, the army places her with Li Shimin, who we’re first introduced to as a monster who killed his family and would be executed if he weren’t so useful to the army (even if every girl he’s paired up with ends up getting killed, unless you’re Zetian, who miraculously survives, much to his surprise). But as the book progresses and Zetian works with him more, Shimin turns out to not be so monstrous as everyone makes him out to be (still looks like he would stab though). Completing the trio is Yizhi, a soft cinnamon roll who really deserves better in life and regularly met with Zetian monthly before she enlists.

Iron Widow moves at a rapid-pace, going from one moment to the other quickly, and there’s never a dull moment. Zhao’s novel is fun and entertaining as Zetian schemes her way up the ranks while taking down powerful figures who want her to be subservient and compliant (or better off, get killed). She doesn’t hesitate with bending and breaking rules to make demands and exposing the corruption of the system, and Zhao doesn’t shy away from making the novel dark. However, I personally feel the fast pace of the novel bounces from point A to point B quick enough that I feel like it misses on some of the world building, and focuses more on progressing the plot and moving the story along. When it does take time, it’s like a sudden stop with an info dump of sorts before starting up and repeating the cycle. Despite that, I still found myself fascinated and absorbed into the world Zhao built around the mechas.

While the pacing didn’t work out for me and world building felt like it was lacking in some parts, I still enjoyed Zhao’s debut with the concept, characters, and themes explored throughout the novel. Iron Widow unfortunately didn’t turn out to be a new favorite like I hoped it would since it was one of my most anticipated releases, but I’m still looking forward to the sequel and diving back into the world.

I was truly unsure how I would feel about this book going in but I was too intrigued to not see. NO REGRETS. The MC is hardcore. I am a huge fan of books that make sure the main character whom is a girl doesn’t come off as fickle. She’s strong, hardcore, I enjoyed this book immensely. It pulled me in instantly! It shows the inequality of women in not just their culture, but everywhere. How we are ‘disposable’. I don’t want to say too much without giving too much away but READ IT.

If you've ever identified, completely and wholly, with Beatrice Muchadoaboutnothing's iconic line, "I would eat his heart in the marketplace," then this book is for you.

*4 stars*

Iron Widow is a young adult sci-fi reimaging of China's only female empress. We follow 17 year old Wu Zetian who enlists as a concubine-pilot all too aware of the fact that women hardly ever survive. She need revenge upon the pilot who murdered her sister and is willing to do anything to get it. When events go awry, Zetian finds herself in a precarious position of major power with major consequences.

This was a pleasant surprise. YA sci-fi and I have struggled in the past but there were a lot of elements in here that worked really well for me.

What I liked:
*Our MC. She is ruthless, fierce, and unapologetic. Zetian is solely focused on her goals and nothing (I mean nothing) will get in her way. I also love how she actively attempts to combat the internalized misogyny she has been fed since birth.
*The themes! There is so much packed in hear in regards to Zhao's themes. They are very present throughout the story, but not spoon-fed to the reader. This book will definitely make you angry with what the characters are forced to face.
*Loved the developing poly relationship. Both of the love interests have a lot of depth. I'm especially impressed because one of the relationships start pre-book and sometimes I don't find enough to root for throughout. Also, I love that their choice to be together actively explores the themes of the story.
*The mech elements were super cool, but definitely hard to conceptualize at times (again could just be a me thing).
*The ending was a wild ride, with a ton of reveals and major implications for the final book.

What I struggled with:
*The world needed a bit more development, especially regarding the gods/religious(?) elements
*I could have appreciated a bit more instruction with how the mech worked. With there being multiple types with different weaknesses I was occasionally left confused.

Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao is the vicious science fiction historical retelling that captivated me from the very beginning. I couldn't put it down. This world is fantastic and infuriating. It's easy to see the parallels between this fictional world and our world, particularly the disregard for women, which we've seen throughout history. With Iron Widow, Zhao pushes back on the misogynistic treatment of women and gives readers one of the strongest female protagonists I've ever read.

Zetian is the fierce, cunning, vengeful young woman that I've been longing for. Her inner strength coupled with her intelligence and unwillingness to be crushed, silenced, or tossed aside had me cheering her on and cursing her enemies. Shimin is the misunderstood kind-hearted murderer, a gentle soul masked by a violent past. Shimin is a cautionary tale for readers, showing how the military could use not just women, but men deemed unworthy or worthless as pawns in their war. Shimin is someone they are prepared to sacrifice, especially if they can't control him. Yizhi is the high-born noble that's hopelessly bound to Zetian and later to Shimin, willing to aide them in any way he can. Watching these three slowly learn to comfort and care for each other is just delightful. Through these three characters, Zhao explores gender roles and sexuality. Zetian, Shimin, and Yizhi form a polyamorous relationship. Watching these three come together and break with the traditional heterosexual pairing was such a special experience.

Overall, Iron Widow is glorious. The world building is incredible, the characters feel real, and the giant mecha chrysalises are insanely cool! This book is fast-paced, smart, unapologetic, and vicious. I would recommend it for anyone looking for a powerful female lead, morally grey characters, giant mechas, and strong, kind-hearted young men. I absolutely cannot wait for the sequel!

3.5 stars --

Wow. This book was...ALOT.

Firstly, I have to say that IRON WIDOW really wasn't for me. I liked it less and less as the book went on, and it felt heavy and more of a shout of a book than storytelling. I likely won't continue with the series as subsequent books are released.

But, that being said, I really respect the author because this was a powerhouse of a debut. It was intense and creative, filled with incredible world-building and deep thematic elements. There was some really beautiful writing.

But overall, this book was kind of jarring for me, and it left me feeling wrung out and emotionally exhausted. An immensely impressive book, but just not to my taste.

A thank you to Penguin Teen and NetGalley for the e-book in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.

5 stars! Had to preorder and buy it immediately! Can't want to see what else Xiran Jay Zhao comes out with! Will definitely be an author I buy from again!

This futuristic YA novel is a very dark read, that sometimes brings to mind The Handmaid's Tale.

On another world, giant robotic transformers are piloted by young men partnered with young women - the former get the glory while the latter die very young. They fight mecha aliens beyond this world's Great Wall.

18-year-old Wu Zetian offers herself as a concubine-pilot, seeking vengeance for the death of her beloved elder sister. It turns out that she's a very rare (and feared) Iron Widow, a female pilot who can draw on male psychic power.

Will she be able to stop her society's sacrifice of girls?

First thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc of this book. Iron Widow is the first book in a new serie by Xiran Jay Zhao. The cover of the book is really beautiful. I had a bit of a hard time to get into it but that might be because I don't really read sci-fi books.

Zetian is 18 years old when she offer herself as a concubine-pilot. Her sister was killed and for her its the only way to get revenge, to assassinate the ace male pilot. In Huxia, the boys pair up with girls to pilot Chrysalises, giant transforming robots that can battle the mecha aliens that attack them. Often leading into the dead of the girl from the mental strain but as long as the guy live, who cares. But Zetian will have her revenge not in the way she was planning. She will kill the pilot throught the psychic link unarmed. Now people call her the Iron Widow.

Imaginative and full of fantasy but this book just wasn't for me. I think that maybe Zhao was trying to jam a little too many ideas into one book so it felt bogged down and complicated. I did appreciate the uniqueness of the story and will definitely look for Zhao's next title though

Sadly for me, for some reason this book didn’t work for me. The premise, world, elements were all great but I just couldn’t get on with the book at all.

A shame but I guess that’s how’s the cookie crumbles sometimes we all can’t love every book