I really enjoyed this! I found the story to be completely original and the worldbuilding to be excellent. I also really enjoyed how the romance played out - very unexpected and not something I usually would gravitate towards, but I found it to be very believable.

A strong debut.

Iron Widow was a title that caught my attention immediately. The premise and the cover were absolutely incredible and I had high hopes, which is not always good.

This book did not disappoint, though. Its such a fun story with amazing characters. I found myself laughing out loud at the jokes.

The worldbuilding is great. It’s complex enough but not too hard to follow. I’m really excited to read the next book, cause the ending made me want more.

I was lucky enough to not only get an eARC of Iron Widow, but also an ALC. I ended up listening to that audiobook and I admit, this book has become a new favorite for me.
This story is one of revenge. Zetian plans on becoming a concubine-pilot just like her sister before her. The difference is Zetian plans on killing the pilot that killed her older sister. But when Zetian survives this encounter she becomes known as an Iron Widow. Due to her own smarts, she convinces the higher ups to let her live and continue to pilot, but they pair her with Li Shimin, the boy who killed his father and brothers. Things aren’t what they seem and it’s up to them to put things right, for the girls brutally killed every day by pilots.
I loved this book. Give me a good mecha book, and I’m an instant fan. But the author did more. She gave us complicated characters who defy the odds. These characters are all based around historical figures in China, but meshed into a new world. It’s them in sci-fi and new experiences. Basically, the author decided to see what would happen when Zetian, China’s only female emperor, was put in a new situation, one that she never would have faced in her time. And I have to say, it was done perfectly. I loved every second of this book and its message. I loved that it was a Poly relationship instead of a love triangle. I loved that she made these characters that are far from stereotypical queer characters (which is honestly a miracle at this point in books). Yes, this book deals with murder, abuse, gore, death, violence, alcohol abuse, forced alcoholism, sexual assault, and a lot more. But all of which is dealt in a way that shows the bad and putting things right. The messages in it read clear. I highly recommend this book if you are like me and love mecha books.

4.5 Stars

Well, this one was unique. I'm surprised it hasn't recieved more hype in the bookish community.

I enjoyed this book thoroughly. Zetian was a likable character. Very strong minded in her ways. I liked the interesting qi powers and the fight scenes. I don't think I've read another book like this before, but it flowed nicely which made for an easy, enjoyable read. I'll be looking out for the second book because that ending.

Thank you Negalley and Publisher for the ARC.

Wow. This was a ride.

We have a futuristic, ancient, dystopic China where females and males pilot Chrystallis in order to battle against Hundruns. Howevever, females are known not to survive the battles due to the males using their qi. Wu Zhe Tien enrolls in order to avenge her late sister, but finds more than she bargained for and is named the Iron Widow. She is a feared "anomoly" and later paired with a notorious pilot, Li Simin, who himself has an alarming reputation and been scorned by society. Along with her good friend, Yi Zhi, the three of them must navigate together and figure out the battle against the Hundruns as well as how to make the world better for everyone.

The author does a fantastic job weaving in references to Chinese history/lore/culture, mecha anime, and relevant societal concerns. Zhe Tian is also a spunky heroine that turns tables and brings what would appear to be unconventional ideas for the society they find themselves in, with the help of Yi Zhi and Siman. There is plenty of action and thrill, romance, and suspense. This might be a spoiler, but be prepared for huge plot twist bomb to drop at the the end! I am excited to see what's next.

I had insanely high expectations going into this book, and somehow it still surpassed all of them. I've been hyped for this book for months, and it definitely deserves it! I'm already anxiously waiting for the next one.

Normally there's an aspect of a book that sticks out most for me, whether it be the characters, plot, or world building, but that wasn't the case here. I don't think I can fairly claim any as my favorite, when I'm absolutely obsessed with every aspect of this story in the way that I am. There is so much strength in each aspect of this story, that it never had to rely on a reader's love of the characters or interest in the plot to make up shortcomings. It just excelled on every level.

Zetian was the star of this book, and she absolutely knew it. I loved seeing her power, her ruthlessness, without letting this ever blind her. She learned to hone her rage and to use it to get what she wanted. I also absolutely loved how present this rage was throughout the entire book, and it made the story extra powerful for me. I also loved how her relationships with those around her developed, especially Shimin and Yizhi. She was able to soften her rage for them, while still holding them to the same standards as everyone else. She also wasn't softened by her relationships with them, which can sometimes happen with female main characters.

I also really liked the different perspectives that Shimin and Yizhi brought to the story, and how this seemed to round off the overall picture of the world we got. I also just loved how the relationship between the three of them developed, how much admiration they all had for each other.

The fight scenes were also thrilling to read, and I could see these massive mechs battling giant monsters in my head. I love how complex this battle system got, as well, without ever getting too in depth that it was distracting or confusing. I honestly just loved seeing the sheer power these characters had in these mechs, and the absolute destruction they could wreak with them. It was especially cathartic after some of the tougher scenes we had to read, and Zetian's exhilaration and release while battling only furthered that.

The plot and world also kept me captivated the entire time, and I loved getting more and more pieces to the puzzle that was Huaxia. There were just so many layers upon layers of lore here, and it was woven into the entire plot really well. I can't wait to see what more we find out in book 2, and I'll have to leave off reviewing more here lest I spoil something.

Overall, I was, and am still, blown away by this book, and can't wait for the next one!

I'm struggling to string together a coherent thought after reading this book, because WOW. They did THAT. This is unquestionably one of the best YA science fiction books I've read in a decade (a.k.a. basically since I first read Legend by Marie Lu.)

In Iron Widow, we meet Wu Zetian, a girl with vengeance in mind. In this world, girls are sacrificed as concubine-pilots in order to supplement the qi of "superior" male pilots in a fight against the Hundun, an invasive alien species. Zetian's sister died this way, and Zetian is determined to offer herself as a concubine-pilot to avenge her sister's death and escape her horrible family. She achieves this mission early on, only to find her punishment for murdering the nation's top pilot is to be paired with Li Shimin, the strongest pilot yet most controversial since committed the ultimate sin: patricide. Together, the two must find a balance to survive their reputations and help in the battle versus the Hunduns.

Zetian is the strongest, fiercest YA protagonist I've ever read. Her ferocity rages across the page, and you can't look away. Her romantic counterparts, Shimin and Yezhi - which is NOT a love triangle, but a delightful polyamorous relationship! - are equally compelling. Shimin is looks like he could kill you, is actually a cinnamon roll; Yezhi is looks like a cinnamon roll, could actually kill you vibes.

The mecha vibes are strong, but it feels completely accessible to readers (like me) with little to no experience in that subgenre. You won't find yourself confused by the dynamics of the world, and every new thing I learned within the story made it even more thrilling. This book tackles gender norms and dynamics, misogyny, and centuries and centuries of oppression. It also is a clever retelling of China's only female emperor, who was ruthless in her own right. She only serves as inspiration for Zetian, but it's fun to look into her history as well after you finish the book.

I'm really just in awe. I don't have enough words to explain how delightful and breathtaking this book was for me. I'll be eagerly awaiting the sequel, hopefully out next year! The cliffhanger vibes are strong, but I definitely won't be forgetting where Zetian's story left off.

This is one of my favourite fall reads! I have probably read it 3 times now and keep discovering new things. An amazing action/fantasy novel!!!

As much as I enjoyed Wu Zetian as a protagonist, for me it wasn’t enough to carry the book. I found myself wanting to delve deeper into the political aspect of the novel, to see more of the world and instead I just seemed to get a series of pretty bland events that I wasn’t at all invested in.

The romance between Yizhi/Zetian/Shimin was decent enough. I particularly thought that some of the conversations that Yizhi and Zetian had both back in their village and then later on were a standout. Even some of Zetian’s observations of the culture I thought were astute, but I felt less like the reader was able to see these things for themselves and more that they were being spoon fed.

I never really believed in any of the stakes being raised, simply because it was rather clear from the outset that there were going to be no real challenges faced. Merely challenges remarked upon and then just as swiftly overcome.

There are times when I’m reading a book and a book simply doesn’t feel like the right medium for the story. I think if I was watching this story unfold on television or a movie it would have worked better. In a medium where storytelling has the shortcuts of production design and costuming and various other levels it’s okay if something doesn't click. Here though the narrative felt like it was still making all of the shortcuts, but the reader didn’t have the benefit of actually seeing any of those elements come to life in front of them.

I’m personally wouldn’t be in a rush to continue on with these characters, though that epilogue did do its job in making me curious because I think that by the nature of the contents a lot of what I’d wanted addressed here would have to occur in a subsequent installment.

First and foremost, Iron Widow is one of my best reads this year—I mean my top 1, I’m totally claiming it because it has everything I want. This Pacific Rim meets The Handmaid’s Tale in a polyamorous reimagining of China’s only female emperor is a highly exceptional, absorbing and entrancing. 

Iron Widow trails the main lead, an 18 year-old Wu Zetian who offers herself to be a concubine pilot, not in terms of money but to make a revenge because of her sister’s death. Absolutely, entailing her possible death—the only way to survive is to make your vengeance smooth and quick as possible. Although everything isn’t expected but her intentions is truly determined and she must not give up. As branded and known as the Iron Widow, she was matched in the strongest male pilot in Huaxia, Li Shimin and everything becomes perplexing and interesting. With that, I just can’t stop reading every chapters in this book, it’s so vivid and it really feels like I’m watching a movie in my head. It was too powerful and mind-blowing at the same time. I was so invested in this book, I can’t think of anything but one is for sure, I JUST LOVE THIS BOOK—EVERYTHING IN THIS BOOK!

But hey and excuse me, I can’t seem to understand myself but I’m totally swooning over at Li Shimin and Gao Yizhi. 

The entire highpoint of this book is utterly unique, the exploration of the themes of feminism is vibrant in the views of the protagonist. Thus, there are too many prevailing feminist moments in this story.  The overall concept is such appealing in my part, it instantly became one of my favorite book of all time. The characters are great, the world building is brilliant and again, it was everything I want. And can we talk about the sequel? I have so many things in my head right now. I’m ready and excited where the sequel will it takes Wu Zetian. Also, the author writing style is richly beautiful and so on point. I highly recommend this book, its perfect for fantasy lovers and it has the best convincing protagonist I couldn’t ask for more! 

Iron Widow, its penetratingly great and it matches the title as the champion debut.

(Massive thanks to PRH International for my free copy!)

Read it. It's all I can tell you guys. Just read it!

This hands down kept my attention from start to finish. Zetian is my girl! Loved her from beginning to end, and man that beginning was great. Yizhi surprised me so much. I grew to like his character a lot. But I have to talk about my sweet cinnamon roll Shimin. When you read this, you'll understand why he's such a cinnamon roll.

Story-wise, this is groundbreaking, entertaining, twists and turns heavy, and all around a fantastic read. I cannot wait for the sequel. Can I have it now? I need it now especially after the ending we just got.

I was given an advanced reader’s copy through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Iron Widow was fun, if that is something that you are looking for. Entertaining and funny at times, with humor that does not always match the setting but has made it an enjoyable read regardless. My problem with Iron Widow is how it lacked subtlety, subtlety that is needed, at least for me, when you're discussing serious themes because while being told something is good and everything, being made to THINK for you own is key to any intellectual stimuli. The book felt too preach-y at times, and a lot of the times the opportunity presented itself to stop giving speeches about misogyny, misogyny bad, misogyny kills yes yes, but the author still chose to preach and over explain every obvious fact to give us a speech to convince us of the obvious, leaving no room to provoke thought from the reader to reach that conclusion themself, which to me is the best thing about reading and what makes it life changing. I do appreciate that this flaw brought on an I'm-your-face quality that did help and might be for other people but just not me.

This book was a compelling story about engaging characters. There are many things I appreciate like how instead of a love triangle this books shows a brief glimpse at what a polygamous relationship might look like. However, there was a bit of instalove happening between two characters that made it a little bit cringe.

I also found the plot pretty predictable. I I could recognize several points that were supposed to be twists but nothing surprised me. The big final
Plot twist was very generic, I called it only a few chapters into the book. Despite the predictable nature of the story I really enjoyed this book. The main character is exciting and relatable. And the supporting characters are interesting.

There are a few laugh out loud moments to bring some levity.

I would recommend to anyone looking for polyamory rep/ mecha sci-fi wrapped up in a YA story to pick up this book.

But I have no faith in love. Love cannot save me. I choose vengeance.

I've been having a tough time cranking out books right now. So, I was a little late on this NetGalley review. And I'd like to kick my own ass for this faux pas. Because Iron Widow was fan-fucking-tastic.

Wu Zetian was a well-received empress in China's history. And the use of this historical figure in this novel was so satisfying. Xiran Jay Zhao wrote Pilot Wu as the ultimate feminist, world-shattering, badass. Like I am completely obsessed with her as a protaganist. She really stands out in a sea of YA Fantasy female protaganist, which is pretty damn difficult at this point.

The thruple. My very first experience with a YA novel featuring such a relationship. I think the representation in this book was thrilling. I had such a great time experiencing this new situation. Such a fun element and once again made this novel stand out in a genre with so much repetition. But I will note, Zhao does the thruple in a very tasteful manner. I found everything gentle and the word throbbing wasn't used once (take that SJM)!

I really loved learning about Chinese mythology and creatures. I love the feminism and queer representation. I love that I experienced such a variety of new things. I love how Wu Zetian literally gives zero fucks about being "good". I love that this book made me excited for YA Fantasy again. I love the harsh realities faced. And I love that ending. Bring on Book 2!

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canda.

This book was absolutely spectacular. It was full of twists and turns, each one more shocking than the last. I loved it so much and will be counting down the days until I can read the next one.

Super fun read with extremely badass characters! Loved the messages, wish there had been more time with the poly triad. Excited to see where the sequel goes!

*Iron Widow* was one of my most anticipated releases for 2021 and oh my fucking god did it not disappoint. I've been excited since I first saw the announcement, but I think I underestimated how much I would love this book. It was so much *fun*, with characters that jump off the page and the most insane plot I've ever read in a YA science fiction novel. If you've been trying to get into young adult sci fi I genuinely recommend starting with *Iron Widow*.

I went into *Iron Widow* not really knowing a lot about the specifics, and I truly think that's the best way to go about it. Every plot point felt like the drop on a roller coaster. It was fast paced without being too confusing. I never felt completely lost, but I was always in suspense of what was going to happen in the best way possible. I am a huge fan of sci fi that is consistently batshit insane and this fits that bill to a tee.

A major reason this book is so crazy is it's protagonist. Zetian is pretty much everything I love in a character stuffed into one. Driven by a deep seated anger and desire for a well deserved piece of revenge, everything she does is spectacular. She kind of fumbles her way through her plan, barely formed as it is, and yet she still manages to succeed.

I absolutely have to dedicate another whole paragraph to Shimin and Yizhi, Zetian's love interests. They're both so wonderful. Yizhi is introduced first, but I feel like you don't truly get to know him until much later. I actually really enjoyed getting to a point where I understand him, and I think he's such an interesting counterpart to Zetian and Shimin. Speaking of Shimin, he has quickly become one of my favourite YA love inteterests. Zhao really built him up to be a dark and brooding stereotype and then completely swung him in a different direction and it was SO unique. He's the kind of character that teen-me would have had a major crush on. And the way he plays off both Zetian and Yizhi makes him such an integral part of the story in a way a lot of love interests are not.

Look, we *need* more polyamorous representation in young adult, especially in YA SFF, and Zhao has absolutely delivered. The Zetian/Yizhi/Shimin dynamic is so fresh and well written. Seeing all thei individual interactions come together for them to form a solid unit was absolutely one of the best parts of the book. This may be a slightly controversial opinion, but I did also enjoy the fact that the book did acknowledge the existence of potential homophobia in response to Shimin/Yizhi, but Zetian dismissing it completely outright as invalid.

Now, I'm not Chinese, so I really don't feel like I have any right to comment on the pieces of world building based on Chinese culture, which is approximately 98% of the world building in this book. I will say that I greatly enjoyed it, and that I think it's an intruiging and complex world with even more layers than you first think. I'm still trying to wrap my head around one of the reveals at the end of the book and I think Zhao is going to have a field day playing with my brain like putty in book 2.

Another one of my favourite things about this book, and something I also think we need to see more of in YA, is the theme running throughout of not having to forgive someone simply because they are family. I loved watching Zetian struggle with this concept, that she can still care about and for these people without outright forgiving them. So often in YA we see the exact opposite, characters being pushed to get over how they've been wronged because the other person is related to them, and I think it's an incredibly dangerous narrative, so it was incredibly refreshing.

All in all, *Iron Widowi* is a stunner of a debut. Action-packed and filled to the brim with characters you're either rooting for or paitently waiting for the death of, every twist and turn made my heart race. There is truly no equal currently in YA science fiction.

I had no idea what to expect from Iron Widow going in and I must say that's the BEST way to start this book. An amazing journey with unforgettable characters. A must read for YA fans! Will be purchasing for the library.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for providing me this arc via Netgalley!
3.5 stars. This was such a refreshingly feminist read. I loved the characters, the plot, the Chinese influencie in the world building and how she pushed the bounds of the traditional and the socially accepted. Even though this was a fantasy book, it touched topics that are really relevant still today, in the real world. I just wish the world building was a bit better, especially at the begging, since it was confusing. Because of that, it took me a while to really get into the book. After that, though, I couldn't put it down and can't wait for the next book!

This is sooo freaking good!!!
I am kicking myself for letting this sit in my kindle for months before I opened it.
Amazing dystopian sci-fi with intense relationships and even more intense fight scenes.
This is like mixing Hunger Games with Tron and then adding entirely new bits to both.
GO READ THIS BOOK!!!
Much love to NetGalley & Penguin Random House Canada for my DRC.