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Member Reviews
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Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao is a mixing and mashing of cultural influences from different periods of Chinese history and the author’s love of the mecha genre. Many of the players throughout Chinese history and Chinese literature are found within the book. From the master strategist, Zhuge Liang, to the delightful Monkey King, Sun Wukong(only as a reference), to our main character and narrator, Wu Zetian, the one and only Empress of China.
Wu Zetian is a fascinating person in China’s history, and her re-imagining by the author breathes great life into the former empress. The author does an excellent job of bringing this historic character to a futuristic setting where men and women are paired to fight inside a mecha, called a chrysalis. They take on many forms, from the Monkey King, the Nine-Tailed Fox, the Yellow Dragon, or the Vermilion Bird, pictured on the cover of the novel.
In this retelling of Wu Zetian’s life, she starts off as a frontier girl that is friends with a young man named Yizhi, one of fourteen sons of one of the most powerful, wealthiest men in Chang’an, the capital of Huaxia. Though Yizhi loves her, she must turn him down for her own desires. She vows to take revenge on the young, popular pilot of the Nine-Tailed Fox, Yang Guang. This celebrity sacrificed his partner for her qi to fight the Hunduns. This is a feature of the design of the chrysalis. Unfortunately for Yang Guang, this woman he used was the older sister of Wu Zetian.
Wu Zetian enrolls to fight and quickly gets her revenge on Yang Guang, entering his mind realm and easily overpowering his qi with her own. After that, a whole new host of problems enters her world. She’s paired on with the Iron Demon, Li Shimin, pilot of the Vermilion Bird, and the most powerful male pilot in Huaxia. The strategists Sima Yi and Zhuge Liang hope to make their Iron Widow disappear as she’s caused a massive stir after killing Yang Guang with everyone talking about her on social media.
Through her own cunning and wit, she’s able to maneuver through all the barriers put before her, but they just keep coming. As she breaks through more barriers with her partner Li Shimin, and later Yizhi, she finds just how sick and twisted her society really is. The patriarchal society she occupies has thoroughly entrenched itself in every facet of life, filling everyone, particularly girls, with lies to believe, propagated by the media and military. As she faces each new challenge, she slowly unravels and dismantles these lies until she has the power to effect revolutionary change.
There’s always a new problem for Wu Zetian, even in the calmer moments she has to deal with emotional turmoil. Each chapter leaves you wondering where the story will go next, what will happen to the characters, and what is to be done. Xiran Jay Zhao has blended all of these different ideas together to create an excellent book that only they could write. Highly recommended!
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4,5/5 stars.
It has been a few months now since I read this book, but thinking about it still gets me very excited. Iron Widow isn’t perfect, it touches on many topics, but the most important thing to me is that I had so much fun and was never bored reading this. Every paragraph had its purpose and a very valid reason to exist ; the pacing was fast, just how I like it. I seriously don’t remember having had that much fun reading a book recently. I can love a novel for many reasons but in terms of fun, Iron Widow was the best.
And as much as it is entertaining, it’s also about serious topics like misogyny and the enforcement of gender roles. I’m always amazed at these authors who manage to translate very real issues into sci-fi or fantasy themes, to depict situations that sound so real but in a way that makes them fit this made-up universe. This is a feminist novel, it is about destroying the patriarchy and representing various types of girls and characters. It’s also about boys that are forced to fit the idea of what a man should be, about characters of all genders being their own person and trying to navigate a society that heavily enforces gender roles. About flawed and messy characters who fight to survive in this awful world.
I loved Zetian a lot. One of my favorite things about her was that she starts off as a feminist, strong-willed character, and learns so many things about the people around her along the way, which adds a lot to her character as you go through the chapters. Some of my favorite scenes are those that happen between the female pilots, where you can really see how different they are and how they each have a way of seeing the world and their personal situations, and a way of trying to survive despite the odds. The novel is also about opening your eyes to the world and realizing that feminism and liberation aren’t “one-size-fits-all”.
Apart from the feminist theme, this book also says a lot about autonomy, about being the master of your own body, especially when talking about disability and chronic pains that influence the character’s day to day life. It’s about addiction and various forms of abuse. I liked how Zetian slowly found herself confronted to other characters’ pain and issues, that were initially less visible and different than hers. It was nice to see how the characters slowly revealed parts of themselves throughout the book, and the effect that had on Zetian.
Iron Widow also reminded me a bit of some aspects of The Hunger Games, and I mean that as a massive compliment. THG has been the book series of my teenage years and my initiation to dystopian fiction. I’ve always enjoyed the way it criticizes how we treat people and their bodies, how we treat youth, sexualize teenagers by putting them in front of cameras in sparkly clothes, before we send them to die or sacrifice themselves for whatever reason. I saw the same sort of situations in this book, which definitely added depth to it as it is partly a criticism of celebrity culture. There is so much in Iron Widow that reflects the real world in such a smart way that I really felt invested and wanted to fight for these characters.
In regards to the actual plot and story, Iron Widow has the amount of romance I like (it exists, it’s comforting, but not the most central part of the plot) and a polyamorous relationship, which is honestly refreshing. There is room for more development in every aspect, from the characters to the romance and the world-building, but the plot-heaviness of this first book and its quick pacing made that totally understandable. Enough substance is given to the characters in order for them to support the plot and to get the reader invested. This all makes me really excited to read the sequel, especially because of the massive cliffhanger that happens towards the end!
I definitely have questions, especially about Zetian’s character, and I hope to get more development in the sequel. I did question how she managed to develop such a strong spirit in a world where apparently everyone is very docile. I’d love to get more information about her childhood, about how she became this character since everyone around her, especially her family, seems to never challenge the way things are done. I definitely thought there was great character work, because the people Zetian meets really challenge her and she’s constantly building herself and her thoughts. I’m still hoping for some more back story in the sequel, it would be nice to see a bit more about her childhood and possibly get a view of how she emancipated herself in such an oppressive environment. This would definitely add strength to her character.
Anyway. This was epic, action-packed, unapologetic, and simply awesome! I would recommend this if you are looking for something with a lot of plot and less character development. I had a wonderful time getting through this book.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Penguin Teen for this eARC.
content warnings: misogyny, suicidal ideation, femicide, torture, abuse (physical and emotional), alcoholism, allusions to rape, blood and gore, murder (including familicide)
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This book is incredible. I absolutely loved it. From the characters, to the plot, to the message of the book, to the badass female main lead and her relationship with her two love interests. I thought the dynamics between them were interesting and very well written. The story itself is a really good criticism of misogyny in a patriarchal society and i enjoyed how the female lead challenged that system and fought to rise above it, with the support of her love interests. And that ending? Wild! What a cliffhanger! This book has my whole heart and i can't wait to see what happens next!
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A gripping, intense tale of a girl fighting against a system meant to beat her down, IRON WIDOW is captivating and easy to get into even with all the intense action going on. All the characters are immersive and unique, and I enjoyed the poly trio greatly. The ending felt a little abrupt and rushed to me, as if the set up of the book hadn't quite managed to reach the conclusion given to us, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
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This book gives some really great insight into Chinese culture and traditions, and the spotlight on China's only female emperor was very cool. That being said, there was a lot I didn't understand while reading this book - I definitely still enjoyed it though! Let's get into the details!
So our main female lead is Zetian, a badass, confident young woman who becomes a concubine-pilot in order to exact revenge for her sister's death. When she survives her first fight, (most girls die due to an inability to handle the mental strain), she is labeled an Iron Widow. It took me some time, but I do understand how the whole piloting system works - the actual semantics of the war itself however, had me scratching my head a few times. I feel like it could have been explained in a bit more detail - I'm still not sure I fully understand spirit metal and how it works in battle, and I had a hard time picturing the Chrysalises and Hunduns.
With our male leads, Li Shimin and Yizhi, I found a lack of character development - especially on the part of Yizhi. It is hinted that there is more to him than a sweet, innocent boy with a pure heart but this is never explored further and he is presented as such for the rest of the book. With Li Shimin, we do dive into his past and find out why he is the way he is, but he kind of just blurts it all out in one of his first conversations with Zetian. There isn't any lasting mystery or intrigue, we are just told everything we need to know up front.
In terms of the politics, Zetian is a fierce feminist (given the circumstances, totally understandable) and I did love all of her rebellious, bold statements and fearless actions. My love of her standing up for what she believes in and fighting the status quo is what kept me reading until the end. Also, I have always been curious about the details behind the Chinese tradition of binding feet and this book explained that process in great detail - I honestly found it super educational and really cool (and horrifying) to see how they did things back then.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, loved learning little tidbits about Chinese culture, and loved the representation! I'm looking forward to reading the next book, but do hope that I will be able to follow along a little better :)
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When is the last time you have been completely surprised by a book? For me it was with Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao. This book completely blew me away.
Xiran Jay Zhao has created a fantasy universe inspired by figures from throughout Chinese history and general awesomeness. Billed as The Handmaid’s Tale meets Pacific Rim, Iron Widow follows Wu Zetian, a girl in a world where girls either are bought to be married off or forced to die as sacrificial “concubine pilots” to the men tasked with operating large transformer-like machines in order to battle the enemy Hunduns.
Usually with fantasy/science-fiction books it can take me awhile to get into them as I discover the world and familiarize myself with the rules of the world. With Iron Widow I was captivated immediately. Zetian is ruthless, brilliant, tenacious and just…so extremely cool. She is on a mission that she doesn’t back down from while also navigating this world in a way that allows her to grow and adapt and utilize her strengths and weaknesses most effectively.
Lest I forget the amazing side characters Shimin and Yizhi. I’m equally obsessed with both of them - my dark brooding soft Shimin and the sweet Yizhi. Honestly, easily the best resolution to a love triangle in the history of literature. Writers! Take note!
And that’s not even mentioning that ending. What did I even read??? I am not going to be ok until I get the sequel.
The tone of this book is funny and deep and cutting. I definitely got Gideon vibes. I will forever read anything Xiran Jay Zhao writes from here on out.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this fantastic book in exchange for an honest review.
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Shattering excitement and brutal realities!
A startling concept! Humans blended with machines, becoming part of that vehicle as pilots, as frightening entities drawing on the pilot’s vital essence, their Qi. The merging of the pilot and his consort/concubine creates a machine with power deserving of anything Lucas has created. (Well to my mind) The relationship between pilots and their concubine-pilots, their consorts, is complex and flawed. Many of the concubines die, burnt out! One who died was Ruyi, our lead character Zetian’s Big Sister.
All this takes place in Huaxia where Chinese Hunger Games meets Transformers. (author Xidan Jay Zhao uses the analogy of The Handmaid’s Tale meets Chinese stories.)
Humans have endlessly battled the Hunduns, “invaders from the cosmos who’d pulverised the height of human civilisation some two thousand years ago and shattered humanity into scattered tribes. “
Animae and manga pictures meld in my mind juxtaposed with the awful humanness of pilots and their concubines. Hunduns are entirely something else.
Zetian a young woman is sold by her family for the purpose of being matched with a pilot, if she doesn’t die in the process. Sexual joining supposedly increases their abilities. Zetian however has a goal, to take revenge for the death of her sister and beyond that to make the male pilots pay for the unceasing death of all young women, concubine pilots, lost in the meld with male pilots, their energy being sucked out of them in battle until they are no more. Like what happened to her sister, with, as she learns, the favoured pilot Yang Guang. Zetian is so close to achieving her goal of vengeance when an attack happens…and she finds herself in the midst of battle and a whole different realm.
Later Zetian is partnered with Li Shimin known as the Iron Demon. A frightening character, and yet there’s a story. There always is…
What Zetian discovers in this amazing, violent, bloody journey is secrets within secrets, layers of corruption and hidden knowledge feeding women to the cause without them knowing their truth. They are all sold the Big Lie! “I’ve been told endless lies since I was born.”
Zetian realises that women were “devalued precisely because we’re so valuable. The world is too afraid of not being able to obtain and control us to respect our true worth.”
I did enjoy the reference to a Being ensconced deep underground for his protection where “Rows upon rows of unnerving clay statues stand guard, facing us. They look like the guardian figurines that would go into the mausoleum of someone rich and powerful, except they’re life-sized.” (A lovely use of the Terracotta Warrior image in a land resplendent with fantastical Chinese images and inferences.)
Twists and turns in the story leave us hanging on a completely new and mind bending possibility for what might come.
A Penguin Random House Canada ARC via NetGalley
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
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I expected to really love this as obviously many people have but I had to DNF this one. I struggle to put my finger on exactly what wasn’t sitting right with me. Thank you for the ARC and the opportunity to share my honest opinion.
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This novel is set in ancient China, but instead of swords, mechas are used as the tool with which to fight wars. The mechas are operated with boys qnd girls working together, but the girls are always the ones sacrificing their lives. Wu Zetian has lost her sister to this system, and she is determined to not let it ever happen again.
The Chinese historical figures that the main characters are based on, Wu Zetian and Li Shimin, were very prominent as Wu Zetian became the first female emperor in China after her husband Li Shimin died, and she seized the throne from her son. While I knew the original history, I got so caught up in the story that I completely forgot and as a result was surprised by the twist at the end! I really enjoyed this book, and I really hope there is another one, I need to know what happens next 🙏
I really liked this book not only because of the beautiful writing, but because of the underlying message and the intention of the author @xiranjayzhao to empower girls to remember that you do not have to remain meek, pleasing, and submissive just because someone tells you to. Even if you are a girl, you also deserve the freedom to choose your own path, and that is what Wu Zetian does.
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Iron Widow
4.75/5 Stars (Rounded up to 5)
I just wanted to say thank you to Netgalley for giving me an ARC of this book! It’s been on my most anticipated releases of this year and it did not disappoint!
It’s a lot different from what I’ve been reading this year – which has mostly been high fantasy with a bit of dabbling in contemporary romances. I cannot tell you the last time I read a sci-fi or dystopian book.
This book captured me months ago from the beautiful cover and the description, not to mention the mix of The handmaiden’s Tale and Pacific Rim, but there was an underlying tone of The Hunger Games in certain areas that I haven’t enjoyed in a very long time.
There’s no part of the book that I can directly pinpoint that makes it so spectacular, no part that I can explain when I decided that I loved this book so much that I couldn’t and didn’t want to put it down.
This book covers so much that I don’t understand – or didn’t before reading this book. Our main character Zetian is so vengeful, so upset at the anti-female system that is in place, the anti-female system that killed her sister and so many other innocent women before them. She spends the whole book standing in the way of her vengeance. She slaps every man (metaphorically) when they challenge her just because of her gender, just because that she is the weaker sex.
The romance in Iron Widow is subtle, and so gentle but so harsh at the same time. The scars of three different kinds of past, bringing three different people together into a triangular partnership that all together makes them so much stronger.
There’s so much I want to say about Iron Widow, but I feel I would put spoilers in every other word if I were – this is a book that needs to be read, there’s no real verdict you can gain from reading a review that could truly make you understand how good this book is – how many emotions you will feel while reading it.
Especially the ending – I had the briefest moment of “oh what if” closer to the beginning as a joke, but the fact that it happened, that it happened like that, there I have no real words that can tell you to read this absolutely unhinged novel.
I can’t wait for it to be released, for other people to read it, so I have a collection of people that I can unhinge my jaw and scream with.
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Okay, this is like I'm new to whatever this is, like a new experience or reality but Xiran's voice and what she's written, I enjoyed this so much! My body is ready and pumped after this!
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Wow… Where do I even begin here? I felt so much anticipation waiting to receive the ALC/ARC of this book, and it absolutely did not disappoint!
***Trigger warning: This book contains descriptions of violence, physical abuse, alcoholism, and sexual assault.
Summary:
In the world of Huaxia, young men and women pair up to power giant robots called Chrysalises to protect human civilization from the aliens that live outside their borders. In a society based on the traditions and history of ancient China, Zetian is enraged when her sister is killed while serving as a concubine-pilot. The spirit link required to power the machines often results in the death of its female pilots as their chi (lifeforce) is drained. Zetian vows revenge upon her society that values female life so little, even if her revenge costs her life.
My Review in short, no spoilers:
Xiran Jay Zhao has emerged onto the Young Adult scene with a voice that is as passionate as it is refreshing. This book felt new and creative, surprising me with every chapter.
While the author certainly was inspired by Chinese history and culture, as well as themes from popular culture (think aliens and giant robots), the world she crafted still felt unique in a sea of dystopian societies that we see in popular YA fiction today.
Her characters were also surprising. They refused to fit within society's norms, either in their world or in ours. They learned to unapologetically embrace themselves, a valuable lesson that is difficult no matter what your age.
The action in this story unfolds quickly. It left me breathless as I rocketed through chapter after chapter, unable to stop and desperate to know what would happen next. If you’re looking for action and adventure, a badass heroine, and a book that fairly screams SMASH THE PATRIARCHY (and all of the rest of society’s silly expectations and strictures), then this book is for you.
I chose to rate it 4 stars only because, at points, the writing felt surface-level or the plot felt rushed. To be clear, it left me feeling completely satisfied with my desire for an adventure, a new world, blood-pounding action, a strong female lead, and just the right amount of romance. However, it didn’t feel profound or polished enough for the full five. I loved it--and highly recommend it-- but I’m picky!
This book kept me engaged and wanting more up until the very last page; I can’t wait for the next in the series! (Prepare for a cliffhanger.)
Did I say short? Sorry.
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I got some Skyward vibes from this and I just loved it so much.
Also Zetian, please marry me.
↪ The Hunduns who are dangeous creatures and are trying to destroy society which lies in the Great Wall ~ the Krell who are also dangerous and mysterious creatures trying to destroy the human race/
↪ Fighter pilots who use Chrysalises (aka mechas) to battle against the Hunduns to defend their home ~ Pilots who use fighter jets to battle the Krell and defend their land
↪ Society is against this one girl who managaes to kill one of their pilots and has too much power ~ society is against this one girl whose father was branded as a coward and now view her as one too.
Seriously, if you loved the plot of Skyward, then I definitely say you'll probably love this too! The similarities I saw sdfgsdfs it was so cool but I have to say that the idea of giant mechas was even more interesting than what Skyward had. And like the fanart designs??? THEY LOOK EPIC.
I will say that the only reason this didn't get five stars was because of that I was a bit confused in the beginning with the information given but that could just be me and my dumb brain and some pacing issues throughout the story but other than that !! EVERYONE MUST READ THIS.
"But I have no faith in love. Love cannot save me. I choose vengeance."
So before reading this I actually had no knowledge of footbinding, so finding about it here in this book... oh god. Just shows another way with how cruel society can be to women istg. And seeing Zetian with this disability and not letting it define her?? I love it. Of course, there were still moments where she did admit to needing help due to her feet and she wasn't embarrassed about it at all, not being stubborn about the whole situation which made me respect the queen even more.🔥
"If we want something, we have to push back against everything around us and take it by force."
The way Zetian had men fall at her feet (literally) made me cackle in delight. They all had it coming and deserved so much worse <3 Xiran created such an amazing female protagonist like I would fall at Zetian's feet gladly all day, every day. SUCH A QUEEN.
Also can I just say how much I wheezed reading so many scenes where this book made fun of other typical cliche tropes?? yes, i say this liking said cliche tropes I loved it so much pleasee. A glimpse:
"Do you honestly expect me to believe you're some misunderstood, secretly sweet guy?"
*wheezing* now isnt that the case always?? and i love that trope
"Yes, because love doesn't solve problems. Solving problems solves problems."
oh how other YA protagonists wouldn't agree
"You'd better not be tangled up in a love triangle."
I CANT PLZ I LOVED THIS BAHAHAHA
Anyways, Xiran is such a legend and if this is only just their debut, I can't wait to see more of their books!! AND THE WAY THEY ENDED THAT BOOK- THAT IS ILLEGAL HOW DARE YOU, XIRAN. You'll be paying for my therapy bills if I think what happened at the end actually truly happened 🔪🔪
ALSO CAN I JUST SCREAM ABOUT THERE BEING A POLY RELATIONSHIP???? I LOVE THEM ALL SO CUTE UGH. Yizhi and Shimin are such cinnamon rolls sdfdsgs plus Zetian the queen, I swear they're perfect it hurts. And the fanart I've seen on Xiran's page isn't helping at all😩
All I feel is pain, please give me book 2 right now. *sobbing*
____
Thank you Penguin Random House Canada for sending me an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!!
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Wow, is this book good! I'm in total awe of the immersive, thought-provoking world that Xiran Jay Zhao has created with Iron Widow. It's a brilliant mix of historical fiction and science fiction at their best with some phenomenal character development thrown in.
We dive right into the story on Zetian's pain of losing her older sister to the violent tradition of selling daughters to the army as concubines so the pilots of the Chrysalises, giant transforming robots, can use them to operate the machines. The girls rarely, if ever, survive. So it is that we meet Zetian as she prepares to follow in her sister's footsteps, not as the disposable chattel that her family sees her as, but with a plan to avenge her sister's death. It's a suicide mission, but she has the will and desire to go through with it no matter what. Thus begins the story of a girl who refuses to be silenced and cowed by what others tell she has to be. And I'm not even going to get into the story of her male co-pilot, Li Shimin, and her best friend, Gao Yizhi, and the complex relationships that develop there because it's surprises and revelations that kept me turning pages late into the night.
My one complaint is that the ending is explosive, unexpected, and one of the most brilliant plot twists I've read in ages and the sequel is still so far away.
This one will get a lot of hype. It deserves all the hype and more. Read it! Read it now!
Many very excited thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Teen for the early read!
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“‘You insecure men, you’re afraid. You can force us into pliance, but, deep down, you know you can’t force us to truly love and respect you. And without love and respect, there will always be a seed of hatred and resistance. Growing. Festering. Waiting.’”
Have not been pulled into a fantasy like this in a while! This is described as Pacific Rim meets Handmaid’s Tale, and takes parts of Chinese history and mixes it with Sci-fi/fantastical elements. It’s an amazing story and I would highly recommend!
TW/CW: Alcoholism, suicide ideation, violence, abuse, torture, reference to sexual assault
First off, the world building is fabulous! The Chrysalises are detailed and the reader is able to fully picture these transforming robots. As they roam around and battle the Hunduns, you can picture the environment and get the full picture of what the characters are seeing, feeling, and hearing.
Zetian is such a strong character. I loved her journey, her strength, and her determination. I can’t wait to see how her character continues to develop. Zetian was not the only good character though. Li Shimin and Gao Yizhi are amazing as well. They are willing to stay true to themselves and fight for what they believe is right. They are great supporters for Zetian, who is a great supporter for them in return.
Trying to avoid spoilers, but you can easily find information on this in other reviews and even from a comment from the author, but the romantic relationship in this story is done well and gives representation to YA books. It’s not just the romantic relationship though. The characters are diverse, representing multiple facets.
Overall, this book is amazing and everyone should read it!
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Admittedly, I scoffed at the claim that this book would be “Pacific Rim meets The Handmaid’s Tale in this blend of Chinese history and mecha science fiction for YA readers.” Happily, I was very wrong.
Perhaps surprisingly, I liked the Pacific Rim movies. Handmaid’s Tale (in any iteration), no thank you. But, the Pacific Rim link was very accurate. Because I know and like the movies, it actually helped me understand the book better.
Well-shaped world supported by history and fantasy.
This book packs a LOT in one package. Most of the world-building happens in the first quarter of the book and is done quite well. Fitting within the action, the world building is not just paragraphs of exposition. Dovetailing nicely into the historical framework and life of Empress Wu, Iron Widow does not try to rewrite a historical story, but uses the spirit and ambition of this notable woman to create something new and amazing.
I will say, if I hadn’t know the author was (very) inspired by Pacific Rim and the Jaegers, I don’t know if I would have grasped the use of the Chrysalises and how the pilot pairings worked.
A rollercoaster of sadness, frustration, anger, love, and hope for the past, present, and future.
Throughout this story, WHILE cheering for Zetian and her success, I found myself sad for all she had to endure, even as she says, “simply because she is a girl.” Accurate to Chinese custom (mostly not practiced any longer), as a five-year-old child, her feet were broken and bound to create the perfect lotus shaped foot.
“Female. That label has never done anything for me except dictate what I can or cannot do.” Pg. 18
This story is futuristic, based on history, heavily influenced by the present and there are so many common – reoccurring – themes throughout, making me look at how often we (as people) have made mistakes, continue to make the same mistakes, and will probably make the same mistakes in the future. It is very sobering. There is hope, too, that maybe this time we can get it right.
This is one of those books where I had to keep reminding myself that the main characters were only eighteen and nineteen. Far too young for the weight of the world to be on their shoulders, but also the youth and fresh perspective that CAN change the world.
Favorite Lines
“He doesn’t own me. Nobody does. They may think they do, but no matter how they scold or threaten or beat me, they can’t really control what goes on in my head, and I think that frustrates them to no end.” Pg. 21
“A crushing exhaustion weighs down on my face, my brain, my bones, my everything. I swear, people cannot make up their minds about who are supposed to be the clueless infants who can’t live without supervision: men or women.” Pg. 141
“Everyone lives in a different world. So much of the time, people make decisions they don’t want to. It takes more than just get out or just stop drinking.” Pg. 294
I definitely recommend this book and can’t wait for the sequel!
Stars 4
Would I Recommend? Yes
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DNF at 31% for now. Iron Widow is an ambitious, high-concept novel that mostly succeeds in following through with its premise.
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Iron Widow is described as Pacific Rim meets The Handmaid’s Tale and that’s the perfect description for this story. There’s so much that I could talk about with this one, and I’ll start by saying that this story wasn’t crafted without a long list of sensitive topics, of which I’ve included a list at the end of this review. But this novel from Xiran Jay Zhao pulled me in from the early pages and fully immersed me into the world of Huaxia.
In a world where pilots and their concubines control giant transforming robots that battle aliens, we meet teenage Zetian as she offers herself as a concubine-pilot to get revenge for her sister’s death. What comes next is as much a surprise to her as everyone else, as she’s the one who emerges from the cockpit of the robot, leaving her sister’s killer dead. After that exciting first stage of the book, it sets up a remarkable story, as Zetian is paired up with one of the strongest pilots in Huaxia, a man who has a dark past of his own.
I’m not going into more details than what the blurb explains, but I will say this is a beautiful story of love, acceptance, and fighting against gender roles that are accepted by society. I loved every second of this book. The worldbuilding was excellent, and the main three characters were so easy to love and cheer for. The characters are inspired by historical figures in Chinese history, but those characters are woven into a completely new story in an alternate universe where they’re inspired by history, but not following the same timelines. It was beautifully done, from beginning to end.
I could ramble on for a long time about this book and all the things that the author did that I loved. I loved the main trio and their relationships with each other. The layers of those relationships were genuine, honest, and healthy, and it gave me everything I wanted from them. The dynamic in the main trio is balanced beautifully, and while it doesn’t drive the plot, it’s a subplot that only adds to the story.
I can’t wait to see where this series goes in the future. After reading this ARC, I’ve preordered a physical copy for my library, and I know I’ll be keeping an eye out for future books.
Warning: This book discusses some sensitive topics that may be triggering for some readers including murder, violence, torture, physical & mental trauma, anxiety, depression, rape, abuse, and alcohol addiction.
Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the digital copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
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Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada Books for providing me with an eARC of this book. I was hooked and had to read it as soon as I saw the tagline of "Pacific Rim meets Handmaid's Tale", my brain couldn't properly comprehend what that would entail. Iron Widow is one of those books that I even find difficult to describe because of how unique and complex it is. A YA Sci-Fi that manages to combine Chinese history, feminism, a magic system, and mecha aliens that battle giant transforming robots in a way that was completely captivating from start to finish. To top it off there's even romance, and not just any romance, a poly romance. No typical love triangle where she has to choose, you won't find that here! The only reason I gave this 4 starts instead of 5 was that I found the descriptions of battle and the world sometimes difficult to follow. I would not realize where the battle had progressed to. However, this book truly stands out for my 2021 reads and I can't wait to read the next one!
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The tag line for this is Pacific Rim meets Handmaid’s Tale and I am like sign me up! 18 year old Zetian wants to take out the male pilot responsible for her sister’s death. She signs up to become a concubine pilot. Surprising everyone she doesn’t die and kills him through a psychic link earning the nickname the Iron Widow.
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This book simply left me with the reaction of wow. It’s use of Chinese history mixed in with science fiction is beautifully done and completely action packed. This would be an incredible tv series and I am definitely crossing my fingers for book two.