I loved this book. I was already intrigued by the summary but this could have easily gone wrong. The intro chapters are well done as they introduce us to Zetian's life. This was a great setup for the mysogynistic world the characters live in. And this world is pretty bad. It is also a good introduction to how strong willed Zetian is.
The book just continues to gain momentum after Zetian goes to the war zone. And the chapter where she first pilots a Chrysalis is epic. Zetian is such a strong character throughout the story but she also grows and changes while still keeping her goals of saving the women as a driving force for her actions.
I also liked the supporting characters and felt that the relationships were well developed and worked well. The ending was just as exciting as the rest of the story and I now have to wait eagerly for book 2.
This book would make an incredible anime, I would love to see it adapted. The book is very violent so if you are not fond of that then I would avoid it. But, if you like giant robot anime or Manga and strong female characters then you need to read this book.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book early.

Xiran Jay Zhao has created an epic, futuristic sci-fi historical blend! The powerful characterizations and unflinching look at the brutality of the world makes for a book that really has something to say.

Characters: 4.5/5
World building: 5/5
Plot: 4.5/5
Setting: 5/5

I really enjoyed this book, more than I thought I was going to. I fell in love with the characters and world in the first couple of pages and was very excited when I realized it was poly.
The main character Zetian is definitely one of my favorites I have ever read.

I very much enjoyed this book and will be buying it when it comes out!
Thanks to the author for giving me an Arc in turn for a review

Iron widow met it's expectations. It is a story of young girl, Zetian, from patriarchic family, who joins the battle with a sole goal to revenge her sister's death, eventually stands out due to her amazing Qi (life force), fighting skills and ends up becoming a great leader. It is a sci-fi meets historical fiction, with an alternative world, battle fields and rebellious female lead rising up the ranks.
What didn't sound relatable to me is that there is no other girl who matches her capabilities and there isn't any formal/informal training involved for the skills she uses in battle in the right moments. These would be good to know details in the sequel, when it is coming.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book.
My rating - 3.5

I was given an eARC by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review but lets be honest I may or may not have built up an online foot print as book reviewer to gain early access to this book. I've been excited for this title ever since Zhao announced it back in April, I mean come on a science fiction reimagining of the life of Wu Zetian described as the Handmaid's Tale meets Pacific Rim, sign me the fuck up!
I am happy to report the novel did not disappoint in the slightest, It is a page turner from start to finish and I read the entire thing in 24 hours. I will say however that I believe it takes little from the Handmaid's Tale, a fact that Zhao freely admits to in the author's note at the beginning of the novel. Instead it reads more like a mature version of The Hunger Games, one that focuses less on the pretty dresses the protagonist wears and more on navigating a fraught court politics. I love every way Zhao handles the topics touched on by the novel from foot-binding to the concubine system to even their inventive take on the traditional YA love triangle. The twist at the end of the novel has left me wanting more and I can't wait to get my hands on the sequel.

the most fun i’ve had reading in a cool minute. i didn’t know i needed this book in my life until now. i love zetian sm, she’s so unhinged!! shoutout to netgalley for the ARC

IRON WIDOW has been one of my most anticipated releases for 2021 and it did not disappoint! I was originally drawn in by the comparisons to PACIFIC RIM and HANDMAID'S TALE, both of which I love.

Before going in, I thought this book sounded really similar to another 2021 YA sci-fi release- GEARBREAKERS by Zoe Hana Mikuta. However, Iron Widow totally stood on its own and I loved it for that reason.

The world building was absolutely incredible. It really felt like Huaxia was a real place. Along with this, I so loved the feminist tones in the book and how it dealt with some really difficult concepts.

Overall, loved this book! Can't wait to reread it in the final version when it's released.

Shining mecha suits controlled by mighty warriors channeling qi... and their lovely concubines... fight off hordes of aliens threatening to overrun the civilized world. Or at least that's what the government wants you to believe is the story in Xiran Jay Zhao's Iron Widow. But Zetian knows better, because when her Elder Sister left to become one of those concubines, she never made it back; she never made it into battle at all. So Zetian decides to follow in her footsteps and get revenge - only to discover that there's much more to the war than the official story. As she learns to channel her qi and pilot mechas, she also learns that nothing is what it seems, including love, honor, and even murder. Packed with heart-pounding battles and the most unexpected love triangle I've come across, Iron Widow kept me on the edge of my seat, and touched me deeply at the same time. I can't wait to read the next installment in this adventure inspired by historical China... with aliens.

I wouldn’t have thought an imperial Chinese history-Pacific Rim mashup would work. But it really does work. Empress Wu has always been a fascinating figure to me. Her ruthless rise to power and expansive reign was so different from the support act role most royal women served. Reimagining her as a vengeful anti-heroine/badass warrior was extremely entertaining. Wu’s raw, bloodthirsty drive can feel off-putting at times, but that’s kind of the point. She’s no worse than any number of fictional and real-life male anti-heroes. The compelling world of Iron Widow is a steampunk reimagining of patriarchal imperial China. It’s sci-fi that feels like historical fiction. Potentially a good choice for someone who is dipping their toes in the sci-fi genre. I’m not sure if I get specific The Handmaid’s Tale elements from this book, despite it being marketed as such. Both feature rebellious female protagonists and take place in an authoritarian, misogynistic state. But so do a lot of books, so I think the comparison ends there. It loses some marks for some stilted dialogue and for the overwhelming font of exposition. However, a world as creative and expansive as this does require some explanation for the reader. I also found some of the battle scenes tricky to follow, but it’s an occupational hazard of writing combat scenes. Overall a gripping read. Very interested to continue the series after the shocking needing. Also
Spoiler
bonus points for queer representation and throuples
(4.25 stars)

This book blew me away. I honestly wasn't expecting much - the description made me think this was going to read like Pacific Rim fanfiction - but it far supersedes the mecha robot tropes and really establishes a whole new world and fascinating setting. Our main character is Wu Zetian (yes, like the empress), and she is the kind of girl who chafes at patriarchal expectations.

In the world of Iron Widow, girls are recruited(/sold) into the forces to help pilot giant mecha suits called Chrysalises to fight the Hundun alien invaders. But the girls are less mecha pilots and more like batteries lending their life force - qi - to male pilots during battle. And they are often drained entirely, left dead for the glory of their male counterparts. Zetian's sister is killed in this way, and she gets herself conscripted to get revenge, but realizes she's far more powerful than the famous male pilot responsible for her sister's death. In fact, she's more powerful - and willful - than most everyone, even yoked and hampered by her broken and bound feet, her status as a peasant, her status as a woman in a deeply patriarchal and misogynistic society, and the way the Chrysalises are built altogether. But nobody really knows the whole truth of their world....

I wasn't expecting to love this book as much as I did, but Zetian is such a compelling character, and her relationships with Yizhi and Li Shimin were fascinating. I think this is the first time I've seen a love triangle set up like this only to be resolved by polyamory, which was a surprise to read but a delight too, because it grants a new and different perspective. The worldbuilding is equally fascinating, because they are in ancient China, but not. Wu Zetian is like her historical counterpart, but not. This is not historical fiction, it isn't just about robots, and it isn't just about overcoming prejudices - somehow this book is much more than the sum of its parts and I can't wait for future installments.

Thanks to Penguin Random House Canada for giving me access to the ARC for an honest review.

I have the largest book hangover from this book. It did everything right and more and was honestly one of the best Fantasy/Sci-Fi books I have read since An Ember in the Ashes and The Poppy War.

The story follows Wu Zetian, a teenage girl, forced into the Patriarchal Pilot system that sacrifices female pilots (concubines) to power large mechanical robots called Chrysalises. These bots are used in battle to defend Huaxia from attacks from a species called Hunduns. The weeb review on the author's website describes the battles as "a bunch of furries engaged in a Dragon Ball Z fight" and I feel like that says everything I can't.

Wu Zetian enlists as a concubine to try and murder the male pilot who murdered her beloved big sister. In her first battle, she ends up turning the tables and killing the pilot inside his own Chrysalis. But because she exited the male pilots Chrysalis unscathed, she is labeled as an Iron Widow.

The story follows Zetian working to disable the Patriarchal pilot system for good. Yes, it does in fact involve the killing of many men, so it's kind of a win-win.

This book had an amazing plot and was written in the most loveable way possible. For a debut book, this surpassed all of my expectations by a mile.

Also, this book is obviously a commentary about the systematic misogyny ingrained in our modern world. So, if this is Xiran Jay Zhao's plan for the Feminist Agenda, I'm all for it.

Seriously though, this book was beautiful, had amazing Polyamorous and Achillean representation from the Love Triangle turned Poly, and I just cannot wait for the next book. Go Read It Right Now.


Thanks again to Penguin Random House Canada for giving me access to this book. It was easily one of my favorites.

Check out my GoodReads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/94759685-themaskedreader

I’m not sure where to start with this review, the beginning is usually a good start though! Iron Widow is described as ‘Pacific Rim meets The Handmaiden’s Tale” and it marries these two pieces of art and ideas amazingly.

Wu Zhetian is a strong feminist figure, whose journey was riddled with patriarchal struggles that suppressed many, took many lives and created a deep historical line of submission within its women population.

As she navigates this world tormented not only by Hunduns but violent men , she uncovers hidden truths and breaks the norms created. She breaks boundaries both mentally and physically , helping those around her as well.

The romance with Zhetian, Shimin and Yizhi was crafted so well and equally. They balanced each other really well and each played a key component in the dynamic. I was rooting for all of them and I absolutely loved them. This is my first novel featuring a poly relationship and it was very refreshing to read.

At times I did feel Zhetian came across as abrasive but like with understanding the society and what she experiences , it makes sense why she behaves like this and says certain things. Overall, she was very relatable and I was rooting for her.

The ending was mind blowing and so interesting.

10/10 would recommend this book if you love characters that keep you on the edge on your seat ❤️

Iron Widow genuinely took me by surprise with how much I enjoyed it. This thrilling futuristic sci-fi had fierce characters and a plot I found myself interested in, making a very good read. The main character was uncompromising in her beliefs and had the ability to really push the story forward. That epilogue has me hyped for the continuation of the series, and I certainly encourage you to check out the work of author Xiran Jay Zhao.

Positives:
- Although I am usually opposed to first person POV, there are some authors that can make it work. Zhao’s creation of the main character Zetian is one of those good cases. Being in her mind was truly the best perspective to view the world. Zetian has such spirit and drive, and seeing her motives/thought process behind her decision making was the right way to go.
- I am so happy the author forgoed the classic YA love triangle in favor of a polyamourous relationship. I’m honestly tired of the worn out “I can’t decide which person for me” and enjoyed this fresh take. The dynamic between the three simply worked, and I fully shipped. I admire the author for persevering against the pushback and including them.
- During its action packed and character driven scenes, the book had me hooked and I could not set it down. To be completely frank, in the beginning I thought the plot would be too far-fetched to keep me entertained, but I’m happy to have been proven wrong.

Negatives:
- The worldbuilding was unfortunately difficult for me to follow at times. After finishing the book I’m still a tad bit confused about the planes and magic system. This led to me getting lost in some scenes and not getting to enjoy what was occurring.
- I definitely liked the first half of the book more than the second, just because it captured more of my interest. Around the end, I grew somewhat bored at the tedious scenes that did not feel important to the plot.

Iron Widow should definitely be added to your TBRs!

Iron Will is my favorite breed of 2021

I don't know if I will ever find the words to describe the connection I had to Zetain and her upbringing. Or if I will ever be able to fully describe the visceral reactions I've had to this book.

If you have ever been disappointed with your station solely because of the way you were born, disappointed in the way people treated you because of that, If you ever had a glimpse of the thought of dismantling the patriarchy one man at a time, if being meek and appeasing makes your blood boil, this book is for you.

It is for those sick and tired of the world we live in and refuse to sit back without at least attempting to destroy everything that's been built.

“Told you the triangle is the strongest shape”

This book is everything. It has a strong female character who doesn’t represent feminism as hatred for other women, or for femininity. Zetian isn’t another, “not like other girls,” protagonist. She cares about furthering women’s progress, not, just her own. The romance for once isn’t a toxic jumble of love triangles and miscommunication. I would say it definitely subverts that trope and uses it to its advantage though. The queer rep is natural and though the book isn’t necessarily centered on romance, it was a good romance. The sci-fi and the world building is incredible. And I’m so happy that I got to read this. I think that the combination of Chinese historical elements with typical futurist ones was a fresh take on the tried narrative of mech fighting. I also think that the sinister cost of the mech usage was, albeit sad, a pretty great commentary on women’s experiences and treatments.

I had a great time reading this book! There were a few pluses and minuses, but overall this was an incredibly solid debut that I’m giving a 4 star rating to.

Strengths:
[*] Xiran Jay Zhao’s writing style. She has a simple style that flows well, which is exactly what I enoy.

[*] The world. It’s just straight up cool and immersive.

[*] The rep. Especially in a book meant for teens, I do applaud the author for going there with a different sort of relationship and portraying it in a fairly healthy light.

[*] The characters. Overall, I found myself enjoying and caring about the characters.

Weaknesses:

[*] Zeitan, honestly. I feel like there could have been a touch more fleshing out. It’s the beginning of a series, so I’m assuming we’re going to see some progression in the future but I did get some ‘Mary Sue, but a badass ’ vibes as other reviewers have noticed as well.

[*] Pacing was a big one for me. I found myself at times enjoying a scene and then all of a sudden a ton of action would happen and I would have to go back and make sure I didn’t miss anything.

Potential Triggers:

[*] Alcoholism

[* ] Death of a family member

[*] Sexual coercion. Nothing graphic, but there are a few moments/scenes that I think may be potentially triggering.

All in all, I do highly recommend picking this up when it comes out!

This book blew me away!

When I first heard of it it caught my interest because mechas in YA is something I haven't seen before. I'm so glad I was able to read it early through NetGally.

Wu Zetian is the main character of my dreams. She has agency, confidence, and brains. Experiencing this journey with her was truly enjoyable. The way she sees the system that keeps her oppressed because she's a woman and poor is refreshing. She isn't fooled at all by the lies they feed her. This story is very much a feminist story with a main character that isn't afraid of power and claiming the respect that society has long denied her. Also I really related to the anger that fueled her forward.

The romance was absolutely refreshing. The author takes the love triangle and gives us something fresh.

The story was pretty fast paced but to me the middle dragged a little but then that ending hit hard. This book definitely left me wanting more.

I really wanted to love this book. The premise, which promised a “blend of Chinese history and mecha science fiction” sounded so intriguing and promising. The book has been hyped up for its strong feminist themes and diverse representation. While I love the sounds of these things, it’s the execution that killed the book for me.

The story takes place in Huxia, a region plagued by continuous war with mecha aliens called Hunduns. The husks of dead Hunduns can be harvested as materials to build Chrysalises, giant mecha piloted by young men and powered by a combination of the pilot’s Qi and the Qi he draws from female pilots, known in this world as “concubine-pilots.” This system is extremely exploitative and usually ends with the death of the female pilots, as battles require a huge amount of Qi and the female pilots are essentially drained of their life force.

The story follows 18-year-old Zetian, a young woman from a poor village determined to become a concubine-pilot in order to avenge her older sister, who was murdered by a famous pilot. She succeeds in doing so, because Zetian turns out to have an extremely high “spirit pressure” and ability to control her Qi, even to the extent of overpowering male pilots, earning her the notorious moniker, Iron Widow.

There were several concerns I had with this work.

First, the pacing is incredibly quick. In a handful of chapters, Zetian transforms from a seemingly powerless young woman into a Qi powerhouse that continually confounds the military. In addition, so many major plot points occur in succession—from battles to major interpersonal conflicts to political intrigue to the (very) quick progression of the romantic relationships—a lot was packed into the book and in the case, I don’t think quantity = quality.

There are strong Mary Sue vibes in this story—Zetian adapts to and is successful in pretty much every situation she is thrown into. I never got the sense that she was facing actual dire stakes, except maybe at the very end of the book. There wasn’t a real feeling of urgency throughout because it’s established pretty early on that Zetian can essentially do anything—even murdering one of the military’s best pilots!—and get away with it relatively unscathed. Not because she changes the hearts and minds of the terrible men around her, but because that’s just how the plot seemed to unfold time and time again.

I appreciate and enjoy feminist themes in novels, but in Iron Widow they are so strongly embodied by Zetian that it borders on unbelievable. I can understand feelings of rebellion, questioning the status quo, and feeling violent rage against your oppressors.

But Zetian goes beyond that, espousing a mindset that seems out of place in the context of the setting, which is almost purely comprised of overbearing, abusive men, and passive, downtrodden women. There are moments where she adopts empowering beliefs in the span of a single scene. She doesn’t seem to truly struggle with her beliefs. Perhaps this is to indicate that Zetian is incredibly strong-willed and secure in her sense of self-worth?

Knowing that she has grown up in an intensely patriarchal society with extremely rigid gender roles, such immense character “growth” in so little time is unrealistic. She has no strong female role models in her life—not even fictional ones in books. It’s hard to believe that she would have the intensity of mindset that she is portrayed to have without having any influence or example to even take inspiration from.

The relationships in the books are also poorly depicted and unrealistically paced. There is a lot of telling versus showing and one of the relationships leaps from begrudging respect to “we’re kissing now” in a single scene. Zetian’s love interests seem so enamored of her but it’s never really shown why that is—again, Mary Sue vibes.

I struggled to write this review because I wondered if perhaps I was reviewing a young adult novel the way I would review adult fiction. But I believe that craft is craft. Good writing—a strong narrative arc, believable characters, a vivid setting, pacing that supports the story—should be a priority in all kinds of books, no matter the intended audience.

For this reason, I’m giving Iron Widow 1.5 stars. It’s a book with an incredibly promising, imaginative premise, but that ultimately suffered due to unnuanced and unsophisticated execution.

Thank you so much Penguin Random House Canada and Xiran Jay Zhao for allowing me to read this book! I enjoyed reading it so much! This reimagining of China's only female empress, Wu Zetian, was so creative and hilarious!
This book is perfect for fans of the Handmaid's Tale and mecha anime, and I cannot wait for the second book!

I went into Iron Widow both excited about the concept and scared for the execution. Usually, when books are being promoted as feminist they end up being shallow attempts to show a strong female lead. Unfortunately, this book felt that way a bit. I did appreciate how it pointed out sexism in the world, especially in history, through every outlet. In our home lives, in politics, media, etc.

Zetian's actions didn't really feel like they were genuinely aiming for the goal of giving women freedom. They felt a bit more selfish than I was expecting from someone who supposedly wanted to help every other woman in her tiny shoes. She started off talking about making society equal, but by the time we reach the end she really only cared about basically being a dictator. She didn't even have a positive relationship with a single other woman throughout this book, which is honestly my biggest gripe.

There was a lack of other female characters in general. She talked to what, three? Not including her family. And she had a negative relationship with every single one. You would think that in a society like this there would be a network of girls supporting each other. Instead, they are not only submissive, but actively helping men be in control of everything. I find it hard to believe that Zetian was the ONLY woman who realized she was worth more than what she was being told. It gives her big "chosen one" energy.

Let's look at The Handmaids Tale (Hulu show version) as an example since that is what they reference in promotions. The show follows June who is actively fighting against the male-dominated society she was forced into, but she isn't alone. She is surrounded by other women who are fighting in their own ways, in any way they can, big or small. Something to show that Zetian had a web of support from other women would have been amazing, and I'm disappointed we didn't get anything even close to that.

I also thought it was kind of ridiculous she was labelled as an Iron Widow when she killed literally one single dude. You would think they would pass it off as a weird fluke and pretend it never happened but instead they instantly let her know that she has power and she starts to think of herself as an assassin. Her actions were also more reckless than methodical, which was just annoying.