This book follows Zetian's revolutionary governance after awakening the dragon emperor at the end of Iron Widow and her mission to rescue Shimin from his imprisonment by the gods. I hurried to reread Iron Widow before reading this (which is why my review is coming out after the book, sorry :/ ), but I'm not sure that's strictly necessary, since Heavenly Tyrant follows an almost completely different set of characters, setting, and conflict than the first book. That said, you would be very lost coming in without having read the first book at all, as knowledge of the worldbuilding and Zetian's character are definitely necessary. You just don't need to be intimately familiar with every detail of the first book.

It's hard to give a good review of the book without spoilers, since the book is extremely eventful. Essentially, the situation is that, having overthrown the government of Huaxia with the help of the ancient emperor Qin Zheng in the first book, the two of them must now begin to rule the country, despite Zetian not having any political education and Qin Zheng being a brutal warlord. Also Shimin was taken hostage by the beings calling themselves "gods" who live in a spaceship orbiting the planet so Zetian wants to get him back and take down the gods. There is a great deal of revolutionary socialist politics, feminist coalition-building, bloodthirsty scheming, and mech piloting to learn and execute in very little time.

I would be deeply surprised if this book did not end up on some banned books, if not for its communist revolution and propaganda, then for its violence, sexuality (several very steamy scenes, but all the explicit stuff is fade-to-black), or toxic relationships. To me, all these aspects are to the good and handled in a very self-aware manner, but this book won't be for everyone. As with the first book, I loved the characters, world-building, and fast-pace of the book (especially considering its length). The central themes of the book surround the questions of when violence and coercion are justified and what their consequences are, which is a great topic for the YA and New Adult age range to grapple with. I cannot wait for the third (and final?) book of the series!

I was so excited to get this ARC! I loved Iron Widow, which ended with a twist that kept me hooked, of course, so patiently waiting while the sequel's release kept getting pushed back was hard. I think it was a solid sequel, if a lot heavier politically. I loved the space element, and Zetian is such a cool, strong character. I enjoyed her foray into power, and leading the revolution of the government. The one thing I missed from the first book was the romance. Shimin is absent and Yizhi is untrustworthy. Qin Zheng, the recently reawoken revolution leader, is a complicated character both monstrous and a catalyst for positive change in this story's world. I could never figure out quite how I felt about him. I am now eagerly awaiting the next book in the series, which hopefully will not be pushed back several times.

This book has been something I've been patiently waiting to read since I got to read Iron Widow in 2020... it may have been a long wait but it was ABSOLUTELY worth it. Xiran breaks so many conventional molds with their storytelling, and it is such an intense and refreshing duology.

I have stopped reading this book at about the 50% mark, full disclosure. The book continues the story of Wu Zetian, after the cliffhanger of the last book. The book shifts from an action, heavily anime influenced first book to a more character and politically driven second book. This change in and of itself is not a bad thing, but the way it was written turned me off of the book. Zetian spends most of the book being lectured at by various characters about their political beliefs, backgrounds in various parts of economics, and they often belittle her for not being educated. Even though that was typical for poor women in the situation in which she was raised. It got overly repetitive in this aspect, a lot of the female rage that really added the spice to the last book is just gone, and I decided not to continue. I may pick it back up later. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the e-ARC.

I love this author and am anxiously waiting to recommend this book to customers. It isn't a series that appealed to me on the surface, but the social issues and responses are perfect for readers who enjoy dystopian fantasy plot.

I have finished the book. I liked it even more than Iron Widow and will be physically and emotionally in pain until Zhao releases the next book.

<i>Thank you to NetGalley and Tundra Book Group for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.</i>

When I first read <i>Iron Widow</i> back in 2021, I remember devouring it in two or three sittings. With <i>Heavenly Tyrant</i>, I found myself doing the exact same thing. However, I can't say that my feelings about each book are the same. Given the time that has passed since the previous book was published, I'm not the same reader I was. That being said, this book also feels the same way.

If there's one thing I can appreciate as a reader and as an educator, it's when a book is single-mindedly focused on the message it wants to impart. When it has a clear thesis and all conversations, decisions, and descriptions are moving in chorus with one another to further that vision, then I can't help but sit back and marvel at the writer's craft. For the majority of <i>Heavenly Tyrant</i>, that was exactly how I felt. It's exactly how I felt reading <i>Iron Widow</i>. Does it technically take me out of the experience of reading? To an extent. However, when that experience is grounded in a sense of appreciation, I can't feel bothered.

Unlike <i>Iron Widow</i>, which is grounded in a rage born from the historical -- and ongoing -- oppression of women, <i>Heavenly Tyrant</i> is grounded in the historical -- and definitely still ongoing -- oppression of people in society as a result of capitalistic systems. While the two are <i>absolutely</i> intertwined, <i>Heavenly Tyrant</i> feels like a natural evolution in the series, with a protagonist that has grown from having a narrow focus to a broader one as a result of her experiences in the first book.

That by no means Wu Zetian doesn't still make mistakes or rash choices; in fact, that's one of the things I like most about her as a protagonist. Rather, it means that this book is going to feel <i>very</i> different for a majority of readers. Understandably, that might be a barrier for many. I've already seen a lot of mixed receptions to this book. If there's one piece of advice I can give to readers, though, it's to stick with it and keep an open mind. Expecting every entry in a series to feel exactly the same just feels like it places such a limit on an author. Personally, I find it really refreshing to see a series grow into it's identity alongside it's author.

I'm not saying this book is perfect. I found the pacing of the first book a little too fast at times, and felt much the same with this one (despite it being as long as it already is). In particular, I found the ending to be a stark tone shift, and didn't feel like I had enough time to really process what was happening. Wu Zetian's final decision, in particular, felt a little like it came out of nowhere, and spending a little more time in her head to work through her rationalizations might have helped to mitigate that feeling. That being said, I'm still incredibly excited for the third book (which, admittedly, I didn't even know was a thing before I started reading). Qin Zheng has been such a fascinating addition to the cast of characters, and I can't wait to see the fallout of this ending.

My only wish is for the final entry to be as clear in it's vision as the previous two entries have been. However, given what I've seen of the author themself, I'm not worried at all. If there's one thing Xiran Jay Zhao knows how to deliver, it's an impactful social commentary presented in an accessible and entertaining format for readers to engage with. I just hope I don't have to wait another three years.

It's hard to write a review for this book. The first 100-150 pages are excellent, as are the last 100-150 pages. Unfortunately this book is 525 pages long leaving the middle a tediously bloated political diatribe. The fact that I agree with most of the points the author attempts to make, didn't make that middle portion less of a slog. I almost DNF'd this one. HOWEVER - those ending pages earned it a whole extra star from what I intended to give it.

This is a solid follow-up to Iron Widow, though I know Xiran Jay Zhao has been put through the proverbial ringer by their publisher to get this book out. There were parts that didn't fully work for me, and some of the character building was frustrating, but it's still a great book and a great series that I'd recommend to most readers who like YA fantasy.

Though a little long-winded at times, this jam-packed and action-filled follow up to Iron Widow mostly met my expectations.

"Iron Widow" snuck up on me quietly in 2021--I hadn't heard anything about it, but read the blurb on NetGalley and instantly smashed that request button. It was one of the more innovative fantasy novels I'd read in awhile, and it easily got a 5 star review. I was excited to read book two in the series, "Heavenly Tyrant" to see what further tragedies and violence Xiran Jay Zhao would subject me to.

Whereas the first book was fast paced and exciting, with political intrigue, undiscovered mysteries, and action-packed fights in giant mechs, the second book trudges along at a slow pace, mirroring what I picture to be every second Zetian has to spend with Qin Zheng, for about 60% of the book. It takes about 200 pages for anyone to get into a mech, or venture beyond the setting established in the exposition. While I understood the narrative purpose of the first half of the book, I wish some of the local politics were condensed to make more time for other more interesting events--Zetian training new female pilots, training scenes with Zetian and Qin Zheng where she makes some progress, more focus on the "overthrow the gods" plan earlier. Much of the beginning felt overdone, especially the social commentary, which felt too heavy-handed and what felt like a clear criticism of American culture (and other governmental structures). Listen, I love me some social commentary, but too there's a fine line before I'm pulled out of the fiction of the book.

I almost DNFed this one at about 60%, but I'm glad I stuck it out for the end. Character motivations become more complicated, the setting begins expanding farther out, and we some great plot twists and world-building reveals that answers only some of the questions I have lingering from as far back as book one. I'm still thinking and theorizing about the complicated relationship between Qin Zheng and Zetian.

As expected, Zhao leaves us with a mega-cliffhanger, which is tough for this reader. Despite my initial difficulty with this book, when we got back into the reasons I loved book one, I was desperate to finish and get my hands on book three ASAP.

This book was painful to read and I almost never say that about books. I always look for something redeeming or interesting in them and I just couldn’t get past the kind of political rants that went on for pages at a time in this book. Also, you’re still not getting a ton of context about how these creatures battle and like why this all happened in the first place. It also kind of becomes a matter of like how many things can actually be thrown at this girl. I think there are other kind of dystopian Books that do a better job of dealing with the politics and the injustice than this does. I was really hoping for some developments around the feminism issue, but it just didn’t materialize. The book was not a win for me.

I can't remember the last time I gasped this often reading a book. The twists and turns came at a dangerous pace in Heavenly Tyrant, creating a story rife with action, blood shed, and betrayal. Truthfully and epic saga that seemingly has more to come!

I will be yelling from the mountaintops (heavens?) about this book. At least until the next installment of Iron Widow prevails...

Heavenly Tyrant is an absolutely brilliant tale continuing Xiran Jay Zhao's important critiques of many of the greatest ills of society and governing bodies.

An amazing follow-up to Iron Widow. I have been waiting for this sequel since finishing Book 1 and I was not disappointed. I love the ruthlessness of the main character and the poly rep! So so good.

Definitely a strong follow up to Iron Widow. A LOT happens in this book and readers need to be prepared to keep up. Good twists and some excellent character, let's say, complications. I cannot wait until we get more!

"Heavenly Tyrant" follows right on the heels of the events from "Iron Widow". While this book is slower in pace to it's predecessor, Xiran Jay Zhao packs a ton into it's 540 pages. As with the first book, the reader is taken along as Zetian battles political unrest and misogynies in Huaxia. This book really excels in it's political intrigue storytelling and shifting to a darker tone.

Please note that this book does end in a cliffhanger, for everyone who believed the series to be a duology.

What’s harder than seizing power from a corrupt, authoritarian regime?

Keeping it.

Heavenly Tyrant is vastly different from Iron Widow, but so is life in Huaxia now. The patriarchy has fallen. A 200-year-old emperor is back to resume power. And the Emperor requires an Empress. While I do miss Boss Bitch Wu Zetian smashing her way through any obstacle in her path, it was interesting to see her have to shift her focus to the larger scale of rebuilding society, where even the smallest actions can have devastating consequences. Since every move she makes is so complex, the story is slower-paced than the first, but it really picks up towards the end (I’m looking at you, Heavenly Court 👀). The cliffhanger isn’t as big of a gut-punch either, but it does set up the next installment rather nicely. All I can say is Book 3 is bout to be a shit show.

Thank you to Tundra Books for this ARC via NetGalley.

“How cursed, this cycle, and for what?
A world built from lies. A reality that isn’t real.
An impasse I can only break by growing strong enough to kill gods.”

After making a series of extreme and irreversible decisions during a whirlwind of world-shattering revelations and grief, Wu Zetian finds herself in the position of power that she has long desired. However, her seat of power proves more precarious than she’d like to admit, and she’s forced to share it with a cunning, frighteningly formidable male pilot of legend whom she cannot fully trust. Together, the pair must work on a knife-edge to succeed with the revolution she began and take down the system—and the gods—that have failed and exploited the people of Huaxia for thousands of years. As they do so, Zetian, at a disadvantage for being marked the “evil vixen” target of anti-revolutionaries, must also once again make her own bid for independent power and security; all while attempting to steal her half-dead lover back from the corrupt divinities that are trying to threaten her into submission.

Having eagerly awaited Heavenly Tyrant, the sequel to Iron Widow, for nearly three years, I was thrilled to jump back into the action the first book of the Iron Widow series left off with. However, I found that action to be somewhat sporadic, held back by slow pacing and what often felt like a meandering plotline. While the book understandably spent a considerable amount of time reestablishing the landscape of Huaxia following Zetian’s radical, desperate decisions at the end of Iron Widow, and then on consequent political conflicts, there were a number of extended scenes that felt unnecessary. Rather than adding significant value to the story, they hindered the tight pacing I loved so much in the first book, and obscured certain plot points and character arcs. That being said, this slow pace did allow for new characters and relationships to be developed, which I particularly enjoyed when it meant adding in more female characters such as Wan’er and Taiping. Older relationships, like that between Zetian and Qieluo, were also able to grow, and I appreciated characters getting a chance to address old wounds and wedges. Stronger themes developed alongside them, new perspectives and situations adding some much-needed nuance (including that of intersectionality). Zhao’s worldbuilding also got to shine in Heavenly Tyrant, expanding on both other civilizations and the qì system. Their humor did not dull in-between novels, either. Overall, though not perfect, Heavenly Tyrant left me wanting more, which Zhao will undoubtedly provide in future installments.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tundra Books for letting me read an e-ARC of Heavenly Tyrant by Xiran Jay Zhao! If this is on your list of sequels to pick up (or list of series to start), I highly recommend it - the author delivers another amazing punch with the latest installment!

The author wasn’t kidding when they said this book isn’t a carbon copy of the first book, Iron Widow. While we explore new depths of feminine rage and the complexities of societal reconstruction, the plot is slower to develop and leaves readers wanting more with every chapter consumed. We bear witness as our main character, Zetian, reckons with the choices she’s made. Waking the powerful Qin Zheng (from another century entirely) causes ripples that even she can’t begin to fathom. He’s an absolute pain in the ass, but he’s also interested in making waves in politics and bettering the lives of the general public. She will do everything to break down barriers for women in Huaxia, but at what cost?

This sequel (and officially canon NOT final book) was everything I didn’t expect and exactly what I wanted it to be at the same time! While slower paced, Zhao keeps readers engaged and interested at every turn. Suffice to say, I absolutely cannot wait for another book because the cliffhanger on this one was absolutely unbearable. After all the publishing drama that they experienced for the second installment, I’ve got my fingers crossed that a third book doesn’t invite the same challenges for them.

A gripping and thought-provoking read that will captivate fans of science fiction, fantasy, and LGBTQIA+ stories, particularly those who enjoy complex, strong female protagonists, feminist themes, and Asian-inspired world-building, and are eager to dive into a fascinating tale of revolution, rebellion, and self-discovery.