What a fresh, unique new sci-fi story! I loved reading this high-stakes, witty, romantic, exciting novel.

It was a wow read for me...the main character, Zetian is so badass like I was literally simping for her throughout. The story pulled me in and just made me want to keep reading until I got to the very end

I'm so late with this post. I just need to say that this isn't hyped enough. It was such an amazing book. I can't wait to read more from them.

I have read and reread this book on multiple occasions, and every time I find new, rich details that I did not previously notice. Xiran Jay Zhao's worldbuilding is breathtaking, and I loved that the resolution of the love triangle felt natural and not at all contrived.

This is a great book for fans of Chinese fantasy, Mecha, and Pacific Rim. Would highly recommend reading this when you're in the mood for some action and strong female characters. Definitely a must read!!

This was not at ALL what I was expecting! It was way better! Sci fi mech, so cool! The chi, the mech bots, the connections, it was all so captivating. Didn't care for the romance but ah well. I also borrowed the audiobook (and own the hardcover) and boy, the names are pronounced sooooo differently than how they're spelled!!! I had to follow along for a bit to get who was talking or being talked about because I started off with reading and already had the (wrong) pronunciations in my head. lol. Heavenly Tyrant please!!

Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao was the author's debut novel and wow I cannot wait to read more by this author! This follows our main character name Xitine and she was an amazing and bada** character to watch her grow from this shy to this bada** perason we see at the end of the story. After having this book on my shelfs since it came out I'm happy I waited till now to read this book it was fast pace and loved having the short chapters, and also it was queer cast of characters.
My favorite part was the twist we had towards the end because when I read it, I had my jaw dropped to the floor I was so shook by it! I would say if u guys love the hunger games tournament style & a magic steeped in posion magic systemy this book is totally for u and I'm happy to say I cannot wait to read more from Xiran and also where is book 2?? Why do I have to wait till April next year for the sequel????!
Overall rating 5/5 stars thank you to Netgalley for sending me an e-arc to read and review for you guys, also sorry it was a very late review! Better late than never!

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

I am sitting down to write this review moments after finishing this book just so I can shout at everyone who might see this to read this book if you haven't already. It's a masterpiece. A work of art. And I don't throw those phrases around to just any book. I have never read anything like Iron Widow. I love how we were given this historical-inspired book but in a sci-fi world. It's not something I've really seen much of and I'm honestly so here for it.

Some of my favorite things:
The relationship dynamics.
The FREAKING FIGHT SCENES.
The Chrysalises (because I'd very much so like to get inside of one).
The complete and total badass that is Wu Zetian.

Like I don't even know how to form a properly set up review because my mind is completely and totally blown by finishing this book. Don't sleep on it - go read it for sure.

Everyone should read this!!! Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for the opportunity to read in exchange for a review.

I'd like to first preface this review with a thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for allowing me the opportunity to read an ARC of Iron Widow. I'd also like to disclaim that as Iron Widow officially debuts on 21 September, 2021, this review is based upon my reading of an uncorrected proof: text and illustrations may or may not be final. Once the book is out for this whole godforsaken world to see, I will update this accordingly.

••Mild Spoilers will be indicated with the two dots••

There are so so many wonderful things I want to say about this illustrious debut novel—and I certainly will—but I want to get through the critique I have for it first.

••My first qualm was with the exploration of the relationship between Ruyi and Zeitian. Ruyi's death is what propels Zeitian into the world of Hundun fighting, yet there were moments in which I felt the weight of the two sister's relationship wasn't emphasised enough in order for the reader to truly embody the pain Zeitian felt in wake of her sister's death. We are given glimpses into their life together through Zeitian, yet they are brief and fleeting in a novel full of mecha-mayhem. Ruyi is mentioned several times throughout Zeitian's narration, typically through her death sequence, her parting words with Zeitian or small moments of suffering at the hands of their family. Personally, I would have liked to see more grounding, more personal moments between the girls. There were very few and once again, were rather fleeting.••

••It is also unclear of just how exactly Ruyi dies. Yes, we are told through Zeitian, but we never experience her death exactly. We are never propelled into Ruyi's experience.••

I think the above could've been solved along with the next critique I have: we are often told in writing to show not tell. I believe its important to have a balance between the two. Zhao, while the book does have instances of show over tell, leaned a bit more so on the tell side. It doesn't minimize the pacing of the book, but it does leave us with a bit of a flat image to piece together in some instances. There are DEFINITELY moments where tell was used in which show simply wouldn't have worked, but there were also instances of the opposite; tell was used where show would've done a much better and more fluid job for the writing style.

••For example, there is a moment in the novel where Zeitian questions Yizhi's and her own sexuality. I am happy that she normalised it so well, yet was a little disappointed that we are only told of what she observed and not given a little snippet in time, a vivid imaging of a moment in which Zeitian started thinking the way she did about Yizhi's sexuality.••

There are many moments with Yizhi (and other characters) that are tell more than show and once again, while it didn't throw off the pacing, it flattened an otherwise vivid sci-fi retelling.

I would have loved to prick into Zeitian's mind in a way that doesn't always spell clarity, that doesn't tell us what is going on through her mind of experiences directly but through fluid, imaginative descriptions of it. Sure, you can say something like "My eyes were racked with pain" (thats not a quote from the book fyi) and that might work in certain settings, but in many cases it's just more interesting to say something like, "It felt like thousands of tiny hair thin needles were pricking my eyes". That way, we as the reader, are better able to imagine just what type of pain the eyes are feeling and not just that they are in pain.

The only other thing I would have really enjoyed being included was a map or diagram of Huaxia and beyond the Great Wall as well as a better understanding of how male pilots are scouted.

Whew, okay, thats enough of that. Let's get into the juicy GREAT stuff about this stunning novel.

First and foremost, I absolutely adore the multifaceted personalities these characters are given. They are three-dimensional rather than archtypes (even if some characters seem to be that way at first, they aren't) which is always appreciated amongst a plethora of archtype characters.

Wu Zeitian is not the typical heroic, humble, humility ridden female protagonist. I love it. She is not unwilling to use what she has to her advantage and I can truly see the influence of her historical countetpart through this examination of moral ambiguity. She makes harrowing mistakes and she learns and grows and sharpens her fury slowly from rash to calculating. The descent is subtle, yet impactful in its most brazen and riveting moments.

Gao Yizhi is a legend. I wish we saw more of his talents and thinking patterns as well as a bigger exploration of his background (maybe in book two? 👀).

Li Shimin needs a hug. Several long hugs where he is the little spoon. He is such a wonderful character. He is heroic in a stupidly sacrificing way and like the rest of the characters, is NOT some archtype. ••This is a nerd not a bad boy. Also Zhao bullies the hell out of him. #StopShiminAbuse.••

The next thing is the tech. Now, because the story is told from one perspective, its difficult to get a guage of tech outside of what is used in defense against Hunduns and related hard/softeware. Yet, even then, I felt at some moments that the tech wasn't as riveting as you would suspect it to be for a sci fi story of this caliber. This may seem like a negative, and maybe for some it is, but in my personal opinion, it was an exploration of slowly learning and understanding the tech available to the characters. What they have access to is limited for a purpose we do not yet know and I am damn excited to find out more of.

The action scenes are written wonderfully which is to be suspected from a fellow weeb.


I felt Zeitian's pain as my own and the pain of my sisters, friends and our mothers and foremothers. How many times I have been blamed for the looks men give me when I'm minding my damn business, the way my opinion is devalued, the way I wouldn't even be spoken to directly, the fear of physical pain. I felt the pain of being a women before I even know what a women was. Zeitian felt it too and she took it by the reigns to turn it into a whip.



I ADORE scifi, so I was gonna read Iron Widow regardless, but knowing that there was going to be polyamory explored, acknowledged and normalised in it, I was enamored with it long before I ever knew there was opportunity to read it.

Why I Read It: Like many other people that flocked to this book, I am a fan of Xiran Jay Zhao's YouTube channel, since her Mulan 2020 video. I find her videos both informative, focusing on Asian and especially Chinese history and culture, and entertaining, breaking down movies and shows that I enjoy with casual cool shade (also she's always dressed to the nines). When I heard she was releasing a novel loosely based on Wu Zetian's rise to power I was curious; however, I wanted to see what it was about before picking it up because I didn't want to pick something I wasn't going to like, at least based on the synopsis, even if it was written by a content creator I liked. So upon reading the synopsis I thought the book had promise, with speculative elements being compared to Pacific Rim and a feminist aspect akin to The Handmaid's Tale. A diverse science fiction with a badass female lead that wants to take down the patriarchy. Yes please!

What It's About: In a world ravaged by colossal monsters, giant mechas called Chrysalises are operate by a male and concubine pair. These concubines are female soldiers given to male warriors that enable them to operate their chrysalises, usually at the cost of their own life. Upon hearing of her sister's demise, Zetian offers herself up as a concubine pilot to the solider that used her sister. When Zetian emerges from the chrysalis unharmed and her male pilot is dead, she is branded as an Iron Widow and paired with the strongest pilot in the army. Her act of vengeance is only the beginning though, as she seeks to topple the entire system.

Cons: There was so much that went wrong that I don't even know where to start. Let's begin with the minor stuff, the writing itself. The pacing of this book was rather rapid but after awhile I began to notice that nothing really happened except for at the beginning to initiate the plot. Then everything comes rushing through the door at the end with an out of left field Deus ex Machina event. On top of that the dialogue was modern and rather juvenile, which are things that don't normally bother me even if I notice them but it further highlighted Zetian's juvenile behavior. If those were the biggest issues I had with this book than I might have been irritated but willing to overlook it, but these are all small potatoes compared to the larger issues in this book.
Now lets get to what I hated about this book: the "romance" and the "feminism". This book was marketed as a polyamorist romance, and the author mentioned that she received pushback from the publishers for not creating a love triangle. As someone who 9.9 times out of 10 hates the love triangles present in books, I was eager to read something that pushes against this trend; however, what is actually in the book I wouldn't consider polyamory, let alone good polyamory. The reasons I don't consider this polyamorist are because the two male love interests have only about two scenes together, which is hardly enough to build a relationship on regardless of how much chemistry they have (which is none), and Zetian's treatment of the guy she spends most of the book with, which is the more egregious offender. She is just abusive to the solider for most of the book, even as he is having nightmares and it dawns on her that he is on the same position as she is, all she does is spew hurtful comments and treats him dismissively. On top of that, he never does anything to warrant this behavior from her, so this just paints her in a pretty bad light and as an individual that possibly lacks empathy.
This ties into the other aspect of this book that was heavily marketed and greatly let me down, the “feminism”, and Zetian is at the forefront of this issue. Zetian is not like other girls (that's almost a verbatim line in this book) and the entire narrative keeps beating you over the head with that. She's not vapid, like those other girls (gets into a catfight with a girl at the start of the book after critizing a girl for putting so much effort into her appearance). She's not meek, like those other girls (constantly yells and throws tantrums if she doesn't get her way (which is almost all the time because this society is sexist and evil) and destroys all who challenge her). She's not weak, like those other girls (is the most powerful fighter to ever exist). For someone who makes it clear her main goal is topple the patriarchy, she sure seems to hate women. Not only is this a dated trope that should be put to rest, the narrative seems to double down on it by how Zetian treats other women. Zetian is clearly an angry feminist, which is okay as there are valid reasons for her to be angry about the treatment of women; however, her view of what a "proper feminist" seems to be is that women should always be aggressive (in other words exhibiting more masculine traits). To those who aren't that way, she is very condescending and hostile towards them. Seriously I can't recall a single positive interaction with any woman on page, not even with her dead sister whom she's supposedly doing all this for (so there was also fridging, another harmful trope that uses women). There was one woman, Xiuying, that Zetian tolerated but, without going into spoilers, in the end she is treated just like the rest of the women. It's kind of amusing that when Zetian meets other higher ranking concubine pilots one of them treats her the same way she everyone else, and she's shocked and angry (but she cannot have an epiphany about her behavior because that would mean she isn't always right and perfect as well as requiring her to exhibit empathy, which she seems to be incapable of throughout this book). In fact, Zetian is arguably a villain.
As I've already discussed at length she has no remorse for (sometimes unwarranted) abrasive behavior and no empathy towards those in similar positions to her. She commits a lot of murder throughout this and still possibly she is the righteous one. Okay, so she's adapted Light Yagami's brand of "justice", which certainly does not bode well for anyone. The sad thing is there are multiple examples of the extreme misogyny of this world that rightfully warrant an angry response, but there's something about the writing that fails to convey a deep-seated anger and instead comes off as childish petulance. Maybe this is because very little is given of Zetian's backstory and she has no connections with anyone except for one of her love interests who kisses the ground she walks on. Ultimately, Zetian doesn't remotely achieve her goal of destroying the patriarchy, she just gains personal power and there is no reason for me to believe she isn't going to keep her sexist, gender essentialist views.

Pros: The one positive thing I can about this book is the worldbuilding was mildly interesting and as someone for whom "mecha" or "giant robots fighting" or not buzzwords, I found the Chrysalises to be a fascinating concept and wanted to know more about them and their role in this world. I also appreciate the authors attempt at using them as a tool to demonstrate the issues plaguing society, but I clearly don't think that was executed well and found the Chrysalises to be underutilized.

Finishing Thoughts: Despite my initial hype and hope for this book it turned out to be so bad on so many levels. The worst parts of this book were unfortunately the parts that were pushed forward when marketing this book, the “feminism” and the “polyamory”, with one being nonexistent and the other being portrayed in a more dated and problematic than not kind of way. The sad thing is what Zetian is fighting for is a noble cause, and fury is warranted at how these girls are viewed and treated, but she goes about it in a way that is so destructive, childish, and selfish that I can't find myself feeling sympathetic or rooting for her. I want to make it clear that my fundamental issue with feminism in this book isn't Zetian's aggressive behavior, it's the lack of basic decency she gives to literally all other women. Upon completing the book, and even as I'm writing this review, I'm not sure if she is meant to be the hero of this story because she consistently demonstrates sociopathic tendencies in high stakes situations. This would have been far better marketed as a villain origin story. Even with all that said (this is my longest review to date) I could still say more about the failure of Zetian as a character, and how badly written the side characters are and how they feed into gender essentialist views, and how so much of this world doesn't make sense, but I will end things here. Needless to say I won't be continuing the series and this is very likely going to be the worst I will read in 2023.

This book was great. I loved the sci-fy pieces of this book. There was also excellent representation in this book. I would recommend this read.

Iron Widow" by Xiran Jay Zhao is an absolute tour de force, an electrifying and thought-provoking novel that ensnares readers with its compelling tale from the very first page until the exhilarating climax. Set in the captivating world of Huaxia, a society where women are bound by rigid roles, destined to either marry or serve as concubine pilots for male Chrysalis pilots, the story follows the indomitable Zetian on her journey of vengeance, unearthing the dark underbelly of corruption that permeates her world.

Zhao's worldbuilding in "Iron Widow" stands as an unparalleled masterpiece. With artful finesse, she artfully weaves elements of Chinese history and tradition into a breathtakingly futuristic landscape, conjuring a captivating and immersive atmosphere that transports readers to a familiar and refreshingly novel realm. Themes of misogyny, racism, and homophobia are interwoven with a stroke of brilliance, seamlessly meshing with imaginative concepts like Chrysalises to breathe new life into the narrative and push the boundaries of storytelling.

"Iron Widow" shines as a radiant gem, drawing readers into a compelling saga of resilience, empowerment, and the triumph of the human spirit.

What an incredible book with an incredible protagonist. I loved the bisexual representation, and I can't wait for the sequel!

I really enjoyed this book. I had to read it a second time. As someone who doesn't normally lean towards the science fiction genre, Iron Widow was a pleasant mix of both scifi and fantasy. The character of Zetian was inspiring. I look forward to reading more from this author and the next installment of the Iron Widow books.

"Iron Widow" by Xiran Jay Zhao is an electrifying and thought-provoking novel that captivates readers from start to finish. Set in Huaxia, a society where women are expected to either marry or become concubine-pilots for male Chrysalis pilots, the story follows Zetian as she seeks revenge for her sister's death and uncovers the deep-rooted corruption within her world.

The worldbuilding in "Iron Widow" is a true masterpiece. Zhao skillfully blends elements of Chinese history with a futuristic setting, creating a unique and immersive atmosphere. The familiar themes of misogyny, racism, and homophobia are cleverly intertwined with innovative concepts like Chrysalises, adding a fresh twist to the narrative.

Zetian, the fearless protagonist, is a force to be reckoned with. Filled with righteous fury and grief, she embarks on a journey to challenge the mistreatment of young girls in her society. Zetian's determination, intelligence, and complex emotions make her a compelling and relatable character. Her flaws and bad judgment calls add depth and authenticity, showcasing her growth throughout the story.

The found family message in "Iron Widow" resonates deeply. Zetian's emotional journey and her relationships with other characters reflect the complexities of real-life connections. The exploration of family dynamics and the rejection of the notion that love is unconditional due to blood ties adds a refreshing layer to the narrative.

The plot twists in the book are both unexpected and satisfying. Zhao's ability to subtly foreshadow the revelations without giving them away completely keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The themes of injustice, revenge, tragedy, and redemption are skillfully woven together, offering a multi-faceted reading experience.

Reading "Iron Widow" feels like a cathartic experience. Zetian's defiance against the system that oppresses her and her determination to create change resonate deeply. The book tackles sensitive topics such as addiction, sexual assault, manipulation, and murder, adding layers of depth and realism to the story. It is a powerful exploration of dismantling the patriarchy and challenging societal norms.

Zhao's writing style is evocative and immersive, painting vivid imagery that brings the story to life. The author's ability to balance action-packed scenes with tender moments of hope creates a well-rounded narrative that tugs at the heartstrings.

In conclusion, "Iron Widow" is a breathtaking and empowering journey that will leave readers craving more. Xiran Jay Zhao's ability to blend history, social commentary, and thrilling storytelling is a testament to their talent as a writer. This book is a must-read for anyone who craves a powerful female lead, intricate worldbuilding, and a thought-provoking exploration of societal norms. Prepare to be swept away by the brilliance of "Iron Widow" and eagerly await the next installment in this extraordinary series.

Unfortunately, I couldn't connect with this book. As a concept, it sounded very cool, but in execution it was somewhat black-and-white, not only in terms of protagonist personality but also the overall themes it tries to convey. I've seen another review discuss how this book lacked nuance and subtlety, and I'm inclined to agree with that - as well as the opinion of it stereotyping feminism as a destructive force of anger.

Throw in some very sloppy writing, and I'm incredibly sorry, but this just wasn't a book that felt particularly well-polished. I think the author's becoming a minor Youtube celebrity probably helped signal-boost this book more than anything else. Ultimately, it feels very generic sci-fi YA, and the genre deserves better.

I loved this story of vengeance and require more novels that choose the create a throuple instead of a love triangle.

I tried several times to get into this one. It has a gorgeous cover and the premise is interesting but both times I couldn’t get more than a few pages in because it didn’t hold my interest. I even waited a while and tried again, especially when some of my friends were raving about it, but this one just isn’t for me.

Through no fault of the author's, I just couldn't get into this book. The writing is excellent, however, and I'm certain there is a huge audience for it. I'm still giving it four stars because it's not the author's fault that it wasn't the right book for me. Do recommend it to people who enjoy science fiction/speculative fiction!