4/5

In Huaxia, while boys dream of piloting Chrysalises, the girls dream of an escape from the nightmare that comes with copiloting the transforming robots. Used as little more than energy sources in the fight against the alien forces at the Great Wall, they are tools in the hands of the men who discard them with no regard. When her sister is killed at the hands of a pilot, Zetian takes on the role she has feared for most of her life in order to enact her revenge. In offering herself up, she is immediately thrown into battle at the side of her sister's killer, but in the aftermath, Zetian emerges having overpowered her copilot psychologically and is dubbed the Iron Widow — A female pilot who can overcome her male counterparts. As punishment, Zetian is paired up with Li Shimin, the most ruthless pilot who is sure to harness her unruly strength. Instead, the two form an inseparable bond and set out to leverage their combined power to fight the rules holding the pilot system together and stop the unnecessary sacrifice of young girls.

Iron Widow is a masterful fantasy debut accurately likened to The Handmaid's Tale and Pacific Rim. With an exemplary nod to Wu Zetian, the only female emperor in Chinese history, Jay Zhao crafts an artful representation of female rage that sinks in deeper than any blade. The intertwined elements of historical China with fantasy and science fiction was an ambitious order to fill, but one that Iron Widow accomplished ingeniously. An epic cross of genres creating the brutal revenge narrative of my dreams. While all of the science fiction elements present throughout held my attention, I found the pilot program and the war driving the central conflict particularly interesting to follow. There were so many moving pieces of history and mythology at play within the story, making for an intricate window into this fantasy world. Enough to satisfy just about any SFF reader. Although there was quite a bit of information piled up at the beginning of the novel, after climbing that initial info-dump hurdle the rest of the story flew by relatively quickly. Despite that, what stands out about this debut, is the unique relationships explored within. Specifically, the polyamorous relationship between Zetian, Shimin, and Yizhi which completely outsold the entire book for me. Even though I can say I would have loved more relationship development between these three characters, overall it worked within the parameters of the novel and its scope. Iron Widow promised a ruthless woman with a vendetta at the center of a polyamorous relationship and wholeheartedly delivered. Main character Zetian was a calculating and powerful force to be reckoned with. Along with the addition of an epilogue that completely threw me you can absolutely count me in to be keeping up with this series in the coming year.

there are few books who had me from the very beginning like iron widow did. based on the synopsis, i had very high expectations for this book, and it truly did not disappoint! i loved everything about it, from the world-building to the characters to the plot. the combination of historical fiction with dystopian science fiction was phenomenal. zetian was my favourite character, but i loved shimin and yinzhi so much too, and the polyamorous relationship felt very organic, with a natural progression that had me breaking down over all the little moments.

i'm running out of words to say how much i loved this book. it was an excellent debut with an explosive ending and i'm highly anticipating the sequel!

I've read a few Asian inspired retellings lately, and I NEED MORE. I realized how much I enjoy these types of stories even when I have no idea what the original story is. This one was so good, so fresh, and I just need more of it.

LOVED this. Iron Widow is angry and smart, and I was there for every second of it. I’ve been telling everyone about this one.

This book of finaminal! This is the kind of book I would have reached for and loved at 16-18 years old. The kind of book i would have stayed up late for and well into the early morning for. It touches a very hard topic that a lot of people don’t want to talk about and want to leave in the past but I can tell you that at 16-18 maybe even 15, I wanted to learn hard topics like this. I wanted to know the truth and know that the world wasn’t this perfect place the adults made it out to be.

I related to our main character Zetian in many ways, my childhood was wrapped in tradition and how things where done in a certain why because it was cultural to do so. And it was infuriating and it still is! I was so pulled into this story and the characters! First her drive to avenge her big sister. That is me a thousand percent. Don’t mess with my sister I will hunt you down. And two how quickly the story picked up, I could not put this book down.

Reading further into the book, I was so wrapped up into the representation and the openness this writer took on. I could not have enjoyed this story more! It was dark and emotional but strong and it made me feel all the feelings. It also had me thinking of all the wrongness we still experience in our world today.

This book took me on a war and left me heart broken yet wanting to fight the fight even harder through all the pain! I was Zetian, I felt her life!

And I have to mention this because nostalgia, all the anime flash backs and memories through out this book that it brought back for me… this book has made it to my top best books of 2021! This book deserves more hype because damn for me, it was THAT GOOD! I am obsessed.

This book is AMAZING and I recommend everyone read it to get their fill of female RAGE and DESTRUCTION. This book touches on topics of gender, sexuality, Chinese traditions and customs, beauty standards, oppression of women, and so much more. All in a world of giant Mechas inspired by mythology. It's such a wild and fun read but also tense and challenging

Iron Widow is an incredible journey of a read of a mecha world with a resilient and equally incredible protagonist, Zetian. Amid of evil government and misogynistic society she strived to take a revenge for her sisters and be the majestic Iron Widow. I like the canon romantic poly relationship in this book, such a breath of a fresh air for young adult community.

Xiran Jay Zhao has succeeded in making a unique and unforgettable story with Iron Widow. A flawless tale filled with adventure, blood, friendship, love, action, and everything else that's good, Iron Widow will be remembered for a long time.

WOW! Give me more please, Xiran Jay Zhao. The author blew this out of the water, and I'm still sitting here speechless and attempting to write a somewhat cohesive review. I don't usually re-read books, but I can see myself re-reading this one. I read the eArc all the way through, then still ordered two hardcover editions for myself. Definitely in my top 10 books of the year.

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

A strong debut.

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

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

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

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

4.5 Stars

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

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

Thank you Negalley and Publisher for the ARC.

Wow. This was a ride.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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