I'm still reeling over everything that happened in this book but this was phenomenal! Not only did it hit hard with some important discussions about toxic masculinity, the patriarchal society and sexism, but it had a thrilling plot and an engaging set of characters that I truly enjoyed reading about!

Zetian is so iconic not only because she stands up for herself and is constantly correcting her own learnings throughout the book but just because her arc is truly chaotic and i love that for me. The same goes for Yizhi and Shimin of course. I loved getting to know this powerhouse trio because it was just radiating iconic energy right from the beginning!

Up until the last 10% of the book I was sucked in and didn't want to put the book down! The very end felt a bit too rushed but it didn't affect my enjoyment of the book, especially like the two main events at the end fueled my soul! I do think this book should have expanded a bit more on the world because I didn't really understand the full background of it all, especially because it comes into play a bunch near the end. However, the majority of the story focuses on the three main characters and the discussions of trying to change you way of thought while navigating politics and media was just so well done it didn't really affect my rating in any way.

I would HIGHLY recommend this book to basically everyone! This was action packed and so fresh and addicting!

Looking for a book with giant robots, non-apologetic female leads, and a love triangle that's actually worth reading? You should check out Iron Widow. Zetian rocks her nation when she emerges from the cockpit of a Chrysalises, after killing one of the nation's most beloved pilots, earning her the name Iron Widow. From there the patriarchy continuously tries to put her back into her place, without much success.

The characters and their relationships were great. I loved the commentary on destiny, traditional gender roles, and bodily autonomy. There was a twist that I didn't expect, but loved and I cannot wait to read the next one.

This is probably going to be my favorite new Sci-Fi/Fantasy series of 2021!

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House Canada for providing me with an e-ARC of this brilliant novel. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

“You’ve been living a dream for long enough!” I yell at the cameras between bursts of maniacal laughter, raising my arms. “Welcome to your nightmare!”

- Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao. All the stars!!

You have no idea how much pain I'm in trying to concise my thoughts but I'll try my best.

I finished this book in 2 days and as a slow reader this means I spent all waking minutes trying to know what happens next. I was in the pool thinking "it's not worth it I should get out and read" but my sister didn't let me. You'd think I'd be satisfied once I'm finished but I still kept thinking about it all day.... how am I supposed to wait for book 2 when the first isn't even out yet?

~ "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."

I want to start talking about the characters like I always do but just thinking about them makes me emotional ㅠㅠ zestian was everything I'd ever want from a female mc in a sci-fi book she really set the standard yall. she could be best friends with rin from the poppy war! Idc it's cannon in my head. I loved how she wasn't made according to another unrealistic expectation of the female body, she even has a disability which she despises but knows to live with. The way she was written with clear motivations and zero care of what would happen to her if she pursued those motivations was a little bit too relatable and considering what she went through, made a lot of sense.
Then we have my baby yizhi istg this boy deserves the universe, exactly my type of unhinged cutie! He was so smart and gentle and careful and caring and so so selfless.
And then, siiiigh, I'm not sure if saying his name would be a spoiler so I won't say it but the other dude? AN ADORABLE CUTIE PIE! I want to put him in my pocket though I'd probably fit more in his irl lol. What this boy went through makes me want to squeeze him to death so that the last thing he knows is the peace and warmth and love that he deserves. He's also selfless if not a little lost and just a hard headed righteous boy who would do anything to protect people.

~ "Gao Qiu was right about one thing: there’s not a stratum of the world that doesn’t need girls. Maybe we’re 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 can literally go on but we're moving along. I want to highlight a few discussions in this book that i loved! There's domestic abuse, child abuse, misogyny, racism, a lot of discussion about right and wrong, morality, compliance, how far you'd go for justice, prison systems, social hiarchy, the value of women (my personal favourite), familial abuse, and the role of media.

I know that seems to be a lot to fit in one book and still be handled correctly, but it was perfect. The premise of the book made it entirely possible and I'm glad the author went for it.

~"Redemption story, they said? There will be no redemption. It is not me who is wrong. It’s everyone else."

Another bunch of random things I liked: the dystopian extravaganza, the sci-fi aspects of the mental realm and then the crysallysis and the way they can be transformed into different levels and how elements play a role in them, the plot twist at the end (I saw it coming but I see everything coming all the time), the polyarmory dynamic, the INSTRUCTOR! he's so funny! And the whole imagery the book gave me.


Tropes:
- enemies to lovers
- best friends to lovers
- "who hurt you" that goes three ways
- arranged marriage.... kinda
- woman in control
- taking care of sick partner

Trigger warnings!

graphic child abuse , domestic abuse , graphic torture , humiliation , alcoholism , addiction recovery , gaslighting.

**** I received this book as an e-arc through Netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts, thank you Netgalley and Penguin Teen! ****

I couldn't put this book down. Utterly bewildering. A bloodthirsty, raging, emotionally wrought young heroine who is constantly clashing with a world made to contain her. Two men that orbit her, one her guiding star, the other the pulsing sun that she can't look away from. This world is explosive, the mix of big ass spiritually powered robot battles and Chinese history and science fiction is so completely new and different than anything I've read, and Zetian is RUTHLESS. Absolutely unhinged, good for her!!! What a wild ride. I would LOOOOVE to see a screen adaptation of this because I need to see the Vermillion Bird in its wicked glory. Read this book!!

CW: suicidal thoughts, physical and emotional abuse, death, violence, slavery/ forced into battle, intense misogyny

Iron Widow 🦊

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

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Random House Canada, Penguin Teen for the digital arc in exchange for my honest review.

No spoiler review 👇🏻

Wow, this book was absolutely amazing!!!

This book is a Sci fi YA book with dystopian vibes.
This book is described as “pacific rim meets the handmaid's tale in this fictional reimagining of China's only female emperor”. Which I feel like is the perfect description for this book.

This is a debut novel, and first in a series. This book was so well written and kept me so entertained throughout. I loved the author's note at the beginning of this book, it was so heartfelt. I also enjoyed learning some of the Chinese history around the inspiration for this book!

This story is about war between humans and an alien race. In order to protect people, military warriors connect inside these huge metal warrior machines (pacific rim like). In order to power these machines they require a woman concubine who is also connected and usually dies as a result. The play/description of Ying and Yang in this was a cool concept as well. It’s considered a great honour for girls to sign up to be concubines, in a society that views girls as less than boys. I don’t want to reveal too much because it’s so cool reading and learning about all of this in the book!!

Our main character is Wu Zetian. She's a badass who wants to smash the patriarchy and get vengeance for all the girls that end up dead from being concubines. She decides to become a concubine for the army to accomplish this, however soon discovers how powerful she is. While in the army she finds allies who also want to stop seeing the sacrifice of girls. Our main character is fueled by revenge and vengeance. There is so much action in this book it was so entertaining!

Plus a bit of romance and a “love triangle” in a way you wouldn’t expect…..that’s all I’m going to say on that 😉

I highly recommend this book, if you are looking for an action packed YA Sci-fi fantasy read, with a bit of romance, with diverse and badass characters I highly suggest picking this one up!

Also I need book two now please

Trigger warnings I noticed, please check before reading as this is a pretty intense book:
Gore, sexual abuse, domestic abuse. Death, tourture, violence, sexism, forced body mutilation, war, PTSD.

So this review is going to be scattered, because Iron Widow absolutely ruined my ability to summarize anything and has just left me shouting: OH MY GOSH YOU HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK!

Let’s give this a try:

With a tagline like ‘Pacific Rim meets the Handmaid’s Tale,’ you know you’re in for a story. Iron Widow meets the expectations of this tag line and then BLOWS IT OUT OF THE FREAKING WATER.

Zetian, our heroine, is full of rage that fuels her every calculated decision. Her drive is shameless, fearless, and it is ravenous and she refuses to let anything, even her own body’s limits get in her way. Beside her are not one, but two complex and fascinating young men who both stand uniquely on their own, but then also form my favourite love triangle style of all time - a poly love triangle!!

Also, the imagery is absolutely outstanding, so much thought about meanings are put into these pages, but also Zhao knows when they just want to keep things absolutely freaking epic and it just makes this whole book unputdownable! I can so very easily see this becoming an animated feature or series - please, can we get one? I would be so very over the moon!

This book will make you angry, this book will make you question your views - it demands your attention and holds it to the last page. To put it simply: I am in love with this book.

And can we talk about this cover??? This cover is a WORK OF ART.

I can’t wait for the world to get their hands on this book! Iron Widow, Zetian, and Xiran Jay Zhao are going to make so many waves and I can’t wait to see it!

(I will add though, - part of me wishes we could have gotten to see the 18+ version of this story. This story does exactly what it wants and needs to for the YA age range, but I can only just imagine the fearless gut punches this story and author could have delivered?? One can dream!)
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Content‌ ‌warnings‌ ‌for‌ sexual assault, misogny, murder, torture, addiction, suicidal thoughts, & death
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*Thank‌ ‌you‌ Penguin Random House Canada, Penguin Teen, ‌and‌ ‌NetGalley‌ ‌for‌ ‌the‌ ‌ARC in exchange for my honest review*

Iron Widow is described as "Pacific Rim meets The Handsmaid's Tale" and those influences are evidently apparent. As a lover of anime and video games, I was sold solely on the premise of giant mechs fighting each other. The premise is super unique, and it works really well. I love how it has the same warnings as a Handmaid's Tale only told in a fresh, new way. Every time a battle began, I almost felt the adrenaline start to burn along with the main characters. The chapters are quick, and the pacing is good. Which lends itself well to the plot and world.

That being said, for me personally, this felt a little too traditionally YA for me. Anyone who reads the genre will see the familiar character tropes and story arcs. It's done well, but with such a great premise, I was hoping for a little more from the characters and the world-building. That being said, I did appreciate the fresh take on the fan-favorite love triangle. If you're looking for some quick sci-fi in between reads, Iron Widow is a great choice!

HOLY this book was SO fun. I don't think I've had this much fun reading in a really long time. Mecha Wu Zetian (a real life Chinese empress) in a re-imagined history was such a weird combo, but it worked in all the best ways possible. Props to the author for creating such a magical world. I loved the fast-paced, action-packed, story. The characters are so great in their own right. Zetian's' re-imaging is so badass too, which is fitting of her real life story. I personally also love that the romance didn't have a lot of back and forth (this usually drives me crazy). I appreciated how well balanced the relationship between the MCs have been. Anyways, I loved it. It's a perfectly fun and exciting read. 10/10 would recommend!

Thank you to Penguin Random House for providing me with an ARC of this book!

-5 stars-

I thought that this book was absolutely phenomenal. I beg everyone to read it because it is such a desired experience I was looking for in the YA genre. Whenever I had the thoughts of “Ugh, I wish the main character would just do this instead of what’s ‘the right thing to do,’ but they won’t because that’s just not how YA books go,” THEY DID IT. The way that sexism is handled in this book is so well done compared to what I feel like a lot of YA fantasy books deal with when fighting against some sort of patriarchy. A lot of books put on a facade that the main character is a strong woman and fighting sexism, but the more you look into it, the more surface level it appears. With this book, you see the main character develop as she unlearns the sexist gender roles ingrained in her mind by her family in order to succeed and bring justice to Huaxia.
This book follows Zetian, a girl whose family is going to sell her to the war effort to receive a monetary reward. Enlistment is a nearly certain death sentence because they are forced to co-pilot a mech-like giant animal thing called a chrysalis. These are powered by qi where the male pilot is much stronger than women resulting in their deaths. Zetian is determined to get revenge on the pilot responsible for her big sister’s death, but to do that, she has to survive a battle she is fully expected to die in. When she manages her revenge, she is named an Iron Widow and is paired with the most powerful pilot in the army, the Iron Demon, who is responsible for the murder of his own family.
I have to mention that this book also has bisexual and polyamorous representation. Polyamorous relationships are something I feel is almost never represented in the fantasy genre, and especially in YA fantasy. I was so happy to see that actually represented in this novel rather than getting my hopes up and then making it a love triangle or something.
There is also a plot twist at the end that will leave you hooked and ready for the next book. Sadly now I have to wait a super long time for the second book because the first one isn’t even out yet ahhhh. As evidence of how good I found this book, within seconds of finishing it, I went and impulse pre-ordered a physical copy. I genuinely have no criticisms about this book. Everything felt well-rounded and meaningful as well as being fast-paced and attention-grabbing.

I don't even know where to start with this review. This story sucked me right in and did not let go until the very end. This story is simple and complex all at the same time. We meet a young woman willing to sacrifice herself in order to avenge her sister's death but I think it' was also a way for her to show the other young women a way to rebel. To throw the patriarchy for a loop.

Zetian also has two love interests in this book. Which some people may not be comfortable with but wasn't a problem for me. I actually loved that having a third partner in their relationship gave the pilots a way to bridge their bond and strengthen it.

Check out the author's website for artwork inspired by the characters. My favorite is Shimin with his wings cupping Zetian's face.

Eighteen-year-old Zetian has a plan. She plans to volunteer to be a concubine-pilot to the very man responsible for her sister's death. She's chosen by him and almost immediately she gets her vengeance. She killed him through the psychic link they share through the Chrysalis. and somehow emerges unscathed. Now she is known as the Iron Widow.

Her strength leaves the army strategists and sages unnerved. So she is paired with Li Shimin, the strongest and most controversial male pilot. She has no plans to cower to her new pilot or the men in charge. In fact, she wants to find a way to stop more girls from being sacrificed.

Thank you so much to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC to review.

3.5 stars
The concept of this book is so cool. Mecha pilots and Chinese history?! Yes, please! I love so many aspects of this book because they were just different from other books. I appreciate the feminist themes of breaking free from an oppressive system and creating a true love triangle where all three person are involved romantically with each other. And of course the mecha robots being controlled via yin and yang qi is epic!

There are, however, two bigger problems I had with the book. First is the world-building. While some aspects are epic, there are a lot of aspects that come across as confusing or unexplained. The story rushes from event to event and there isn’t a lot of explanation of how the Chrysalis and Hunduns work or why they’re fighting in the first place. I wouldn’t have cared that much except the ending throws a huge wrench in the story and I felt completely blindsided by it because I had no idea what was going on. Some elements had been briefly mentioned before the end, but it wasn’t given near enough attention for that kind of twist.

Second, as much as I admire the themes of taking down the patriarchy and identifying a woman’s true worth, I’m not on board with the way the protagonist, Zentian, handles a lot of her reactions. I understand seeking revenge is the focal point for the plot, but at times, she goes a step too far and it didn’t sit well with me. Even the ending didn’t give room for Zentian’s character to become more likeable or to show her growth over the course of the book. She also goes on and on about supporting women throughout the novel and then all her relationships with other female characters are steeped in girl hate. It’s definitely a bold choice to have a protagonist that leans more toward a villain arc than the typical hero arc, but I’m not sure what kind of message that is trying to get across to readers.

Despite these issues, I would still recommend this book to fans of Pacific Rim or readers wanting more stories focused on gender roles and taking down the patriarchy with queer and Asian representation.

I found the very concept of this fascinating - a Pacific Rim style concept (two drivers, one mech), combined with a bit of Evangelion-esque biological horror once we see the mech in action, and the use of meridians and qi, concepts found in Chinese mythology/fantasy stories. All of that, combined with a very strong condemnation of a style of patriarchy most usually depicted in historical Chinese dramas (concubinage, the low status of women, footbinding), some Hunger Games style condemnation of the haves vs the have nots all set in story that is a very loose adaptation of the life of Wu Zetian, the woman to declared herself Emperor in Tang Dynasty China happening in a post-apocalyptic world where mechs are fighting aliens.

Just by reading this very loose summary you can tell that there is a lot happening in this book. It's wild, loud, inventive and goes in a lot of unexpected directions, with a final reveal that has you very curious about what will happen next. I don't know if the style is quite to my taste, but it was definitely a fresh new voice which I appreciated reading this story I don't know very well.

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Teen for an advanced copy of this to review! This was one of my most anticipated fall releases, and I am so glad to say that it lived up to the hype. I absolutely loved this book, and can't wait until my physical copy arrives in the mail!

Right from the beginning, Zhao isn't afraid to shy away from difficult topics. A lot of the points that Zetian makes about feminism and the way society treats girls can apply to our society as well. Zhao also drew on a lot of Chinese history for this book; you can tell in the world building and all the small details that she includes. I was fascinated by this world, with the mix of technology and history.

And the characters! Zetian doesn't take no for an answer, and is willing to do what it takes to bring equality to the world. Also there's a polyamorous relationship! Instead of having a love triangle, basically they all fall in love with each other. It feels so natural in the way this world is built, and each of the characters brings something different to the relationship. Wu Zetian, Li Shimin, and Gao Yizhi have great chemistry, and I want to see more from all three of them in the future!

There are so many layers to this story, and it's one that I can't wait to dive into again. I'm sure there are things I missed the first time around, and will definitely have to catch them in a second read!

**Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House Canada/Penguin Teen for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. This in no way changed my rating**

About a year ago, I stumbled across a YouTube video in which the creator was explaining all of the cultural missteps that went into making Disney's remake of Mulan. The creator of that video was entertaining and smart and was able to concisely and clearly explain her point of view. When she mentioned at the end of the video that she had a book coming out, I added it to Goodreads. Of course, that book ended up being Xiran Jay Zhao's Iron Widow and I was so happy when I saw it on NetGalley!

This book is exactly what I want from a Sci-Fi/Fantasy novel. I am shocked this is a debut novel and cannot wait to see more of Zhao's work if her first go-around is this high quality. The characters are all well-rounded, but the heroine is unapologetically feminist and willing to go to whatever lengths to meet her goals. I love to see an ambitious woman who isn't going to bow down to society because they tell her to. Wu Zetian is a badass and I hope there will be more like her in the years to come.

I also enjoyed that this was a true love triangle and not one where the girl has to make a decision between the two boys. I've never seen a polyamorous relationship in any novel, so that was an interesting twist. The two boys in question are a tough looking cinnamon roll and a cinnamon roll looking baddie, which I'm here for! The subversion of expectations is a big thing in this book and I liked that it kept me on my toes.

As for the plot, it was giving me major Full Metal Panic! vibes or Transformers/Power Rangers vibes (without the 80s cheesiness) mixed with a little bit of the Hunger Games and The Grace Year or The Handmaid's Tale. The world building was great. The description of the mechas (called Chrysallises here), how they work, how qi works, how it's measured, how the types express themselves physically and the diagram of traits and which power is strong or weak against another show how well thought out and planned this book is. It was incredibly well executed and explained so that the reader is immersed early on and not having to constantly question what's happening. I loved it. I am SO glad there's a sequel to this book because I want to spend more time in Zhao's world with Zetian and her friends.

Obviously, this is a 5/5 stars. It is very likely going to make my top 3 books of this year. It was Sci-Fi/Fantasy perfection. Go preorder it now!

This story about Zetian, a poor girl who becomes a mecha pilot was terrific. The setting is another planet; the humans are constantly at war with another species, the Hunduns. The humans have created Chrysalises, giant mecha that are powered by a young woman’s qi and piloted by a young man. The problem with this arrangement is that the young women, known as concubine pilots, are often drained of their qi in battle and killed. This is not a problem for the government or the population, as women are seen as expendable, stupid, meek, and born to be used by men.
A large number of women are fooled into becoming concubine pilots, and main character Zetian’s elder sister was a victim of this setup. Zetian vows revenge on the responsible pilot, and joins the program, and almost immediately is thrust into battle in a Chrysalis with the pilot.
Emerging triumphant from her Chrysalis and her first battle, her dead pilot in her arms, Zetian is thrilled to have achieved her revenge.
The higher ups aren’t so thrilled, as Zetian isn’t the meek little creature they need her to be, and consequently, she’s assigned to the pilot Li Shimin, a convict.
At the same time, the young man who befriended her before she left her village to become a concubine pilot, Yizhi, renters her life, and becomes entangled with the training and politics of the pilot program, as well as Zetian’s and Li Shimin’s lives.

How Zetian and Li work through the many government and pilot program lies, and their own preconceptions, biases and hatreds is wonderful. Equally wonderful is how Zetian and her friend Yizhi grow closer, even as Yizhi and Li Shimin grow closer also. The characters make tentative, believable moves towards trusting each other, and the author draws a nice balance amongst the trio, resulting in a lovely respect, warmth, support and attraction grows amongst them.
The misogyny is thick throughout every interaction Zetian has with the other pilots and the program trainers and heads; almost all the men Zetian encounters are different gradations of horrible, but thank goodness for the two lovely guys she trains and fights with: Yizhi and Li Shimin.
The story ends with some pretty big revelations and damn! I have to know what happens next!
If I had to summarize this story, I'd have to say this: it's ferocious, furious and fantastic!
4.5 stars.

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House Canada for this ARC in exchange for a review.

IRON WIDOW by Xiran Jay Zhao is one of my favorite books of this year. The representation in this series starter is off the charts from polyamory to a diverse cast and the lush history interwoven.

Wu Zeitan is one fierce and formidable protagonist who I was rooting for the entire time. Growing up in an unjust society that favors women less and uses girls as an energy drain for the male pilots, Zeitan’s push against the status quo with her larger-than-life personality and take-no-bullshit attitude is at once refreshing and thought-provoking.

There was never a slow moment in this book and I was flipping the pages as fast I could, devouring Zhao’s words. I wish I had this book as a teen it would have been life-changing and empowering and I know that teens today are going to find Zeitan and Shimin memorable characters that they will follow to the very last page.

Zhao has a lifelong reader in me.

I'll admit to being biased: You really had me at "Pacific Rim." This is the first time I've ever read a mecha novel (though I understand more exist) and wow, this blew me away. I adored the protagonist, who was driven and feral, and her relationship with the two very different men in her life who are, understandably, in awe of her. This also might be the first polyamorous novel I've ever read, and I think it pulled it off wonderfully. The last minute twist at the end was so exciting, and I'm terribly eager to read the next installment in the duology.

Iron Widow is a captivating debut from Xiran Jay Zhao. I starting following Zhao after her insightful tweets about the live-action Mulan movie, finding her both knowledgeable and insightful. Her first book did not disappoint. Zhao creates a full and immersive world. It's a page-turner from start to finish. I can't wait to see Zhao writes next.

My co-host wrote a more in-depth review on our blog: https://thegeekywaffle.com/home/2021/7/27/book-review-iron-widow-weaves-disparate-concepts-together-to-form-a-compelling-whole

This was feminist fantasy at it's best. A totally unique and exciting story that hooked you from the very first page. Zhao weaves an intricate tale full of history and myth mixed with a heaping dose of sci-fi trills. Wu Zetian was so morally gray and yet highly relatable. The author does a fantastic job of dropping feminist truths that will resonate with so many women. I’m ready for more.

This is my favorite book. Full stop.

When someone asks me that fateful question, I will now have an answer: "Iron Widow" by Xiran Jay Zhao, which I read in less than 12 hours because I simply could not put it down.

Described as "The Handmaid's Tale" meets "Pacific Rim," this book meets every expectation and then exceeds them. Queer and feminist, this book rages against anyone and anything that has ever told you that you don't belong because of who you are.

Each page is filled with the quick wit of our main character, Zetian, which also barely disguises the fury she feels. It was liberating to read a female who had a chance to be powerful, strong, and feminine all at once — and at times, for her to question her femininity, and what that difference between "male" and "female" really is.

Not to mention our two leading men, who are both beautifully summed up by Zetian as "my sweet boy, my killer boy." No apologies are ever made for the way they are or how they live outside society's expectations. In short, Zhao's characterizations are perfect.

Drawing from Chinese traditions, Zhao creates one of the most fascinating Sci-Fi's I've ever read, mixing qi magic, science, and secrets in an intoxicating setting. I won't go too deeply into the lore, but every morsel Zhao gives the readers just makes this world more intriguing.

If you want a read that will keep you on the edge of your seat, laughing at dialogue and chapter titles, and crying, "Iron Widow" should be at the top of your TBR. And yes, it will make you audibly gasp out loud — SEVERAL times. Iykyk.

I will be immediately buying this book upon my release and then will continue to scream about it probably the next two hundred years.