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!

*disclaimer I finished reading this book back in December of 2021. Why I took so long to review this book? I don’t know. It is appalling how long I’ve waited to write this. However I’m here now and I’m going to write this the best I can. Thank you for your understanding*

With the consideration of the fact that I read this so long ago, the fact that I remember so much of this book speaks volumes to how good it is. I remember Zetian being such a strong character who rebelled fiercely against the ways of being that Huaxia puts into place. She is strong willed and defiant and I loved her for it.

I loved the way that mechs worked in such a unique fashion with a forced power dynamic between men and woman’s qi where one can overpower and sacrifice another in order to power the mechs. It’s brutal and Zetian is out for revenge after her sister was killed and sacrificed by a male pilot in a mech battle.

Zetian learns how far she can push and how she can stay true to herself even when she’s pushed into a corner. What I love most about this book is Zetian is a strong woman who continually is herself. In love, in a battle, in a situation where she was forced and taken advantage of, in her own home with her family, and in her relationships. I loved to see her and the boys all fall in love. To have a true love triangle where everyone fell for one another. It was awesome.

Even in a society that had very strict rules about how things should be, each of them defiantly chose to be themselves and that is a very powerful thing. They are all strong and irreverent to the rules put before them and they shined all the more for it. Differences should be celebrated not tamed. I loved how this book shows that.

All in All: If you haven’t read Iron Widow yet, what are you doing? I may have waited way too long to write this review, but the impact this book has had on me is forever.

Um, YES! This book was incredible. It sucked me in and left me wishing it never had to end! The storyline is incredibly unique and the worldbuilding is so well done. I never felt lost or confused, just excited to read more! I also adored the addition of polyamory instead of basic love triangles,

To finally have An actual love triangle is incredible! Also lets hear
It for badass women! Zetian is truly a morally grey character that
Has the ability to change the world. The fierce plot and imagery
Was incredible, however I did feel like because of that, the relationships
Lacked any type of dynamic. Most Of it, with the exceptions of a couple scenes,
Are moment the reader has to assume happened. We didn’t actually
Experience and see the trio get closer. Its definitely a plot and description heavy book.
Overall, I would definitely reccommend for anyone that truly wants a badass sci-if retelling.

I love angry women - they make me so happy. Fighting for their rights, against traditional misconceptions like girls are weaker than boys. I love Zetian utter resolve to die avenging Big Sister - killed months earlier by a popular Chrysalis pilot. Her drive to finally own her self - her body, her life, her existence. Do what she wants - releasing herself from the guilt and power of her family.
Easily could be read in one sitting. Just fantastic and well done.

One of the best books I've read. The worldbuilding was so well done and immaculate, This history was rich and I wanted to learn more. The characters were my favorite aspect about this. I love a good villain/anti-hero story and this definitely hit the spot. The main character is a powerful woman who takes nothing from anyone and paves her own way regardless of the cost.

The beginning was very slow for me. Once the battle scenes got started the story really kicked into gear for me.

Iron Widow emphasizes how the patriarchy rules society. This message is stated strongly many times - too many. I felt like I was being preached to when I am on the mountain top too. I understand that this is the source of Zetian’s anger and power, but it is plainly laid out in great detail at the beginning so I don’t think the overabundance of the message needed to be stated for each incident.

The action scenes are great and descriptive. I love the transformation sequences. The planning while battling is fun. The author does a great job with the tension.

The love stories between Zetian and Yizhi, Zetian and Li, and Li and Yizhi are good. They don’t drown out the action of the story or Zetian’s journey. Her focus is not on love, but on battle so I’m glad that the author doesn’t let her get distracted.

Xiran Jay Zhao deals with many difficult issues in Iron Widow. Zhao includes sexual assault, human trafficking, alcohol addiction, familial abuse, torture, and suicidal ideation. None of these are easy topics to discuss and Zhao does not hold back. Nor does the author drown us in details. I say this, but this story is long. I found my attention drifting many times and wishing the ending would just come already.

Iron Widow is a great action science fiction story. The message is great. The story is just a bit longer than I prefer.

I am always for all the girls, even their wrongs. Support all of their decisions no matter. Everyone always deserve what's coming. And I can't wait for the next book in the series. And I am more than ready for the messiness after the cliffhanger. You should be ready as well.

After ending this book, it was very difficult to start with a new one. Do you know the feeling when you are absolutely thrilled about a book and do not want it to end because everything else would feel boring? Yep. This is exactly how I felt. Sometimes I am a bit cautious when it comes to world building in fantasy novels because after long working hours, I can't focus on complex world buildings. In this case, it was easy for me to understand the rules and hierarchy of the new world. I loved the combination of Chinese mythology and a dystopia and how realistic the author described scenes, for example how Zetian got lotus feet against her will. I almost felt the pain myself.
The writing style is really fast, chapters are short- ideal for me! I also liked the love triangle- the triangle being the strongest form. The author uses traditional habits and clothing, but mixes it with very modern, progressive thoughts of Zetian. It's a masterpiece how the author told the steady rise of a poor country girl to the first female emperor. Can't wait to read the sequel!

I highly recommend this gem of a book, one of my personal book highlights of this year.

This mecha-filled, vicious book is an incredible debut and Xiran deserves every penny and ounce of recognition they get (and more) for this debut. I can't wait for the sequel!!

The gorgeous colors of this cover drew my attention immediately, and a description of a story of a Chinese emperor had me hooked.

Zu Wetian, living in a society where monsters roam and that believes women are inferior in every way, has only one goal in her life. To murder the mech pilot who killed her sister. But then she begins to learn more about the mechs, the pilots, and everything surrounding them, her goals begin to grow.

Everything about this was intriguing but I was left wanting so much more from this story. It just felt that the pace was breakneck, and nothing was given the chance to breathe. We didn't get the depth to the relationship. And the world building felt very shallow. The fight scenes were epic, and Wu Zetian's emotions were powerful enough to sweep me along, but I wanted to see more of everything.

And I wanted to give this story credit for a unique way of dealing with a love triangle, but what happens afterward sours me on the whole thing. And we are left with a blatant sequel hook.

There were enough bits and pieces to intrigue me, and I really vibed with Wu Zetian's rage, so that I'll be on the lookout for the sequel, but I'll wait for some reviews to come out first.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for this ARC!