“Iron Widow” was a fascinating depiction by Xiran Jay Zhao of a world where traditional beliefs of a society place males first and dominant and females as subservient and weak. A world where war is being fought against mecha aliens while televised like a show. A war where male pilots with their female concubine partner power mechanical Chrysalises made from the husks of the dead aliens. A war where the females are more than likely to die each time the alarms call the pilots to action.
The young heroine, Wu, has decide to take revenge on the pilot who “killed” her beloved big sister, but discovers something more tantalizing than the revenge she wanted so badly that will make her want more of. She will learn trusting the good is not always the right choice. Loving and caring for others lead to heartache and pain. That to right the wrongs of the society she lives in she may have to bend her own beliefs to accomplish it.
The novel was a very good read with evenly paced action.

4.4 stars! absolutely amazing how the main romance consists of the unhinged chaotic angry, the 'lawful' romantic, and the won't-hesitate-to-throw-a-punch nerdy neutral. thank you netgalley for providing me with an arc!

this novel takes you on an electrifying, bold ride as if you're the one controlling a chrysalises, ferocious power and energizing spirit in every move you make. it's thrilling to me how this is inspired by darling in the franxx, a science fiction, romantic anime that explores gender, sexuality, and adolescence. it's also riveting how zetian is a re-imagined empress wu, the only female emperor in chinese history. her unforgiving calculation, her resolved determination comes alive off the page with every angry, unflinching move she makes constantly driving the story forward. xiran jay zhao really did her unbreakable character justice.

zetian, shimin, and yizhi's budding polyamorous relationship was a delight to behold, making me squeal and cackle in every scene they're in together. they're all so precious??? i love how different they all are from one another, yet they value and treasure each other's differences. the power they hold in my mind. also, maybe i'm just a whore but it's a crime how this is a YA. because seeing the fanart of shimin? phew zetian is one lucky bitch because wow. holy shit. do yourself a favor and check out the fanart!

the only critique i have is the pacing near the third half of the book, which was fast-paced for sure, but to the point where it missed a couple of important details that made me think "wait, what about — " but then we were already moving on to the next thing. the pace then wasn't exhilarating but more hurried. it didn't leave me breathless with awe; it was more suffocating than anything. there were times when certain, impactful scenes didn't hit as hard because the build-up was messy or wasn't there at all. but the third half of the book was mixed with these feelings and the whoa holy shit holy shit this is crazy, so there were really astounding moments that i loved in the third half too. i just wish the pacing was more balanced and fleshed out.

overall, this book just wants you to enjoy yourself. don't go into this thinking it'll be a grim science fiction novel with heavy, complex political intrigue and roaring, battlefield angst (this is a YA novel). it's more bold and adventurous than anything, a rollercoaster ride of that hysterical feeling of thinking you're going to die and the burning rage of systematic injustice. i gasped, giggled, hissed "what the fuck", and laughed so much while reading this book that i urge you to read it when it comes out because it's such an enjoyment to experience. happy reading!

Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Wow, this was WILD! I really enjoyed this book. The world it was written in was really unique, and the three main characters were great. Zetian is ruthless in the best possible way. I really appreciate that it had such a great polyamorous relationship, and the commentary about gender inequality was really well done and so very relevant. I found myself giggling uncontrollable at so many parts because the characters and twists it took were just so wild. And that TWIST at the end of the story, such a cliffhanger, I can't wait for the sequel!

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<p>Review copy provided by the publisher.</p>
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<p>Do you want a retelling of the story of Empress Wu as a teenage mecha pilot? because that's what this is. It is a retelling of the story of Empress Wu as a teenage mecha pilot.</p>
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<p>Do you need more information than that? <em>Okay but WHY though</em>. SIGH. FINE. It is an utterly ferocious flail against institutional sexism, "a triangle is the strongest shape" comes up in context, the Four Symbols get mecha forms, and there are aliens for the mecha to fight in dramatic battles. But really: Empress Wu as teenage mecha pilot, that's the sort of pitch that sorts out the people who want it from the people who don't pretty fast.</p>
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<p>(I am a people who do.)</p>
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<p>It makes me sad and angry that Zhao needed an author's note saying that the institutional sexism examples in this book were Chinese because that's the culture they were drawing on in this case not because Wow Those Sexist Chinese Good Thing No One <em>Else</em> Has Institutional Sexism. They were absolutely right that they <em>did</em> need that author's note, because people absolutely <em>would</em> make that inference, and by "people" I mean "a certain subset of racist white people unfortunately too large to ignore." I wanted to stand whitely next to them and make mean faces at anyone who did make that inference. Institutional sexism: it's not just for one culture! It should be for no cultures, but here we are! In any case: if you can't cope with portrayals of institutional sexism at the moment, put this aside until you can, but if you want to watch Wu Zetian absolutely trouncing the sexists, with help from lovely people of various genders, on with the show, here's <em>Iron Widow</em>.</p>
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How do I even begin to describe this story? I'm not sure words would do it justice, but I enjoyed every moment and I cannot emphasize. that enough. The world-building is intense, and I had to start out writing little notes for myself because of unfamiliar terms, but what fantasy book doesn't have the same process? It was probably a little easier for me because I grew up reading and watching xianxia, but it's not difficult to follow because the author is thorough in her explanations, it's just a little overwhelming at the beginning. I also want to emphasize that this is most definitely not a historical fantasy, but a sci-fi story with Chinese cultural and historical elements implemented into the worldbuilding. There is a lot for me to talk about, yet none are spoiler-free so I'd at least like to say that one of the things I loved about the story (other than the large fighting mechas) was the love "triangle" because the setup to it was perfection, and we all needed the polyamorous representation without the explicits. Although, my favorite aspect of the story is our female protagonist, Wu Zetian, who stays unapologetic while fighting her way through the patriarchal system, yet also trying to dismantle said system by the roots to prevent future female subjugation. You'll cheer for her the entire way, trust me.

This book was quite the ride. I am beginning to really enjoy sci-fi/fantasy with real world history entwined into it. Iron Widow incorporates elements of the first and only female emperor of China. In this world there are enemies called Hunduns where select people must fight against, by pairing a male and female together to pilot a kind of “power ranger” like machine. Though in this case it is more detrimental to the pilots as it feeds off their literal energy or qi in this case. Women are seen as less in this world and often die in battles. Our main character loses a sister to this very cause and gets herself selected to exact revenge. Her plans eventually grew much larger from there…

Characters (9.5/10): I tend to be quite picky with my female leads, but I have to say, Wu Zetian is awesome. She does not take crap from anybody. She is ruthless, intelligent, and ambitious, and I love it. Her relationship with the other two main characters is really enjoyable to read. Yizhi is wonderful and kind. His level headedness is a great buffer to our other two in this trio. Shimin is an interesting character. He is introduced as some kind of bloodthirsty murderer, so it was great to get more of a backstory and discover how much truth there is to this first impression. The side characters were memorable as well and each had distinct personalities and goals.

Plot (10/10): The plot starts out as a simple revenge story, but quickly descends into something much larger. I really loved how this story progressed and the themes it covered. Throw in some betrayal and political intrigue and you have got quite the thriller. It is always fun to read about women who fight against those that oppress them.

World (8/10): In this first book we got a nice picture of the class and gender structure. I do like the addition of the footbinding. It is neat to see history mixed with sci fi/fantasy. The author did a great job at using footbinding in women, amongst other things to portray the gender imbalances in this world and how the men see themselves as superior. One character even mentions how it is fine for women to sacrifice themselves but that would never be expected of the male pilot. I am sure in the next book we will see even more worldbuilding. The last few chapters gave us a little snippet of what is still to come.

Magic (9/10): At first look the “magic” seems to have similarities to others. You have the spiritual type of energy known as qi and everyone has an element they have more affinity to. But I really liked how the author took that style of energy/magic and incorporated it into the characters using it to pilot these giant animalistic machines. I do not recall reading anything like that before. It seems like a “magic” you would see more in movies or anime, but the author did it quite well.

Writing (8.5/10): I thought the writing was really great. I did find some of the battles a bit hard to follow, and with all the stuff going on inside the characters mind. Then again, I find battles/fights often hard to follow even in other books, so this may just be me.

Entertainment (9/10): I was kept thoroughly entertained. I did not find any lulls in the narrative. Action or intriguing dialogue was always taking place. The character interactions were great, the twists were great, and the politics were great!
A big thanks to the author as well for not making another typical love triangle. I mean, I guess it was kind of a triangle, but a polyamorous one. Much better than the overused one where the girl must choose between two guys storyline!

Total (9/10): I highly recommend you check out this book! It will keep you hooked from the start and the characters are great.

HOLY COW THIS BOOK!!! I mean, I'm not sure exactly what to say other than READ IT!!! It was brought to my notice by a friend that loves any book that is Asian inspired, and I decided to give it a try despite the comparison to Power Rangers. It honestly has a kind of dystopian Neon Genesis Evangelion feel to it, although the main character is not a whiny boy but a very feminist bad*ss female. I highly highly recommend this, even though it ends on a semi-cliffhanger and we all must suffer the wait for the next book.

Most unique story I’ve read in some time! This book is a great mixture of YA science fiction and Chinese culture. The strong characters show that perseverance and determination can change the most harsh circumstances. I definitely recommend this book - I suggest 13+ due to non-consensual sexual scenes.

Thanks to NetGalley and publishers for the advanced reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review.

5/5 for the concept of this book! Really amazing, and I could instantly see it being a movie (or anime). But for me, I kept wanting it to be an adult book, with slower focus on characters instead of action. But that's a me problem!

I loved this book. I was already intrigued by the summary but this could have easily gone wrong. The intro chapters are well done as they introduce us to Zetian's life. This was a great setup for the mysogynistic world the characters live in. And this world is pretty bad. It is also a good introduction to how strong willed Zetian is.
The book just continues to gain momentum after Zetian goes to the war zone. And the chapter where she first pilots a Chrysalis is epic. Zetian is such a strong character throughout the story but she also grows and changes while still keeping her goals of saving the women as a driving force for her actions.
I also liked the supporting characters and felt that the relationships were well developed and worked well. The ending was just as exciting as the rest of the story and I now have to wait eagerly for book 2.
This book would make an incredible anime, I would love to see it adapted. The book is very violent so if you are not fond of that then I would avoid it. But, if you like giant robot anime or Manga and strong female characters then you need to read this book.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book early.

Xiran Jay Zhao has created an epic, futuristic sci-fi historical blend! The powerful characterizations and unflinching look at the brutality of the world makes for a book that really has something to say.

I was given an eARC by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review but lets be honest I may or may not have built up an online foot print as book reviewer to gain early access to this book. I've been excited for this title ever since Zhao announced it back in April, I mean come on a science fiction reimagining of the life of Wu Zetian described as the Handmaid's Tale meets Pacific Rim, sign me the fuck up!
I am happy to report the novel did not disappoint in the slightest, It is a page turner from start to finish and I read the entire thing in 24 hours. I will say however that I believe it takes little from the Handmaid's Tale, a fact that Zhao freely admits to in the author's note at the beginning of the novel. Instead it reads more like a mature version of The Hunger Games, one that focuses less on the pretty dresses the protagonist wears and more on navigating a fraught court politics. I love every way Zhao handles the topics touched on by the novel from foot-binding to the concubine system to even their inventive take on the traditional YA love triangle. The twist at the end of the novel has left me wanting more and I can't wait to get my hands on the sequel.

the most fun i’ve had reading in a cool minute. i didn’t know i needed this book in my life until now. i love zetian sm, she’s so unhinged!! shoutout to netgalley for the ARC

Shining mecha suits controlled by mighty warriors channeling qi... and their lovely concubines... fight off hordes of aliens threatening to overrun the civilized world. Or at least that's what the government wants you to believe is the story in Xiran Jay Zhao's Iron Widow. But Zetian knows better, because when her Elder Sister left to become one of those concubines, she never made it back; she never made it into battle at all. So Zetian decides to follow in her footsteps and get revenge - only to discover that there's much more to the war than the official story. As she learns to channel her qi and pilot mechas, she also learns that nothing is what it seems, including love, honor, and even murder. Packed with heart-pounding battles and the most unexpected love triangle I've come across, Iron Widow kept me on the edge of my seat, and touched me deeply at the same time. I can't wait to read the next installment in this adventure inspired by historical China... with aliens.

I wouldn’t have thought an imperial Chinese history-Pacific Rim mashup would work. But it really does work. Empress Wu has always been a fascinating figure to me. Her ruthless rise to power and expansive reign was so different from the support act role most royal women served. Reimagining her as a vengeful anti-heroine/badass warrior was extremely entertaining. Wu’s raw, bloodthirsty drive can feel off-putting at times, but that’s kind of the point. She’s no worse than any number of fictional and real-life male anti-heroes. The compelling world of Iron Widow is a steampunk reimagining of patriarchal imperial China. It’s sci-fi that feels like historical fiction. Potentially a good choice for someone who is dipping their toes in the sci-fi genre. I’m not sure if I get specific The Handmaid’s Tale elements from this book, despite it being marketed as such. Both feature rebellious female protagonists and take place in an authoritarian, misogynistic state. But so do a lot of books, so I think the comparison ends there. It loses some marks for some stilted dialogue and for the overwhelming font of exposition. However, a world as creative and expansive as this does require some explanation for the reader. I also found some of the battle scenes tricky to follow, but it’s an occupational hazard of writing combat scenes. Overall a gripping read. Very interested to continue the series after the shocking needing. Also
Spoiler
bonus points for queer representation and throuples
(4.25 stars)

This book blew me away. I honestly wasn't expecting much - the description made me think this was going to read like Pacific Rim fanfiction - but it far supersedes the mecha robot tropes and really establishes a whole new world and fascinating setting. Our main character is Wu Zetian (yes, like the empress), and she is the kind of girl who chafes at patriarchal expectations.

In the world of Iron Widow, girls are recruited(/sold) into the forces to help pilot giant mecha suits called Chrysalises to fight the Hundun alien invaders. But the girls are less mecha pilots and more like batteries lending their life force - qi - to male pilots during battle. And they are often drained entirely, left dead for the glory of their male counterparts. Zetian's sister is killed in this way, and she gets herself conscripted to get revenge, but realizes she's far more powerful than the famous male pilot responsible for her sister's death. In fact, she's more powerful - and willful - than most everyone, even yoked and hampered by her broken and bound feet, her status as a peasant, her status as a woman in a deeply patriarchal and misogynistic society, and the way the Chrysalises are built altogether. But nobody really knows the whole truth of their world....

I wasn't expecting to love this book as much as I did, but Zetian is such a compelling character, and her relationships with Yizhi and Li Shimin were fascinating. I think this is the first time I've seen a love triangle set up like this only to be resolved by polyamory, which was a surprise to read but a delight too, because it grants a new and different perspective. The worldbuilding is equally fascinating, because they are in ancient China, but not. Wu Zetian is like her historical counterpart, but not. This is not historical fiction, it isn't just about robots, and it isn't just about overcoming prejudices - somehow this book is much more than the sum of its parts and I can't wait for future installments.

I’m not sure where to start with this review, the beginning is usually a good start though! Iron Widow is described as ‘Pacific Rim meets The Handmaiden’s Tale” and it marries these two pieces of art and ideas amazingly.

Wu Zhetian is a strong feminist figure, whose journey was riddled with patriarchal struggles that suppressed many, took many lives and created a deep historical line of submission within its women population.

As she navigates this world tormented not only by Hunduns but violent men , she uncovers hidden truths and breaks the norms created. She breaks boundaries both mentally and physically , helping those around her as well.

The romance with Zhetian, Shimin and Yizhi was crafted so well and equally. They balanced each other really well and each played a key component in the dynamic. I was rooting for all of them and I absolutely loved them. This is my first novel featuring a poly relationship and it was very refreshing to read.

At times I did feel Zhetian came across as abrasive but like with understanding the society and what she experiences , it makes sense why she behaves like this and says certain things. Overall, she was very relatable and I was rooting for her.

The ending was mind blowing and so interesting.

10/10 would recommend this book if you love characters that keep you on the edge on your seat ❤️

Iron Widow genuinely took me by surprise with how much I enjoyed it. This thrilling futuristic sci-fi had fierce characters and a plot I found myself interested in, making a very good read. The main character was uncompromising in her beliefs and had the ability to really push the story forward. That epilogue has me hyped for the continuation of the series, and I certainly encourage you to check out the work of author Xiran Jay Zhao.

Positives:
- Although I am usually opposed to first person POV, there are some authors that can make it work. Zhao’s creation of the main character Zetian is one of those good cases. Being in her mind was truly the best perspective to view the world. Zetian has such spirit and drive, and seeing her motives/thought process behind her decision making was the right way to go.
- I am so happy the author forgoed the classic YA love triangle in favor of a polyamourous relationship. I’m honestly tired of the worn out “I can’t decide which person for me” and enjoyed this fresh take. The dynamic between the three simply worked, and I fully shipped. I admire the author for persevering against the pushback and including them.
- During its action packed and character driven scenes, the book had me hooked and I could not set it down. To be completely frank, in the beginning I thought the plot would be too far-fetched to keep me entertained, but I’m happy to have been proven wrong.

Negatives:
- The worldbuilding was unfortunately difficult for me to follow at times. After finishing the book I’m still a tad bit confused about the planes and magic system. This led to me getting lost in some scenes and not getting to enjoy what was occurring.
- I definitely liked the first half of the book more than the second, just because it captured more of my interest. Around the end, I grew somewhat bored at the tedious scenes that did not feel important to the plot.

Iron Widow should definitely be added to your TBRs!

Iron Will is my favorite breed of 2021

I don't know if I will ever find the words to describe the connection I had to Zetain and her upbringing. Or if I will ever be able to fully describe the visceral reactions I've had to this book.

If you have ever been disappointed with your station solely because of the way you were born, disappointed in the way people treated you because of that, If you ever had a glimpse of the thought of dismantling the patriarchy one man at a time, if being meek and appeasing makes your blood boil, this book is for you.

It is for those sick and tired of the world we live in and refuse to sit back without at least attempting to destroy everything that's been built.

“Told you the triangle is the strongest shape”

This book is everything. It has a strong female character who doesn’t represent feminism as hatred for other women, or for femininity. Zetian isn’t another, “not like other girls,” protagonist. She cares about furthering women’s progress, not, just her own. The romance for once isn’t a toxic jumble of love triangles and miscommunication. I would say it definitely subverts that trope and uses it to its advantage though. The queer rep is natural and though the book isn’t necessarily centered on romance, it was a good romance. The sci-fi and the world building is incredible. And I’m so happy that I got to read this. I think that the combination of Chinese historical elements with typical futurist ones was a fresh take on the tried narrative of mech fighting. I also think that the sinister cost of the mech usage was, albeit sad, a pretty great commentary on women’s experiences and treatments.