Iron Widow

Iron Widow

  • Downloads:6170
  • Type:Epub+TxT+PDF+Mobi
  • Create Date:2021-09-23 17:15:56
  • Update Date:2025-09-24
  • Status:finish
  • Author:Xiran Jay Zhao
  • ISBN:0735269939
  • Environment:PC/Android/iPhone/iPad/Kindle

Summary

The boys of Huaxia dream of pairing up with girls to pilot Chrysalises, giant transforming robots that can battle the mecha aliens that lurk beyond the Great Wall。 It doesn't matter that the girls often die from the mental strain。

When 18-year-old Zetian offers herself up as a concubine-pilot, it's to assassinate the ace male pilot responsible for her sister's death。 But she gets her vengeance in a way nobody expected—she kills him through the psychic link between pilots and emerges from the cockpit unscathed。 She is labeled an Iron Widow, a much-feared and much-silenced kind of female pilot who can sacrifice boys to power up Chrysalises instead。​

To tame her unnerving yet invaluable mental strength, she is paired up with Li Shimin, the strongest and most controversial male pilot in Huaxia​。 But now that Zetian has had a taste of power, she will not cower so easily。 She will miss no opportunity to leverage their combined might and infamy to survive attempt after attempt on her life, until she can figure out exactly why the pilot system works in its misogynist way—and stop more girls from being sacrificed。

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Reviews

Calliope

OMG rtc!! this was AMAZING

SandyKay

Admittedly, I scoffed at the claim that this book would be “Pacific Rim meets The Handmaid’s Tale in this blend of Chinese history and mecha science fiction for YA readers。” Happily, I was very wrong。Perhaps surprisingly, I liked the Pacific Rim movies。 Handmaid’s Tale (in any iteration), no thank you。 But, the Pacific Rim link was very accurate。 Because I know and like the movies, it actually helped me understand the book better。 Well-shaped world supported by history and fantasy。 This book pac Admittedly, I scoffed at the claim that this book would be “Pacific Rim meets The Handmaid’s Tale in this blend of Chinese history and mecha science fiction for YA readers。” Happily, I was very wrong。Perhaps surprisingly, I liked the Pacific Rim movies。 Handmaid’s Tale (in any iteration), no thank you。 But, the Pacific Rim link was very accurate。 Because I know and like the movies, it actually helped me understand the book better。 Well-shaped world supported by history and fantasy。 This book packs a LOT in one package。 Most of the world-building happens in the first quarter of the book and is done quite well。 Fitting within the action, the world building is not just paragraphs of exposition。 Dovetailing nicely into the historical framework and life of Empress Wu, Iron Widow does not try to rewrite a historical story, but uses the spirit and ambition of this notable woman to create something new and amazing。 I will say, if I hadn’t know the author was (very) inspired by Pacific Rim and the Jaegers, I don’t know if I would have grasped the use of the Chrysalises and how the pilot pairings worked。 A rollercoaster of sadness, frustration, anger, love, and hope for the past, present, and future。 Throughout this story, WHILE cheering for Zetian and her success, I found myself sad for all she had to endure, even as she says, “simply because she is a girl。” Accurate to Chinese custom (mostly not practiced any longer), as a five-year-old child, her feet were broken and bound to create the perfect lotus shaped foot。 “Female。 That label has never done anything for me except dictate what I can or cannot do。” Pg。 18This story is futuristic, based on history, heavily influenced by the present and there are so many common – reoccurring – themes throughout, making me look at how often we (as people) have made mistakes, continue to make the same mistakes, and will probably make the same mistakes in the future。 It is very sobering。 There is hope, too, that maybe this time we can get it right。 This is one of those books where I had to keep reminding myself that the main characters were only eighteen and nineteen。 Far too young for the weight of the world to be on their shoulders, but also the youth and fresh perspective that CAN change the world。 Favorite Lines“He doesn’t own me。 Nobody does。 They may think they do, but no matter how they scold or threaten or beat me, they can’t really control what goes on in my head, and I think that frustrates them to no end。” Pg。 21“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。” Pg。 141“Everyone lives in a different world。 So much of the time, people make decisions they don’t want to。 It takes more than just get out or just stop drinking。” Pg。 294I definitely recommend this book and can’t wait for the sequel!Stars 4 Would I Recommend? Yes 。。。more

Smash。Crush

def lived up to my expectations, I can already see this being my fav book of the year by far ALHDLA 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

Citybones

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers。 To view it, click here。 4。25Lo dicho, no esperaba que me fuese a enganchar tanto, pero es que tiene el sistema de dos pilotos de mecha combinado con un plot de venganza de los buenos。 Normalmente el peso tan enorme que tiene el feminismo en la historia me habría dado cringe, pero al venir tan de la rabia y empoderamiento consiguió su propósito de motivarme y animar a la prota。Se nota que es el debout de la autora en como los personajes (más que nada los secundarios) desaparecen de la narrativa cuando no son necesarios 4。25Lo dicho, no esperaba que me fuese a enganchar tanto, pero es que tiene el sistema de dos pilotos de mecha combinado con un plot de venganza de los buenos。 Normalmente el peso tan enorme que tiene el feminismo en la historia me habría dado cringe, pero al venir tan de la rabia y empoderamiento consiguió su propósito de motivarme y animar a la prota。Se nota que es el debout de la autora en como los personajes (más que nada los secundarios) desaparecen de la narrativa cuando no son necesarios y en como ciertos plots necesitaban un poco más de refinamiento para que no fuese tanto "in your face"。 Aun así me entretuvo muchísimo y lo acabé en dos días por no poder despegarme de él, así que enorabuena por eso。 Y por la revelación final que sí me cogió desprevenida。También el desarrollo de las otras dos "iron princess", bien jugado。La prota me gustó y lo único que me escama un poco es que los dos chicos de la triada sean tan increíblemente feministas, el que más me chocaba fue Li al extremo de asesinar a su familia。 Apoyo su decisión pero no la hace menos increíble。 。。。more

Shirley Thomas

Intense Beyond The Giant Robot BattlesLook, I just finished this book in less than two days while working full shifts, and I think intense is the best single word description。 Like I enjoyed it and recommend it, but it's not a light read for someone who wants a restful fantasy。 It is still immensely worth reading Intense Beyond The Giant Robot BattlesLook, I just finished this book in less than two days while working full shifts, and I think intense is the best single word description。 Like I enjoyed it and recommend it, but it's not a light read for someone who wants a restful fantasy。 It is still immensely worth reading 。。。more

Kylie

3。5 stars rounded up。 This was a really cool book。 I liked the concept, and I really loved that we turned a classic YA love triangle trope on its head and had all three of them end up together。 These characters were great and I really loved their backstories。 I did find that the dialogue sometimes felt off, either it didn't flow well or it seemed out of character based on previous exchanges。 Additionally, I did find some of the world building to be a bit confusing, but that might just be me。 Ove 3。5 stars rounded up。 This was a really cool book。 I liked the concept, and I really loved that we turned a classic YA love triangle trope on its head and had all three of them end up together。 These characters were great and I really loved their backstories。 I did find that the dialogue sometimes felt off, either it didn't flow well or it seemed out of character based on previous exchanges。 Additionally, I did find some of the world building to be a bit confusing, but that might just be me。 Overall, I thought this was a really interesting story and group of characters。 *Review copy provided by NetGalley* 。。。more

Amanda

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me access to this advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review。 Ummm。。。。。。wow。 I have no idea what I just read in the best possible way! This is like Pacific Rim meet Romance of the Three Kingdoms。 This is a sci-fi alien invasion story that is also somehow a retelling of the life of Empress Wu, the only female Emperor of China。 It combines advanced technology with historical detail in a way that fits, even though it shouldn't。 I'll admit the combinatio Thank you to NetGalley for giving me access to this advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review。 Ummm。。。。。。wow。 I have no idea what I just read in the best possible way! This is like Pacific Rim meet Romance of the Three Kingdoms。 This is a sci-fi alien invasion story that is also somehow a retelling of the life of Empress Wu, the only female Emperor of China。 It combines advanced technology with historical detail in a way that fits, even though it shouldn't。 I'll admit the combination of modern language, sci-fi technology and historical attitudes and practices (hello footbinding!) creates a tension that is somewhat jarring at first but blends to create a unique world where history has both advanced and is repeating itself。 The protagonist Wu Zeitan is dynamic, complicated, and unlikable but you know what, she doesn't want you to like her; just get out of her way。 This book is unapologetically feminist and Xiran Jay Zhao's writing is blunt and brutal。 Throw in a total disregard for the usual female tropes and a poly MFM relationship and a twist that totally snuck up on me。。 just wow。 I can't wait to see what happens next。 I really can't wait to introduce this book to the teens at my library。 They are going to love it! 。。。more

AurelyaRose

Finally adding text to my ARC review AFTER it gets published because I'm terrible。 The content in this book is often intense and horrific。 The content warnings are not to be ignored。 There is a lot to love about this book。 It's action packed。 The characters are compelling。 There are well plotted twists。 It has some disability rep as well as rare poly rep, which I felt was portrayed healthily。 My single biggest complaint is that considering this is a book about taking down the patriarchy it sure Finally adding text to my ARC review AFTER it gets published because I'm terrible。 The content in this book is often intense and horrific。 The content warnings are not to be ignored。 There is a lot to love about this book。 It's action packed。 The characters are compelling。 There are well plotted twists。 It has some disability rep as well as rare poly rep, which I felt was portrayed healthily。 My single biggest complaint is that considering this is a book about taking down the patriarchy it sure has quite a bit of women hating women with no significant relationships between the main character and other women arguably outside of her dead sister。 I understand the society and circumstances do not nourish these kinds of relationships, but I would have liked to see one in spite of it。 Granted, Zeitan does try。 I personally am also not the biggest fan of ~vengeance~ stories, but I expect those who love them will eat this up。 Due to the content warnings, I wouldn't recommend this to anyone younger than in high school。 Regardless, I will be picking up the next book to see where Zetian takes us next。 。。。more

Rebecca

The Illuminati is an elite organization of world leaders, business authorities, innovators, artists, and other influential members of this planet。 Our coalition unites influencers of all political, religious, and geographical backgrounds to further the prosperity of the human species as a whole。 The Illuminati is a secret society that strives to promote spiritual and moral values。 It was founded under principles of love, justice, unity, peace & relief。 To apply for membership。 Contact us via ema The Illuminati is an elite organization of world leaders, business authorities, innovators, artists, and other influential members of this planet。 Our coalition unites influencers of all political, religious, and geographical backgrounds to further the prosperity of the human species as a whole。 The Illuminati is a secret society that strives to promote spiritual and moral values。 It was founded under principles of love, justice, unity, peace & relief。 To apply for membership。 Contact us via email: Illuminatigranmaster@gmail。com or WhatsApp: +14703471692 。。。more

Heidi

Holy hell what a wild ride。 This was simultaneously so messed up I'm horrified it exists and so well done I want to read more。 Pretty stunning。 Holy hell what a wild ride。 This was simultaneously so messed up I'm horrified it exists and so well done I want to read more。 Pretty stunning。 。。。more

Zoe Mei

4。5 starsA boppin good time, excellent writingObjectively the best love triangle I’ve ever read, literally everyone is bisexual We love a rage-filled female tyrant ready to destroy the patriarchy by force (and murder, lots of murder)

Rachel

Book ruled, second fave book of 2021, ending made me want to kms (in a good way? bad way? haven't decided, I'm upset and hurt)。 Insanely fast paced, super anime inspired, last 80 pages were raw as hell。 shimin ilyedit: oh there's a second one thank fucking god Book ruled, second fave book of 2021, ending made me want to kms (in a good way? bad way? haven't decided, I'm upset and hurt)。 Insanely fast paced, super anime inspired, last 80 pages were raw as hell。 shimin ilyedit: oh there's a second one thank fucking god 。。。more

Tori

Wow。。。 Just。。。 WowPicked up on a recommendation, couldn't put it down at all。 An inventive and fantastic mesh of ancient China and Pacific Rim, woven together brilliantly and with amazing finesse。 Whenever the sequel comes out, I will buy it in a heartbeat。 Wow。。。 Just。。。 WowPicked up on a recommendation, couldn't put it down at all。 An inventive and fantastic mesh of ancient China and Pacific Rim, woven together brilliantly and with amazing finesse。 Whenever the sequel comes out, I will buy it in a heartbeat。 。。。more

Bryony Indecisive Reader

‘“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!”’CW: Death/Violence/War/Attempted rape/Mutilation/Alcoholism/Torture Choosing to pick up Iron Widow was one of my best recent decisions。 It contained so many things I love to read about - without me even realising they were included (tbh I picked it up for the pretty cover)。Zetian is a fantastic main character。 She’s intense and fierce and unapolo ‘“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!”’CW: Death/Violence/War/Attempted rape/Mutilation/Alcoholism/Torture Choosing to pick up Iron Widow was one of my best recent decisions。 It contained so many things I love to read about - without me even realising they were included (tbh I picked it up for the pretty cover)。Zetian is a fantastic main character。 She’s intense and fierce and unapologetic。 I love how driven she is to get to her goals and that it doesn’t matter who gets in the way。 I’m really looking forward to seeing her ambition develop。 She was the perfect catalyst for a discussion of feminist expectations in a world not designed for them。The other main characters in this are so interesting too - I love particularly how they all interact together too (read: two boyfriends who are both each other’s boyfriends)。I think the setting was amazing。 I thought it was really well developed and loved the history to the world。 I liked how real-life Chinese history was twisted into this brand new dystopian world。The plot was thrilling。 I didn’t realise I was in a bit of a reading slump, but it was the first book in ages that I caught myself wanting to keep reading。 The ending, that final chapter, hurt and I just want more… like now。 。。。more

Ark

This was a really interesting book。 I finished it in 2 days, and it felt very short despite being 400 pages long。 There were times where I felt like certain scenes could have been expanded upon, but I'm not sure if the book would have benefitted from being 5-600 pages instead。 I much prefer to feel like a scene could have gone for a few more pages, or that an interesting sounding subplot gets entirely handwaved, than having to sit through a scene after it has served its function。For the most par This was a really interesting book。 I finished it in 2 days, and it felt very short despite being 400 pages long。 There were times where I felt like certain scenes could have been expanded upon, but I'm not sure if the book would have benefitted from being 5-600 pages instead。 I much prefer to feel like a scene could have gone for a few more pages, or that an interesting sounding subplot gets entirely handwaved, than having to sit through a scene after it has served its function。For the most part, I feel like the author was quite ruthlessly efficient with words, and with the protagonists personality, I think that works quite well。 We don't get a lot of internal monologues outside of high intensity situations。 The protagonist makes decisions and runs with them without necessarily running them by the reader first, which I think feels very real to me。 Often when I change my mind on something, it's below the narrative of my consciousness that changes are happening, and I think that kind of thinking is reflected here。 The nitty gritty details of how things are done are largely left out, so for someone looking for play by plays of robots punching each other, I think that's not what you'll get from this book。 That isn't to say the fight scenes aren't very detailed and fully realized。 They are, but rather than focusing on the physical details of the punching, the fights are very detailed in terms of how they relate to the characters that are within them, and the robots themselves。 To describe it with the minimal of spoilers, the reader comes to understand how the robots work in real time, during battles, alongside the PoV character。 We aren't given a lecture describing the details, and then have those details be irrelevant when the fighting happens。This book is very much about systems of oppression, the multitude of ways those systems reinforce themselves, how dangerous it is to fight against them, and it does not shy away from having fighting those systems result in lasting consequences。 Additionally, power does not cure all things, and I found the consequences of the systemic problems to be believably lasting, and incredibly horrifying。 A lot of books and media focus heavily on the emotional scars that oppression leaves on us, and I think this book swings heavily in the other direction in a very good way。 We aren't just scarred emotionally by our trauma, often it has lasting physical consequences, and those lasting physical consequences reinforce our trauma。 。。。more

Brianne Acquard

i am desperate for absolutely any polyamory rep i can get, my standards are well below sea level so this has NO EXCUSES

Josh Root

Holy F*

Musa

I forgot what it feels like to read an entire novel in a single day because I'm so enraptured by the intensity of storytelling and raw emotion that gets across both themes and narrative in sharp bursts。This book is everything it promises to be and more。 There's plenty of amazing mecha battles rendered in glorious descriptive paragraphs to draw the reader in before bashing them over the head with the harsh truths that lie underneath the surface of all that awe-inspiring spectacle。 The foreward be I forgot what it feels like to read an entire novel in a single day because I'm so enraptured by the intensity of storytelling and raw emotion that gets across both themes and narrative in sharp bursts。This book is everything it promises to be and more。 There's plenty of amazing mecha battles rendered in glorious descriptive paragraphs to draw the reader in before bashing them over the head with the harsh truths that lie underneath the surface of all that awe-inspiring spectacle。 The foreward before the book actually starts warns the reader not to come to this story looking for historical realism in this tale。 It's not historical fiction nor is it fantasy steeped in history。 What it is, is a story that draws on the rich history of a part of the world that is oftentimes (too often) overlooked in Western media and then uses that history as inspiration to weave its own narrative。 As a protagonist, Wu Zetian is a force to be reckoned with。 Through sheer force of will and a strength that remains unmatched in the story (along with the support of the few in the world she truly trusts) she challenges the very heart of a corrupt world that's always told her she and everyone like her are wrong just for the way they were born。 At its core, this story is about shattering that lie and stomping it into the dust, with a giant robot。The characters and their relationships are interesting and dynamic, they make you want to know more about them and how they all relate to each other。 I can confidently report, that this is the first time I have not rolled my eyes at a love triangle in a story and is the first time I've seen one in a published book that goes the way a love triangle can only go that makes it actually interesting to read about。Without spoiling anything specific, I'm going to say that this story is hardly over and I have a very strong feeling Xiran Jay Zhao has way more to tell about this world and its steely hard truths。 。。。more

Brianna Faulkner

An intriguing and engaging read。 I was quite addicted to the characters and every time I thought I had them figured out they surprised me。

Kelly Lyn

LONG LIVE THE IRON WIDOW!!!!!!!I know this just came out today, but I need to sequel pronto。

Kristina Miller

OH MY GOD FINALLY A STORY SO ORIGINAL I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN!Zeitan Wu is immediately intriguing as a protagonist, and every detail the first few chapters intertwines with her motivations just adds to her engagement as a POV character。 I thought I had her figured out, but about 2/3 through the book, her arc completely takes off。 Pacing especially was a strength of the book, which I've found is difficult for many YA authors who like to focus on description or side arcs a little too much。 But not OH MY GOD FINALLY A STORY SO ORIGINAL I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN!Zeitan Wu is immediately intriguing as a protagonist, and every detail the first few chapters intertwines with her motivations just adds to her engagement as a POV character。 I thought I had her figured out, but about 2/3 through the book, her arc completely takes off。 Pacing especially was a strength of the book, which I've found is difficult for many YA authors who like to focus on description or side arcs a little too much。 But not here!Thank you to Netgalley for providing me access to an electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review。 。。。more

M。 K。 French

Chrysalises are transforming mechs usually piloted by a pair of boys and girls from Huaxia to fight the aliens beyond the wall。 The girls usually die from the mental strain of it, but those in charge don't care。 Zetian plans to assassinate the pilot that killed her sister but manages to kill him through the psychic link instead。 This makes her an Iron Widow, a woman of formidable willpower that can sacrifice men to pilot the mech。 She's ultimately paired with Li Shimin, the best and most controv Chrysalises are transforming mechs usually piloted by a pair of boys and girls from Huaxia to fight the aliens beyond the wall。 The girls usually die from the mental strain of it, but those in charge don't care。 Zetian plans to assassinate the pilot that killed her sister but manages to kill him through the psychic link instead。 This makes her an Iron Widow, a woman of formidable willpower that can sacrifice men to pilot the mech。 She's ultimately paired with Li Shimin, the best and most controversial male pilot in Huaxia。 Zetian has to survive the attempts on her life and discover the reason why girls are being sacrificed。The pages of Iron Widow burn with the fierceness of Zetian's willpower。 From the beginning, she chafed against the restrictions of her gender, the anguish and pain of foot binding, and contortions she had to do to make herself seem palatable to the men in her life。 It's a sad reality that it isn't just a historical footnote, and her character zings from the start。 The transformation from concubine to Iron Widow is fantastic in its immediacy and emotional energy; we're right with her when she sees the proof of her sister's death in the pilot's memories and pushes past the mental restrictions he places on her, intending to kill her, too。 She fights triumphantly against the alien enemy, realizing for the first time how powerful she can be。 I love the entire sequence, and how it closes out the first quarter of the novel as well as an early segment of her life。The troubles don't end there, and there are moments where Zetian is meant to be shamed, belittled, and beaten down because she isn't who the men in charge want her to be。 Pairing her off with a known killer is meant to break her further, but instead, they find a connection and camaraderie。 Adding in her close friend as further support gives her the strength she needs to continue and the reason to keep going。 It's not enough merely to survive, to reach the pinnacle of what women are expected to have, but to reshape the system into something equitable not just for women, but for the poor and unable to see past the propaganda that is given to the public。This novel is amazing, tautly written, and emotionally intense。 I was drawn into Zetian's story from the first pages, and the plot seized me by the throat and refused to let go。 I was glad to be drawn along for the ride, and couldn't put the book down even when I had other plans。 This novel is sure to be on the bestseller list, and it deserves to be。 。。。more

Nida

I read this book on my netgalley shelf for ages and I finally got around to it - let me just say, how mad I am that I waited so long! The author does such an excellent job in creating this wonderful world that includes a sci-fi element to it。 The book features a strong protagonist and she is definitely one badass woman!I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to what the author brings forth in the next book。ALSO, happy book birthday to this gorgeous book! This book released today and yo I read this book on my netgalley shelf for ages and I finally got around to it - let me just say, how mad I am that I waited so long! The author does such an excellent job in creating this wonderful world that includes a sci-fi element to it。 The book features a strong protagonist and she is definitely one badass woman!I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to what the author brings forth in the next book。ALSO, happy book birthday to this gorgeous book! This book released today and you all can get your hands on it。 Order away!!(Thank you to @netgalley, @penguinteen for this advance readers copy!) 。。。more

Katie✨

XIRAN JAY ZHAO IS A GENIUS YALL

Alicia • shethereader

DNF 45%It started out fantastic。。。 like。。。 SO good。 The writing style is enjoyable, and I actually didn't mind the first-person perspective。 I think Xiran Jay Zhao really understood the character she was writing, and what she wanted to say through her。 Zhao also writes great action sequences。 Apparently, I really enjoy reading about mecha battles because I was hooked。But after Part I ended, it went in a direction that I was really not into。 Suddenly we were focused on the main character's relati DNF 45%It started out fantastic。。。 like。。。 SO good。 The writing style is enjoyable, and I actually didn't mind the first-person perspective。 I think Xiran Jay Zhao really understood the character she was writing, and what she wanted to say through her。 Zhao also writes great action sequences。 Apparently, I really enjoy reading about mecha battles because I was hooked。But after Part I ended, it went in a direction that I was really not into。 Suddenly we were focused on the main character's relationship(s?) and it was like a bunch of tropes came out of the left field。 I pressed on for most of the second part, but unfortunately, I am going to call it and say this book isn't really going to be my thing。What a roller coaster of a review, huh? I would recommend it to fans of YA books, particularly anyone who likes to mix some mecha and some romance。 It's well written and a fresh setting that many will enjoy。Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review。 。。。more

Britney

(Disclaimer: I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley。 This has not influenced my review。)More like a 4。5I don't think I've felt this empowered after reading a fictional book。 A story with a character who is so cunning, clever, and angry is exactly something I've been craving。 The concept of an empress raging against the gender norms she's been raised to follow was so liberating to read。 My reading experience with this book was very complex and it had me comparing and inspecting aspect (Disclaimer: I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley。 This has not influenced my review。)More like a 4。5I don't think I've felt this empowered after reading a fictional book。 A story with a character who is so cunning, clever, and angry is exactly something I've been craving。 The concept of an empress raging against the gender norms she's been raised to follow was so liberating to read。 My reading experience with this book was very complex and it had me comparing and inspecting aspects of my own upbringing。 It was so satisfying to witness Zetian taking action, standing up for herself, and taking control in ways women are constantly told not to。 This was a fascinating novel, and I thoroughly enjoyed it。 。。。more

Camil

Our plan for this planet sees humans that are not divided into tribes based on their geographic locations, physical appearances, or access to resources。 Instead, every person is one unique part of a worldwide ecosystem in which their choices have an effect on the whole。 Every person is a vital piece of a bigger machine that benefits from the entirety of humankind… join the Great Illuminati organization today and make your dreams come true, if interested contact us via email: Illuminatigranmaster Our plan for this planet sees humans that are not divided into tribes based on their geographic locations, physical appearances, or access to resources。 Instead, every person is one unique part of a worldwide ecosystem in which their choices have an effect on the whole。 Every person is a vital piece of a bigger machine that benefits from the entirety of humankind… join the Great Illuminati organization today and make your dreams come true, if interested contact us via email: Illuminatigranmaster@gmail。com or WhatsApp +14703471692 。。。more

Carter Skye

oh。 my。 god。no thoughts, head empty except for screams after reading the last part in this bookfull review to come

Leslie Baker

I was hesitant at first, I felt like there was a lot of info dumping in the first few chapters which made me worry the whole book would be that way。 I’m happy to say it was not。 I ended up really loving this book and it might just be one of my top 5 reads of the year。 A big part of that is due to the mechs, I am a huge fan of mech animes/mangas。 I could visual the whole book playing out like one of my anime’s。 I can not wait for book 2。

Angelo Drakontaidis

Iron Widow was likened to Pacific Rim meeting the Handmaidens Tale。 I definitely see the comparisons。 The book focuses on Zeitan Wu。 She volunteers to join the nation’s army in order to enact revenge at her older sister’s death。 Women are essentially forced to go to battle in this crystalline bots。 Their Qi , which I interpreted as soul/spirit energy, is used to assist the men in piloting the weapons。 Unlike many other books the romance here is a triangle。 Thought that was an interesting concept Iron Widow was likened to Pacific Rim meeting the Handmaidens Tale。 I definitely see the comparisons。 The book focuses on Zeitan Wu。 She volunteers to join the nation’s army in order to enact revenge at her older sister’s death。 Women are essentially forced to go to battle in this crystalline bots。 Their Qi , which I interpreted as soul/spirit energy, is used to assist the men in piloting the weapons。 Unlike many other books the romance here is a triangle。 Thought that was an interesting concept。 Overall though the novel exceeded my expectation。 The surprising ending sets up a sequel。 I really enjoyed reading this one。 The reason I am not giving it a 5 is because there were times that I think the scenes could have been better described。 I had trouble envisioning what was going on。 Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC。 。。。more