Iron Widow

Locations
Call Number: Teen Fiction / Zhao, Xiran, Teen Book / Fiction / Science Fiction / Zhao, Xiran Jay
On Shelf At: Downtown Library, Pittsfield Branch, Traverwood Branch, Westgate Branch

Location & Checkout Length	Call Number	Checkout Length	Item Status
Downtown Teen, 1st Floor 4-week checkout	Teen Fiction / Zhao, Xiran	4-week checkout	On Shelf
Downtown Teen, 1st Floor 4-week checkout	Teen Fiction / Zhao, Xiran	4-week checkout	Due 05-18-2024
Pittsfield Teen Books 4-week checkout	Teen Book / Fiction / Science Fiction / Zhao, Xiran Jay	4-week checkout	On Shelf
Traverwood Teen Books 4-week checkout	Teen Book / Fiction / Science Fiction / Zhao, Xiran Jay	4-week checkout	On Shelf
Westgate Teen Books 4-week checkout	Teen Book / Fiction / Science Fiction / Zhao, Xiran Jay	4-week checkout	On Shelf
Westgate Teen Books 4-week checkout	Teen Book / Fiction / Science Fiction / Zhao, Xiran Jay	4-week checkout	Due 05-17-2024

"The boys of Huaxia dream of pairing up with girls to pilot Chrysalises, giant transforming robots that can battle the aliens that lurk beyond the Great Wall of China. It doesn't matter that the girls 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 when she gets her vengeance, it becomes clear that she is an Iron Widow, a rare kind of female pilot who can sacrifice males to power up Chrysalises instead. To tame her frightening yet valuable mental strength, she is paired up with Li Shimin, the strongest male pilot in Huaxia, yet feared and ostracized for killing his father and brothers. But now that Zetian has had a taste of power, she will not cower so easily. She will take over instead, then leverage their combined strength to force her society to stop failing its women and girls. Or die trying"--Provided by publisher.

REVIEWS & SUMMARIES

Booklist Review
Publishers Weekly Review
Summary / Annotation
Author Notes

COMMUNITY REVIEWS

Something New and Different submitted by rishikabhutani on December 21, 2021, 7:13pm I liked how different this book was from most YA sci-fi fantasy novels. I love a villain/corruption arc, which this book had. I also enjoyed how strong-willed and sassy the main character is. You rarely get to read a novel like this where the protagonist is almost an anti-hero, with no desire to be compassionate in a cruel world. Wu Zetian is a relatable character in that sense. This is one of those books that you simply can not put down until it's finished. I look forward to reading the sequel.

Unrepentantly fierce submitted by mowjac on June 12, 2022, 10:10am Wu Zetian is angry about the loss of her sister and wants vengeance. She maintains that ferocity throughout. I have never read such a fiercely written story against a patriarchal system, while recognizing that she is not the only one injured. The inevitable YA love triangle has a fresh resolution, her description of Chinese theory energy based power and use of Asian tropes is welcome. I felt like it was a mashup of Hunger Games/Ender's Game/Nausicaa/Poppy War and would encourage fans of any of those to dig in.

Good, not Great submitted by bookasaurusray on August 24, 2022, 10:45am I really loved the overall concepts and ideas in this book. I just wish the writing was a bit better. Easy, quick read.

Very impressive submitted by majean on July 8, 2023, 12:19pm What an incredible debut novel from a young author. Wu Zetian is an unforgettable hero with a will of iron and a focused purpose. She is capable of loving deeply, but she does not get tripped up by sentiment. If you enjoy strong female characters who give zero effs, you will love her. The audiobook is also great because you can hear how the names are pronounced in their native language.

Amazing debut submitted by srai700 on August 11, 2023, 9:17am Chinese history, unique protagonist, mecha/sci-fi themes, smashing the patriarchy...honestly what is not to love? Very much looking forward to the author's other works!