Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao

4.8 (9)
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Product Details

Web ID: 16223557

The instant #1 New York Times bestseller, now available in a stunning new paperback look with bonus content. Pacific Rim meets The Handmaid's Tale in this blend of Chinese history and mecha science fiction for YA readers. 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. This deluxe new paperback edition features eight pages of Chrysalis concept art and a discussion guide.

  • Product Features

    • Suggested age range - 14-17 Years
    • Format - Paperback
    • Dimensions - 5.4" W x 8.2" H x 1.5" D
    • Genre - Fiction
    • Publisher - Tundra Book Group, Publication date - 02-28-2023
    • Page count - 416
    • ISBN - 9780735269958
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Ratings & Reviews

4.8/5

9 star ratings & reviews

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6 months ago
from Colorado

More, more, more!!

Excuse me while I make this book my entire personality. If you like Hunger Games and Pacific Rim, this is the mashup of your dreams. Maybe this was obvious to others but that ending had me gooped & gagged!

Customer review from barnesandnoble.com

11 months ago
from Atlanta GA

The best sci fi/dystopian YA I've read in years

There's really not a lot I can say beyond I absolutely adore this book and everyone who grew up reading fantasy and scifi and dystopian lit should pick it up immediately. The story is so compelling and complex but with a really strong character and emotional through line at it's core that makes it impossible to put down. I never felt lost of overwhelmed by the quickly moving story because Zetian's strong inner dialogue and sense of self pulled me along. I also fell in live with both of the male leads and the way their strengths and personalities played off of Zetians character. Cannot wait to read the next book.

Recommends this product

Customer review from barnesandnoble.com

1 year ago
from San Diego, CA

An absolutely incredible and beautiful read

This book has had me hooked ever since I had picked it up. It was actually an impulse purchase since I was purchasing other books but then was offered the book as it was the monthly read at the time. The storytelling is perfect, pacing is wonderful, and each of the characters made me feel different emotions as they evolved throughout the story. The Heroine, Wu Zetian is one of the most interesting characters I have ever had the pleasure of reading about. From start to finish it constantly stirred my emotions as it was in fact one of the most awe-inspiring emotional roller coasters. This is a must read for those of you who are into fantastical sci-fi atmospheres!

Recommends this product

Customer review from barnesandnoble.com

1 year ago

Just What I Needed To Read

Gosh, where to begin??? This book absolutely conveys the feminine rage of the protagonist in a way that resonates with the reader no matter the gender, combined with the romance and the epicness of huge robots, this book is incredible and I can’t wait to get my hands on the sequel!

Recommends this product

Customer review from barnesandnoble.com

2 years ago

Amazing!

One of the best YA books I've read in the last few years! I devoured the book in one sitting. Strong female protagonist, lots of action, and fascinating world building. Zetian is totally fearless and determined. I'm eagerly waiting for the sequel.

Recommends this product

Customer review from barnesandnoble.com

2 years ago
from IL

Intense read with a fierce heroine!

Zetian is so fierce! This patriarchal futuristic world was brutal and bleak, but I was riveted as Zetian fought for herself, for vengeance for her sister, and for girls everywhere. Shimin, the Iron Demon, was beautifully complex—both fierce and tender, with wonderfully jagged edges. Yizhi was a welcome surprise—seemingly trapped by the constructs of their society but still finding ways to both rebel and offer selfless love. Intense, incredible read and I can’t wait for book 2!

Recommends this product

Customer review from barnesandnoble.com

2 years ago

An amazing read

This has everything! A strong female lead, two hot and complicated love interests, amazing battle scenes, and political intrigue. I truly cannot recommend this book enough.

Recommends this product

Customer review from barnesandnoble.com

2 years ago
from Binghamton, NY

A MUST READ

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.

Customer review from barnesandnoble.com