Iron Widow (Iron Widow, #1)

by Xiran Jay Zhao

3.82 of 5 stars 17 ratings • 5 reviews • 43 shelved 2021 Fantasy Pick
Book cover for Iron Widow

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Instant New York Times No.1 Bestseller. A YA Pacific Rim meets the Handmaid’s Tale retelling of the rise of Wu Zetian, the only female emperor in Chinese history.

I have no faith in love. Love cannot save me. I choose vengeance.

The boys of Huaxia dream of pairing up with girls to pilot Chrysalises – giant transforming robots that battle aliens beyond the Great Wall. It doesn’t matter that their female co-pilots are expected to serve as concubines and often die from the mental strain.

When 18-year-old Zetian offers herself up as a concubine-pilot, her plan is to assassinate the ace male pilot responsible for her sister’s death. But after miraculously surviving her first battle, Zetian sets her sights on a mightier goal. The time has come to stop more girls from being sacrificed.

‘This is the historical-inspired, futuristic sci-fi mash-up of my wildest dreams.’ Chloe Gong

‘Raging against the patriarchy in spectacular style.’ Observer, best books of the year

‘Zetian is unstoppable, and I dare you not to cheer her on.’ Elizabeth Lim, author of Spin the Dawn

A New York Times bestseller, Oct 10 2021

Illumicrate October 2021 book. Exclusive stencilled edges, art on the reverse of the dust jacket by Jhoanne Castro and a digital signature.

  • ISBN10 0861542096
  • ISBN13 9780861542093
  • Publish Date 7 October 2021 (first published 21 September 2021)
  • Publish Status Active
  • Out of Print 18 August 2023
  • Publish Country GB
  • Imprint Rock the Boat
  • Edition Illumicrate Exclusive
  • Format Hardcover
  • Pages 400
  • Language English
  • Special Sprayed Edges