Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao Summary

Iron Widow is a 2021 young adult science fantasy novel that reimagines the rise of China's only female emperor Wu Zetian in a futuristic mecha setting. The story follows 18-year-old Wu Zetian who volunteers as a concubine-pilot to avenge her sister's death by assassinating the male pilot responsible. Set in Huaxia, a futuristic reinterpretation of medieval China, Zetian battles alien threats called Hunduns in giant transforming robots called Chrysalises while fighting against a deeply misogynistic system that sacrifices young women.

Iron Widow is perfect for young adult readers who love science fiction, mecha anime, and feminist narratives. Fans of Pacific Rim, Neon Genesis Evangelion, and The Handmaid's Tale will appreciate this genre-blending story. The book appeals to readers interested in Chinese history, strong female protagonists, polyamorous representation, and stories that challenge patriarchal systems. It's ideal for those seeking action-packed plots combined with social commentary and complex character relationships.

Iron Widow is worth reading for its unique blend of Chinese history, mecha action, and feminist rage against oppressive systems. The novel became a #1 New York Times Best Seller and won the 2021 BSFA Award for Best Book for Younger Readers. With its compelling protagonist, polyamorous representation, and creative reimagining of historical figures through a sci-fi lens, Iron Widow offers fresh perspectives rarely seen in young adult fiction while delivering intense action and emotional depth.

Xiran Jay Zhao is a Canadian author and social media creator who immigrated from small-town China to Vancouver, Canada. They studied biochemistry at Simon Fraser University before pursuing writing and content creation full-time. Zhao gained viral attention for their educational videos about Chinese history and culture on YouTube and TikTok. Iron Widow is their debut novel, and they won the 2024 Astounding Award for Best New Writer. Their online presence as a "Chinese history memer" significantly contributed to the book's success.

An Iron Widow in the novel refers to a rare and dangerous female pilot who possesses spirit pressure levels high enough to overwhelm and kill her male co-pilot. Wu Zetian becomes the first Iron Widow after killing Yang Guang during their battle, breaking free from his mental control and destroying him from within. This unprecedented act marks her as extraordinarily powerful and feared by the military establishment, leading authorities to conscript her rather than execute her.

The Chrysalis system in Iron Widow involves giant transforming robots piloted by male-female pairs to defend Huaxia against alien creatures called Hunduns. The system is deeply exploitative, treating female pilots as expendable "concubines" whose spirit energy is drained to power the mechas while male pilots receive glory. Zetian's goal throughout the novel is to dismantle this oppressive system that relies on the systematic sacrifice of young women for war efforts.

Xiran Jay Zhao was inspired by the historical figure Wu Zetian, China's only female emperor who ruled during the late 600s, and their love for mecha anime. Zhao drew from shows like Neon Genesis Evangelion, Digimon, Attack on Titan, and DARLING in the FRANXX. In interviews, Zhao explained they wanted to reimagine Wu Zetian as a teenage peasant girl in an intensely misogynistic world who gains access to giant fighter mechas, exploring how she would change her world through this power.

Yes, Iron Widow prominently features a polyamorous relationship between the three main characters: Wu Zetian, Li Shimin, and Gao Yizhi. Zetian is paired with criminal pilot Li Shimin by the military, while Yizhi is her wealthy childhood friend who still loves her. The three enter a secret polyamorous relationship, with Yizhi helping Shimin overcome his forced alcohol addiction while supporting both partners. This representation is notable in young adult science fiction.

Iron Widow is the first book in a planned series by Xiran Jay Zhao. The author signed a two-book deal with Penguin Teen Canada in March 2020. The sequel, Heavenly Tyrant, was originally scheduled for April 2024 but was delayed and eventually released on December 24, 2024. The series continues Zetian's story as she fights to dismantle the oppressive Chrysalis system and transform Huaxia's society.

Iron Widow explores themes of:

• Systemic misogyny and female exploitation, with the Chrysalis system representing how patriarchal societies sacrifice women.
• The novel examines revenge and justice through Zetian's quest to avenge her sister.
• Resistance against oppression, and the cost of challenging established power structures.
• Additional themes include trauma and healing, shown through Shimin's forced addiction and abuse.
• Class inequality.
• The power of rage as a catalyst for social change in deeply unjust systems.

Iron Widow reimagines Wu Zetian, China's only female emperor who ruled during the late 600s, as an 18-year-old peasant girl in a futuristic society. Instead of rising through palace intrigue and the imperial harem as the historical Wu Zetian did, Xiran Jay Zhao's version gains power through piloting giant mechas and surviving as an Iron Widow. The reimagining maintains Wu Zetian's legendary determination and ruthlessness while translating her historical ascent into a sci-fi rebellion against systemic oppression.

Iron Widow is set in Huaxia, a futuristic nation that reimagines medieval China with advanced technology. The world features giant mechas called Chrysalises that defend against alien creatures called Hunduns threatening beyond the Great Wall. The setting blends Chinese cultural elements, historical references, and science fiction aesthetics inspired by mecha anime. Huaxia operates under a rigid, militaristic society where families sell daughters as concubine-pilots, and the capitol serves as the center of political and military power.