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corsetedfeminist's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I’ve heard so many people talk about how wonderful this book is, but I went into it basically blind, and I’m glad I did.
It’s everything you know and love about Mulan, but if she was a bit more power hungry and firmly morally grey.
I want to take a moment first to celebrate the worldbuilding here. I struggle sometimes with sci-fi type books, but this story was a delight and didn’t get too bogged down in the details of how various technology worked beyond what was needed for the plot, when it was needed. The whole chrysalis concept and technology are explained extremely well. Added to this is a solid dose of Chinese culture and history that was beautifully woven into fantasy/sci-fi parts of the story. The ongoing discussion of the practice of foot binding, including our main character’s disabling pain, brought a raw physicality to the discussion of sexism in the story that broke me.
Now we go to our main character, Zetian. She is fire, and vengance, and spirit, and a deep yearning for power and revenge that I immediately adored. I’m going to tattoo “I am your nightmare” to the inside of my eyelids. But we also catch glimpses of her soft side, and I loved that as well.
And then we have her boys. Yizhi and Shimin are each delightful in very different ways. I loved the contrast of Yizhi’s softness balanced with cunning and Shimin’s roughness balanced with a poet’s heart. I was glad that on of the few things I knew going in was that the romance in the book is poly, because I enjoyed watching all three fall in love together without having to worry about her picking one.(With that being said, spoiler: If Shimin is irreversibly dead, we riot. I need him to be okay by the end of the next book.)
In short, I really enjoyed this book, and I’m looking forward to the sequel. The discussions of patriarchy and defeating the expectations people put on us are expertly handled, the plot is perfect and riveting, and the romance is tender despite it all.
It’s everything you know and love about Mulan, but if she was a bit more power hungry and firmly morally grey.
I want to take a moment first to celebrate the worldbuilding here. I struggle sometimes with sci-fi type books, but this story was a delight and didn’t get too bogged down in the details of how various technology worked beyond what was needed for the plot, when it was needed. The whole chrysalis concept and technology are explained extremely well. Added to this is a solid dose of Chinese culture and history that was beautifully woven into fantasy/sci-fi parts of the story. The ongoing discussion of the practice of foot binding, including our main character’s disabling pain, brought a raw physicality to the discussion of sexism in the story that broke me.
Now we go to our main character, Zetian. She is fire, and vengance, and spirit, and a deep yearning for power and revenge that I immediately adored. I’m going to tattoo “I am your nightmare” to the inside of my eyelids. But we also catch glimpses of her soft side, and I loved that as well.
And then we have her boys. Yizhi and Shimin are each delightful in very different ways. I loved the contrast of Yizhi’s softness balanced with cunning and Shimin’s roughness balanced with a poet’s heart. I was glad that on of the few things I knew going in was that the romance in the book is poly, because I enjoyed watching all three fall in love together without having to worry about her picking one.
In short, I really enjoyed this book, and I’m looking forward to the sequel. The discussions of patriarchy and defeating the expectations people put on us are expertly handled, the plot is perfect and riveting, and the romance is tender despite it all.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Misogyny, Sexism, Torture, Violence, Blood, Murder, Sexual harassment, War, and Injury/Injury detail
bisexualbookshelf's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao is a fierce, unapologetic masterpiece that blends science fiction, Chinese history, and feminist rebellion into a searing tale of vengeance and liberation. In a world where girls are sacrificed to power giant war machines, Wu Zetian, the novel's protagonist, stands as a force of unflinching defiance, determined to dismantle the patriarchal society that seeks to destroy her. Zhao’s direct, sharp prose brings Zetian’s rage to life, grounding her personal quest for revenge in a larger critique of the oppressive systems that devalue and discard women.
Zetian’s journey begins with a personal vendetta—the murder of her sister by a male pilot—but quickly transforms into a mission to tear down the very system that treats girls as expendable. When Zetian kills the man responsible for her sister’s death, she earns the title of "Iron Widow," a rare and feared female pilot capable of sacrificing men to power the war machines known as Chrysalises. Her defiance becomes a symbol of feminist resistance, challenging not just the men who uphold the system but also the women who enable it. Inspired by the real-life Chinese Empress Wu Zetian, Zhao’s heroine is a force of nature, her journey fueled by fury and a hunger for liberation.
The world-building in Iron Widow is nothing short of ambitious. Zhao draws on Chinese history and mythology, creating a richly imagined society that blends futuristic technology with ancient traditions. The concept of girls being sacrificed to power mechas feels both chillingly futuristic and deeply rooted in historical patriarchal violence, making the novel’s feminist themes all the more potent. Zetian’s rebellion isn’t just personal—it’s a full-scale war against the systems that have oppressed women for generations.
Zetian’s relationships with co-pilots Li Shimin and Yizhi add another layer of complexity to the story. Their triad challenges traditional ideas of romance and loyalty, exploring themes of polyamory, interdependence, and bisexuality in subtle but powerful ways. The emotional depth of their bond, especially as they navigate a brutal world together, underscores the novel’s exploration of non-traditional relationship structures and challenges gender norms with nuance and care.
At its core, Iron Widow is a defiant rejection of societal expectations. Zhao doesn’t shy away from heavy themes, tackling patriarchal violence, gender roles, and systemic oppression head-on. While the novel’s feminist critique is often intense and at times heavy-handed, this only reinforces the urgency of its message. Zetian’s rage, her refusal to bow to the world’s demands, and her unrelenting pursuit of justice make Iron Widow a powerful, exhilarating read.
For anyone seeking a story of rebellion, resistance, and the reclamation of power, Iron Widow is a must-read. Zhao’s fierce writing, bold themes, and unforgettable characters make this novel an electrifying entry into the science fiction canon. I can’t wait to see where Zetian’s journey takes her next.
📖 Recommended For: Fans of feminist rebellion and fierce heroines, readers who enjoy stories blending science fiction with historical influences, those interested in themes of dismantling patriarchy and non-traditional relationships, and anyone who loves unapologetically powerful characters like in The Hunger Games or Chain-Gang All Stars.
🔑 Key Themes: Feminist Resistance, Patriarchal Violence, Reclamation of Power, Polyamory and Non-Traditional Relationships, Vengeance and Liberation, Chinese Mythology and History.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, Slavery, Violence, Sexual harassment, and War
Moderate: Alcoholism, Gun violence, Torture, and Alcohol
Minor: Domestic abuse, Gore, Sexual violence, Blood, Death of parent, and Classism
catperspective's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
0.5
So incredibly disappointed this book is marketed as feminist. Feminism isn’t about women also committing war crimes. The dialog is poorly written and the characters are cheesy in the worst way. I wish I DNF this book but it has such glowing reviews I figured it at least had a good ending: it did not.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Body horror, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual violence, Torture, Blood, Death of parent, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail
ellius's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
HOLY FUCKING SHIT
Wow. I absolutely loved this. Never in my life have I had a reading experience like this. Never in my life have I had a book engage me so much that I’ve felt physically nauseous but in the BEST way. This is absolutely one of my new favourite books, and for good reason.
I fell in love with the world building immediately. It was absolutely impeccable and i thought it was a really informative and creative depiction of Chinese history and culture.
I 100% fell in love with the main characters. Their motivations were all so interesting but ESPECIALLY Zetians. She is truly one of the most fascinating characters I have EVER read about. Plus her being based on the only ever female empress of china is so fucking interesting and added a whole other level to this book.
And the society that this was set in was so raw that it was kinda hard to read at points but it was a really important discussion on misogyny that I have never seen done in such a powerful way before.
But that’s all I can really say without getting into spoilers.
All in all this was an incredible book and reading experience. It covered important topics in a serious way while still being a creative and lively story (with a really cute romance). My only complaints are that the ending wasn’t as engaging as I wanted and I thought that the final twist was really cliché seeing as I predicted it since the beginning, other than that, a truly stunning book.
9.7/10. Polygamy *rizz*
Wow. I absolutely loved this. Never in my life have I had a reading experience like this. Never in my life have I had a book engage me so much that I’ve felt physically nauseous but in the BEST way. This is absolutely one of my new favourite books, and for good reason.
I fell in love with the world building immediately. It was absolutely impeccable and i thought it was a really informative and creative depiction of Chinese history and culture.
I 100% fell in love with the main characters. Their motivations were all so interesting but ESPECIALLY Zetians. She is truly one of the most fascinating characters I have EVER read about. Plus her being based on the only ever female empress of china is so fucking interesting and added a whole other level to this book.
And the society that this was set in was so raw that it was kinda hard to read at points but it was a really important discussion on misogyny that I have never seen done in such a powerful way before.
But that’s all I can really say without getting into spoilers.
All in all this was an incredible book and reading experience. It covered important topics in a serious way while still being a creative and lively story (with a really cute romance). My only complaints are that the ending wasn’t as engaging as I wanted and I thought that the final twist was really cliché seeing as I predicted it since the beginning, other than that, a truly stunning book.
9.7/10. Polygamy *rizz*
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Grief, Murder, Sexual harassment, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
latsin's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Body horror, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Grief, Murder, Alcohol, and War
Moderate: Addiction, Death, Gore, Physical abuse, Violence, Blood, Sexual harassment, and Colonisation
malecbanewood89's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Physical abuse, Sexism, Violence, and War
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Mental illness, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Toxic relationship, Murder, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Minor: Ableism, Death, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Infidelity, Racism, Forced institutionalization, Grief, and Medical trauma
margaret_k30's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Sexism, Torture, Violence, Murder, and War
Moderate: Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Medical trauma, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Genocide, Gore, Homophobia, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Death of parent, and Gaslighting
stephtastrophe's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Iron Widow was interesting read. I got it after seeing Xiran’s YouTube videos then saying they wrote this because they didn’t like the ending of Darling in the Franxx the anime and I didn’t either so I thought perfect.
It also seems to combine other elements from other anime such as the evolution which did I think happen in Darling in the Franxx too. But, also were reminiscent of Pokémon and Digimon. The spirit pressure like Bleach and ki in Dragonball. A bit of every mecha anime too. It was a bit Neon Genesis Evangelion too which a protagonist who didn’t want to be a pilot, was a little whiny at times and some psychological topics like that.
The book was really good and I liked the way they wrote it. Xiran is very good at writing descriptions. Some of them were quite beautiful. Although, as others have pointed out she could’ve described some of the main things better like how Hundun husks got turned in to Crysallis. How the magic system worked better and all sorts of other things to do with it so we the reader could understand it better.
I think some things were brought up too much, almost like filler sentences. Ironic, considering anime often has filler episodes. Such as the small details such as clothing and hairstyles. When we wanted details on the main plot points to do with the mecha more.
I found lotus feet to be brought up almost like filler too when there was just word stuffing going on. It was brought up more often than it needed to be. Of course it’s terrible and she could barely walk and was jealous of everyone who has unbound feet. But I find it odd as well it seemed she was the only character who was mentioned to have it that I remember. The other two main pilot girls have unbound feet and could run to get to their mecha when needed. I found it odd any of them would have bound feet in case they were far away and alone and couldn’t rely on someone carrying them to their mecha.
Another thing I found slightly odd was when she got revenge for her sister she originally just wanted to die after, but surely she should’ve wanted to live her life for both her and her sister? Also, I don’t think she ever mentioned her sister’s name for all she brought her up.
She eventually carried on and seemed to get in a good rhythm eventually with Shimin and Yizhi. Although, she did sort of go from hating Shimin even after he explained he saved a girl to liking him because she learnt it was against his will that he was a pilot. I kind of get it but it seemed like you’d think she’d be more cautious at first with him.
I find although the action pieces were great and some of the story was, there were quite a few times when things just didn’t make sense.
The ending also didn’t make sense. Wu Zetian woke up Qin Zheng finally from his slumber of 200 years and lied he wasn’t cure to get him on side. He asked her “you wish to take over your world” and she says yes. I was like hold on, what? I know she wanted to change things about the pilot system and she’s got the video footage to say the pilot system was rigged and was going to show it the world to show them they’d been lied to, but where did taking over the world come from? I have no idea 🤷🏻♀️
Not only did she want to suddenly take over the world and have everyone kowtow to her, but Yizhi knew and didn’t want her to stop? Did he have a personality transplant at the end? Pretty much the entire story he was the voice of reason in Zetian’s ear but then suddenly he’s down to take over the world? Huh? 🤔
Oh and he kills his own father, what? That seemed very out of character to me.
That’s weirder than how 5 minutes earlier Zetian finally felt bad about Shimin dying and saying previously he should as what did he have to live for, then two seconds later saying “he wouldn’t want me to think like this”. She had some remorse and character development then sort of went back against it. I guess it was probably just what was going on but she was allowed to think that even briefly. She could grieve for him.
Then we get the other plot twist that’s reminiscent of Planet of the Apes and a bit of Attack on Titan ending and I’m sure there’s some other shows and movies that did it but can’t think which, possibly The 100. But I don’t know how she didn’t figure it out when the Hundun said “humans were the scourge of the universe” as it was kind of obvious. So that’s not even their planet, they are the invaders and the Hundun’s are the natives, so they didn’t destroy them, it was the other way around. They started the war. Then Yizhi and his knowledge bomb disappear and a message from the heavenly court, who I assume are other humans who live on a ship in space (ala The 100) as one came down earlier so quick they thought it was the Gods, say they can bring back Shimin basically if she does that they say and doesn’t reveal the truth.
Then she drags her nails down her head and screams because maybe as it turns out the nightmare really is only just beginning.
Zetian was an interesting character and the plot was good barring these few confusing things. She did get on with some of the girls eventually which was nice although the one kind of betrayed her in the end.
The romance plot was kind of alright. I thought there would be more to it. Not a lot happened between them. It was kind of cute though. I did like Shimin and Yizhi.
I’ll definitely read the sequel when it comes out to see what happens next though as I’m invested and would love to see it.
It also seems to combine other elements from other anime such as the evolution which did I think happen in Darling in the Franxx too. But, also were reminiscent of Pokémon and Digimon. The spirit pressure like Bleach and ki in Dragonball. A bit of every mecha anime too. It was a bit Neon Genesis Evangelion too which a protagonist who didn’t want to be a pilot, was a little whiny at times and some psychological topics like that.
The book was really good and I liked the way they wrote it. Xiran is very good at writing descriptions. Some of them were quite beautiful. Although, as others have pointed out she could’ve described some of the main things better like how Hundun husks got turned in to Crysallis. How the magic system worked better and all sorts of other things to do with it so we the reader could understand it better.
I think some things were brought up too much, almost like filler sentences. Ironic, considering anime often has filler episodes. Such as the small details such as clothing and hairstyles. When we wanted details on the main plot points to do with the mecha more.
I found lotus feet to be brought up almost like filler too when there was just word stuffing going on. It was brought up more often than it needed to be. Of course it’s terrible and she could barely walk and was jealous of everyone who has unbound feet. But I find it odd as well it seemed she was the only character who was mentioned to have it that I remember. The other two main pilot girls have unbound feet and could run to get to their mecha when needed. I found it odd any of them would have bound feet in case they were far away and alone and couldn’t rely on someone carrying them to their mecha.
Another thing I found slightly odd was when she got revenge for her sister she originally just wanted to die after, but surely she should’ve wanted to live her life for both her and her sister? Also, I don’t think she ever mentioned her sister’s name for all she brought her up.
She eventually carried on and seemed to get in a good rhythm eventually with Shimin and Yizhi. Although, she did sort of go from hating Shimin even after he explained he saved a girl to liking him because she learnt it was against his will that he was a pilot. I kind of get it but it seemed like you’d think she’d be more cautious at first with him.
I find although the action pieces were great and some of the story was, there were quite a few times when things just didn’t make sense.
The ending also didn’t make sense. Wu Zetian woke up Qin Zheng finally from his slumber of 200 years and lied he wasn’t cure to get him on side. He asked her “you wish to take over your world” and she says yes. I was like hold on, what? I know she wanted to change things about the pilot system and she’s got the video footage to say the pilot system was rigged and was going to show it the world to show them they’d been lied to, but where did taking over the world come from? I have no idea 🤷🏻♀️
Not only did she want to suddenly take over the world and have everyone kowtow to her, but Yizhi knew and didn’t want her to stop? Did he have a personality transplant at the end? Pretty much the entire story he was the voice of reason in Zetian’s ear but then suddenly he’s down to take over the world? Huh? 🤔
Oh and he kills his own father, what? That seemed very out of character to me.
That’s weirder than how 5 minutes earlier Zetian finally felt bad about Shimin dying and saying previously he should as what did he have to live for, then two seconds later saying “he wouldn’t want me to think like this”. She had some remorse and character development then sort of went back against it. I guess it was probably just what was going on but she was allowed to think that even briefly. She could grieve for him.
Then we get the other plot twist that’s reminiscent of Planet of the Apes and a bit of Attack on Titan ending and I’m sure there’s some other shows and movies that did it but can’t think which, possibly The 100. But I don’t know how she didn’t figure it out when the Hundun said “humans were the scourge of the universe” as it was kind of obvious. So that’s not even their planet, they are the invaders and the Hundun’s are the natives, so they didn’t destroy them, it was the other way around. They started the war. Then Yizhi and his knowledge bomb disappear and a message from the heavenly court, who I assume are other humans who live on a ship in space (ala The 100) as one came down earlier so quick they thought it was the Gods, say they can bring back Shimin basically if she does that they say and doesn’t reveal the truth.
Then she drags her nails down her head and screams because maybe as it turns out the nightmare really is only just beginning.
Zetian was an interesting character and the plot was good barring these few confusing things. She did get on with some of the girls eventually which was nice although the one kind of betrayed her in the end.
The romance plot was kind of alright. I thought there would be more to it. Not a lot happened between them. It was kind of cute though. I did like Shimin and Yizhi.
I’ll definitely read the sequel when it comes out to see what happens next though as I’m invested and would love to see it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Gore, Violence, Grief, Murder, Alcohol, War, and Classism
Moderate: Homophobia, Misogyny, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, and Grief
ezriamongthestars's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gore, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racism, Sexism, Torture, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Alcohol, Colonisation, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Xenophobia, Suicide attempt, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Ableism and Homophobia
sassyykassie's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
i feel like this book has me with so much to digest.
love morally gray characters but this was next level.
love morally gray characters but this was next level.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Addiction, Alcoholism, Body horror, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Grief, and Classism