• Iron Widow

  • By: Xiran Jay Zhao
  • Narrated by: Rong Fu
  • Length: 12 hrs and 14 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (2,497 ratings)

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Iron Widow  By  cover art

Iron Widow

By: Xiran Jay Zhao
Narrated by: Rong Fu
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Publisher's summary

2021 GoodReads Choice Award

2021 Nebula Award

An instant number one New York Times best seller!

Pacific Rim meets The Handmaid's Tale in this blend of Chinese history and mecha science fiction for YA listeners.

The boys of Huaxia dream of pairing up with girls to pilot Chrysalises, giant transforming robots that can battle the mecha aliens that lurk beyond the Great Wall. It doesn't matter that the girls often 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 she gets her vengeance in a way nobody expected - she kills him through the psychic link between pilots and emerges from the cockpit unscathed. She is labeled an Iron Widow, a much-feared and much-silenced kind of female pilot who can sacrifice boys to power up Chrysalises instead.​

To tame her unnerving yet invaluable mental strength, she is paired up with Li Shimin, the strongest and most controversial male pilot in Huaxia​. But now that Zetian has had a taste of power, she will not cower so easily. She will miss no opportunity to leverage their combined might and infamy to survive attempt after attempt on her life, until she can figure out exactly why the pilot system works in its misogynist way - and stop more girls from being sacrificed.

©2021 Xiran Jay Zhao (P)2021 Penguin Teen

Critic reviews

2024, Washington Evergreen Young Adult Book Award, Nominated

2023, Green Mountain Book Award, Winner

2022, Amy Mathers Teen Book Award, Winner

2022, Arlene Barlin Award for Science Fiction and Fantasy, Winner

2022, Aurora Award - Best YA Novel, Short-listed

2022, Barnes & Noble Children's & YA Book Awards - Young Adult, Winner

2021, British Science Fiction Association Award, Winner

2021, GoodReads Choice Award, Nominated

2021, Nebula Award, Nominated

Instant #1 New York Times Bestseller!

An Amazon Editors’ Pick for Best Young Adult

An Amazon Editor’s Pick for Best Science Fiction and Fantasy

A Polygon Best Science Fiction and Fantasy Book of 2021

An Indigo #1 Teen Book of the Year

An Indigo Best Teen Book (2021)

An Indigo Best Teen Sci-Fi & Fantasy Book (2021)

A Barnes & Noble's Best YA Fantasy & Adventure of 2021

A New York Public Library Best Book for Teens (2021)

A Canadian Children's Book Centre Favourite Book of the Year (2021)

A Boston Globe Best Book of 2021

A Cultured Vultures’ “21 Best Books Of 2021”

A 2021 Goodreads Choice Awards Nominee, Best Young Adult & Science Fiction

Nominated for the Science Fiction Writers of America's Andre Norton Nebula Award for Middle Grade and Young Adult Fiction

"[This] duology opener will appeal to those seeking high-energy, feminist, queer narratives." (Publishers Weekly)

Editor's Pick

The Hunger Games + Evangelion
If I were ever in a fight, I’d want Zetian to be on my side. Zetian absolutely refuses to bow down to what is expected of her, which, in this Chinese-inspired fantasy world, is to sacrifice her life so her family will have enough money to afford a bride price for her brother. Just thinking about it makes my blood boil, which is exactly what made Zetian’s story so satisfying. She defies the system one increasingly impossible step at a time, from becoming one of the most powerful Chrysalis (aka giant robot) pilots in the army—let alone the most powerful female pilot—to basically crushing all her enemies. There are two boys who will do anything for her, but don’t worry, it’s not a love triangle; it’s even better. I was so appreciative of Rong Fu’s narration to help me understand the pronunciation, and I really felt Zetian’s deep rage and frustration through her performance. Xiran Jay Zhao is a name to remember, because this creator is exploding onto the scene in a big way with Iron Widow. —Melissa B., Audible Editor

What listeners say about Iron Widow

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Fantastic

I first found this author on YouTube and have been following every single video on Xiran Jay Zhao’s channel. I have to say I was looking forward to this book and my expectations were blown out of the water. Amazing work. Hoping there is a sequel coming.

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Tiktok Recommended Author Delivered

narrator was awesome, triangles are the strongest shape. women can be proactive, powerful, and still have a healthy range of emotions. the blend of reality and fiction was hypnotic. wish more authors took this approach.

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Phenomenal

want a book that doesn't push aside female rage. smash the patriarchy with this novel

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So Fucking Amazing 10/10

the plot is amazing, the romance is so good it made me cry and tender and aching in my heart, the twists and politics and descriptions are just *chef kiss*. I striaght up listened to it instead of sleeping all night and couldnt go to sleep until I finished it (took me two nights).

for your own good, read this masterpiece. cant wait for the sequal.

-Leo

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    4 out of 5 stars

good book after prologue

I was seriously not going to continue this book after the prologue, which in my opinion was very poorly written..
afterwards however the book became really good and I recommend getting through the expedition dump..
This book is kind of Hunger games meets Aragon sci-fi with a female lead and it's pretty great:)

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Exceptional.

I was vested in the story and characters. I was enthralled with the use of Chinese culture and history in the story line. The narration was spot on. I hope we hear more from the author.

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My Emotions Are Too High

Please oh please let there be a sequel. This book is amazing, refreshing, impactful, and important.

I'm struggling to review it because the depths and heights it took me to require stronger language than I'm capable of.

I've loved the author's YouTube videos and bought this book to support them. I had no idea the amazing ride I was in for. I have a new favorite author.

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Even better than I could've imagined!!

This is without a doubt one of my favorite books I've read this year! I've really enjoyed Xiran Jay Zhao's videos on YouTube, and I was excited for this book because they are really great at storytelling. When I tell you this book blew beyond my expectations completely, I am not exaggerating. Consort Wu is a fascinating protagonist, I ADORE the love triangle, and beyond just being entertaining, Iron Widow is a fascinating look at gender and power. Iron Widow is a page turner and I cannot wait for the second book!

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Really loved this book!

To be honest I first learned about this book because the author dressed up in full traditional Chinese garments and posted in a Facebook group I’m in. I didn’t know what to expect but i am SO glad i decided to check out the book. Xirans prose is absolutely beautiful, she has a very poetic way of setting scenes. The story itself is multifaceted and gripping, taking you on a wild ride that explores some uniquely Asian themes, along with popular fantasy tropes with their own twist. Every chapter leaves you wanting more, and I felt immersed in the world that was built.

As an Asian American who’s read fantasy books their whole life, iron widow is the first time that I’ve ever read a fantasy book that I feel like I can really relate with. I’m not sure if xiran will ever read this review but if she does I hope she knows what an inspiration she is.

Lastly, the narration by rong fu is absolutely a marvel. The emotion and voices that she portrays really brings the book to life. I actually think it is one of the best audiobook performances that I’ve ever listened to in my life.

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I loved it

I had seen this book recommended on book tok and decided to give it a go. I regret nothing. if anything it was even better than I thought it would be and I had high expectations. A strong female lead, an interesting relationship without the YA drama, and huge robots! my only complaint is that it's over and now I have to wait and see if a sequel comes out and I hate waiting :-(

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