A review by amanda_reads13
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao

emotional inspiring sad 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? Yes

5.0

18 year old Zetain offers herself up as a concubine in order to assassinate her sister's killer. But what she never expects to do it's to kill him through their psychic link and survive. Now she carries the label of the Black Widow, a feared woman who has too much power. She is then paired up with Li Shimin, the most powerful pilot (also deathrow inmate) in hopes of suppressing her power. Again she pulls off the unexpected when their pairing is a match. 

I really love this book. It has fantastic world building, dynamic characters, and a plot that sucks you in. I love how she brings in historical figures and facts while manipulating them to be relevant to this story and world. Feminism/patriarchy is obviously the main theme tackled here, but she also tackles addiction, abuse, government corruption and oppression, and gender and sexuality. 

Throughout the story we learn about how Huaxia is a country fighting against alien invaders called Hunduns, these giant round metallic creatures. For centuries they have been battling them using Chrysalises (giant magical robots crafted out of the spirit metal of Hundun corpses) which uses a two-pilot system in which one girl and one boy pilot a single vehicle. 

Huaxia is rules over by the Heavenly Council, a group of "Gods" who orbit the planet. The people of Huaxia must offer up Hunduns corpses in return for the gift of technological schematics. We discover that
the the people of Huaxia are actually the invaders and that their colony only exists to kill and harvest Hunduns for the precious spirit metal.  This leaves so many unanswered questions. Where are these people originally from? Are there other colonies? What do they need this metal for?


This world is a patriarchal hell-hole for women. Women have two choices in life: become a wife or sacrifice yourself as a pilot's concubine. Women rarely survive as a concubine as they are scaeificed to ensure the man survives. 

Throughout the story we meet Zetian (the iron widow), Li Shimin (the iron demon) and Yizhi (the cinnamon roll rich boy).  Zetian comes into the story roaring. There is no build up to her rage, she just wakes up and chooses violence. I love it. She is a very compelling and fascinating character. Through her we learn about the misogyny blanketing this world, suppressing women to sexual play things and property. She is determined to make the world a better place and stands up when all others cower. As she learns about the truth behind the army, she seeks to destroy it from the inside out, willing to sacrifice herself for a better future.
The yin seat is designed to limit the power of women and turns them into a battery that is easily consumed by the male pilot in the yang seat. This ensures the pilots survival.


I really appreciate the approach she took with the love triangle that could have been. Zetian is in love with Yizhi, yet develops feelings for Shimin as well.
Does she have to choose? Nope! And not only does she get to be with both guys, but they both develop feeling for each other. So we get bisexual representation and a polyamorous relationship. Perfect!
I love this because I generally dislike the YA angst of a love triangle. 
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