Iron Widow (Book 1)
The instant #1 New York Times bestseller, now available in a stunning new paperback look with bonus content.

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


The boys of Huaxia dream of pairing up with girls to pilot Chrysalises, giant transforming robots that can battle the aliens that lurk beyond the Great Wall of China. It doesn't matter that the girls 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 when she gets her vengeance, it becomes clear that she is an Iron Widow, a rare kind of female pilot who can sacrifice males to power up Chrysalises instead.

To tame her frightening yet valuable mental strength, she is paired up with Li Shimin, the strongest male pilot in Huaxia, yet feared and ostracized for killing his father and brothers. But now that Zetian has had a taste of power, she will not cower so easily. She will take over instead, then leverage their combined strength to force her society to stop failing its women and girls. Or die trying.

This deluxe new paperback edition features eight pages of Chrysalis concept art and a discussion guide.
1138537107
Iron Widow (Book 1)
The instant #1 New York Times bestseller, now available in a stunning new paperback look with bonus content.

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


The boys of Huaxia dream of pairing up with girls to pilot Chrysalises, giant transforming robots that can battle the aliens that lurk beyond the Great Wall of China. It doesn't matter that the girls 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 when she gets her vengeance, it becomes clear that she is an Iron Widow, a rare kind of female pilot who can sacrifice males to power up Chrysalises instead.

To tame her frightening yet valuable mental strength, she is paired up with Li Shimin, the strongest male pilot in Huaxia, yet feared and ostracized for killing his father and brothers. But now that Zetian has had a taste of power, she will not cower so easily. She will take over instead, then leverage their combined strength to force her society to stop failing its women and girls. Or die trying.

This deluxe new paperback edition features eight pages of Chrysalis concept art and a discussion guide.
11.99 In Stock
Iron Widow (Book 1)

Iron Widow (Book 1)

by Xiran Jay Zhao
Iron Widow (Book 1)

Iron Widow (Book 1)

by Xiran Jay Zhao

Paperback

$11.99 
  • SHIP THIS ITEM
    Qualifies for Free Shipping
  • PICK UP IN STORE

    Your local store may have stock of this item.

Related collections and offers


Overview

Notes From Your Bookseller

A riveting feminist sci-fi inspired by Chinese history, Iron Widow is a richly imagined, nonstop alien adventure that is wholly unique and positively captivating. A vibrant and unrelenting trio of main characters powers the narrative to a shocking ending that will leave readers clamoring for the sequel.

The instant #1 New York Times bestseller, now available in a stunning new paperback look with bonus content.

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


The boys of Huaxia dream of pairing up with girls to pilot Chrysalises, giant transforming robots that can battle the aliens that lurk beyond the Great Wall of China. It doesn't matter that the girls 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 when she gets her vengeance, it becomes clear that she is an Iron Widow, a rare kind of female pilot who can sacrifice males to power up Chrysalises instead.

To tame her frightening yet valuable mental strength, she is paired up with Li Shimin, the strongest male pilot in Huaxia, yet feared and ostracized for killing his father and brothers. But now that Zetian has had a taste of power, she will not cower so easily. She will take over instead, then leverage their combined strength to force her society to stop failing its women and girls. Or die trying.

This deluxe new paperback edition features eight pages of Chrysalis concept art and a discussion guide.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780735269958
Publisher: Tundra Book Group
Publication date: 02/28/2023
Series: Iron Widow , #1
Pages: 416
Sales rank: 16,348
Product dimensions: 5.40(w) x 8.20(h) x 1.50(d)
Lexile: HL830L (what's this?)
Age Range: 14 - 17 Years

About the Author

About The Author
XIRAN JAY ZHAO is a first-gen immigrant from small-town China who was raised by the Internet​. A recent graduate of Vancouver’s Simon Fraser University, they wrote science fiction and fantasy while they probably should have been studying more about biochemical pathways. You can find them on Twitter for memes, Instagram for cosplays and fancy outfits, and YouTube for long videos about Chinese history and culture. Iron Widow is their first novel.
From the B&N Reads Blog

Customer Reviews