DigeeBooks

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.

Journey into a world of mecha and martial arts in "Iron Widow", the captivating debut novel by Xiran Jay Zhao. Set in a futuristic China, this story follows Zetian, a young woman determined to avenge her sister's death and challenge the oppressive patriarchal society. As she becomes an Iron Widow, a pilot of giant mechas, Zetian uncovers secrets, power, and a love that defies expectations. Dive into this thrilling adventure that blends science fiction, feminism, and Chinese mythology in a unique and unforgettable narrative.

In the Huaxia Empire, girls are trained to become concubines for Iron Widow pilots, men who control giant mechas. These pilots are celebrated as heroes, while the concubines are seen as disposable. But Zetian is different. She is determined to break free from the oppressive system. When her sister is killed by an Iron Widow's mech, Zetian vows revenge. She becomes an Iron Widow herself and uses her skills to fight against the empire.

"Iron Widow" is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that explores themes of gender, power, and freedom. Zetian is a complex and compelling character who fights against the odds to create a better future for herself and other women. The novel is also a thrilling adventure story, full of action, suspense, and romance. If you're looking for a book that will challenge your thinking and keep you on the edge of your seat, then "Iron Widow" is the perfect read for you.

In addition to Zetian's quest for revenge, "Iron Widow" also explores the relationship between Zetian and Yizhi, the Iron Widow she is assigned to. Yizhi is a complex character who is both powerful and vulnerable. The relationship between Zetian and Yizhi is both passionate and dangerous. It is a relationship that will change both of them forever.

"Iron Widow" is a must-read for fans of science fiction, fantasy, and feminist literature. It is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it.