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Iron Widow (Book 1)

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Iron Widow (Book 1)

Written by: Xiran Jay Zhao
Narrated by: Rong Fu
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An instant #1 New York Times bestseller!
A USA Today bestseller!

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 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. Asian Creators Fiction LGBTQIA2S+ Creators Literature & Fiction Science Fiction Science Fiction & Fantasy Women's Voices Aviation
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Heavenly Tyrant (Iron Widow, Book 2) cover art
Heavenly Tyrant (Iron Widow, Book 2) Written by: Xiran Jay Zhao
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The most I can say is that it delivers on everything it promises. Mechas, monsters and dismantling the patriarchy through unbridled rage; good stuff.

A hell of a wild ride

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I can’t wait for the next book to come out very soon! The story was awesome!

Next book excitement

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It was very refreshing to read something based outside the usual eurocentric perspective. the lore was very fascinating and left interested learning more about its real world counterparts. But the characters were a tad stiff, and the brisk pace didn't give them time to breath. Worth a listen anycase.

honestly great concepts.

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I can't wait to listen to the next one. I may even buy both book now

So wow!!!!!

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Loved this book! The protagonist is so engaging. The love triangle is actually a triangle, not a love chevron. I love the unique setting. I saw the twist coming, but in a good way. Very good foreshadowing.

Excellent!

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