Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao

Published by Oneworld Publications

IN this stunning debut that’s become a sensation and a New York Times bestseller, Xiran Jay Zhao explores numerous concepts and genres in a way that comes across effortless and wonderfully readable.

Iron Widow is a feminist story like no other. Inspired loosely by China’s first female emperor and various elements of mythology comes a sci-fi fantasy in which outdated ideas about women are torn down and criticised on every page.

The magic and technology elements of the novel verge on the surreal but are pulled back to a harsh relatability by these real world explorations of misogyny and strong character relationships and emotions.

Every boy dreams of being a pilot, but here it’s not planes they fly. Chrysalises are giant robot and animal-like beings controlled only by those men of the strongest mind and spirit. Those with the highest Qi number (that which determines this strength) become celebrities, renowned for their skills in handling the strange magic by which Chrysalises are operated. They are rich beyond measure and worshipped almost like gods with their battles played again and again for the public to see.

Beneath all this glamour however is something far more sinister, something that is ignored or treated as though it is simply a noble sacrifice that must be made. In each battle these supposed heroes are sent on they are given a young woman to sit by their side as a co-pilot and concubine. This young woman, most often sent shortly after she turns 18, is only permitted to sit at the pilot’s side so he can channel her Qi in battle and increase his own power.

Most die in the process. The rarest of all these women, almost a fairytale sold to young girls desperate for hope is the Iron Princess. This only occurs when a woman’s Qi aligns with that of her pilot and transforms their Chrysalis into something stronger than it has ever been. This is such an uncommon occurrence that by the time of their first posting, most girls have grown past the fantasy – none more so than the fierce main character of the story, Zetian.

Zetian grew up just like everyone else, aspiring to be the co-pilot to one of the great heroes but had this dream shattered by an experience that hardened her forever.

After her older sister was assigned to one of these famous pilots she was murdered by him. He received no punishment and as she did not die in battle her family were left without compensation.

When Zetian decides she will go to the same pilot it is with the intention of assassinating him and avenging her sister. What she does not expect is the example she will set and the barriers she’ll tear down along the way.

Her justified rage gives the novel an intense, empowering tone. Among the subplots is a captivating but well-represented romance that explores the notion of polyamory with maturity which only added to the humanity and relatability of the characters.