iron widow

Xiran Jay Zhao

Loads of badassery in a futuristic realm inspired by characters & creatures of Chinese history and mythology.

In a plot to avenge her sister's death, Zetian volunteers as a concubine-pilot. Her vengeance comes unexpectedly though, when her exceptionally high qi challenges the misogynist piloting system that typically results in death for most female pilots.

• A blending of futuristic tech with ancient lore, set in a Chinese culture

• Themes of feminist rage, polyamory, transformers-like robot creatures, and violence

• Maybe technically a sci-fi novel but reads like fantasy