' incredible novel, fun and exciting, sometimes horrible to read, but in all the ways that make you fall in love with a character.' - Tor Online ' duology opener will appeal to those seeking high-energy, feminist, queer narratives.' - Publishers Weekly 'The action-packed plot, involving battles both physical and mental, is original and incorporates queer themes and Zetian’s unwavering, cathartic feminism.' - Kirkus Reviews WINNER of the 2022 Amy Mathers Teen Book Award WINNER of the 2022 Arlene Barlin Award for Science Fiction and Fantasy Nominated for the Science Fiction Writers of America's Andre Norton Nebula Award for Middle Grade and Young Adult Fiction One of Book Riot's '20 best science fiction books of all time'Ī 2021 Goodreads Choice Awards Nominee, Best Young Adult & Science Fiction This deluxe new paperback edition features eight pages of Chrysalis concept art and a discussion guide.Īn Amazon Editors’ Pick for Best Young AdultĪn Amazon Editors' Pick for Best Science Fiction and FantasyĪ Polygon Best Science Fiction and Fantasy Book of 2021Īn Indigo Best Teen Sci-Fi & Fantasy Book (2021)Ī Barnes & Noble's Best YA Fantasy & Adventure of 2021Ī New York Public Library Best Book for Teens (2021)Ī Canadian Children's Book Centre Favourite Book of the Year (2021)Ī Cultured Vultures’ “21 Best Books Of 2021” She will take over instead, then leverage their combined strength to force her society to stop failing its women and girls.

But now that Zetian has had a taste of power, she will not cower so easily.

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 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. 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. It doesn't matter that the girls die from the mental strain. 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. Pacific Rim meets The Handmaid's Tale in this blend of Chinese history and mecha science fiction for YA readers. The instant #1 New York Times bestseller, now available in a stunning new paperback look with bonus content.

Iron widow 2