WHEW! This book right here. I had pretty regular standards heading into IRON WIDOW by Xiran Jay Zhao since I’d seen so many great review, but I didn’t expect it to become a favorite before I even hit page 150. There’s something so absolutely captivating about the author’s writing style - I simply couldn’t put this book down.

Zetian is an awesome main character. She’s not above calling out her own BS or missteps, which helps us as readers catch ourselves doing the same thing, making the same assumptions, or falling into the same mental traps. The chapter titles were absolutely hilarious, and Shimin toooootally reminds me of Warren Peace from Sky High and it’s the greatest thing ever 💀

IRON WIDOW delivered what it set out to do and more. Feminist Asian-inspired fantasy with mechas/giant robots controlled by people? ✔️ Polyamorous relationship? ✔️ Disability rep (near blindness, walking impairment)? ✔️ Mental illness rep (alcoholism)? ✔️