I’m currently making my way through Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao, and wow—there’s a lot to unpack already. I’d say I’m just past the halfway point, and right now it’s sitting at about a 3.5-star read for me. The premise? Absolutely badass. Mecha battles powered by qi, a fierce protagonist out for revenge, and a richly reimagined world inspired by Chinese history and mythology. It’s bold, fast-paced, and doesn’t hold back on intensity.

That said, there are moments where the writing slips into what I’d call YA cringe. One scene that really stood out (in a not-great way) is when Zetian emerges from her chrysalis-like battle armor—her Chrysalises, to be exact. The visual is clearly meant to be powerful and symbolic, but it crosses the line into melodrama. It feels like something out of a flashy anime adaptation… but not necessarily in a good way.

Still, I appreciate what this book is trying to do. Zetian is a compelling character—angry, traumatized, and unapologetically ruthless. Her defiance of the system that chews up and spits out girls like her is gripping. And I’ll give credit where it’s due: Zhao is not afraid to go hard on feminist themes, gender roles, and systemic violence. It’s a refreshing, if sometimes messy, perspective.

I’m curious to see how the second half lands. Will it elevate the story into something unforgettable, or stay firmly in the “fun but flawed” category? Either way, I have a feeling it’s going to be a wild ride.

Have you read Iron Widow? Did the armor scene work for you or totally miss the mark? I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment below or reach out on social!