Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐- Hardcover Worthy!
Kindle & Audible: US or CA
Morning Readers & Happy Tuesday!
I think I may have found a favorite for 2026. While I’m not normally a huge sci fi fan, the world building in this book rode that perfect line between magical and sci-fi and I devoured this audio book in 3 days flat (this is actually a feat for a slower reader).
Set in a futuristic world inspired by China, humanity fights relentless alien creatures called Hunduns with giant mechanized warriors known as Chrysalises. In this society, male pilots are celebrated while the women forced to power them are treated as expendable. When eighteen-year-old Wu Zetian volunteers as a concubine-pilot to avenge her sister’s death, she defies the system’s sexist expectations, and uncovers her own extraordinary power.
I honestly can’t believe it took me this long to read this book and there aren’t more people raving about it. While the plot did have a slight mix of Hunger Games x Power Ranger vibes I still felt it original and loved the set up at the end. The two main characters were well fleshed out, with the leading female having a strong character arc, and I’m hoping the second installment helps to dig deeper into a few more of the supporting roles. Looking back, I love the breadcrumbs in the writing and will absolutely be digging into the second book as soon as I can!
This is reminding me that I do have another second installment to a Korean translated book that I’ve been meaning to get to this year as well!
Do you have a favorite non-North American inspired book or series?
-Anna R.
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Kindle & Audible: US or CA
The Weekend Readers 
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