Iron Widow
#1 of 2 in Iron Widow Series
on Goodreads (98,717)
What’s inside...
The boys of Huaxia dream of pairing up with girls to pilot Chrysalises, giant transforming robots that can battle the mecha aliens that lurk beyond the Great Wall. It doesn't matter that the girls often die from the mental strain. 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. But she gets her vengeance in a way nobody expected—she kills him through the psychic link between pilots and emerges from the cockpit unscathed. She is labeled an Iron Widow, a much-feared and much-silenced kind of female pilot who can sacrifice boys to power up Chrysalises instead. To tame her unnerving yet invaluable mental strength, she is paired up with Li Shimin, the strongest and most controversial male pilot in Huaxia. But now that Zetian has had a taste of power, she will not cower so easily. She will miss no opportunity to leverage their combined might and infamy to survive attempt after attempt on her life, until she can figure out exactly why the pilot system works in its misogynist way—and stop more girls from being sacrificed.
Character compass
Wu Zetian
Li Shimin
Gao Yizhi
Discussion points
How does the main character, Zetian, challenge traditional gender roles in the story?
What do you think about the concept of 'Iron Widows' and how they are treated in society within the book? What parallels can you draw to our society?
Zetian forms complex relationships throughout the book. Which relationship impacted her the most, and why?
How does the author use the sci-fi setting to address real-world issues?
Discuss the theme of empowerment in the book. What does it mean to be empowered, according to Zetian's journey?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts on the book’s themes and ask your child if they agree or saw things differently to show them that their opinion is valued.
Encourage your child to relate the struggles or successes of the characters to their own experiences, fostering a deeper personal connection with the narrative.
Highlight moments in the book where characters make significant choices and ask your child what they would have done in the same situation, facilitating critical thinking.
Discuss the historical and cultural elements introduced, assisting your child in understanding the broader context of the story.
Praise your child’s insights during the conversation to boost their confidence in expressing their thoughts and opinions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empowerment and self-worth
Explanation: The protagonist, Wu Zetian, demonstrates empowerment by challenging societal norms and standing up against oppressive systems.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize their own value and advocate for themselves and others in situations where they feel marginalized or unjustly treated.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Throughout the story, Wu Zetian learns to collaborate with others, despite initial conflicts, to achieve common goals.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to work cooperatively with peers in school projects or team sports, understanding that collective effort often leads to greater success.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist faces numerous challenges and setbacks but consistently demonstrates resilience by persisting in her goals.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by developing a resilient mindset, helping them to overcome obstacles and continue pursuing their goals despite difficulties.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and questioning authority
Explanation: Wu Zetian often questions the status quo and thinks critically about the rules imposed by society and authority figures.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to not accept information at face value and to develop their own understanding and opinions on various subjects.
Example Lesson: Justice and ethical decision-making
Explanation: The protagonist’s journey is also one of seeking justice, not just for herself, but for those who are oppressed by the same forces that tried to hold her back.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of fairness and the impact of making ethical decisions to support not just personal gains but the well-being of the community.