Iron Widow

Science fiction and East Asian myth combine in this dazzling retelling of the rise of Wu Zetian, the only female emperor in Chinese history.

'This is the historical-inspired, futuristic sci-fi mash-up of my wildest dreams.' Chloe Gong

'Raging against the patriarchy in spectacular style.' Observer, best books of the year

I have no faith in love.

Love cannot save me. I choose vengeance. The boys of Huaxia dream of pairing up with girls to pilot Chrysalises - giant transforming robots that battle aliens beyond the Great Wall.

It doesn't matter that their female co-pilots are expected to serve as concubines and often die from the mental strain. When 18-year-old Zetian offers herself up as a concubine-pilot, her plan is to assassinate the ace male pilot responsible for her sister's death. But after miraculously surviving her first battle, Zetian sets her sights on a mightier goal.

The time has come to stop more girls from being sacrificed.