YA Fantasy: Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao

To Think About:

1) The world of Huaxia is tinged with violence, sacrifice, and cruelty as humanity struggles to survive the attacks of the Hunduns. The book especially focuses on gendered violence and the willingness of society to allow female pilots to die in order for the male pilot to survive. Did the levels of violence within the book shock you? Was there any point where you were stunned by the actions of a character?

2) Zetian does not have a good relationship with her family, with the exception of her older sister. Her parents focus on her brother who will carry on the family name and do not see a problem with selling Zetian and her sister into servitude as concubines to a pilot for cash. Do you feel that Zetian’s actions in the book are justified considering how she has been treated?

3) The pilots of Huaxia are treated similar to real world movie stars. They are followed by cameras, interviewed by reporters, their fights with the Hunduns are televised for all to see, and each suit has their own group of fans. Once Zetian has been confirmed to be a match with Shimin, their relationship is paraded in front of the media to drum up continued support. Do you feel the idolization of the pilots is necessary in order to keep the war going? Why or why not?

4) At the end of the novel, the reader is treated to a stunning cliffhanger. The world of Huaxia is not Earth, but another planet, and the Hunduns are not invaders but native to the planet. Zetian is threatened into keeping this secret if she obeys the orders of these unseen “gods” who will revive Shimin. How did you react to the ending? Was it something you expected to happen? Discuss with others your reaction and thoughts.