I n order to combat the alien hoard beyond the Great Wall, humanity must use giant mechas called Chrysalises that require both yin and yang energy to pilot them. However, unless the two pilots’ spirits are perfectly balanced and in sync, the female pilot’s mind can be overwhelmed, leaving her as a dead husk. Zetian’s sister was one of these causalities, so she enlists to become a pilot in the hopes of an avenging her and overturning the system from the inside. Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao blends sci-fi and fantasy in a futuristic retelling of China’s only female emperor’s rise to power, inspired by Darling in the Franxx . Sounds amazing, right? I was really excited to read this book since I adore the author’s video essays. However, I have mixed feelings now that I’ve finished the book itself. Let’s start with what I loved. First off, I thought it was really interesting that the magic system is based off of Chinese mythology and medicine. For instance, characters have abiliti...