Heavenly Tyrant (Iron Widow, Book 2)
Instant #1 New York Times Bestseller
CBC bestseller
USA Today bestseller

Zetian must balance dangerous politics with a new quest for vengeance in the sequel to the #1 New York Times bestseller Iron Widow.

Pacific Rim meets The Handmaid's Tale in this blend of Chinese history and mecha science fiction for YA readers.

After suffering devastating loss and making drastic decisions, Zetian finds herself on the seat of power in Huaxia, but she has also learned that her world is not as it seems. Revelations about an enemy who dangles one of her loved ones as a hostage force Zetian to share power with a dangerous man she cannot simply depose. Despite their mutual dislike and distrust, the two must work together to take down their common enemy and stoke a revolution against the systems of exploitation that plague their world.

However, power is not so easy to wield once seized, and a revolution is not so easy to control once unleashed. As Huaxia's former elites strike back and the common people's fervor for justice turns bloody and paranoid, can Zetian remain a fair and just ruler? Or will she be forced to rely on fear and violence and succumb to her darker instincts in her quest for vengeance and liberation?
1142553219
Heavenly Tyrant (Iron Widow, Book 2)
Instant #1 New York Times Bestseller
CBC bestseller
USA Today bestseller

Zetian must balance dangerous politics with a new quest for vengeance in the sequel to the #1 New York Times bestseller Iron Widow.

Pacific Rim meets The Handmaid's Tale in this blend of Chinese history and mecha science fiction for YA readers.

After suffering devastating loss and making drastic decisions, Zetian finds herself on the seat of power in Huaxia, but she has also learned that her world is not as it seems. Revelations about an enemy who dangles one of her loved ones as a hostage force Zetian to share power with a dangerous man she cannot simply depose. Despite their mutual dislike and distrust, the two must work together to take down their common enemy and stoke a revolution against the systems of exploitation that plague their world.

However, power is not so easy to wield once seized, and a revolution is not so easy to control once unleashed. As Huaxia's former elites strike back and the common people's fervor for justice turns bloody and paranoid, can Zetian remain a fair and just ruler? Or will she be forced to rely on fear and violence and succumb to her darker instincts in her quest for vengeance and liberation?
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Heavenly Tyrant (Iron Widow, Book 2)

Heavenly Tyrant (Iron Widow, Book 2)

by Xiran Jay Zhao

Narrated by Rong Fu

Unabridged — 21 hours, 4 minutes

Heavenly Tyrant (Iron Widow, Book 2)

Heavenly Tyrant (Iron Widow, Book 2)

by Xiran Jay Zhao

Narrated by Rong Fu

Unabridged — 21 hours, 4 minutes

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Overview

Notes From Your Bookseller

The science fiction series steeped in Chinese history is back with book two! After the thrills of Iron Widow, Zetian is in power, but keeping it will be its own challenge. Get ready for more mecha action delights!

Instant #1 New York Times Bestseller
CBC bestseller
USA Today bestseller

Zetian must balance dangerous politics with a new quest for vengeance in the sequel to the #1 New York Times bestseller Iron Widow.

Pacific Rim meets The Handmaid's Tale in this blend of Chinese history and mecha science fiction for YA readers.

After suffering devastating loss and making drastic decisions, Zetian finds herself on the seat of power in Huaxia, but she has also learned that her world is not as it seems. Revelations about an enemy who dangles one of her loved ones as a hostage force Zetian to share power with a dangerous man she cannot simply depose. Despite their mutual dislike and distrust, the two must work together to take down their common enemy and stoke a revolution against the systems of exploitation that plague their world.

However, power is not so easy to wield once seized, and a revolution is not so easy to control once unleashed. As Huaxia's former elites strike back and the common people's fervor for justice turns bloody and paranoid, can Zetian remain a fair and just ruler? Or will she be forced to rely on fear and violence and succumb to her darker instincts in her quest for vengeance and liberation?

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Instant #1 New York Times Bestseller
Indie #1 Bestseller
A CBC Books Bestseller
USA Today Bestseller
A 2025 Indigo Best of the Year (So Far)
One of the Canadian Children's Book Centre's Best Books for Kids and Teens, Spring 2025
An Amazon Editor's Pick for Best Teen and Young Adult Books of December

PRAISE FOR Heavenly Tyrant:

"[S]trong worldbuilding lays a foundation for a story that explores social issues, contains a steamy romance, and delves into Zetian’s internal battles . . . A roller coaster of entertainment, emotions, and political machination."Kirkus Reviews

"Returning fans will find many things to love in this cathartic power fantasy." School Library Journal

"Full of action and intrigue . . . Whatever happens, Zetian remains in the center of it all. She is relentless, and she is sometimes a mess. But she is determined to bring down the gods—and anyone else—who control her and her country by any means necessary." Reactor Magazine

Kirkus Reviews

2025-02-15
Following the events ofIron Widow (2021), Wu Zetian brings the fight to the heavens in this second entry in a trilogy infused with Chinese lore.

A prologue introduces Qin Zheng, conqueror of the metallic buglike enemies the Hunduns and the powerful Chrysalises and their pilots. But people are succumbing to the rapidly spreading flowerpox that liquifies one’s organs. After Qin Zheng is infected, he asks to be frozen until a cure is found. Over 200 years later, he’s revived by Zetian, a Chrysalis pilot in the heat of an airborne battle who needs his help. They crash, and Zetian awakens to find that Qin Zheng, who’s been cured, has reclaimed the mantle of Emperor of Huaxia, aggressively implementing many social reforms. Qin Zheng and Zetian’s relationship is initially tenuous; she’s declared empress as part of a mutually beneficial arrangement but faces resistance from the people and the emperor’s advisors. However, Qin Zheng’s dismantling of oppressive systems of patriarchy and social stratification eventually win over Zetian, who joins him in his secret mission to take down the gods, who he believes are profiting from the ongoing war. The strong worldbuilding lays a foundation for a story that explores social issues, contains a steamy romance, and delves into Zetian’s internal battles, although, despite the book’s length, readers may wish for fuller development of each theme.

A roller coaster of entertainment, emotions, and political machination. (author’s note, element guide, Chrysalis guide)(Science fiction. 14-18)

Product Details

BN ID: 2940176799781
Publisher: Penguin Random House
Publication date: 12/24/2024
Series: Iron Widow , #2
Edition description: Unabridged
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