Super Short Summary

In the science fantasy novel Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao, Wu Zetian, a peasant girl in a futuristic dystopia based on Chinese culture, seeks vengeance for her sister's death caused by a top male pilot in the battle against alien invaders known as Hunduns. Zetian defies societal norms by becoming a powerful pilot, uncovering sinister truths, and rising to power with the help of her two love interests. The book contains potentially distressing content, including suicidal ideation, sexual assault mentions, and gendered violence.