The Iron Widow series by Xiran Jay Zhao is 2 books of ya science fiction that runs on dark and feminist. Spice ranges from 1/5 to 2/5 across the series, clocking in at 906 total pages. Here's exactly how to read them in order.
Publication order — the way Xiran Jay Zhao intended. Each book links to our full mood and spice guide.
A fierce, dark Young Adult ya science fiction built around mecha pilot, polyamory, revenge. 394 pages with a gentle romantic thread and a satisfying conclusion.
Full guide →A epic, dark Young Adult ya science fiction built around revolution, polyamory, mecha. 512 pages with a gentle romantic thread and a satisfying conclusion.
Full guide →Here is how the heat changes book by book.
Iron Widow is book 1 and the intended starting point. It introduces everything you need — characters, world, and the dark energy that define the entire series. No prequels or companion novels required.
Read the full guide for Iron Widow →Read the Iron Widow series in publication order: 1. Iron Widow, 2. Heavenly Tyrant. This is the intended reading order by Xiran Jay Zhao.
The Iron Widow series has 2 books totaling 906 pages. We have full mood and spice profiles for every book in the series.
The Iron Widow series has moderate heat, averaging 1.5/5 spice. Some books are spicier than others — the range is 1/5 to 2/5.
The Iron Widow series is a ya science fiction series by Xiran Jay Zhao with dark, feminist, fierce vibes. Check each book's full guide for a spoiler-free breakdown of mood, tropes, and fit.
Start with Iron Widow — it's book 1 and introduces everything you need. Our full guide for Iron Widow breaks down the mood, spice, and what to expect.