Heavenly Tyrant (Iron Widow, Book 2)

This explosive sequel plunges readers back into a world where Chinese history and mecha science fiction collide, picking up with Zetian now occupying the throne of Huaxia. Having seized power through brutal means, she discovers that ruling is far more complex than rebellion, forcing her to navigate a treacherous landscape of court politics while a burning quest for vengeance threatens to consume her. The narrative masterfully escalates the stakes, blending visceral giant robot battles with sharp critiques of systemic oppression and the corrupting nature of authority.

Zhao’s signature unapologetic voice drives a plot that is both relentless and thought-provoking, refusing to shy away from the moral complexities of revolution and the heavy price of power. Fans of the first book will be gripped by Zetian's continued evolution from a force of pure rage into a strategic, albeit terrifying, leader, all while new world-altering revelations unfold. This is a sequel that doesn't just meet expectations; it shatters them with the force of a Chrysalis punch, cementing this series as a defining, brutal, and essential work of young adult speculative fiction.