Picture a Chinese-Canadian storyteller who fused giant mechas with Chinese folklore to conquer bestseller lists—meet Xiran Jay Zhao! Born in 1997, this vibrant author burst onto the literary scene with their electrifying debut, Iron Widow, a sci-fi fantasy that reimagines the rise of China’s only female emperor, Wu Zetian. With a knack for blending anime-inspired action, feminist rage, and rich cultural tapestries, Zhao has captivated readers and redefined young adult fiction.
Zhao’s journey is as dynamic as their stories. From viral YouTube videos to New York Times bestseller status, they’ve built a global fanbase with their wit, cosplay flair, and unapologetic love for Chinese history. Their work, including the Iron Widow series and Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor, is a thrilling mix of myth, rebellion, and heart-pounding adventure.
The Making of Xiran Jay Zhao
Xiran Jay Zhao, born Zhao Xiran, immigrated from a small town in China to British Columbia in grade five. Raised by the internet, they found solace in anime and Chinese history, imagining stories from a young age but only putting pen to paper at 15 after an anime convention sparked their creativity. A 2020 biochemistry graduate from Simon Fraser University, Zhao ditched lab coats for literature, fueled by a passion for storytelling and a viral online presence as a “Chinese history memer.” Their YouTube critiques, like a takedown of Disney’s Mulan remake, skyrocketed their fame, paving the way for their literary debut.
Xiran Jay Zhao’s Unforgettable Stories
Zhao’s debut, Iron Widow (2021), is a tour de force, blending Pacific Rim-style mecha battles with a feminist reimagining of Wu Zetian’s rise in a dystopian Huaxia. The story follows Zetian, a fierce teen pilot who defies a patriarchal system where female pilots often die. A No. 1 New York Times bestseller, it won the 2021 BSFA Award for Best Book for Younger Readers and stayed on bestseller lists for over 30 weeks. Its sequel, Heavenly Tyrant (2024), continues the saga with a partial Three Kingdoms retelling, deepening the series’ mythic scope.
In 2022, Zhao released Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor, a middle-grade fantasy where a Chinese-American boy teams up with Emperor Qin’s spirit to seal a portal to the underworld. Debuting at No. 4 on the New York Times bestseller list, it showcases Zhao’s knack for accessible, action-packed stories rooted in Chinese mythology. Zhao’s style is electric—think fast-paced plots, sharp dialogue, and queer, polyamorous representation that challenges YA norms. Their work weaves Chinese folklore with sci-fi flair, creating immersive worlds that resonate with diverse readers.
Why Xiran Jay Zhao Matters
Xiran Jay Zhao is a trailblazer, bringing Chinese-inspired sci-fi fantasy to mainstream audiences while championing cultural and LGBTQ+ representation. Their unapologetic narratives tackle misogyny and racism, drawing from personal experiences to craft stories that empower marginalized voices. Zhao’s social media savvy, especially on TikTok’s BookTok, boosted Iron Widow’s pre-sales by 600% after a single unboxing video, proving their influence in shaping modern publishing trends. Winning the 2024 Astounding Award for Best New Writer, Zhao is a beacon for diaspora writers, showing that heritage can be a superpower in storytelling.
- Born: 1997, China
- Key Works: Iron Widow (2021), Heavenly Tyrant (2024), Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor (2022)
- Awards: 2021 BSFA Award, 2024 Astounding Award
Snag Iron Widow and dive into Xiran Jay Zhao’s fierce, fantastical worlds—your bookshelf will thank you!