Xiran Jay Zhao

THE WAIT IS OVER. ZETIAN IS BACK WITH A VENGEANCE. 'Pulse-pounding, thought-provoking, ambitious and outrageous, this huge YA sci-fi tale amply delivers on the promise of the first volume.' Guardian, best new children's and teens books She is hated by both men and gods, and heaven and earth cannot allow her to exist. 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 fervour 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? THE EPIC SEQUEL TO IRON WIDOW. Praise for the series: ‘This is the historical-inspired, futuristic sci-fi mash-up of my wildest dreams.’ Chloe Gong ‘Raging against the patriarchy in spectacular style.’ Observer, best books of the year ‘Think The Handmaid’s Tale meets Pacific Rim and buckle up.’ Shelley Parker-Chan A New York Times bestseller, December 28, 2024

The Number 1 New York Times Bestseller

Heavenly Tyrant

"You felt me doing it even as it tore me apart inside, and you want to gamble on the softness of my heart?"

I swear, the list never ends. But I have to catch up. I have to.

"This document looks ridiculous. Our birthdays are over two hundred years apart."

"How questionable can a difference in age be after the one-hundred year mark?"

He beams. "It is always ethical to rob the wealthy."

Heavenly Tyrant quotes

Join the club