Finalist, Lodestar Award for Best Young Adult Book, 2025
Heavenly Tyrant
Xiran Jay Zhao (opens in a new tab)
Zetian, now the Iron Widow, tries to rule a world that hates her, as she faces a new enemy.
The ballot
- Sheine LendeDarcie Little BadgerLevine QueridoWinner
- The Maid and the CrocodileJordan IfuekoAmuletRunner-up
- So Let Them BurnKamilah ColeLittle, Brown Books for Young Readers
- The Feast MakersH.A. ClarkeErewhon
- MoonstormYoon Ha LeeDelacorte Press