Xiran Jay Zhao

Xiran Jay Zhao is a Chinese-born Canadian author and online content creator. They are a first-generation Hui Chinese immigrant who moved from a small town in China to Vancouver, left a biochemistry degree to write, and make educational videos about Chinese history and culture.

Their debut novel Iron Widow (2021), a mecha science fiction reimagining of Wu Zetian, reached No. 1 on the New York Times list and won the 2021 BSFA Award for Best Book for Younger Readers. They followed it with the middle-grade Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor (2022) and the Iron Widow sequel Heavenly Tyrant (2023).

Zhao won the 2024 Astounding Award for Best New Writer.