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kat_sanford's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
melako98's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
a1mello's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
caseythecanadianlesbrarian's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is one of those books where I waffled between wanting to keep reading and wanting to DNF, and in the end I have to conclude SHE WHO BECAME THE SUN is a book I admired more than enjoyed.
There is a lot of political maneuvering and military battles, almost all of the characters are decidedly morally grey, and there isn't a strong focus on personal relationships or character growth or interiority. The 14th century Chinese setting, with a touch of speculative edge, is majestically rendered. Overall, it is an excellent book, but not exactly a book for me. (It is very queer though, even if you have to wait a bit for some action on that front.)
I was considering reading the sequel, but knowing now that it is much darker than the first book, I think I will pass. If someone wants to tell me what happens, though, please do! Does Ma lose or retain her emotion and compassion?
There is a lot of political maneuvering and military battles, almost all of the characters are decidedly morally grey, and there isn't a strong focus on personal relationships or character growth or interiority. The 14th century Chinese setting, with a touch of speculative edge, is majestically rendered. Overall, it is an excellent book, but not exactly a book for me. (It is very queer though, even if you have to wait a bit for some action on that front.)
I was considering reading the sequel, but knowing now that it is much darker than the first book, I think I will pass. If someone wants to tell me what happens, though, please do! Does Ma lose or retain her emotion and compassion?
crystalisreading's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Intense. well written. Compelling. Wonderful audio narration. Incredibly morally grey characters. Brutal. All the feels. not for the faint of heart.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Homophobia, Injury/Injury detail, Vomit, Animal death, Blood, Slavery, Torture, Alcohol, Colonisation, Dysphoria, Sexism, Physical abuse, Racism, Ableism, Child death, Classism, Body horror, Child abuse, Death, Grief, Medical content, Misogyny, War, Infertility, Murder, Sexual content, and Violence
tiredcreature's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
jagodasuwa's review against another edition
4.0
Miała momenty które mnie złapały ze serce, ogólnie ciekawie napisana, cieszy mnie, że romans nie wybija się tu na pierwszy plan
weirdemosrus's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
isvargas's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Incredible story about fate, gender, and perception. I did struggle a bit with the pacing. Middle was slow. Should read in print.
papadopa's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25