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Graphic: Ableism, Body horror, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Abortion, Murder, War, Injury/Injury detail
Once again, Parker-Chan dives deep into gender and sexuality, though I felt there was more discussion on femininity in the sequel than in the first book, which was refreshing. I think more could have been done on this front, especially considering that we got more of Ma's and Madam Zhang's perspectives on ongoing politics and scheming, though I didn't think it was unsatisfying either— I absolutely loved that the author continued to explore (toxic) masculinity. I was especially invested in Baoxiang's perspective and the way he negotiated with his own sexuality.
In the first novel, I didn't feel the fantastical elements worked particularly well. I think this was attended to rather well in the sequel, and the ghostly elements really did add a lot to the story (particularly towards the end).
Parker-Chan did a fantastic job wrapping up a strong duology. Despite the significant losses and violence in He Who Drowned the World, it all played out well like a high stakes chess game that you can't help but feel invested in.
Graphic: Death, Misogyny, Rape, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual assault, Violence, Blood, War
Moderate: Ableism, Homophobia
Graphic: Ableism, Body horror, Death, Gore, Homophobia, Self harm, Blood, Grief, Murder, War, Injury/Injury detail
Graphic: Ableism, Gore, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Violence, Grief, Murder
Minor: Vomit, Pregnancy
First of all, the writing style was so, so captivating. I remember heavily highlighting the first book, but I still feel like Shelley Parker-San has improved a lot as an author, not only in their writing style, but also in their technique. Humor, for instance, worked better for me here than it did in the first book. Also, the way Parker-San intertwines characters and their fates is mesmerizing. The way they write characters in itself is so compelling and masterful. I love morally grey characters, and all the people involved in this story are so fleshed out; they feel so real. Ouyang specifically was very challenging for me because of his trauma and his issues and I bet it was hard to write as well, and I think the author did a fantastic job.
However, I must admit that triggering content is medium to heavy in this one, at least for me, especially because self-harm is so frequently brought up, explored, and graphically described. The same goes for sexual abuse/rape, among others. However, regardless of my subjective reaction to these topics, I still believe they were dealt with very well, and I don't think they were included for shock value at all - they are, in each and every scene they appear, relevant and highly meaningful for both the plot and the characters.
I also really, really loved the third part of the book, as well as how it ended. I personally value the overall experience when I read a book, but a great ending is definitely a huge part of the rating for me, and this one was fantastic.
Lastly, please check all the trigger warnings before reading this book. Take care, and sorry for the rant.
psa: i started this review with a 4.5 star rating, but after reading what i've just said, i don't think i have any reasons not to give this a solid 5 stars. i genuinely don't have anything negative to say about this. i'm not a fan of historical fiction myself, and i thoroughly enjoyed it (although the reiterative queerness definitely helps lmao) <3
Graphic: Ableism, Homophobia, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Transphobia, Blood, Dysphoria, War, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Vomit
Minor: Slavery
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Gore, Misogyny, Self harm, Sexism, Torture, Violence, Grief, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, War, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
Moderate: Ableism, Animal cruelty, Child death, Homophobia, Infidelity, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Transphobia, Xenophobia, Medical content, Death of parent, Dysphoria
Minor: Incest, Miscarriage, Suicide, Vomit, Abortion
There is quite a bit of self loathing/ self harm throughout the story, and a lot of homophobia. Particularly a misogynistic hatred of men loving men and men presenting with any femininity. I had some questions for the author, particularly around the homophobia, but I’ll have to listen again sometime to check my impressions.
Recommended, with these CW.
Graphic: Ableism, Death, Homophobia, Misogyny, Self harm, Sexism, Murder, War, Classism
Moderate: Sexual assault, Toxic relationship
Graphic: Genocide, Homophobia, Rape, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Grief, Murder, War
Moderate: Ableism, Body shaming, Confinement, Infidelity, Misogyny, Torture, Blood
Minor: Pregnancy, Dysphoria
Moderate: Ableism, Child death, Death, Homophobia, Misogyny, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual content, Blood
Minor: Vomit
- I'm not sure how to review HE WHO DROWNED THE WORLD beyond simply some incoherent screaming. It's somehow better than the first book? It left me completely shattered? I could have kept reading it forever?
- I won't go into too much plot detail because 1) so much happens and 2) a lot of it would constitute huge spoilers. But know that I was gripped from beginning to end, gasped out loud at several points, and once my spouse asked if I was okay and the answer was a wailing, "Noooo!"
- Simply put, this duology is a masterpiece. I can't wait to see what Parker-Chan does next.
Graphic: Ableism, Body shaming, Death, Domestic abuse, Gore, Homophobia, Infertility, Infidelity, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual content, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, War, Injury/Injury detail, Classism