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A review by snipinfool
She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan
adventurous
challenging
dark
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
4.5
She Who Became the Sun was the story of a young girl, Zhu Yuanzhang, who uses her brother’s identity, Zhu Chongba, when he died. She had no other options open to her. Her brother had been told greatness was his fate. She hoped that becoming Zhu Chongba, she would have a better fate as well. Zhu went to a monastery and entered as a novice in hopes of securing food, shelter, and education. Zhu planned to do everything in her power to make the prophecy foretold come true.
I really enjoyed this book. I admired Zhu for choosing to take a difficult path to survive. Posing as her brother (something that she would have to do for potentially her entire life) was the only choice she could see that could provide a life with the hope of survival. Zhu was a fast learner, which allowed her to gain the skills she needed. Zhu’s nemesis, General Ouyan, was a worthy opponent who had his own interesting life history. Parker-Chan told a very compelling story. I listened to the audiobook and it was hard for me to turn it off. I was constantly curious what happened next to our main hero of the story. A sequel, He Who Drowned the World, continued Zhu’s story. I will add this to my TBR.
I really enjoyed this book. I admired Zhu for choosing to take a difficult path to survive. Posing as her brother (something that she would have to do for potentially her entire life) was the only choice she could see that could provide a life with the hope of survival. Zhu was a fast learner, which allowed her to gain the skills she needed. Zhu’s nemesis, General Ouyan, was a worthy opponent who had his own interesting life history. Parker-Chan told a very compelling story. I listened to the audiobook and it was hard for me to turn it off. I was constantly curious what happened next to our main hero of the story. A sequel, He Who Drowned the World, continued Zhu’s story. I will add this to my TBR.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, War, and Death
Moderate: Misogyny