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A review by kmartbooks
He Who Drowned the World by Shelley Parker-Chan
challenging
dark
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
Thank you to Netgalley, Tor, and Macmillan Audio for the eARC/ALC. This is an honest review. The audiobook was exceptional. I would highly recommend it. Great narration.
"He Who Drowned the World" by Shelley Parker-Chan, the sequel and conclusion to "She Who Became the Sun," delves deeper into a world of imperial ambitions and incredibly ruthless desire for power.
The narrative continues to unfold around Zhu, the Radiant King, who hungers not only for victory but also for the throne in order to change the world. Yet, she's not the sole contender in this battle of power. To outmaneuver her opponents, Zhu forges an unlikely alliance with the enigmatic eunuch general Ouyang, while other contenders circle with their own places in place. I adored the interactions between these two in particular. The characters, while broken and often completely reprehensible, possess a certain allure that manage to captivate readers as strongly as in the first novel. The pacing is relentless, hurtling the narrative forward with action. The complex relationships and intricate machinations of these morally ambiguous characters create a compellingly dark atmosphere. Zhu, with her sly humor, acceptance of her true self, and love for Ma stands out amidst the cast of characters.
As the series concludes, "He Who Drowned the World" leaves an indelible mark with its dark complexity, unapologetically flawed characters, and an exploration of the insatiable desire for power. The series dives deep into the psychological abyss of ambition and its consequences, resulting in an ending that is both fitting and satisfying.
"He Who Drowned the World" by Shelley Parker-Chan, the sequel and conclusion to "She Who Became the Sun," delves deeper into a world of imperial ambitions and incredibly ruthless desire for power.
The narrative continues to unfold around Zhu, the Radiant King, who hungers not only for victory but also for the throne in order to change the world. Yet, she's not the sole contender in this battle of power. To outmaneuver her opponents, Zhu forges an unlikely alliance with the enigmatic eunuch general Ouyang, while other contenders circle with their own places in place. I adored the interactions between these two in particular. The characters, while broken and often completely reprehensible, possess a certain allure that manage to captivate readers as strongly as in the first novel. The pacing is relentless, hurtling the narrative forward with action. The complex relationships and intricate machinations of these morally ambiguous characters create a compellingly dark atmosphere. Zhu, with her sly humor, acceptance of her true self, and love for Ma stands out amidst the cast of characters.
As the series concludes, "He Who Drowned the World" leaves an indelible mark with its dark complexity, unapologetically flawed characters, and an exploration of the insatiable desire for power. The series dives deep into the psychological abyss of ambition and its consequences, resulting in an ending that is both fitting and satisfying.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Rape, Sexual violence, and War