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A review by morgob
She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan
5.0
This was such an interesting book! It took me a while to finish it because this was a busy month for me, but it sucked me in every opportunity I had to read it. Historical fantasy is a new genre for me. I can't think of too many books I've read in this genre before. I really enjoyed it! The two main characters, Zhu Chongba and Ouyang, are both really interesting. Zhu, at least, is very morally grey. Most of this cast of characters is morally grey, as a matter of fact. Ruthless might be a good word to describe her.
I also really liked how gender was talked about and explored throughout this book. Between a eunuch and basically a cross-dresser, the two main characters thought a lot about gender and what it had to do with their role in the world. And, of course, their fate. Fate was the big motif repeated throughout the book. It's a story about desire, going after what you want with no fear of the consequences, and about identity, specifically how gender relates to one's identity. Anyway, the gender conversation is super interesting, especially when
My favorite part of this book is sort of towards the middle, so minor spoiler. When she took the city of Lu by convincing Lady Rui that she should take control after the governor's death, I thought that was super impactful. In a world where women are basically seen as incompetent, she was given this chance and this hope, and she ran with it. Zhu helped her to see that just because she was a woman didn't mean she couldn't rule. And she did! Like an absolute girlboss! I was hoping she would do something similar for Ma Yingzi, but that didn't happen. But who knows how their relationship will develop!
The subtleties of this book were incredible and made it really enjoyable to read. Political intrigue is one of my favorite things to read, especially in a fantasy novel. The action sequences were rather short but well-written, and it definitely kept you engaged the whole time. I will most likely be reading the sequel someday.
I also really liked how gender was talked about and explored throughout this book. Between a eunuch and basically a cross-dresser, the two main characters thought a lot about gender and what it had to do with their role in the world. And, of course, their fate. Fate was the big motif repeated throughout the book. It's a story about desire, going after what you want with no fear of the consequences, and about identity, specifically how gender relates to one's identity. Anyway, the gender conversation is super interesting, especially when
Spoiler
Zhu is kind of trying to come to terms with her gender and her body toward the end. She really does not feel like a woman, after having to pretend to not be one for so many years. She really isn't quite sure who or what she is, only that she wants to be emperor. Ambitious, for sure. Good for her.My favorite part of this book is sort of towards the middle, so minor spoiler. When she took the city of Lu by convincing Lady Rui that she should take control after the governor's death, I thought that was super impactful. In a world where women are basically seen as incompetent, she was given this chance and this hope, and she ran with it. Zhu helped her to see that just because she was a woman didn't mean she couldn't rule. And she did! Like an absolute girlboss! I was hoping she would do something similar for Ma Yingzi, but that didn't happen. But who knows how their relationship will develop!
The subtleties of this book were incredible and made it really enjoyable to read. Political intrigue is one of my favorite things to read, especially in a fantasy novel. The action sequences were rather short but well-written, and it definitely kept you engaged the whole time. I will most likely be reading the sequel someday.