sean1856 's review for:

She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan
4.5
challenging dark reflective sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
 
An incredibly interesting and tragic tale of when one is fueled by nothing but their fate. The question of does the end justifies the means. This felt like a much darker version of Mulan. What if Mulan wanted power, and she would do anything she could to become as powerful as she possibly could? This book has so many layers to it and was a fascinating retelling of the Ming Dynasty. Zhu is a complex character, and I can only imagine that her path will continue to grow harder. I need to know how the story ends, but I know it will be difficult with the decisions that certain characters make in this book. I don’t know why this book isn’t rated higher, but I really enjoyed it. 

Spoiler Thoughts

 
  • After hearing the oracle's prophecy of her brothers and her fates, she makes it her mission to avoid her fate of being nothing.
  • This drives her to become Zhu Chongba and take her brother's fate for her own, since it was something he didn’t want.
  • Zhu tries to become a monk and meets Xu Da. I had the feeling that he knew pretty early on she was a woman, but always kept her secret and was loyal.
  • The burning of the monastery by General Ouyang and Zhu, who joined the Red Turbans
  • Zhu orchestrating the landslide that kills 10,000, or General Ouyang's men
  • Zhu is becoming a commander and rising up the ranks
  • Zhu fights with General Ouyang, and he cuts off her hand, thinking the men would no longer follow her.
  • This fight causes a turning point for Zhu. She always felt that her fate was tied to her brothers and that they needed to prove to heaven that she was Zhu in order to hold on to his greatness. She starts to believe that she can make her own fate.
  • I like Ma Xiuying. She was given a choice, but she loves Zhu despite everything. Ultimately, it was only going to end in heartache and sorrow, and it breaks my heart.
  • Zhu kills the Prince of Radiance. I knew this would destroy Ma, and thought it might have been the breaking point. Since it wasn't, I wonder if Zhu will be willing to sacrifice Ma for her goals. 
  • Ouyang killing Essen
  • Ma appears at the end dressed in red. A symbol of all the blood that has already been shed and will be shed as Zhu goes down this path. Both of them know what this path means for both of them.
  • I liked Parker-Chan’s writing. It was beautiful and engaging. One that would be filled with highlighted sections.