A review by ergative
She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan

5.0

 I can't think of another book I've enjoyed as much as this one recently. The characters were so complex, and each one was equally compelling. When I was in Ouyang's head I never fretted to be back with Zhu, and vice versa. Wang Baoxiang fucking slaps. So does Lady Zhang. The relationship between Esen and Ouyang was so rich and complex, a curdled reflection of the easy trust and loyalty and love between Zhu and Xu Da, and Zhu and Ma. The various betrayals were superb--each one sophisticated and motivated and wonderfully satisfying. In the same way that you see a boss battle coming as the climax of a military fantasy book approaches, or the lovers' kiss approaching as the climax of a fantasy romance book approaches, here we see each plot beat marked by a betrayal, each one richer and more interesting than the last.

I see from the marketing that this is going to be book 1 of a sequence called the Radiant Emperor, and that's fine. But, to be honest, I'm not sure I want to read the following book(s). This was perfect on its own. It doesn't need more.