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librarian_genny 's review for:
He Who Drowned the World
by Shelley Parker-Chan
This book has a more fast-paced beginning than She Who Became the Sun! Shelley Parker-Chan wastes no time in immediately diving into the violence of war, cunning politics, and so many characters who are filled with rage and ambition and hatred. Every story arc introduced more exciting characters and intense battles. I loved the story of the pirate warlord and how Zhu crafts a clever scheme to get what she wants (classic). I am obsessed with the political games of Lady Ki. There are so many puzzle pieces that click into place as the story progresses!
Even though the plot is so detailed and fast paced, Zhu's character development is painfully slow in the best way. The transition from "I will do anything to get what I want" to "I will do anything to make what I have done worth it" happens gradually. The naval battle is an incredible climactic point. The emotional development that happens during and after this battle sets the stage for the end of the book.
I also love the ending of this story!! Shelley Parker-Chan ties things together nicely, but still leaves a lot of small details to the reader's imagination. Ma plays such an important role in the final story arc of this book. She chooses to give up so much of herself to help Zhu achieve what she wants. Ma continues to decide to stay by Zhu's side, both because she loves Zhu, and because this is the path that allows her to have agency in her own life. Her plotline is by far my favorite part of the book.
The exploration of gender identity and gender expression in this book is incredible. Wang Baoxiang, Ouyang, and Zhu all defy rules of gender expression--whether they want to or not. They all have different relationships to gender and sexuality that are explored throughout the book.
Overall, I'd absolutely recommend this duology to anyone looking for dark, intense, queer fantasy novels that have a lot of depth. There are a lot of details to analyze and overthink--which I personally enjoy!
Even though the plot is so detailed and fast paced, Zhu's character development is painfully slow in the best way. The transition from "I will do anything to get what I want" to "I will do anything to make what I have done worth it" happens gradually. The naval battle is an incredible climactic point. The emotional development that happens during and after this battle sets the stage for the end of the book.
I also love the ending of this story!! Shelley Parker-Chan ties things together nicely, but still leaves a lot of small details to the reader's imagination. Ma plays such an important role in the final story arc of this book. She chooses to give up so much of herself to help Zhu achieve what she wants. Ma continues to decide to stay by Zhu's side, both because she loves Zhu, and because this is the path that allows her to have agency in her own life. Her plotline is by far my favorite part of the book.
The exploration of gender identity and gender expression in this book is incredible. Wang Baoxiang, Ouyang, and Zhu all defy rules of gender expression--whether they want to or not. They all have different relationships to gender and sexuality that are explored throughout the book.
Overall, I'd absolutely recommend this duology to anyone looking for dark, intense, queer fantasy novels that have a lot of depth. There are a lot of details to analyze and overthink--which I personally enjoy!