You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
izabzh 's review for:
She Who Became the Sun
by Shelley Parker-Chan
4.5/5 for Goodreads
No idea why I thought this would be a fantasy. This novel held some magical elements here and there, but nothing much really. It's a historical retelling but mostly a striking portrait of a very, very determined girl who starts from absolutely nothing and wishes to have a great fate. Opposed to her is another great character, the eunuch general.
Just those two are a wonderful reason to read : Zhu is all smartness and diplomacy, but not as sure of herself as she seems to be, still in the making (we see her evolution throughout the book) ; Ouyang is... rage ! Anger, resentment, humiliation. Don't expect a love story between them, it won't happen. But seeing them manoeuvering and placatingly reaching for their own goals is formidable.
I didn't care very much about the politics, however, I read this book very quickly, it was like watching an accident happen : couldn't take my eyes off it ! I'll happily read book #2.
No idea why I thought this would be a fantasy. This novel held some magical elements here and there, but nothing much really. It's a historical retelling but mostly a striking portrait of a very, very determined girl who starts from absolutely nothing and wishes to have a great fate. Opposed to her is another great character, the eunuch general.
Just those two are a wonderful reason to read : Zhu is all smartness and diplomacy, but not as sure of herself as she seems to be, still in the making (we see her evolution throughout the book) ; Ouyang is... rage ! Anger, resentment, humiliation. Don't expect a love story between them, it won't happen. But seeing them manoeuvering and placatingly reaching for their own goals is formidable.
I didn't care very much about the politics, however, I read this book very quickly, it was like watching an accident happen : couldn't take my eyes off it ! I'll happily read book #2.