A review by bfrance99
She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan

adventurous dark tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I went into this book thinking it was a historical fantasy - but for me, it was more historical than it was fantasy. Not that it’s a bad thing, just felt it was a tad mismarketed, as the fantasy elements were more light magic realism. I really enjoyed the setting, and I fully felt that I was transported back to 14th century China. The writing was beautiful and the characters brilliantly written. I read this book quite slowly (for me), as it took a lot of concentration in remembering all of the characters, their motivations and the plot lines. I loved the gender fluidity with the two main characters, Zhu and Ouyang. The book really did have The Poppy War and Mulan vibes. I can’t give this book five stars because there was just *something* missing to give it that wow factor - and if I’m being honest, I was less gripped after part one.

I also really wish we knew fully what happened when the monastery burnt down - I felt like I was waiting the whole book for a proper explanation! Maybe the next one?