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A review by adriatrees
She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan
adventurous
dark
funny
informative
medium-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
The first book in the series The Radiant Emperor, She Who Became the Sun focuses on the rise of Zhu Chongba, a girl who chooses her fate and fought hard for survival so that she could strive for greatness.
There are so many things I love about this book. How well Shelly Parker-Chan pulled us into this world. The characters and their development and how as a reader I was able to empathize with each one (save for Left minister Chen). The themes of fate and power and pragmatism. The history of 14th century China at the end of the Yuan Dynasty, during the Mongol Rule and the Red Turban rebellions. Slow burn and yearning… all of it was really incredible and sets up for a great series.
I’m looking forward to the next book and I’m really curious to see how Zhu and Ouyang meet their fates! 4.5 stars rounded up.
CW: death, physical violence, execution, themes of war, death of children
There are so many things I love about this book. How well Shelly Parker-Chan pulled us into this world. The characters and their development and how as a reader I was able to empathize with each one (save for Left minister Chen). The themes of fate and power and pragmatism. The history of 14th century China at the end of the Yuan Dynasty, during the Mongol Rule and the Red Turban rebellions. Slow burn and yearning… all of it was really incredible and sets up for a great series.
I’m looking forward to the next book and I’m really curious to see how Zhu and Ouyang meet their fates! 4.5 stars rounded up.
CW: death, physical violence, execution, themes of war, death of children
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, War, Child death, and Murder
Moderate: Excrement and Vomit