A review by jordiehp
He Who Drowned the World by Shelley Parker-Chan

dark emotional hopeful tense 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

4.75

Shelley Parker-Chan is dangerously talented. I found my heart aching for characters who are, for all intents and purposes, terrible human beings. Terrible... and yet still human beings. Parker-Chan walks a delicate line of never excusing or justifying the heinous acts of some of these characters. (The characters themselves definitely try, though, and it costs them dearly.)

The Radiant Emperor duology is a beautiful exploration of gender, ambition, grief, and hope. Highly recommend.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings