64 pages • 2 hours read
She Who Became the Sun
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Book Brief
414
Novel • Fiction
Ming Dynasty China • 14th Century
2021
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan is a historical and LGBTQ+ fantasy novel set in 14th-century China. A peasant girl assumes her dead brother's identity to achieve greatness, joining a monastery and then the Red Turban rebels. She battles Mongol forces, navigates political intrigue, and rises to power, ultimately declaring herself emperor. The novel includes dehumanizing language regarding gender, graphic violence, and explicit sex.
Mysterious
Dark
Suspenseful
Challenging
Fantastical
Reviews & Readership
83,642 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Shelley Parker-Chan's She Who Became the Sun is widely praised for its rich world-building, compelling characters, and intricate blend of historical fiction and fantasy. Critics commend its exploration of themes like gender and destiny. However, some note that the pacing can be uneven and the complex plot occasionally confusing. Overall, it's a powerful debut.
Who Should Read She Who Became the Sun?
Readers who relish historical epics with a blend of fantasy will enjoy She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan. Fans of Mulan's resilience and the intricate politics of The Song of Achilles and Circe will find a compelling narrative exploring identity, ambition, and destiny in Ming Dynasty China.
83,642 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
414
Novel • Fiction
Ming Dynasty China • 14th Century
2021
Adult
18+ years
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