She Who Became the Sun
Shelley Parker-Chan
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She Who Became the Sun tells the story of a girl fated for nothingness who decides to take her late brother’s fate - she becomes Zhu Chongba, monk then soldier, destined for greatness. This book is epic and daunting, with complex politics and military strategy, and spans over many years. Pitched as Mulan meets The Song of Achilles, this novel is more than just a War story: it is an exploration of gender and sexuality set in 14th Century China, a complex and layered novel that masterfully combines cold warfare tactics with nuanced and theological discussions of fate, fortune and destiny. Overall, an epic and unforgettable read.
The Number One Sunday Times Bestseller
An immersive historical fantasy, She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan is a queer retelling of one legendary Chinese ruler's rise to power.
'Magnificent in every way. War, desire, vengeance, politics – Shelley Parker-Chan has perfectly measured each ingredient' – Samantha Shannon, author of The Priory of the Orange Tree
In a famine-stricken village on a dusty plain, a seer shows two children their fates. For a family’s eighth-born son, there’s greatness. For the second daughter, nothing.
In 1345, China lies restless under harsh Mongol rule. And when a bandit raid wipes out their home, the two children must somehow survive. Zhu Chongba despairs and gives in. But the girl resolves to overcome her destiny. So she takes her dead brother’s identity and begins her journey. Can Zhu escape what’s written in the stars, as rebellion sweeps the land? Or can she claim her brother’s greatness – and rise, ruthlessly, to take the dragon throne?
This is a glorious tale of love, loss, betrayal and triumph by a powerful new voice.
She Who Became the Sun is a reimagining of the rise to power of Zhu Yuanzhang. Zhu was the peasant rebel who expelled the Mongols, unified China under native rule, and became the founding Emperor of the Ming Dynasty.
‘Epic, tragic and gorgeous’ – Alix E. Harrow, author of The Ten Thousand Doors of January
