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A review by ka_cam
She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Main character Zhu brings some
seriously power hungry she/he questing energy. I enjoyed the exploration of gender in Zhu and Ouyang’s body-mind experiences, and the ever lurking themes of trauma and social/cultural violence and oppression that (sometimes literally) haunts these characters. I felt parts of the book dragged or stalled, and the greater world building or depth of other characters (esp Ma) could have improved some of the slower parts. I’d have enjoyed more development of the ghosts or other spirit world elements but that’s just me. Will definitely be on the lookout for #2!
seriously power hungry she/he questing energy. I enjoyed the exploration of gender in Zhu and Ouyang’s body-mind experiences, and the ever lurking themes of trauma and social/cultural violence and oppression that (sometimes literally) haunts these characters. I felt parts of the book dragged or stalled, and the greater world building or depth of other characters (esp Ma) could have improved some of the slower parts. I’d have enjoyed more development of the ghosts or other spirit world elements but that’s just me. Will definitely be on the lookout for #2!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, Violence, Death of parent, Murder, and War
Moderate: Sexual violence, Slavery, and Torture
Minor: Ableism, Child death, Sexual content, Vomit, and Injury/Injury detail