percys_panda_pillow_pet's reviews
668 reviews
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
R.F. Kuang has done it again. A fantastic piece of literature, Yellowface dives deep into a multitude of themes ranging from the idea of who is allowed to tell what stories, imposter syndrome, the responsibility of an artist and how their work is interpreted, and many, many other things. For those who might've been unsure about Kuang or didn't like her past works because of her tendency to be on the nose about her themes, Yellowface feels like a direct response. With Yellowface Kuang seems to say, "You thought I was too in your face with these themes? Well, I'm going to write an entire novel centered around that feeling. You won't be able to turn the page without running into the main theme of this book."
I think I read an interview somewhere, where Kuang talked about her inspiration for Yellowface. and how part of it came about because she was worried she was like June, stealing something she wasn't meant to have. As I read the book, I saw Kuang's anxieties reflected in both Athena and June's characters. With Athena, it's easy to see how she might relate to the sudden push into stardom at a young age, as well as being tokenized for her identity as a Chinese American. While June may represent Kuang's imposter syndrome, of feeling like a fake as she gains all this attention for her work while other Asian American authors perhaps struggle to gain recognition. This novel is definitely the most personal of hers out of what I've read.
As for the meat of the book, I cannot believe how well the characters were done. Especially June and Athena. June is fantastic as a villain protagonist and Kuang does a great job at lulling the reader into feeling sympathy for her even as the next sentence will make you revile her. So much of this book really felt inspiring as a writer, because there is so much that you imagine could've happened, instead of what did happen. As the reader, I constantly was questioning June's choices and thoughts, why did she do what she did? Why does she feel the need to continue this lie? June's character really makes you question the world around you and your own feelings and choices. What is your own personal motivation for the things that you do and say?
As for Athena, I was wondering so much who Athena was behind the person that June thought she was. All we get is a little bit of her in the beginning, from June's perspective of course, but the rest of her is pieced together from all the other characters in this world. I really enjoyed though, how neither character was perfect. Theoretically, Athena was the hero to June's villain, but Athena wasn't a perfect human being. She had flaws, she made mistakes. How much of her flaws were real and not just formed from people who didn't really know her, who knows? But Athena was human like the rest of us and it was amazing how Kuang could shape a character that only technically existed in the first act.
I will say, as much as I loved this book, I will not be giving it 5 stars. I can't really articulate why. Perhaps I just wasn't that satisfied with the ending, or a few of the more modern references were awkward and didn't fit the way Kuang thought they would. It's still a fantastic book, don't get me wrong. I think a lot of people should read it, even if they know nothing about publishing. It just isn't a 5-star for me. In any case, this review is getting too long so please, check out this book! Especially if you may not have liked Kuang's books in the past, this may finally be the book for you. I am definitely interested in what Kuang will explore in her next book!
I think I read an interview somewhere, where Kuang talked about her inspiration for Yellowface. and how part of it came about because she was worried she was like June, stealing something she wasn't meant to have. As I read the book, I saw Kuang's anxieties reflected in both Athena and June's characters. With Athena, it's easy to see how she might relate to the sudden push into stardom at a young age, as well as being tokenized for her identity as a Chinese American. While June may represent Kuang's imposter syndrome, of feeling like a fake as she gains all this attention for her work while other Asian American authors perhaps struggle to gain recognition. This novel is definitely the most personal of hers out of what I've read.
As for the meat of the book, I cannot believe how well the characters were done. Especially June and Athena. June is fantastic as a villain protagonist and Kuang does a great job at lulling the reader into feeling sympathy for her even as the next sentence will make you revile her. So much of this book really felt inspiring as a writer, because there is so much that you imagine could've happened, instead of what did happen. As the reader, I constantly was questioning June's choices and thoughts, why did she do what she did? Why does she feel the need to continue this lie? June's character really makes you question the world around you and your own feelings and choices. What is your own personal motivation for the things that you do and say?
As for Athena, I was wondering so much who Athena was behind the person that June thought she was. All we get is a little bit of her in the beginning, from June's perspective of course, but the rest of her is pieced together from all the other characters in this world. I really enjoyed though, how neither character was perfect. Theoretically, Athena was the hero to June's villain, but Athena wasn't a perfect human being. She had flaws, she made mistakes. How much of her flaws were real and not just formed from people who didn't really know her, who knows? But Athena was human like the rest of us and it was amazing how Kuang could shape a character that only technically existed in the first act.
I will say, as much as I loved this book, I will not be giving it 5 stars. I can't really articulate why. Perhaps I just wasn't that satisfied with the ending, or a few of the more modern references were awkward and didn't fit the way Kuang thought they would. It's still a fantastic book, don't get me wrong. I think a lot of people should read it, even if they know nothing about publishing. It just isn't a 5-star for me. In any case, this review is getting too long so please, check out this book! Especially if you may not have liked Kuang's books in the past, this may finally be the book for you. I am definitely interested in what Kuang will explore in her next book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Panic attacks/disorders, Xenophobia, Death, Alcoholism, Cultural appropriation, Mental illness, Racism, Rape, Bullying, Grief, Racial slurs, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Classism, Stalking, War, Death of parent, Homophobia, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and Vomit
Minor: Suicide and Abandonment
There is a Major Knives Out spoiler on page 186 in the middle of the last paragraph, just so others know!
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Vol. 16 by Koyoharu Gotouge
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I am so so happy to have the chance to not just read this book, but own it as well. I couldn't believe it when I saw it in my local used bookstore and even did a little jig when I picked it up, to the amusement of a friend haha. I've heard so many great things about this book, and it does not disappoint.
First of all, if you're a fan of the movie, like me, you might have heard that the book is WAY different from the movie and were afraid of not liking it. This is simply not true! While there are a few notable differences in plot, characters, and background lore, the basis is all the same. It is honestly quite similar to how a movie turned into a musical might rework a character or plot point for the stage production, or mix characters together to save time (think Heathers the movie vs the musical or Newsies the movie vs the musical!).
Taking all that into account, it's fair to say that the things you loved most about the movie were from Diana Wynne Jones's hand. Calcifer's personality, the unique setting and worldbuilding, the beloved characters...Miyazaki simply took what Jones had done and turned it into his own thing, obviously taking into account the difference in medium. So while Miyazaki explored the Witch of the Waste's character more, Howl's character wasn't as explored as compared to the book. Don't get me wrong though, both the movie and the book are amazing in their own ways. The way I see it, if they're both a picture puzzle, the pictures are the same, it's just the puzzle pieces that are different. They both have the same basis, the same idea, they just use different pieces to inform the narrative.
And while I can't help but compare the two, you definitely don't need to see/read the one to enjoy the other! Jones's book is wonderful all on its own, without even thinking about Miyazaki's influence. It was such a genuinely delightful read, I loved the way all the characters just fit together in this world. To me, it was believable that out there somewhere is this land where magic is real, people's last names fit their occupation, curses can turn young women into old women, and a castle can roam the land with a door that goes to many different places all at once.
If you are a fan of the movie, I really recommend you give this book a try; and even if you've never even heard of the movie, well, there shouldn't be anything stopping you from reading the book. And, of course, I have to recommend watching the movie after reading the book. I know that's what I'm going to do now, despite this being my, what, 6th rewatch? It's a good movie, and apparently a fantastic book!
First of all, if you're a fan of the movie, like me, you might have heard that the book is WAY different from the movie and were afraid of not liking it. This is simply not true! While there are a few notable differences in plot, characters, and background lore, the basis is all the same. It is honestly quite similar to how a movie turned into a musical might rework a character or plot point for the stage production, or mix characters together to save time (think Heathers the movie vs the musical or Newsies the movie vs the musical!).
Taking all that into account, it's fair to say that the things you loved most about the movie were from Diana Wynne Jones's hand. Calcifer's personality, the unique setting and worldbuilding, the beloved characters...Miyazaki simply took what Jones had done and turned it into his own thing, obviously taking into account the difference in medium. So while Miyazaki explored the Witch of the Waste's character more, Howl's character wasn't as explored as compared to the book. Don't get me wrong though, both the movie and the book are amazing in their own ways. The way I see it, if they're both a picture puzzle, the pictures are the same, it's just the puzzle pieces that are different. They both have the same basis, the same idea, they just use different pieces to inform the narrative.
And while I can't help but compare the two, you definitely don't need to see/read the one to enjoy the other! Jones's book is wonderful all on its own, without even thinking about Miyazaki's influence. It was such a genuinely delightful read, I loved the way all the characters just fit together in this world. To me, it was believable that out there somewhere is this land where magic is real, people's last names fit their occupation, curses can turn young women into old women, and a castle can roam the land with a door that goes to many different places all at once.
If you are a fan of the movie, I really recommend you give this book a try; and even if you've never even heard of the movie, well, there shouldn't be anything stopping you from reading the book. And, of course, I have to recommend watching the movie after reading the book. I know that's what I'm going to do now, despite this being my, what, 6th rewatch? It's a good movie, and apparently a fantastic book!
Practical Candle Magic: Witchcraft with Wick and Wax by Rachel Patterson
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
4.0
First of all, thank you NetGalley and Llewellyn Publications for giving me access to this arc!
To get right into it, I really enjoyed reading this! I haven't read Rachel Patterson's work before, though I see that she's written many different books on varying topics within Witchcraft. After reading this, I definitely will think about picking up her other books. Patterson is very smart about how she relays information, as she tries to give her personal reasoning for why she includes certain correspondences or does things a certain, as well as including warnings when needed.
I find the book fairly easy to navigate and reference when I'm looking for a specific aspect of candle magic. Many of the correspondences, examples, and practice parts are nicely labeled and I like the way that it is all organized. The charts were nice and simple to understand. As well, I think the short length of the book really aids in the ease of quick reference.
However, due to the shorter length, I would not expect it to go into deeper reasons why certain correspondences work with certain elements of candle magic, which is okay. This is clearly a book for not just beginners to candle magic, but beginners to witchcraft, spell craft, and magic in general, just through the lens of candle magic. Due to this, I would recommend this book to a beginner witch, whether they're interested in candle magic or not.
Finally, while I greatly appreciated all the warnings about fire and burning objects, I was surprised there weren't any warnings about specifically burning certain herbs. Though I know it should be obvious not to burn typically toxic herbs (think about how poison ivy reacts to your skin and then imagine inhaling it), many people don't think about that when heading into witchcraft, so a warning is warranted sometimes. For the most part though, Patterson covered a lot of bases about safety with this particular area of the craft.
Overall, a good reference book for beginners in witchcraft and/or candle magic. I loved the layout and design of the book, it felt easy to read and understand, and included additional reading in the back, which is always appreciated!
To get right into it, I really enjoyed reading this! I haven't read Rachel Patterson's work before, though I see that she's written many different books on varying topics within Witchcraft. After reading this, I definitely will think about picking up her other books. Patterson is very smart about how she relays information, as she tries to give her personal reasoning for why she includes certain correspondences or does things a certain, as well as including warnings when needed.
I find the book fairly easy to navigate and reference when I'm looking for a specific aspect of candle magic. Many of the correspondences, examples, and practice parts are nicely labeled and I like the way that it is all organized. The charts were nice and simple to understand. As well, I think the short length of the book really aids in the ease of quick reference.
However, due to the shorter length, I would not expect it to go into deeper reasons why certain correspondences work with certain elements of candle magic, which is okay. This is clearly a book for not just beginners to candle magic, but beginners to witchcraft, spell craft, and magic in general, just through the lens of candle magic. Due to this, I would recommend this book to a beginner witch, whether they're interested in candle magic or not.
Finally, while I greatly appreciated all the warnings about fire and burning objects, I was surprised there weren't any warnings about specifically burning certain herbs. Though I know it should be obvious not to burn typically toxic herbs (think about how poison ivy reacts to your skin and then imagine inhaling it), many people don't think about that when heading into witchcraft, so a warning is warranted sometimes. For the most part though, Patterson covered a lot of bases about safety with this particular area of the craft.
Overall, a good reference book for beginners in witchcraft and/or candle magic. I loved the layout and design of the book, it felt easy to read and understand, and included additional reading in the back, which is always appreciated!
Nightwing, Vol. 2: Fear State by Tom Taylor
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A Radical Act of Free Magic by H.G. Parry
adventurous
emotional
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Fun fact, when I started reading this, Castlevania: Nocturne just came out on Netflix and it also is about the French Revolution and vampires, go figure! Really though, I think if you like Castlevania: Nocturne, you'll probably like The Shadow Histories Duology by H.G. Parry. Though I actually think Parry's books are better. Anyway, on with the review!
Once again, Parry has shocked me with how easy it is to get invested in historical events and figures. Even though I was highly anticipating reading the sequel after how A Declaration of the Rights of Magicians ended, I still was procrastinating starting A Radical Act of Free Magic because my brain tried to convince me that historical fantasy is boring. But I was blown away yet again with the incredible writing of Parry and the investment in these events that have already happened and these figures that have long since been dead.
It was amazing to see all the threads of the first book come together, in addition to the introduction of Napoleon Bonaparte to the plot. As well, while the first book highlighted the dark side of magic in this world, this book was all about how awesome magic is I swear. I was in awe of the additional fantasy elements and how seamlessly Parry wrote them into a world that parallels our own. I also just loved how we got so much more of Fina and the addition of Kate Dove. I loved all the characters and found them all just fascinating.
A few critiques I had would be that while I can't imagine the ending going any other way, I think the conclusion and resolution were strangely underwhelming compared to the build-up of the plot and stakes. The main antagonist's power kept rising and rising, and then suddenly his plans were falling apart and as smart as he seemed, he wasn't able to put them back together. I loved how the antagonist underestimated his opponents, but I honestly didn't imagine things going as they did in the end. Not sure there's any way to fix that, I just think it was a unique writing choice that might make or break the book for some people, I imagine.
The other critique was that while Parry makes an effort to not erase the oppression that marginalized groups endured in the history of the world, it is the nature of historical revisions and alternate histories that stuff like that will still happen. Parry did a fantastic job with these characters, but do not think that these are 1:1 likenesses of the real historical figures. A small note, but Parry also included an off-hand remark that magicians built the pyramids. Alternate histories love to make up other ways the pyramids were built, probably as a nod to the popular "they were built by aliens" conspiracy. But real history is not so kind and I think many people tend to forget that the pyramids, like much of the ancient Egyptian architecture, were built by slaves, particularly Jewish slaves. Historical fantasy is fun, but let's not continue the erasure of the oppression of Jewish folk in history.
Aside from those critiques, which I think any person who knows and loves historical fantasy books is probably already aware of when they consume the genre, this was a genuinely fun duology to read and I am highly, highly interested in Parry's other works. I think I will check out The Magician's Daughter by H.G. Parry next, and will of course tell you all my thoughts. See you next time!
Once again, Parry has shocked me with how easy it is to get invested in historical events and figures. Even though I was highly anticipating reading the sequel after how A Declaration of the Rights of Magicians ended, I still was procrastinating starting A Radical Act of Free Magic because my brain tried to convince me that historical fantasy is boring. But I was blown away yet again with the incredible writing of Parry and the investment in these events that have already happened and these figures that have long since been dead.
It was amazing to see all the threads of the first book come together, in addition to the introduction of Napoleon Bonaparte to the plot. As well, while the first book highlighted the dark side of magic in this world, this book was all about how awesome magic is I swear. I was in awe of the additional fantasy elements and how seamlessly Parry wrote them into a world that parallels our own. I also just loved how we got so much more of Fina and the addition of Kate Dove. I loved all the characters and found them all just fascinating.
A few critiques I had would be that while I can't imagine the ending going any other way, I think the conclusion and resolution were strangely underwhelming compared to the build-up of the plot and stakes. The main antagonist's power kept rising and rising, and then suddenly his plans were falling apart and as smart as he seemed, he wasn't able to put them back together. I loved how the antagonist underestimated his opponents, but I honestly didn't imagine things going as they did in the end. Not sure there's any way to fix that, I just think it was a unique writing choice that might make or break the book for some people, I imagine.
The other critique was that while Parry makes an effort to not erase the oppression that marginalized groups endured in the history of the world, it is the nature of historical revisions and alternate histories that stuff like that will still happen. Parry did a fantastic job with these characters, but do not think that these are 1:1 likenesses of the real historical figures. A small note, but Parry also included an off-hand remark that magicians built the pyramids. Alternate histories love to make up other ways the pyramids were built, probably as a nod to the popular "they were built by aliens" conspiracy. But real history is not so kind and I think many people tend to forget that the pyramids, like much of the ancient Egyptian architecture, were built by slaves, particularly Jewish slaves. Historical fantasy is fun, but let's not continue the erasure of the oppression of Jewish folk in history.
Aside from those critiques, which I think any person who knows and loves historical fantasy books is probably already aware of when they consume the genre, this was a genuinely fun duology to read and I am highly, highly interested in Parry's other works. I think I will check out The Magician's Daughter by H.G. Parry next, and will of course tell you all my thoughts. See you next time!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery, Violence, Colonisation, Alcohol, War, Gun violence, Misogyny, Confinement, Racism, Death, and Grief
Moderate: Self harm, Chronic illness, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Alcoholism, Suicidal thoughts, and Sexism
The Sleeper and the Spindle by Neil Gaiman
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Nightwing, Vol. 1: Better Than Batman by Tim Seeley
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
He Who Drowned the World by Shelley Parker-Chan
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Shelley Parker-Chan has really knocked it out of the park this time. For anyone who was worried the sequel to She Who Became the Sun wouldn't be as good, or even those who were maybe not as impressed with the first book, I think you will be amazed at He Who Drowned the World.
The book has a bit of a slow start admittedly. It's tough to follow up the ending of the first book and the crazy choices the characters made. But give it a little bit of time to get reinvested in the world and characters and you'll find that Parker-Chan did an incredible job of building off of where she left off. There are more POVs than before, but I didn't mind the inclusions at all. In fact, this book made me truly appreciate Ouyang's character and his downward spiral. All of the different narrators gave such depth to the main themes of loss, ambition, and what it means to be yourself.
We see all these become more and more hyperfocused on their "fates", losing themselves and who they used to be in the process. In some ways, their fervent pursuit of the future is just an extension of their fixation on the past that they can't let go. I was fascinated and horrified with the choices these characters made, that simultaneously a character can be cruel and yet undeserving of the cruelty thrust upon them. Madam Zhang, General Ouyang, Wang Baoxiang, and even our original main character, Zhu Yuanzhang all suffer from the same oppressive forces in society and fight back in their own ways, but more often than not end up working with the society that hurt them as they try to defy it.
If you enjoy character deconstructions, character's descent into self-destruction, and examining the way that a society can hurt different people in the same way, for not belonging or acting within the expectations thrust upon them, this is the book for you.
I also just have to add that my favorite parts were when Ouyang and Zhu interacted, they ended up accidentally being a hilarious comedy duo that really lightened the darker mood of the book haha.
The book has a bit of a slow start admittedly. It's tough to follow up the ending of the first book and the crazy choices the characters made. But give it a little bit of time to get reinvested in the world and characters and you'll find that Parker-Chan did an incredible job of building off of where she left off. There are more POVs than before, but I didn't mind the inclusions at all. In fact, this book made me truly appreciate Ouyang's character and his downward spiral. All of the different narrators gave such depth to the main themes of loss, ambition, and what it means to be yourself.
We see all these become more and more hyperfocused on their "fates", losing themselves and who they used to be in the process. In some ways, their fervent pursuit of the future is just an extension of their fixation on the past that they can't let go. I was fascinated and horrified with the choices these characters made, that simultaneously a character can be cruel and yet undeserving of the cruelty thrust upon them. Madam Zhang, General Ouyang, Wang Baoxiang, and even our original main character, Zhu Yuanzhang all suffer from the same oppressive forces in society and fight back in their own ways, but more often than not end up working with the society that hurt them as they try to defy it.
If you enjoy character deconstructions, character's descent into self-destruction, and examining the way that a society can hurt different people in the same way, for not belonging or acting within the expectations thrust upon them, this is the book for you.
I also just have to add that my favorite parts were when Ouyang and Zhu interacted, they ended up accidentally being a hilarious comedy duo that really lightened the darker mood of the book haha.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Death, Violence, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Misogyny, Rape, Murder, Sexism, War, Fire/Fire injury, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, and Self harm
Moderate: Body horror, Pregnancy, Emotional abuse, Miscarriage, Transphobia, Vomit, Torture, Outing, Xenophobia, and Slavery
She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan
adventurous
challenging
dark
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
At the time of writing this, I have finished both She Who Became the Sun and He Who Drowned the World. I have no intention of spoiling either book in this review; I had just wanted to wait to write this after finishing the duology as I was interested if any of my opinions of the writing and characters would change.
I have heard a lot about this book online. I know it's fairly popular and heralded as a Sapphic masterpiece. It is definitely good, that's for certain. I don't feel like it was too over-hyped, though the Sapphic elements were not what expected. However, I still loved the Sapphic relationship and the dynamics between the two characters. It was interesting to see how they balanced each other.
I really really enjoyed the worldbuilding and characters, both were big strengths for the novel and what drew me in the most. Though sometimes I felt lost in the different cultures portrayed, it wasn't a constant feeling and the writing emphasized the important themes and points that meant that total understanding wasn't entirely necessary.
Zhu's POV was my favorite part of the book. While Ouyang had interesting sections as well, especially as we got to know his character and motivations, I'm a total sucker for "chosen one" tropes and Zhu is very similar to that in the way she chases her fate. Because of this, I definitely felt like there was a bit of an odd balance to the POVs and pacing, in addition to the fact that the book is overall a slow book. But I didn't mind once I got to the end. The end was so perfect to keep readers on their toes and maintain intrigue for the sequel, which is part of the reason I waited to write this: so that I could read the sequel right away!
Reading this actually made me want to reread similar books, like Wesley Chu's The Art of Prophecy and Sue Lynn Tan's Daughter of the Moon Goddess. Anyways, if you're curious about She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan now that the sequel is out, I definitely think it is worth the read!
I have heard a lot about this book online. I know it's fairly popular and heralded as a Sapphic masterpiece. It is definitely good, that's for certain. I don't feel like it was too over-hyped, though the Sapphic elements were not what expected. However, I still loved the Sapphic relationship and the dynamics between the two characters. It was interesting to see how they balanced each other.
I really really enjoyed the worldbuilding and characters, both were big strengths for the novel and what drew me in the most. Though sometimes I felt lost in the different cultures portrayed, it wasn't a constant feeling and the writing emphasized the important themes and points that meant that total understanding wasn't entirely necessary.
Zhu's POV was my favorite part of the book. While Ouyang had interesting sections as well, especially as we got to know his character and motivations, I'm a total sucker for "chosen one" tropes and Zhu is very similar to that in the way she chases her fate. Because of this, I definitely felt like there was a bit of an odd balance to the POVs and pacing, in addition to the fact that the book is overall a slow book. But I didn't mind once I got to the end. The end was so perfect to keep readers on their toes and maintain intrigue for the sequel, which is part of the reason I waited to write this: so that I could read the sequel right away!
Reading this actually made me want to reread similar books, like Wesley Chu's The Art of Prophecy and Sue Lynn Tan's Daughter of the Moon Goddess. Anyways, if you're curious about She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan now that the sequel is out, I definitely think it is worth the read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Vomit, Homophobia, Transphobia, Sexism, Violence, War, Murder, and Death
Moderate: Xenophobia, Racism, and Animal death
Minor: Sexual harassment and Religious bigotry