Download "She Who Became the Sun" by Shelley Parker-Chan – A Must-Read

Image source: Wikipedia
 

• Book Title: She Who Became the Sun
• Author: Shelley Parker-Chan
• Year Published: July 20, 2021
• Goodreads Rating: 3.86/5
• Availability: Buy the PDF from Google Play Books. 
  
  

"It was a rocky start. And a rocky middle. But Shelley Parker-Chan’s historical epic fantasy novel, She Who Became the Sun, won me over in the end."

Melissa ~ Bantering Books

Book Reviewer

Source: Goodreads

After you have purchased She Who Became the Sun, follow these instructions to download it from Google Play Books in PDF format:

1. Click on the "Books" tab at the top of your screen.
2. Click on the "Your Library" link beneath that.
3. Find your book and click the icon with three dots beneath the cover image.
4. Select "Export" and then "Export as PDF".  
   
   

How to Read She Who Became the Sun in PDF Format

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Our Review of She Who Became the Sun

"She Who Became the Sun" by Shelley Parker-Chan is a historical fantasy set in the 14th-century Yuan Dynasty. The novel follows the incredible journey of Zhu Chongba’s younger sister, who takes on her brother’s identity after his death. The new Zhu, initially a peasant girl, defies fate by passing as a boy and rising through the ranks in a world ravaged by war and political strife. Her transformation from monk to military leader is driven by a fierce desire to claim greatness for herself in a world where her destiny had been one of nothingness.

The story isn't just about Zhu’s rise to power; it explores the intricate web of characters whose lives are deeply intertwined with hers. One of the standout figures is Ouyang, a eunuch general whose fate is as heavy and tragic as Zhu’s. Both characters are outsiders, hiding deep secrets, and their lives mirror one another in fascinating ways. Their relationship, not as simple enemies but more as foils to each other's paths, adds an intense layer to the narrative.

Parker-Chan does a brilliant job blending history with elements of fantasy. Though the plot is rooted in the real events of the Yuan Dynasty and the power struggles of the Mongol emperors, there are light touches of the supernatural that elevate the story. But perhaps most compelling are the novel’s themes of gender, identity, and the lengths to which people will go to claim power in a society that seeks to suppress them.

The exploration of gender is particularly striking. Zhu’s act of assuming her brother’s identity raises questions about societal roles and what it means to define one’s self in a rigidly patriarchal world. Zhu’s journey challenges these norms, forcing readers to reflect on how gender shapes destiny and power.

Beyond its compelling characters and thoughtful themes, the writing itself is worth mentioning. Parker-Chan’s prose is evocative, vivid, and emotional, painting a rich and immersive picture of the war-torn landscape. There’s a heartfelt queer romance woven through the story as well, giving the novel added emotional depth and resonance.

One fun fact for fans of historical fantasy is that "She Who Became the Sun" is often compared to Mulan for its themes of a woman stepping into a man’s role, but the novel is much darker, more complex, and less concerned with traditional heroism. It’s a story of survival, ambition, and the price of power, where no character is entirely virtuous.

The book is well worth reading for its fresh take on the historical fantasy genre, its complex characters, and its thought-provoking exploration of identity. The blend of history and fantasy creates a unique narrative that lingers long after the final page, leaving readers eager for the sequel.

For more great literary finds, be sure to check out our top BookTok recommendations and see what’s currently trending in the world of books. Happy reading!