DigeeBooks

Mulan meets The Song of Achilles in Shelley Parker-Chan's She Who Became the Sun, a bold, queer, and lyrical reimagining of the rise of the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty from an amazing new voice in literary fantasy.To possess the Mandate of Heaven, the female monk Zhu will do anything“I refuse to be nothing…”In a famine-stricken village on a dusty yellow plain, two children are given two fates. A boy, greatness. A girl, nothingness…In 1345, China lies under harsh Mongol rule. For the starving peasants of the Central Plains, greatness is something found only in stories. When the Zhu family’s eighth-born son, Zhu Chongba, is given a fate of greatness, everyone is mystified as to how it will come to pass. The fate of nothingness received by the family’s clever and capable second daughter, on the other hand, is only as expected.When a bandit attack orphans the two children, though, it is Zhu Chongba who succumbs to despair and dies. Desperate to escape her own fated death, the girl uses her brother's identity to enter a monastery as a young male novice. There, propelled by her burning desire to survive, Zhu learns she is capable of doing whatever it takes, no matter how callous, to stay hidden from her fate.After her sanctuary is destroyed for supporting the rebellion against Mongol rule, Zhu takes the chance to claim another future altogether: her brother's abandoned greatness.

In the tumultuous world of 14th century China, "She Who Became the Sun" tells the remarkable tale of a young peasant girl named Zhu Chongba, who rises from humble beginnings to become the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty and the legendary Hongwu Emperor.

Orphaned at a young age, Zhu Chongba is forced to beg on the streets of Nanjing. She survives by her wit and cunning, learning the art of deception and manipulation. When a mysterious Buddhist monk recognizes her potential, he takes her under his wing and teaches her martial arts and strategy.

As the Mongol Yuan Dynasty crumbles under the weight of its own corruption and tyranny, Zhu Chongba sees an opportunity for change. She gathers a band of loyal followers and begins a rebellion against the ruling regime. With each victory, her legend grows, and her army swells with peasants, soldiers, and scholars who are eager to join her cause.

But Zhu Chongba's path to power is not without challenges. She must navigate treacherous political alliances, face betrayal from those closest to her, and overcome countless obstacles that threaten to derail her ambitious quest. Along the way, she encounters a cast of colorful characters, including eunuchs, concubines, bandits, and generals, all of whom play a role in shaping her destiny.

"She Who Became the Sun" is a captivating historical novel that offers a fresh perspective on a pivotal period in Chinese history. Shelley Parker-Chan's vivid prose and meticulous research bring the era to life, immersing readers in the sights, sounds, and smells of 14th century China.

This epic tale of courage, ambition, and resilience is a must-read for fans of historical fiction, fantasy, and anyone interested in the rich tapestry of Chinese history.