He Who Drowned the World

A Novel

By: Shelley Parker-Chan

Narrated by: Natalie Naudus

Long-listed, Washington Post Best Books of the Year 2023

The sequel and series conclusion to She Who Became the Sun, the accomplished, poetic debut of war and destiny, sweeping across an epic alternate China. Mulan meets The Song of Achilles.

How much would you give to win the world?

Zhu Yuanzhang, the Radiant King, is riding high after her victory that tore southern China from its Mongol masters. Now she burns with a new desire: to seize the throne and crown herself emperor.

But Zhu isn’t the only one with imperial ambitions. Her neighbor in the south, the courtesan Madam Zhang, wants the throne for her husband—and she’s strong enough to wipe Zhu off the map. To stay in the game, Zhu will have to gamble everything on a risky alliance with an old enemy: the talented but unstable eunuch general Ouyang, who has already sacrificed everything for a chance at revenge on his father’s killer, the Great Khan.

Unbeknownst to the southerners, a new contender is even closer to the throne. The scorned scholar Wang Baoxiang has maneuvered his way into the capital, and his lethal court games threaten to bring the empire to its knees. For Baoxiang also desires revenge: to become the most degenerate Great Khan in history—and in so doing, make a mockery of every value his Mongol warrior family loved more than him.

All the contenders are determined to do whatever it takes to win. But when desire is the size of the world, the price could be too much for even the most ruthless heart to bear…

A Macmillan Audio production from Tor Books.

©2023 Shelley Parker-Chan (P)2023 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

2023, Washington Post Best Books of the Year: Long-listed

2023, Locus Awards - Nominee: Short-listed

Locus Awards - Nominee: Short-listed

2024, Dragon Awards: Short-listed

"Natalie Naudus narrates the conclusion to The Radiant Emperor Duology.... Naudus...illuminates the few tender moments amid the overall violence and sets a quick, smooth pace that never lags." (AudioFile)

Breathtaking... I'm speechless

The beginning was a bit slow and unexciting honestly, but oh my gosh it definitely picks up. Wow... Sexuality and intimacy was painted in ways I never could've imagined. The complexity of the various perspectives, having their own biases and blindspots, was immersive and beautifully painful. My heart was pulled in every direction, in disgust, pity, empathy, love, lust, and pain along with the characters. The climax of conflict was absolutely heart shattering. This book is a lot darker and sadder than the first, but equally amazing. This series has changed my perceptions of gender for myself and others. My heart and mind were open in new and profound ways. Thanks so much to the author and the narrators beautiful performance.

Wasn't sure it was for me, ended up really liking it

Give this one a try, the series will surprise you. The first book was just ok, this one was a great finish.

Good Closure

Too often readers are left to wonder what happened next. This was a good sequel.

character growth

the story development and growth of characters. it was pleasant to see the similarities between characters, but the subtle choices that each one made that differentiated them was delightful. some of the changes between books were a little odd, but overall it was a riveting book that kept me wondering what was coming next

I just love it

I had a hard time remembering the names so it helped to write down a little list to keep track of them. I should’ve also written down the city’s though as well. We get to learn more about the side characters in this book.

How many times can one book make a grown man cry?

Too many to count. I’m obsessed. I’ve been waiting patiently for so long and I was not disappointed for even a second. Heartbreaking, heartwarming, and life-changing, Parker-Chan’s story is everything I had hoped for and more.

Excellent follow up

Queer “historical” fiction is a new favorite genre! Great reading and wonderfulky realistic evil characters.

Beyond brilliant!! But grim.

What an incredible book! Together with its prequel, She Who Became the Sun, we follow multiple characters all vying to be the emperor of China. There is endless violence, and heroism and betrayal. Many scenes were difficult to get through, and several times I had to put the book down to give my emotions a break. But Parker-Chan’s writing inexorably draws you in and won’t let go! Not one of those trying to be emperor is a “good” person, not even the protagonist, Zhu. But I still found myself rooting for her, because I identified with her outcast status because she was “different” and seemed “less than”. I also loved her relationship with her wife, Ma. I also loved all the queer and gender ending characters! But this is mostly a book of plotting, scheming, and violence. It’s very grim, and not a lighthearted, escapist fantasy. Nevertheless, it’s a book that I simply LOVED!!

TW for graphic violence, r*pe, self harm, sadomasochism, miscarriage.

incredible

This is one of the best stories I've ever read. The diverse character perspectives were so refreshing in a genre that too often relies on familiar tropes and viewpoints. Plus exploring the eastern fantasy realm was a great break from the western fantasy style that floods the market. The depth of the characters and their powerful desires had me rooting for all the characters to achieve their destiny.

Brilliant!

I love all of the characterizations and woven themes. A perfect sequel to Zhu’s beginning!