She Who Became the Sun

De: Shelley Parker-Chan

Narrado por: Natalie Naudus

Read by fan-favorite narrator Natalie Naudus

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.

A Macmillan Audio production from Tor Books

©2021 Shelley Parker-Chan (P)2021 Macmillan Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

Lambda Literary Award - Nominee, 2022

“The characters are bold and complex in this story of fealty, family, and self. Epic worldbuilding, high action, and ruthless shades of love and desire make the tale at turns tragic and inspiring... Parker-Chan’s debut is forceful, immersive, and unforgettable. This inspired queer retelling of Chinese history is an exciting read.” (Library Journal, starred review)

“Parker-Chan’s gorgeous writing accompanies a vibrantly rendered world full of imperfect, fascinating characters. With every turn of the page, the book offers a new set piece, a new revelation, a new horror.... If you’re a fan of epic fantasy, you can’t miss this one.” (BookPage, starred review)

"Natalie Naudus delivers this epic of fate, ambition, and identity set in thirteenth-century Mongol-ruled China." (AudioFile review)

Slow Burn

Took me a while to get the into the story. Names were a bit confusing but after more than half the book, I felt properly invested. The eunuch general Ouyang was my absolute favourite take from this book. Zhu Chongba, the main protagonist, is not a very likeable character but her virulent energy and drive is undeniable and contagious. Overall a good read, great narration, could've been a bit shorter.

So good

I couldn’t stop listening. Narration was lovely, plot kept me hooked, dialogue was culturally accurate while staying modern through the translation… I’m taking a second listen to catch the foreshadowing I know I missed… so great

Liked the Book, but the ending left me wanting

I liked the story, the different people in THE Book that felt totally different from other books I have Read before. But I wanted more from the ending...

Middle of the Road IMO

The book is an interesting narrative on the war between fate and self belief/actualization. I appreciate that the story was very novel, but I never truly was captured by the story itself and felt very removed from the characters. I did also enjoy the gender-bent aspect of the story and that it challenged the assumptions projected onto a person simply due to the gender they were born to, which in itself can be powerful for some readers. I saw many people rave over this book, but it overall was rather 'meh' for me.

A Queer Epic for the Ages

She Who Became the Sun is an amazing fictional read deeply rooted in asian culture. Well written and gripping enough that both the protagonist and antagonist fully wowed me. The queer representation in this novel as well is so impossibly excellent that it deserves its own mention! A huge thanks to Natalie Naudus for lending her voice to the ebb and flow of this winding adventure!

Great story

I love historical fiction novels and this one did not disappoint. I’m looking forward to the next book

Excellent

Incredible world building and character depth. Exciting story and effective storytelling. Must read for those who enjoy military fantasy.

Amazing

Written in a powerfully evocative way - imaginative and captivating. An ambitious, relentless heroine Terrific narration-

Powerful Storytelling and Intriguing Characters

What an amazing read! I haven’t felt so connected to characters like this in a long time. Though they are living in different place and time, their internal struggles and doubts suffuse the story with immediacy. I also became more interested in the specifics of 1300’s China from a historical perspective. I’m definitely excited for the sequel whenever it comes!

Amazing lyrical story

I loved this story so much, it's one of the best things I read in 2020 and I'm going to spend 2021 telling everyone I know who appreciates queer and non-eurocentric fiction that they need to read/listen to this!
Beautiful powerful story, I loved the different perspectives and how it created a whole world of flawed beautiful characters. I did struggle a bit to keep track of who was who, but that just gives me an excuse to listen to it again now with a better grasp of the cast. I'm halfway through my second listen and enjoying it just as much with a better ability to appreciate all the nuance as things develop.