She Who Became the Sun

The Number One Sunday Times Bestseller, "She Who Became the Sun," penned by Shelley Parker-Chan, is a captivating work of historical fantasy that reimagines the ascent of the Ming Dynasty's founding emperor. Set in a village strained by famine on a barren expanse, the narrative begins with a seer revealing the fates of two children. The eighth-born son is promised greatness, but for the second daughter, the forecast is void. In the turbulent year of 1345, amidst China's suffering under Mongol rule, a bandit attack changes everything, leaving the children to fend for themselves. Zhu Chongba succumbs to despair, abandoning hope. In contrast, the girl seizes her destiny, adopting her deceased brother's identity to embark on an extraordinary journey.As rebellion spreads across the land, Zhu faces a profound challenge: can she defy the stars and seize the greatness predestined for her brother, aspiring to heights beyond imagination? This epic is a poignant exploration of love, loss, betrayal, and victory, crafted by a talented new author. Readers describe it as comparably brilliant to "Circe," with Tasha Suri, author of "The Jasmine Throne," praising its deft and dazzling narrative. Alix E. Harrow, known for "The Ten Thousand Doors of January," calls it epic, tragic, and beautiful. The Daily Mail heralds it as a bold and imaginative debut, showcasing storytelling at its best. Samantha Shannon, author of "The Priory of the Orange Tree," admires its perfect blend of war, desire, vengeance, and politics. "She Who Became the Sun" vividly reimagines the story of Zhu Yuanzhang, the peasant rebel who drove out the Mongols, unified China, and founded the Ming Dynasty.