He Who Drowned the World
2023
Ratings12
Average rating4.5
15
Ratings12
Average rating4.5
Mulan meets The Song of Achilles in He Who Drowned the World by Shelley Parker-Chan - an epic queer historical fantasy of war and destiny set in an epic alternate China, and sequel to Sunday Times bestselling She Who Became the Sun. What would you give to win the world? Zhu Yuanzhang, the Radiant King, is riding high after her victory – one that tore southern China from its Mongol masters. Now she burns with a new desire: to seize the throne and crown herself emperor. However, Zhu isn’t the only one with imperial aspirations. Courtesan Madam Zhang plots to steal the throne for her husband. But scorned scholar Wang Baoxiang is even closer to the throne. He’s maneuverered his way to the capital, where his courtly games threaten to bring the empire to its knees. For Baoxiang also desires revenge: to become the most degenerate Great Khan in history. In the process, he’d make a mockery of the warrior values his Mongol family loved more than him. To stay in the game, Zhu must gamble everything on one bold move. A risky alliance with an old enemy: Ouyang, the brilliant but unstable eunuch general. All contenders will do whatever it takes to win. But when desire has no end, and ambition no limits, could the price be too high for even the most ruthless heart to bear? Praise for She Who Became the Sun: ‘As brilliant as Circe . . . a deft and dazzling triumph’ – Tasha Suri, author of The Jasmine Throne 'Magnificent in every way. War, desire, vengeance, politics – Shelley Parker-Chan has perfectly measured each ingredient' – Samantha Shannon, author of The Priory of the Orange Tree
Featured Series
2 primary booksThe Radiant Emperor is a 2-book series with 2 primary works first released in 2021 with contributions by Shelley Parker-Chan.
Reviews with the most likes.
Beautifully written, fully-fleshed characters, perfect pacing. Overall an amazing read. I would, however, have liked an author note telling me which bits are supported by history and which are total fabrications so I'm denying 5 full stars because I consider that important.
A fantastic follow up to “She Who Became the Sun”. I didn't think the characters could gain more depth but somehow they did. This one felt like it had more mature scenes than the first one, and I would definitely look at the TWs beforehand just in case.
The politics and interworking's of the key players felt very complex and required my full attention. The plot was solid and, much like the first, the prose were noticeably good. Overall a great historical fantasy that makes me want to read more of the genre!
Darker than the first book, and at times felt like it juggled too many perspectives and got a little repetitive (I get it, Wang Baoxiang has a soul full of blackness!), with sexual dynamics that were both fascinating and sometimes disturbing, but even so I had so much fun and was so compelled. These books read like really good fanfiction, in the best way, e.g. they are deeply enmeshed in the psychology of characters whose similarities and differences make up a rich story tapestry, in addition to the actual plot.
