tl;dr stunning adult fantasy
Premise
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.
Rating
4/5 stars
Review
I'll admit, it took me a while to get through this book. I was super excited to read it, and part of the reason why it took so long was because I was in a huge fantasy slump. However, I did find that the first parts did drag a bit, but it picked up near the end.
I really enjoyed the various POVs in the book because you see on different sides of the war. People you thought were villains might not actually be. Since this is an adult fantasy, most of the characters are morally grey. The story takes place over quite a long time, so we're able to see all of the main characters grow and develop.
There's action, plot twists, romance, betrayal (aka me sitting in shock wondering how we got here)--everything I want from an epic fantasy. And of course, there's a main character (Zhu) that's a ruthless, fearless, and completely herself despite taking on the identity of another person.
The ending has me shaking. Sequel immediately.
This book had wonderful commentary on gender, power, love, and fate/destiny. I watched a panel with Shelley Parker-Chan speaking and they are just so knowledgeable--it was so exciting watching her discuss the intricacies of this story.
Other Info
First book in a series (sequel not out yet)
18+
CW: here
Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/She-Who-Became-Shelley-Parker-Chan/dp/1250621801
Would I Recommend?
Yes!!
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