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  • She Who Became the Sun

  • The Radiant Emperor, Book 1
  • By: Shelley Parker-Chan
  • Narrated by: Natalie Naudus
  • Length: 14 hrs and 36 mins
  • 4.2 out of 5 stars (305 ratings)
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She Who Became the Sun cover art

She Who Became the Sun

By: Shelley Parker-Chan
Narrated by: Natalie Naudus
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Summary

THE NUMBER ONE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

An absorbing historical fantasy, She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan reimagines the rise to power of the Ming Dynasty’s founding emperor.

In a famine-stricken village on a dusty plain, a seer shows two children their fates. For a family’s eighth-born son, there’s greatness. For the second daughter, nothing.

In 1345, China lies restless under harsh Mongol rule. And when a bandit raid wipes out their home, the two children must somehow survive. Zhu Chongba despairs and gives in. But the girl resolves to overcome her destiny. So she takes her dead brother’s identity and begins her journey. Can Zhu escape what’s written in the stars, as rebellion sweeps the land? Or can she claim her brother’s greatness – and rise as high as she can dream?

This is a glorious tale of love, loss, betrayal and triumph by a powerful new voice.

She Who Became the Sun is a reimagining of the rise to power of Zhu Yuanzhang. Zhu was the peasant rebel who expelled the Mongols, unified China under native rule, and became the founding Emperor of the Ming Dynasty.

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

Critic reviews

"Epic, tragic and gorgeous." (Alix E. Harrow, author of The Ten Thousand Doors of January)

"As brilliant as Circe...a deft and dazzling triumph." (Tasha Suri, author of The Jasmine Throne)

"A dazzling new world of fate, war, love and betrayal." (Zen Cho, author of Black Water Sister)

What listeners say about She Who Became the Sun

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Mixed feelings on this audiobook

I loved the concept of this book and overall feel of chinese antiquity. I wanted to love it more, but by the end I was entirely turned off by the protagonist and some of the writing style. Personally, it seemed to jump around as if parts of the story were missing or had been heavily edited out. However, it was beautifully narrated, and lends itself to the storyline.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Breathtaking!!

This was an incredible story narrated beautifully. Usually I lose track during audio books but when I listened to this one, I knew who all of the characters were and it was just a joy to listen to. This has been my favourite audiobook so far.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

...

I think something went wrong. I seem to have read a different book compared to others.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
  • Sc
  • 15-05-22

not as good as reviews allege

started well, then dipped into a very dull few chapters before getting better. repetitive sentiments of fate and who Chu wants to be make her annoying and unlikeable and I had to listen at 1.4x speed as it was just too slow and drawly. glad I got to the end. shame really as could have been really good

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Pleasant Surprise

Usually not a big fan of historical reimaginings so I was quite wairy at first. The worry dropped within the first two chapters. Great book.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

well paced, emotionally charged and fun!

I don't think I ever expected to love this book (and its sequel!) as much as I did. The world of the Great Yuan is brought to life by the excellent voice actor, who adds such enthusiasm and depth to each of the scenes and characters. The story itself honestly surprised me with its clever twists and understated homages to classic Chinese movies and literature. Lots of devious people, cruel outcomes and lively turn arounds! The protagonist Zhu is portrayed brilliantly - equal parts charming and cunning.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Satisfying (and sapphic!)

What a wonderful book. Vaguely like Mulan meets Marco Polo with all the plotting and political intrigue your heart desires. It explores non-binary and trans identity thoughtfully and naturally, and it captures queer longing and support wonderfully. I audibly gasped many times throughout. The narrator is marvellous - her style is powerful and her character voices are subtlety yet perfectly embodied to bring characters to life. In short, I’m glad there’s a sequel!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Loved it!!

The voice acting was amazing and the different voices really helped understand the different characters. The story itself was really interesting and I loved learning about the characters. Overall an amazing book

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Just perfection!

This book is an unexpected gem! Following Zhu’s journey is a true testament of what the mind can achieve. It took me a little while to follow the various people, but i got used to it after the first few chapters. I truly cannot wait for the sequel to this!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Powerful and eloquent

I was pleasantly surprised by this audiobook. The story is beautifully written and at the same time takes you on a some unexpected twists and turns, keeping you slightly off balance and needing to hold on for more. The voice actor is also superb. Highly recommend.

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