Books Like "She Who Became the Sun"
A queer reimagining of the founding of the Ming Dynasty where a girl assumes her brother's identity to escape starvation and becomes a legendary monk-warrior.
If you loved it, try these next
- The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang — Both feature Chinese-inspired settings with unflinching depictions of war and morally complex protagonists navigating brutal political landscapes.
- The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon — Epic fantasy with strong LGBTQ+ themes, complex world-building, and multiple POV characters in a richly detailed historical-feeling setting.
- The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller — Literary retelling of classical/historical material with beautiful prose and central queer romance that enhances rather than dominates the larger story.
- The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison — Court intrigue and political maneuvering with a protagonist who must navigate identity and power while maintaining their moral compass.
- The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin — Complex fantasy with themes of oppression and identity, featuring protagonists who must hide fundamental aspects of themselves to survive.
That's the general verdict — find out if She Who Became the Sun matches YOUR taste.
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