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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 (329 ratings)

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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
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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
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    5 out of 5 stars

Persevere, it’s worth it!

I confess that I struggled with the oriental names so only gradually worked out who was who. As this book was this month’s choice in our local book club, I felt I should persevere and I’m glad I did, so much so that I was disappointed when I reached the end.

The reader was a good choice as she gave each character a different voice which undoubtedly helped me sort out who was who, giving the names their correct inflection.

A good story, well worth the effort.

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

Performance let down the book

This book had so much potential, only to be let down by the narrator and the voices. It was like kids doing whining voices. I think the book version would be much better.

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  • Overall
    4 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

excellent!

one of the best books i have ever read and listen to, the narrative was artfully created and the narration left me transfixed, do listen to the end

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

Great book. Tricky to follow names of characters

Really beautifully written book. Interesting storyline. Hard to follow the names of characters and at times the perspective of the narrative voice as I am unfamiliar with names from that part of the world in that era.

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

very enjoyable

It's a really great story with amazing characters even though they may be morally grey!

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  • Overall
    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

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Fabulous

I really enjoyed this book. It’s outstanding both plot and narration. Beautiful pros one of the best books I’ve listened to this year.

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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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