She Who Became the Sun

She Who Became the Sun, by Shelley Parker-Chan, reimagines the rise to power of the Ming Dynasty's founding emperor. Set in 1345, China lies under harsh Mongol rule. In a famine-stricken village, a boy is given a fate of greatness, while his sister, Zhu, is destined for nothingness. Zhu, a female monk, refuses her fate and will do anything to possess the Mandate of Heaven. This historical fantasy novel explores themes of fate, war, love, and betrayal, following Zhu's journey and the rise of an empire.