She Who Became the Sun is being herald as a historical trans rep novel. However, the gender identity seemed to be more of convenience and actual survival than identity. This is not a horrible thing, however when it is combined with being trans then it provides fuel to the fire that gender identity is a choice, and people could just choose not to be trans. So, that part of the novel did not really resonate with me.

The overall plot was fine. It was a good book, but I did not synch with it the way that so many others have. It was good. I'm glad I read it. I'm not sure I will pick it up again. However, I will read future books by Shelley Parker-Chan.