Shelley Parker-Chan's debut, She Who Became the Sun, is a queer fantasy that reimagines the founding of the Ming Dynasty with a trans protagonist at its centre. This novel blends historical inspiration with genre fantasy, exploring themes of identity, ambition, power, and transformation through lyrical, psychologically nuanced prose. The sequel, He Who Drowned the World, expands the world and stakes. Readers seeking sophisticated fantasy that engages with both intimate character work and grand historical canvas—and those interested in queer narratives at the heart of epic storytelling—will find this work essential.