She Who Became the Sun

I wasn't sure what to expect but was pleasantly surprised to find a quality adventure story blending historical fiction and fantasy. And written by an Australian author! And with very cool character exploration around gender identity, bodies, and sexuality.
I'm not usually one for war stories but I was engrossed, and I think that's testament to the complex character development and intrigues.
I've heard good things about the sequel so will check it out.
Apparently Shelley Parker-Chan's inspo was period K-dramas and C-dramas but I think their characters are much sexier, morally complex, and grittier than you'd see on TV whilst retaining all the fun melodrama and plot twists.