She Who Became the Sun

Zhu Chongba is destined for greatness with deeds that will bring a hundred generations of pride to the family name as foreseen by the local fortune teller. But when he dies his sister takes his name, determined to capture his fated greatness while escaping Heaven's notice. This Zhu Chongba soon finds herself at Wuhuang Monastery.

Zhu will stop at nothing to realize the greatness she is determined to steal for herself. She's no Mulan. Zhu is equal parts ingenious, ruthless, lucky, and entirely single-minded in her pursuit.

Her story shadows Ouyang, the castrated general serving the son of the man responsible for the death of his family and his own mutilated body. (It's a lot) The son, Lord Esen-Temur, is the leader of the Great Yuan's armies, a bit of a privlieged himbo, and completely devoted to Ouyang who is no less committed to his particular path.

Zhu and Ouyang will find themselves face to face time and time again, each pursuing their own private goals. I was just ready for some bloody 14th century political scheming, backstabbing and unbridled ambition in the waning years of the Yuan dynasty. Worthy of the hype it's getting here in Canada from our largest book retailer.