I requested a digital copy in order to sample the prose on my phone (since I don't have a eReader) before requesting a physical copy for review. My review will be based on the physical ARC I read (if I qualify)

He Who Drowned the World by Shelley Parker-Chan is the stunning sequel and conclusion to the epic alternate history series, following the debut She Who Became the Sun. Set in a beautifully crafted alternate China, this book is a poetic and gripping tale of war, ambition, and destiny.

In this installment, we follow the story of Zhu Yuanzhang, the Radiant King, who has just won a great victory that freed southern China from its Mongol oppressors. However, she is not content with this victory and wants to crown herself emperor. But Zhu faces fierce competition from her neighbor, Madam Zhang, who wants the throne for her husband.

To stay in the game, Zhu must make a dangerous alliance with the unstable eunuch general Ouyang, who seeks revenge against his father's killer, the Great Khan. Meanwhile, the scorned scholar Wang Baoxiang has his own ambitions to become the most degenerate Great Khan in history and threatens to bring the empire to its knees with his lethal court games.

The stakes are high, and all contenders will do whatever it takes to win. But as desire for power consumes them, they must face the cost of their ambitions.

Parker-Chan's writing is breathtaking, weaving together intricate plots and characters that are both compelling and flawed. The characters are complex, and their motivations and actions feel authentic, making them all the more fascinating. The world-building is rich and vivid, transporting readers to a beautifully imagined alternate China.

Overall, He Who Drowned the World is a stunning conclusion to an epic series that will leave readers spellbound. Highly recommended for fans of historical fantasy, especially those who enjoyed Mulan and The Song of Achilles.