He Who Drowned the World

Book Review: He Who Drowned the World by Shelley Parker-Chan

Shelley Parker-Chan’s He Who Drowned the World is a mesmerizing blend of historical fiction, fantasy, and mythology that swept me away into a world of gods, power, and betrayal. It is the second book in the The Radiant Emperor series, following She Who Became the Sun, and it continues to explore the complex, multi-layered journeys of its characters, who are as morally intricate as the world they inhabit.

The story picks up where the first left off, deepening the conflicts, both personal and political, in the land of the Mongol Empire. At the heart of the novel are three key figures whose fates intertwine in ways that feel fated, tragic, and profoundly human.

Zhou is our central protagonist, a young woman who has been pretending to be a man in order to rise to power, bearing the weight of a destiny she never wanted. Throughout the novel, we see her struggle with her own sense of self and the incredible pressure that comes with her position. She is a character torn between ambition and humanity, constantly wrestling with what it means to be true to herself while also wielding the brutal power she possesses. Zhou is complicated and deeply flawed, but her vulnerability in the face of her overwhelming responsibilities makes her incredibly compelling. She is a character who pushes boundaries, both in terms of her personal growth and her role in the world’s larger conflict.

Ouyang, on the other hand, is an antagonist that you cannot help but love to hate. There is something magnetic about him, a combination of intelligence, ruthlessness, and a sense of tragic nobility. He is driven by an unshakable belief in his own destiny to rule and reshape the world, but it’s his hidden softness that make him feel so heartbreakingly real. Ouyang’s arc is one of the most complex in the book, as we witness his transformation from a conqueror to a man caught between love and duty, revenge and remorse. His dynamic with Zhou is intoxicating, as both characters challenge and influence each other in ways that are subtle yet profound.

The third central character is Liu, whose presence in the story adds an element of mystical intrigue. Liu’s loyalties are constantly shifting, and her journey feels more like an unraveling mystery. Her motivations are shrouded in secrecy, and it’s clear she is not just a pawn in the grand game of empires, but a player who holds some cards close to her chest. Liu is an embodiment of power and grace, but also of isolation—caught between the demands of those around her and her own sense of purpose.

The relationships between these three are fraught with tension, desire, and moral complexity, which is one of the novel’s greatest strengths. Parker-Chan doesn’t shy away from exploring how love and power can exist in the same breath—how people who care about one another can still be willing to sacrifice everything for their own ambitions. The emotional stakes are sky-high, and the shifting alliances and betrayals never stop keeping you on edge.

What Parker-Chan excels at in this sequel is the exploration of identity, power, and the cost of ambition. There are rich layers of cultural references, historical depth, and political maneuvering that elevate the story far beyond a simple tale of love and war. The world-building is exquisite, and the pacing keeps you hooked without ever feeling rushed or overstuffed.

However, there are moments where I longed for a bit more clarity in the narrative, especially as the plot weaves together the fates of so many characters. But these are minor quibbles in a story that is so rich with depth and emotion.

In conclusion, He Who Drowned the World is an ambitious, emotionally charged epic that explores themes of power, love, and destiny with incredible skill. The characters are flawed, brilliant, and deeply human, and their arcs will keep you invested from beginning to end. If you enjoy historical fantasy that pushes boundaries and doesn’t shy away from the complexity of its characters’ hearts, then this is a book that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.

I can’t wait to see how Shelley Parker-Chan continues to unravel the fates of these compelling characters in the next book.