Is 'He Who Drowned The World' A Sequel To Another Novel?

I just finished reading 'He Who Drowned the World' and yes, it's absolutely a sequel! It follows 'She Who Became the Sun', which introduced Zhu Yuanzhang's rise in the Ming Dynasty. The sequel dives deeper into the brutal power struggles, with Zhu now facing off against the eunuch general Ouyang. The writing style remains gorgeous—lyrical yet savage—but the stakes feel higher. More betrayals, more ambition, more of that delicious moral grayness. If you loved the first book's blend of historical drama and queer themes, this one delivers even harder. The character arcs hit like a truck, especially Ouyang's tragic nobility versus Zhu's ruthless drive.

As someone who devours historical fiction, I can confirm 'He Who Drowned the World' is the second installment in Shelley Parker-Chan's Radiant Emperor duology. It picks up right where 'She Who Became the Sun' left off, with Zhu consolidating power in a world that rejects her identity. The sequel doubles down on psychological warfare—every alliance feels like a time bomb, and the battle scenes are visceral. What stands out is how Parker-Chan reimagines historical figures. Ouyang’s internal conflict between loyalty and desire gets way more screen time, and Ma Xiuying’s political maneuvering adds layers to the gender dynamics.

Compared to the first book’s focus on survival, this one explores the cost of winning. Zhu’s victories taste like ashes because the system she’s conquering still hates everything she represents. The magic system stays subtle but impactful, with divine mandates feeling less like blessings and more like curses. If you’re into morally complex protagonists and unflinching examinations of power, this duology is a must-read. Parker-Chan doesn’t just rewrite history—they expose its bones.

For fans of 'She Who Became the Sun', the sequel 'He Who Drowned the World' is darker and more ambitious. Zhu’s journey shifts from claiming the throne to holding it amidst enemies who see her as unnatural. The eunuch Ouyang becomes a mirror to Zhu—both outsiders weaponizing their pain. Parker-Chan’s prose cuts deep, especially in quiet moments where characters confront their stolen futures.

The sequel expands the worldbuilding too. Northern China’s winter landscapes contrast with the first book’s drought-ridden settings, mirroring Zhu’s frozen desperation. Minor characters like Lady Zhang shine, showing how women navigate this cutthroat world differently. The themes of identity and legacy hit harder here—Zhu’s defiance costs her humanity piece by piece. If the first book was about becoming the sun, this one is about surviving the eclipse.