Jež se stala sluncem – Parker-Chan Shelley (2024)

A captivating and poetic novel about war and fate, set in an alternate history of ancient China ***** In a destitute village on a dusty yellow plain, where poverty and famine reign, two children learn of their destinies. The boy is destined for glory and greatness, while the girl is fated only for oblivion… ***** In 1345, the Mongols rule China with an iron fist. Starving farmers from the plains of the central interior hear of greatness only in myths and legends. So when the eighth son of a family named Zhu Chongba is assigned such a grand fate, everyone is surprised to wonder where his path will lead. However, the fate of nothingness that the clever and capable second daughter of the family hears about surprises no one. ***** When both children are orphaned after an attack by bandits, it is Zhu Chongba who succumbs to despair and turns away from life. The girl refuses to give up, and to escape her predetermined death, she assumes her brother's identity and enters a monastery disguised as a young novice. There, driven by a burning desire to survive, Zhu discovers that she is not afraid of even the most daring acts if they can hide her from her fate. ***** Once her monastic refuge faces retribution for supporting the uprising against Mongol rule, Zhu seizes the opportunity to claim…