She Who Became the Sun

I thought this book wouldn't be my thing - not much of a fantasy reader, especially historical fantasy - but I really enjoyed it! The writing is good, the setting is painstakingly depicted, and I thought the main characters were amazing. The author made them complicated and flawed, yet deeply sympathetic. I also found the exploration of gender identity really nuanced and multifaceted - some characters are alternately helped and hurt by gender expectations for those who conform to gender expectations, while others are alternately trapped and freed when they fail to conform to gender norms. My only criticism is that I wish there'd been more supernatulral elements, and greatly enjoyed what little there was.