Picture an Asian-Australian storyteller who spun a queer, historical fantasy epic that set the literary world ablaze—meet Shelley Parker-Chan! With their debut novel, She Who Became the Sun, Parker-Chan reimagined the rise of China’s Ming dynasty through a lens of gender, ambition, and destiny, earning global acclaim. Their unique blend of activism, mythology, and lyrical prose has made them a rising star in speculative fiction.
Born to a Malaysian-Chinese mother and a white father, Parker-Chan’s journey from international development to fantasy novelist is as compelling as their stories. Their work, rooted in Chinese history and queer identity, offers readers a fresh, emotional take on epic fantasy that’s both gripping and groundbreaking.
The Making of Shelley Parker-Chan
Raised in Australia, Shelley Parker-Chan grew up navigating a complex cultural identity, feeling disconnected from the stereotypical portrayals of Asian characters in fiction. Named after Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, they were steeped in Greek myths, Arthurian legend, and Chinese tales of tragic romance. Before writing, Parker-Chan worked as a diplomat and international development adviser in Southeast Asia, focusing on human rights, gender equality, and LGBTQ+ rights. This activism shaped their storytelling, infusing it with themes of identity and resistance. Their writing career began in fanfiction, a space where they honed their craft and explored queer narratives, setting the stage for their bold debut.
Shelley Parker-Chan’s Unforgettable Stories
Parker-Chan’s debut, She Who Became the Sun (2021), is a historical fantasy reimagining the rise of Zhu Yuanzhang, the Hongwu Emperor. In this queer epic, a girl steals her brother’s identity and destiny, navigating war, politics, and gender to claim the Mandate of Heaven. The novel’s lyrical prose, morally complex characters, and exploration of genderqueer identity won it the British Fantasy Awards for Best Novel and Best Newcomer, plus a Hugo Award nomination. Its sequel, He Who Drowned the World (2023), concludes the Radiant Emperor Duology, diving deeper into ambition and sacrifice with the same emotional intensity.
Their style blends the grandeur of epic fantasy with the raw emotion of Chinese historical dramas, often compared to Mulan meets The Song of Achilles. Parker-Chan’s characters—flawed, ambitious, and deeply human—grapple with destiny, shame, and power in a world of political intrigue. Their focus on queer and diasporic identities sets their work apart, offering a fresh perspective in a genre often dominated by Eurocentric narratives. A third project, a secondary world fantasy, is in the works, promising more of their signature exploration of gender and complex relationships.
Why Shelley Parker-Chan Matters
Shelley Parker-Chan has carved a vital space in fantasy, bringing Asian-inspired, queer narratives to a global audience. Their work challenges traditional gender roles and amplifies marginalized voices, resonating with readers who see themselves in Zhu’s defiant journey. By blending historical accuracy with speculative elements, they’ve expanded the genre’s boundaries, earning praise from authors like Zen Cho and Samantha Shannon. Their success has paved the way for more diverse voices in speculative fiction, proving that stories rooted in specific cultural experiences can have universal appeal.
- Born: New Zealand, raised in Australia
- Key Works: She Who Became the Sun (2021), He Who Drowned the World (2023)
- Awards: British Fantasy Awards (Best Novel, Best Newcomer, 2022), Astounding Award (2022)
- Pronouns: They/them
Snag She Who Became the Sun and dive into Shelley Parker-Chan’s radiant world of queer historical fantasy—you won’t look back!