When Xingyin’s magic flares, warning the Celestial Empress of unknown activity on the moon, she is forced to flee from her home on the moon in order to protect her mother, the Moon Goddess and to hide that she exists. Now Xingyin is determined to save her mother from her exile on the moon and become
Book: Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan
Series: The Celestial Kingdom Duology #1
Publication Date: January 10, 2022
Tags: New Adult, fantasy, Chinese mythology, legend, folklore, some romance
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository | Thrift Books | Abe Books
Read: November 11, 2022 to November 12, 2022
Growing up on the moon, Xingyin is accustomed to solitude, unaware that she is being hidden from the powerful Celestial Emperor who exiled her mother for stealing his elixir of immortality. But when Xingyin’s magic flares and her existence is discovered, she is forced to flee her home, leaving her mother behind.
Alone, untrained, and afraid, she makes her way to the Celestial Kingdom, a land of wonder and secrets. Disguising her identity, she seizes an opportunity to learn alongside the Crown Prince, mastering archery and magic, even as passion flames between her and the emperor’s son.
To save her mother, Xingyin embarks on a perilous quest, confronting legendary creatures and vicious enemies across the earth and skies. When treachery looms and forbidden magic threatens the kingdom, however, she must challenge the ruthless Celestial Emperor for her dream—striking a dangerous bargain in which she is torn between losing all she loves or plunging the realm into chaos.
Spoiler Free Review
When Xingyin’s magic flares, warning the Celestial Empress of unknown activity on the moon, she is forced to flee from her home on the moon in order to protect her mother, the Moon Goddess and to hide that she exists. Now Xingyin is determined to save her mother from her exile on the moon and become stronger and a better version of who she is.
I gave Daughter of the Moon Goddess four stars, really enjoying the writing and the overall plot. I think that Sue Lynn Tan’s writing is lyrical yet it was not forced onto every chapter and plot point. The plot was well done and I must say, although I haven’t read many young adult fantasy in the past year, this exceeded my expectations. I loved the Chinese mythology, the folklore, the legends, the mythical creatures, and even the Celestial beings were terrific additions to the story that made reading it so much better.
I really enjoyed Xingyin as a main character and seeing her character grow from the young and vulnerable girl on the moon to the confident first archer of the Celestial army. I loved the connection between why she was so powerful as an archer, that was my favorite part. I loved her journey as they went on different journeys around the Celestial realm as an army and how they all connected in the end to her end goal. Even the interesting love interests that she had throughout the book was unexpected and really added to the story and the plot.
Daughter of the Moon Goddess was so fun to read and it really brought out the enjoyment that I haven’t felt towards young adult fantasy in a long time. I can’t wait to read book two: Heart of the Sun Warrior and continue reading the duology. I’m excited to see Xingyin continue her journey through the Celestial realms.
I hope you guys have a great day, please like and comment down below if you enjoyed this book as well or if you plan on reading it!
Loves,
Veronica Chen