Sue Lynn Tan writes fantasy inspired by the myths and legends she fell in love with as a child. Born in Malaysia, she studied in London and France before settling in Hong King with her family. Her love for stories began with a gift from her father, a compilation of fairy tales from around the world, and she spent much of her childhood lost in magical realms. When not writing or reading, she enjoys exploring the hills, lakes, and temples around her home. Find her online at suelynntan.com. Find more of my reviews of her work here.
Growing up on the moon, Xingyin is accustomed to solitude, unaware that she is being hidden from the feared 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, powerless, 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 emperor's son, mastering archery and magic, even as passion flames between her and the prince. To save her mother, Xingyin embarks on a perilous quest, confronting legendary creatures and vicious enemies. But when treachery looms and forbidden magic threatens the kingdom, 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. Daughter of the Moon Goddess begins an enchanting duology which weaves ancient Chinese mythology into a sweeping adventure of immortals and magic, of loss and sacrifice—where love vies with honor, dreams are fraught with betrayal, and hope emerges triumphant.
What instantly struck me was Xingyin's characterization. I was immediately able to relate to her, because she wasn't perfect. In fact, she's stubborn and honorable to a fault, and she accepts her faults while also working to be the best version of herself as possible. She makes mistakes, and doesn't forgive easily, and I felt like her character was consistent throughout the book. Xingyin's story is more compelling because she reacts like how a person would, rather than some ethereal immortal who is so far from humanity they don't seem humane. Xingyin could be me, or one of my friends, and I truly felt that through her character and her narration.
This book reads like a fairytale. It was so easy to read, I found myself flying through chapters, and desperate to know what happens next. I love fantasy books divided in three parts—I simply think they are surperior—and Tan brought that to the next level by further dividing the arc of Xingyin's story in three as well. We see her as she's growing up and as a child; and then we see her as part of the Celestial Army, and the battles she faces during that time of her life; and then we see it all come together at the end. I love how, even though this is a duology, this story closes on a note to where one can read it as a standalone, while also leaving the door open wide enough for those curious to keep exploring to go through. The way this story unfolds is just wonderful, and I wish there had been more.
I also loved the way Tan developed the relationships between Xingyin and the other characters. Some characters aren't in her life for long, but the way Tan is able to concisely capture the short relationships is just as compelling as the way she's able to capture the longterm relationships Xingyin has. The best developed relationship, of course, is the one between Xingyin and Liwei. There is so much love poured out between them, and as the love evolves, so does Tan's writing, in the way she's able to capture all facets of their relationship, sometimes before even the two of them recognize the changes in the relationship. Tan's writing is absolutely wonderful, and I am so curious as to how their relationship is going to grow and change in Heart of the Sun Warrior!
Heart of the Sun Warrior, the conclusion to the Celestial Kingdom Duology, comes out November 10th, and I couldn't be more excited! Until then, you can find Sue Lynn Tan online at suelynntan.com.
*This review can also be found on my Goodreads page*
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