***I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.***
The stunning sequel to Daughter of the Moon Goddess delves deeper into beloved Chinese mythology, concluding the epic story of Xingyin—the daughter of Chang’e and the mortal archer, Houyi—as she battles a grave new threat to the realm, in this powerful tale of love, sacrifice, and hope.
After winning her mother’s freedom from the Celestial Emperor, Xingyin thrives in the enchanting tranquility of her home. But her fragile peace is threatened by the discovery of a strange magic on the moon and the unsettling changes in the Celestial Kingdom as the emperor tightens his grip on power. While Xingyin is determined to keep clear of the rising danger, the discovery of a shocking truth spurs her into a perilous confrontation.
Forced to flee her home once more, Xingyin and her companions venture to unexplored lands of the Immortal Realm, encountering legendary creatures and shrewd monarchs, beloved friends and bitter adversaries. With alliances shifting quicker than the tides, Xingyin has to overcome past grudges and enmities to forge a new path forward, seeking aid where she never imagined she would. As an unspeakable terror sweeps across the realm, Xingyin must uncover the truth of her heart and claw her way through devastation—to rise against this evil before it destroys everything she holds dear, and the worlds she has grown to love . . . even if doing so demands the greatest price of all.
Heart of the Sun Warrior by Sue Lynn Tan is the second book in her amazing new duology, The Celestial Kingdom Duology, and should be read in order. This Chinese mythology-inspired fantasy had me enthralled from the very first page.
Story Recap:
The story starts as Xingyin is living again with her mother on the moon after she won her mother’s freedom from the Celestial kingdom. Life is back the way she lived it before, except now she gets frequent visits from her friend, Prince Liwei who helped her save her mother.
However, all is not well in the Celestial Kingdom as the power has shifted and Xingyin’s enemy, General Wu is rising to power, and even her friends back in the Celestial Kingdom are worried about the changes.
My Thoughts:
I didn’t know what to expect with this second novel as the first one ended without a cliffhanger. Xingyin was at home with her mother and all was well. But, as soon as I started this book a sense of unease was immediate and I knew something terrible was about to happen, and it did.
The love triangle in this continues as both Liwei and Wenzhi fight for her heart. Xingyin has refused to see Wenzhi after his betrayal in the first book, but he continues to beg for her forgiveness and will do almost anything to win her heart. Liwei is by her side, but ultimately must decide between her and his family, and the throne.
This book is beautifully written with lovely descriptions and world-building. I also loved that the book comes with a map! I was able to follow the story as it flowed from one realm to another. The battle scenes were exciting and well-choreographed. The intensity of the battle and the extremely high stakes were interspersed with emotional moments of connection and friendships, making this a well-balanced fantasy novel.
Recommendation:
I highly recommend Heart of the Sun Warrior to anyone who enjoys fantasy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
About Sue Lynn Tan
Sue Lynn Tan writes fantasy novels 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 Kong with her family.
Her love for stories began with a gift from her father, her first compilation of fairytales from around the world. After devouring every fable she could find in the library, she discovered fantasy books – spending much of her childhood lost in magical worlds.
Her debut, Daughter of the Moon Goddess, will be published by Harper Voyager in January 2022, with a sequel to come. It is an enchanting fantasy of love and family, immortals and magic – inspired by the beloved Chinese legend of Chang’e flying to the moon upon taking the elixir of immortality.
When not writing or reading, she enjoys exploring the many hills, lakes, and temples around her home. She is also grateful to be within reach of bubble tea and spicy food, which she unfortunately cannot cook.
I love the covers – I think that I slightly prefer the US one – cover envy yet again! It sounds like a good series. I have seen it around on Instagram – well with those covers it is easy to see why!
I have to read this book immediately. I loved Daughter of the Moon Goddess, much more than I expected to. And I even found myself rooting for the love triangle. I need to know how the story ends.
Both of those covers are beautiful! I think I would like this duology. I have enjoyed some other Chinese mythology books. It is interesting to get that different view and I love the magical elements.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Aaah I can’t believe the second one is out already. I really still want to read the first one. I’m not that much into the Chinese Mythology, but I am eager to read this series.
The cover is gorgeous. Sounds a lovely and beautifully written book, though I assume the sense of impending trouble would make it an emotional read too. Wonderful review Wendy. Must catch up with this series sometime.
Great review, Wendy! I still haven’t read Daughter of the Moon Goddess even though I own a copy of it but I have a feeling I would really enjoy it. I’ve only seen positive reviews so I really need to get around to it. I’m glad you enjoyed the sequel and I’m happy to learn that the first book ends without a cliffhanger. Thanks for sharing!
I love the covers – I think that I slightly prefer the US one – cover envy yet again! It sounds like a good series. I have seen it around on Instagram – well with those covers it is easy to see why!
This sounds as beautiful as its cover. I haven’t read daughter of moon goddess yet but I plan to get it someday. Amazing review!
I like the UK cover better too. The book does look interesting.
I like the UK cover better this time.
I like the UK cover better. 😍 Which is usually the case for me. 📙✨
Both covers are lovely, but I think I like the U.S. cover best this time.
Yes, I think it gets a slight edge.
That is a beautiful cover, well, both of them are gorgeous.
I agree! These covers are special.
Sounds like an engaging fantasy read. Glad to hear it was a win!
Thank you, Rachel!
I have to read this book immediately. I loved Daughter of the Moon Goddess, much more than I expected to. And I even found myself rooting for the love triangle. I need to know how the story ends.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! I thought it was better than the first book.
Such a gorgeous cover! Excellent review. This one and the previous novel are on my want-to-read list.
I hope you enjoy them when you get to them.
Glad you enjoyed the sequel! The duology has such beautiful artwork on the covers.
It sure does! They are such beautiful covers!
I’m not a big fantasy reader, but it sounds like you enjoyed, great review
Thank you, Jenny. I’m not a big fantasy reader either, but I enjoyed this series.
What a beautiful cover. And I love that it’s inspired by Chinese myth as well.
Thank you, Greg!
Both of those covers are beautiful! I think I would like this duology. I have enjoyed some other Chinese mythology books. It is interesting to get that different view and I love the magical elements.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I loved the series and I don’t know anything about Chinese Mythology.
You’ve totally convinced me – I need to read this series!
Thank you, Sara! I hope you enjoy it when you get to it.
Ooo maps! This sounds wonderful especially the world building.
Thank you, Kimberly. I love a map in a book too!
I never knew of this series. Thanks for putting it on my radar. Great review.
Thank you, Nadene!
It’s really great to Chinese mythology represented.
Yes, I agree!
Hi Wendy!
Aaah I can’t believe the second one is out already. I really still want to read the first one. I’m not that much into the Chinese Mythology, but I am eager to read this series.
Stunning review!
I don’t know anything about Chinese Mythology and still really enjoyed the story. I hope you get a chance to read them soon.
I’m 63% through book one and loving it! Just got this in the mail early but have an Arc too! I’m glad you enjoyed this!!
Oh good! I hope you enjoy it too.
Sounds perfect for fantasy lovers.
It is, it’s a wonderful story
These books have the prettiest covers. I’m glad you enjoyed the second one so much.
Thank you, Kristi! I love the covers so much!
I’ve been curious about these books. I should probably give them a try. Nice review!
I hope you get to, Kami!
This sounds like a great fantasy novel, glad you enjoyed both. The covers are beautiful.
Thank you!
I’m not a fantasy reader but I really enjoyed your review Wendy! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Jodie. I don’t read many fantasy books either.
Wow! I love the cover for this one Wendy! Excellent review!📚💜
That cover is just stunning! Thank you, Susan
Even though I knew you’d love it, I’ve been looking forward to your thoughts on this. I cried a bit reading this one. Lovely review!
It’s such a great book and duology!
The cover is gorgeous. Sounds a lovely and beautifully written book, though I assume the sense of impending trouble would make it an emotional read too. Wonderful review Wendy. Must catch up with this series sometime.
Thank you, Mallika! It was a fun book with a lot of adventure.
Lovely review Wendy. I really enjoyed this although think that the first book was better as I thought the storyline was a better arc
I can see that. I liked them both so much!
Great review, Wendy! I still haven’t read Daughter of the Moon Goddess even though I own a copy of it but I have a feeling I would really enjoy it. I’ve only seen positive reviews so I really need to get around to it. I’m glad you enjoyed the sequel and I’m happy to learn that the first book ends without a cliffhanger. Thanks for sharing!
I hope you enjoy it when you get to it. It’s really a bit different, but very enjoyable.