There are a couple of reasons why I loved DAUGHTER OF THE MOON GODDESS, but these five are the most notable:

1. Inspired by Chinese mythology and the story of Chang’e, the goddess of the moon.
I didn’t grow up with many Chinese myths and legends, but I do remember hearing a little about Chang’e. Sue Lynn Tan takes her story about the Elixir of life and Houyi the archer to a new level by imagining if the Goddess of the Moon had a daughter and bringing Chang’e to a new generation. I was enraptured by Tan’s storytelling and the beautiful sadness that undercuts the whole book.

2. The protagonist, Xingyin.
Xingyin, the secret daughter of Chang’e is a heroine I love (and I know many others will, too). She makes her own opportunities; she’s far from perfect, but her choices stem from a desperation to protect the people she loves (i.e. her mother). She is an unflinching character but also full of softness and empathy. Xingyin is a nuanced narrator of DAUGHTER OF THE MOON GODDESS and a welcome addition to the English literature space.

3. The twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat.
There is so much that happens in this book and never a dull moment! When I was around halfway through, I couldn’t believe how much was already packed into the plot; yet, I didn’t think the pacing or character development is impacted because of this density. There is so much I can’t say because it would be spoiler after spoiler, but get ready to go on a wild ride of many adventures!

4. Companions to lovers to yearning from a distance.
If you’re someone who loves K-dramas and C-dramas or love the *yearning* between couples, let me tell you, DAUGHTER OF THE MOON GODDESS has this and more. Plus, my personal favorite, which is (unexpected) friends/companions to lovers to the yearning territory. The tension and the emotions are just too good!

5. The exploration of identity and figuring out who you are despite the barriers that challenge you.
To conclude on a more serious note, Xingyin’s main motive hooked me from the get-go. I connected with her desire to know more about her father (Houyi) and seek justice for her mother, who was imprisoned by the Celestial Emperor. Throughout the many journeys in DAUGHTER OF THE MOON GODDESS, Xingyin learns more about her history, those around her, and, especially, who she is herself.

Dnfed at 50%
I went into this book with a lot of expectations but I was disappointed almost immediately. I had a lot of issues with the book. The pacing was way off, the character development was little to none, I did not get the romance at all and the author tried to pack in way too many tropes into one book. There was way too much tell and no show which again put me off. I had to dnf at 50% after I realised I was neither invested in the plot nor the characters. Would not recommend

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this ebook from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review of this book.

In this folklore fantasy, we follow the journey of Xingyin after she has to flee her home and leave her mother behind. Xingyin finds herself in the Celestial Kingdom, where she befriends the Royal Prince, Liwei. The two become fast friends, and form an unbreakable bond....or is it? Can the bond they've formed withstand the challenges that lay before them?

We are taken on a magical journey, and once I stepped into the world of Xingyin, I didn't want to leave. The entire story is so beautifully written.

My favorite quotes from this book: "Our paths are forged from the choices we made; whether to reach for an opportunity or let it pass by."

"On a night as this, my heart was content, awaiting the promise of tomorrow."

#NetGalley #suelynntan #daughterofthemoongoddess

#readingmywaythrough2022 #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #booknerd #kindle #arcreader

I was not aware there would be dragons. Surprise dragons, I think, are the best kind of dragons. Tan’s dragons do not disappoint.

This is a 500+ page book that at no point feels like a 500+ page book. There is not an up-front info dump (the world-building is gradual and really beautiful) that will turn anyone off, and no large chunks anywhere that slog. Our protagonist, Xingyin, is a lovely and complex character who makes mistakes and gets repeatedly knocked down- and it is a joy to watch her keep getting up to face whatever is next.

Tan has created a whole host of very compelling characters, and some of the more enjoyable parts to read (for me) featured characters that we are supposed to hate the most. With such complicated backstories and political intrigue- it’s difficult to make a firm judgment on anyone. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if things aren’t flipped on their heads entirely in the next book- there may still be hope for Wenzhi yet!

This is a very strong debut, but I do have a few minor quibbles- mostly with pacing. This book reads very episodically- we bounce from one adventure straight into the next- and I’m pretty sure at one point I actually read the written equivalent of a video montage.

My other concern is the obnoxious question (that I always seem to waste too much time thinking about) of whether or not this is being marketed to the correct audience. In my (usually unpopular) opinion, this book would be better served if it was marketed to a younger audience. While there is some adult-level gore present, the writing style is more similar to YA books that I have read in the past vs. adult fantasy novels. This has nothing to do with plot, complexity, or world-building- all of which can fall anywhere along a large spectrum in both Adult and YA books. For me, it just comes down to writing style. One moment that jumps out at me in particular (no spoilers here) is a tense moment that occurs behind a bar. While our protagonist’s inner dialogue during this incident is on-point and completely justified, it’s “on-the-nose”-ness skews this book YA to me. It felt as though the author’s aim was to set a good example in this moment- there is a lack of subtlety that makes me categorize this more with YA books. This also could simply be a symptom of being a debut novel.

I promise these are very minor issues I am taking with an otherwise completely enjoyable book that deserves to be read by humans of lots of different ages.

Thanks so much to Harper Voyager and NetGalley for the review copy!

Daughter of the Moon Goddess was a book that I picked solely for the cover, to be perfectly honest. The cover was pretty and that made me want to read it. The blurb piqued my interest, but I knew the blurb never tells the whole story and I might be disappointed. I was surprised and delighted to find that the story held up to the beautiful cover and intriguing premise. The characters are fantastic, as is the writing. The plot kept me on the edge of my seat and it felt like every time I turned a page, I was more and more invested in the story and the world

*4.5 Stars

"Some scars are carved into our bones--a part of who we are, shaping what we become."

First off, the cover for The Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan is stunning, and the writing is equally gorgeous! Laced with mythology, dreams, dragons, family, and hope, the story has a lot to offer readers. The beginning of the book reminded me of Ashes of Love (the Cdrama) a little bit, so that was cool!

This book covered so much, and every chapter had something packed into it. Sue Lynn Tan is definitely a storyteller! You truly are transported into the world of the book and the Celestial Kingdom.

"We should appreciate the flower, regardless of its roots."

Growing up, Xingyin, the daughter of the Moon Goddess, is hidden away from the world, even her own father. Her mother, Chang'e, was punished and imprisoned on the moon with no visitors allowed. With the secret of Xingyin, one day, a magic disturbance is sensed, and she must leave her home, or her mother could be in danger. Now tasked with finding her way and hiding who she is, Xingyin becomes a servant. There she enters into a competition with the opportunity to learn with the Crown Prince Liwei. With the chance to learn from the best while learning how to harness her powers, Xingyin believes this is what she needs to return to her mother one day.

Xingyin also has the opportunity to train with the soldiers and become stronger. Under the guide of Captain Wenzhi, Xingyin goes on missions and journeys to protect and to learn. However, things do not always go as planned, and Xingyin has many challenges ahead of her. Fighting to protect herself and fight for her mother's release, Xingyin, is willing to risk whatever for her family.

"My mind had journeyed here a thousand times, although I traveled this path only once before."

I absolutely loved Shuxiao! I am looking forward to more of her story in book two. Also, for the romance, I was rooting for <spoiler>Captain Wenzhi because he seemed so intriguing when we met him! I loved the conversations they had in the beginning. With that said, I always love the villains! So when everything happened, I should not have been surprised. (But here we are lol) I can see why the at first "forbidden" romance between Liwei and Xingyin can be compelling since their families don't necessarily get along. I think they will probably be together in the second book so, it will be interesting to see how everything plays out.</spoiler> One of my favorite scenes was <spoiler>between Xingyin and Prince Yanming fighting with swords!</spoiler>

"Better by far those monsters, than the ones that dwelled in my mind."

Overall, Daughter of the Moon Goddess was an enticing read with magic in every chapter. I am curious to see how everything will finish playing out in the second book. I am excited to see how everything turns out and what choices the characters will make.

"Yet I still clung to a shred of my past, as a flowering peach blossom tree yearning for its fallen bloom."

Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager (Harper Voyager) and NetGalley for providing me with an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Loved this wonderful fantasy novel and can’t wait to read more. Five enthusiast stars. Also the cover art is gorgeous

Rating 3.5/5

Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan is a beautiful story of the lengths of a daughter's love. With the promise of an action pact and exciting retelling combining ancient Chinese mythology with romance, dragons, and magic, Daughter of the Moon Goddess ALMOST hits the mark.

This novel starts off at a swift and mesmerizing pace, one that assures amazing things to come. But after the first part ended, the filler chapters began. These chapters felt like a mockery to how captivating the world-building and intrigue the first part paved out. There was no urgency for the main character Xingyin to save her mother; it felt as if that plot was disregarded entirely. With such a strong start, keeping the momentum would have been a difficult task; however, the final part of Daughter of the Moon Goddess made an unexpected recovery.

Looking past the plot, I struggled with the main characters. Xingyin constantly grappled with what was right and what was wrong. Her internal dialogue was very contradicting, and things that should have been mentioned earlier randomly surfaced in her thoughts, making it seem like an afterthought. Chang'e, the immortal prince, also felt inconsistent in his words and actions, especially with his feelings towards Xingyin. In one instance, he uncovers a sinister scheme his mother planned but does nothing further with that information.

Overall, this was a wonderful debut. The ending was beautiful. I loved the themes of grief, loss, and recovery. The grappling one has with hidden desires versus doing what's morally acceptable was also exceptionally done. At times, I was mesmerized by how lyrical the writing was and the imagery Tan crafted in such an intricate world. I know we can expect such great things from this author. I can't wait to read the sequel later this year!

Thank you netgalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

I'm a little mad because I don't know how to write a review for something so perfect, something so unbelievably stunning in every way. It's like going to the Grand Canyon and trying to get a photo with your iPhone; there's no way to capture the magnificence. Not. at. all. BUT I will do my best. Here we go!

Reasons to read: an epic journey, a formidable heroine, and a romance to last the ages.

Personal rating: I want to own a thousand copies of this book

I am looking at the book right now and finding new details on the cover. I feel like I'm watching one of my favorite movies and finding little things I missed the first time around. I'm thinking about Xingyin and how, despite all obstacles, held onto the promise to her mother. She'd never been out in the world, so when she landed in the Celestial Kingdom, she had no allies, no way of knowing what she was supposed to do with her life. In a way, I related to her because my own life was sheltered, so when I was cast out into the workforce and eventually married, I did not know what it took to survive until I was faced with the obstacles I faced. There was no guidance and no preparation. But like myself, Xingyin learned quickly that the way to get ahead was to be proactive.

"I was no longer a child willing to drift with the tide-I would steer against the current if I had to."

Xingyin enters to become a companion to Prince Liwei, but her intentions were not merely for status but to learn to channel her magic. Years pass and the friendship between the prince and Xingyin become something like love. But when Liwei's mother announces his betrothal to the princess of the Phoenix Kingdom, she makes the decision to join the Celestial Army in order to gain a Crimson Lion Talisman, the highest favor awarded by the emperor himself. The talisman will grant her a promise: a promise to set her mother free.

Part 2 of the book sees Xingyin as one of the best archers around, doing her part to win the favor of the emperor by taking the most dangerous missions. She works closely with Captain Wenzhi and eventually grows to love him. But the shadow of her lost love keeps appearing, but she does her best to not let it throw her off balance and keep her focus.

I kept screaming at the page by this point. Xingyin and Liwei are ENDGAME, but I did love Wenzhi by this point in the book and secretly wanted this to go the way of Iron Widow (hehe). I digress...

The whole vibe of this book was gorgeous and atmospheric. Sue Lynn's writing is flowery at times but so descriptive that it puts you right into this magical world and added a layer of beauty to the words. The world-building is expansive and every kingdom and land is unique. BTW the physical book does include a map and I jumped for joy because it was not included in the e-galley which I initially read.

Let's be honest, I'm not going to say one bad thing about this book other than it ended when I wanted it to go on forever. I'm committed to the series and to the author and will follow her career for years to come.

This book is a treasure.

Rating: ☾☾☾☾☾

i like the Chinese drama vibes. the visuals are rich and beautiful , the scenes appeared like watercolor paintings in my mind. the worldbuilding is lush and imaginative. i also really enjoyed seeing my culture + fables i grew up with on page— it was so refreshing and i can't wait for the sequel!

It is so refreshing to read a fantasy novel that isn't based on western or Greek mythology... I was excited about the story, and it delivered in a lot of ways! There's a lot happening in this story, which works for and against the book overall. There are dragons, merfolk, gods/godesses, Celestial royals, magic powers, monsters, and more so there is a lot going on. It was fun and refreshing to read about so many aspects of East Asian mythology, and for that reason alone I think it's worth picking it up and giving it a shot!

Personally, it felt like the pacing was off and the world/magic system wasn't explained thoroughly so it was hard to feel immersed in the story. The writing style also took me a bit to get used to, and I wish that there was more time spent talking about Xingyin's inner thoughts and emotions. I felt disconnected from her which made a lot of the parts of the book slow to get through.

Daughter of the Moon Goddess is a atmospheric, magical tale of a young woman's journey and desire to save her mother.

Xingyin has grown up sheltered on the moon with her mother, the Moon Goddess. However, after her magic gains the attention of the Celestials, she is forced to flee. She soon finds herself in the Celestial Kingdom and becomes the Crown Prince's companion. As she becomes a part of the kingdom, she searches for a way to rescue her mother.

This novel is a masterpiece. The descriptions and writing style are lovely. I really enjoyed reading about Xingyin journey! The cast of characters are pretty great! I don't want to talk too much about the plot because so much happened in this novel!

All in all, this was a fantastic novel based on the legend of the Moon Goddess.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for the eARC. I really appreciate it!

This book is as lush and beautiful as the cover. With incredible world-building and immense heart, this book grabs you from page one, bringing you straight into the story. In short, it's simply transportive. While the pacing of information and plot occasionally slowed a bit for my taste, it was largely great. Full of magic, adventure, and an inspiring dose of courage. The main character is relatable and will bring out the younger self in any adult reader. The experience of leaving home for the first time and exploring your identity beyond what you could or had to be at home under your guardians' watchful gaze is something anyone can relate to. No 2022 is complete without picking up a copy of this book.

This book was incredible. Sue Lynn Tan has a lyrical, almost folkloric voice that captivated me from the beginning. I adored the Chinese mythology, and the beautiful descriptions as the setting. I highly recommend to all readers.

I may change my mind after the second book comes out. I give this a solid 4 out of 5 stars. Definitely a good story but left me waiting for more. It felt like it was missing something to get to that next level. The
Ending definitely threw me until I learned there would be a second book. Liked that the main character was a strong female though :)

Daughter of the Moon Goddess is the captivating and heartwarming tale of Xingyin. Xingyin lives on the moon with her mother Chang’e, the moon goddess, trapped for taking her father Houyi’s immortality elixir. This is a beloved and well-known tale; I was ecstatic to receive it as an ARC! Of course with retellings, everyone recalls the story a little differently. Sue Lynn Tan makes compelling and unique choices about where she draws inspiration from the legend of Chang’e. When Xingyin learns the truth about why her mother cannot leave the moon, she decides to embark on a quest to free her mother. Xingyin’s quest is filled with obstacles such as uncovering her magic, hiding her identity, and avoiding the wrath of the Celestial Empress. Along the way, there’s a touch of romance as Xingyin grows closer to the crown prince and the mysterious captain of the guard.

Daughter of the Moon Goddess is such a lyrical and imaginative book. The writing paints stunning pictures of the scenery, food, and epic battles. There are many scenes of heartbreaking beauty in this book. Sue Lynn Tan has a talent for gorgeous writing and creating sensory descriptions that immerse readers in the story. Overall, my favorite scenes were the quests that Xingyin goes on while working to free her mother. They were an excellent combination of old fairy-tale magic with fast-paced action. Xingyin is forced to adapt quickly to a new world and seeing her character growth was fantastic. I particularly enjoyed watching her hone and utilize her archery skills.

This story has dragons, betrayals, fascinating magical artifacts, and romance! The pacing flows well, creating a great magic system through intricate world-building. While Xingyin ends up having two competitors for her heart, I do have to say that one completely stole mine! The romance is achingly slow-burn and filled with pining. I can’t wait to see how things progress in the sequel. I’m so happy that we get to return to this magical world and see how Xingyin's story concludes. Daughter of the Moon Goddess is one of my new favorites! Thank you so much to Sue Lynn Tan, Avon and Harper Voyager, and Netgalley for a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

For publisher: I will publish it on Instagram, Goodreads, Amazon, Storygraph, and Barnes & Noble etc

This book was beautiful. The world building is excellent. I enjoyed the story which kept me engaged. I look forward to the next book although this would also have been a lovely stand alone fantasy novel.

Disclaimer: I received this e-arc and finished copy from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Book: Daughter of the Moon Goddess

Author: Sue Lynn Tan

Book Series: The Celestial Kingdom Duology Book 1

Rating: 4.5/5

Diversity: Chinese MC and characters

Recommended For...: fantasy, retelling, romance, adult literature, YA cross-over

Publication Date: January 11, 2021

Genre: Fantasy Retelling

Recommended Age: 18+ (grief, gore, violence, romance, sexual content, kidnapping, attempted sexual assault, bullying)

Explanation of CWs: The book explored themes of grief. There was gore and violence and a lot of fighting scenes. There is romance and some slight sexual content. There is also one brief scene of an attempted sexual assault. There are two incidents of a kidnapping. There was also some bullying early on in the book.

Publisher: Harper Voyager

Pages: 512

Synopsis: 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 across the earth and skies. 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.

Review: For the most part I really loved this book. The book did well with the romance and there was a lot going on. It was a love triangle/friends to lovers to enemies/forbidden romance. The book also showed off a lot of cool and interesting Chinese mythology and lore and I loved how much I learned from this book. The characters are well developed, the world building was beautiful, and the plot was intriguing from beginning to end. The book is also fast paced.

However, there were some issues I had with the book. I felt like it was confusing sometimes and that the flowery language of the book was a bit too much. The book was also fast paced, which I liked for the length of this novel, but the confusion was further compounded by how fast we sped through some of the plot points.

Verdict: I highly recommend it!

As it unfolds, Xingyin's story reads like a fairytale half forgotten, with certain elements feeling as familiar as a worn paperback and others crisp and shiny new.

Several "child of" whomever books tend to focus on the child either rejecting or embracing the expectations and attitudes conveyed by their heritage, which can be exceedingly dull to watch, especially when that parent is a well known figure in mythology or literature. Tan neatly sidesteps that trap: Xingyin is the daughter of Chang'e, but she is wholly of herself, and all the more compelling for it.

The structure blends the aforementioned fairytale with the sweeping scope of Chinese court dramas and xianxia, pulling us from a tense bureaucratic banquet to a spirited fight on the beach and back again with ease. Each of the characters surrounding Xingyin have their own inner lives and motivations, but the book never fails to keep Xingyin's quest to free her mother front and center.

Final note: Shuxiao? Call me.

This fantasy debut stuns with evocative descriptions of many dazzling locales from the moon to the Celestial Court to an underwater palace to an enchanted forest to the Demon Realm, among others. Each setting is layered with vibrant description, emotional atmosphere, and a spark of magic. It provides the perfect majestic backdrop for a story of mythical proportions and sweeping battles, quests, and bargains.

The plot follows Xingyin as she must abscond from her home on the moon in secret, leaving her mother, the moon goddess, behind. Driven by a desire for reunion, she sets out to free the goddess from her lunar imprisonment. She goes on many journeys: from lowly attendant to the companion of a prince, from skilled flutist to First Archer in the Celestial Army, from broken heart to betrayal, from pawn to clever trickster. The story thrives on big-picture political slyness and also on the more intimate level of personal relationships-- bonds of family, loyalty, duty, friendship, and romantic love.

Speaking of romance, I normally hate a love triangle but was actually amused in this case by how Xingyin is kind of clueless about her allure. It doesn't have the annoying flavor of a protagonist who is inexplicably desired by everyone they meet. Rather, her forthright nature and the way she clings to her goals and stays true to herself draw people in without her noticing. So intent on her aspirations and her desperation to free her mother, she has an air of surprise towards anyone holding interest in her since it doesn't rank among her own priorities. Xingyin doesn't even notice if someone else is attractive unless another party points it out to her. This power imbalance was great fun to me. I also loved her iron core of honor and the way she follows her own standard for right and wrong rather than allowing anyone else to dictate it for her. It lends her a strength of purpose and makes her a loyal friend but never a flattering sycophant.

At all points, I was enthralled with Xingyin's story and I loved being a guest in her mind. I can't wait to see where the duology goes next (and the love triangle, let's be honest).