Xingyin is the secret daughter of the Moon Goddess and the mortal archer she loved. No one knows Xingyin exists, and when an unfortunate event causes her to flee her home on the moon, Xingyin must set off on her own and make her own fate. She becomes close friends, and possibly more, with the crown prince of the Celestial Kingdom, whose parents imprisoned her mother. Given the chance to possibly free her mother, Xingyin embarks on perilous quests and faces many foes, while trying to stay true to herself.

This book was so lovely. The writing is gorgeous, with incredible descriptions of everything from the clothing to the food. The world felt so real and immersive. It's also a major slow burn, and I don't mean just the romance. The book takes its time, lets the story flow. As the synopsis shows, a ton happens throughout the story and it might seem like too much for one book, but I think it was perfectly paced. It's one of the most beautifully written fantasies I've ever read. And good news, it does get wrapped up fairly well so there's no major cliffhanger before the second book.

This book is a fantasy debut based on the Chinese moon goddess, Chang’e.

It follows Xingyin, the daughter Chang’e who grew up on the moon and is suddenly forced to flee into the immortal realm, alone, untrained, and afraid. She earns the chance to learn along side the crown prince of the Celestial Kingdom, whose parents banished her mother to the moon. Xingyin embarks on many quests in an attempt to secure her mother’s freedom.

I really enjoyed reading this book, it’s jam packed with action, quests, political games, and romance. It is a very fast paced read that spans multiple years as Xingyin grows up, trains, and eventually goes on dangerous quests to free her mother.

The writing is beautiful and I love that there is so much packed into this book. I honestly did not predict any of the plot twists and turns in this book which is something I really appreciated!

The relationships in this book are so realistic and I love any interaction between Xingyin and her friends. The magic system in this book is so unique and was very well described and thought out!

You would enjoy this book if you like the following:

✨Hidden identities
✨Friends to lovers to enemies
✨Strong female lead
✨Quests & betrayal
✨Dragons
✨Unique magic system and world building

I’d definitely recommend reading this book!

Source: DRC via NetGalley (Avon and Harper Voyager)
Pub. Date: Jan 11, 2022
Synopsis: Goodreads

Why did I choose to read this book?

It’s been awhile since I’ve read a fantasy book that wasn’t based on Lord of the Rings or in Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse, so when I saw this book on one of the many “most anticipated books of 2022” lists I decided to give it a go. I’m also a huge fan of lore retellings, and I love learning about other cultures through diverse writers and their stories.

What is notable about the story?

I want to note here that I enjoyed this book so much that it was difficult to slow my brain down enough to list what was notable. This is the kind of book that, once you’ve read it, you run around trying to tell your friends about it, but all you can get out is “JUST TRUST ME, YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK” so just know that I did my best.

It’s entirely possible that this book has the best first chapter I have ever read. The agent that found this debut in the slush pile must have been like “holy shit” and then found the first publisher that would back a large dump truck of money up to Sue Lyn Tan’s house. If this isn’t the way it went down then I’d like to go back in time and make sure it’s the way it goes down. This is the fastest I’ve ever been hooked into a story, and for me that’s a HUGE deal when I’m reading (1) the work of an author I’ve never read before and (2) content that is outside of my usual cultural knowledge.
The love interests and stories are so believable. It makes sense to me that these people would feel an attraction to each other (and I’m trying not to spoil things here). You feel what the main character (Xingyin) is feeling at the time – it’s like Tan put a spell on me and now I’m hers to do with as she likes and I don’t mind at all because EMOTIONS.
ACTION: goddamn, this woman is out here writing lush love scenes, intricately detailed worldbuilding and garmentry, and her war/action/battle scenes ARE SO FUCKING GOOD I just want to die. The number of times I “left out a breath I didn’t know I was holding” are many and thank you may I please have some more?
SUSPENSE: At around the halfway mark I began to wonder what was going on in the grand scheme of things. We’re following Xingyin on her journey from wide-eyed refugee to prince’s companion to an archer in the army, all in an attempt to win a prize that would grant her a favor from the king of the Celestial Kingdom, which she plans to use to set her mother, the Moon Goddess, free from what apparently is a prison and not a natural assignment – but then suddenly you look around and you’re like, wait. Something’s happening here and our girl is getting caught up in it, and the tone of the story shifts so subtly that you’re starting to wonder these things as a part of Xingyin’s storyline progression, even though Xingyin is not quite there yet. The multiple kingdoms aren’t messing around, and shit is about to get really real, really quickly.
Was anything not so great?

Honestly I have zero complaints about this book. Everything about it is gorgeous and perfect and no matter what kind of book you usually read, there is something here that will be a feast for your senses.

What’s the verdict?

5 stars on Goodreads, no hesitation, why haven’t you bought it yet? Hurry up, get out of here, go buy it or borrow it from your library, and if your library doesn’t have it put in a request that they acquire it! GO!

daughter of the moon goddess was a solid debut ya fantasy novel with everything expected of lush magical world-building, enticing lore, political intrigue, and a varying cast of characters that all partake in impacting our main's development, xingyin. the beginning of the xingyin's story definitely pulled me in as she recited the tale of her mother, chang'e, yet readers find out more depth to it with her mother being wrongfully eternally imprisoned by the celestial emperor and empress and having to hide xingyin's existence. as daughter of the moon goddess and a legend mortal warrior who slayed relatives of the celestial empress, who of course holds a grudge and her mother taking the elixir to save herself and xingyin's lives. so as it reaches a point where more suspicion is upon chang'e, so we follow xingyin's journey outside the moon into the celestial world where she hides her true identity and heritage. and by luck, she's discovered by prince liwei son of the emperor and empress. then on we see her form friendships, chase her ambitions within the celestial capital palace with long-term plans to free her mother and be able to go home, and unexpectedly form romantic bonds that in my personal preference i felt had a bit too much focus on at times especially with xingyin's inconsistent feelings and indecision. that being said there were some tropes i felt indifferent to and overdone at times, but that could be due how i didn't really feel its impact as they occurred. but nevertheless, if you're looking for a stunningly written world to escape to and follow adventures and a quick easy read, i would definitely recommend picking up lynn tan's debut. i'm definitely interested in perhaps picking up the sequel and finale to see where xingyin's adventures and heart take her.

Nothing piques my curiosity more than a gorgeous book cover and picking it up to judge the quality of its content. It's safe to say that Sue Lynn Tan's Daughter of the Moon Goddess isn't just criminally gorgeous on the outside, but its lyrical style leaves me in awe. For a debut novel, the effortless prose will blow you away with its well-written plot. It's vivid, unputdownable, and full of heart. It transports you into the magical realms of Chinese fantasy in a page-turning and riveting tale of how far the protaganist will go for loyalty, family, and love. It's an absolutely immersive experience and I look forward to Tan's upcoming works!

I was hooked to the story from the beginning, the descriptions painted vivid images in my head. I couldn’t help but think of my childhood when my family would rent Chinese Historical Fantasy series from the local TVB rental store. I was very much transported to the Celestial Kingdom, the battlefields, the palace at the Easter Seas, and even parts of Demon Realm (or Cloud Wall).

DAUGHTER OF THE MOON GODDESS is inpired by the story of Chang’e, the Moon Goddess. Xingyin, the daughter of Chang’e, and her desire to free her mom from her imprisonment on the moon. It’s as much as a novel about Xingyin’s quests as it is about her growth as a person. It’s as much about her determination to do what is right while getting closer to freeing her mom, even if she makes some powerful enemies.

For those that love their Fantasy with a touch of romance, there’s so much pining and longing in this book, as Xingyin has two love interests. However, I do wish the book could have focused a bit more on the friends Xingyin made, such as Minyi (well, she was more ally than friend), and Shuxiao, a fellow member of the army. Did I mention that I thought it could be a TVB series from my childhood? Please give me more of this world. Luckily, this is the first book of a duology (or maybe unluckily, because I need to WAIT, and I’m not good with waiting). There are no major cliffhangers, but things aren’t tied up in a bow.

A few things (1) at one point I wanted to throw my book across the room, this was not something I saw coming. Maybe others saw it, but not me. (2) Until a few weeks ago I thought this was a YA Fantasy novel, but I’ve recently been informed that it is an Adult Fantasy. So I will say that it will have crossover appeal

Oh, another thing, the audiobook is narrated by Natalie Naudus, so you know I’ll be listening to the book in the future.

Content Notes: imprisonment, battles, kidnapping, drugging

I received an eARC from HarperVoyager via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I also won a printed ARC via GoodReads, and received a finished copy via Bibliostyle and William Morrow in exchange for a feature on my Instagram account. (Also, I've pre-ordered 3 copies of the book)

Nothing like waiting until the last minute right ?

I loved this book ! Daughter of the moon Goddess was everything I had hope for & more . The characters , the plot , the details Sue went into to .. chefs kiss !

I will say it took me a while to actually get into this one . Maybe it was a personal reading slump , not sure . But once I got a certain point in this book I just couldn’t put it down .

Xingyin was a strong female lead to be reckoned with . Liwei had my head spinning and going back and forth . I never knew what he was thinking for feeling .. and then there was Wenzhi . Everyone likes the Villian , and I have to agree .. a little .

I felt betrayed by Wenzhi , so hurt & he’s a character . But that’s what I loved about this book !! The way it made me feel , the way I was devouring these pages . I can’t wait to read the sequel ✨

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I'm a sucker for fairy tales and mythology! Daughter of the Moon Goddess has this fairy tale sense with the sweeping world, epic characters of heroes and villians, monsters, universal themes, and a hero's journey. I was absolutely charmed!

I thought the complexity of the characters and their relationships was spot on. The adversity our main character faced was wonderfully terrible. This girl struggles! I was rooting for her from the beginning, and I bet you will too.

I recommend this book! It's appropriate for all your teens through adults, though the intended audience is YA>

Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan

Coming out January 11th, 2022 from Harper Voyager; 512 pages

Content Warning: violence, blood, gore, alcohol consumption, death, separation, attempted assault (brief), kidnapping, bullying (provided by author on Goodreads)

About the Author: 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 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. When not writing or reading, she enjoys exploring the hills and reservoirs of Hong Kong, the temples, beaches and narrow winding streets here. (Bio taken from author’s Goodreads profile.)

Find Sue Lynn Tan on the following platforms:

“How foolish I had been to think everything would work out, just like in the books I had read […] I was no princess and fairy tales did not exist for the likes of me.”
Xingyin has been living in solitude on the moon since her mother had been exiled. Unaware that her solitude was an attempt to keep her safe from the Celestial Emperor, Xingyin flees when her magic begins to flare up. She makes her way to the Celestial Kingdom, and under a secret identity begins training and learning more about her magical abilities alongside the emperor’s son. With the mastery of her abilities, Xingyin sets out on a quest to challenge the Celestial Emperor and save her mother. Confronting mythological creatures, magical beings, and powerful enemies, Xingyin must decide to save what she loves or the realm of her world.

Daughter of the Moon Goddess had so many elements that I enjoy in fantasy stories! Forbidden romance, folklore inspiration, unique worldbuilding, and a fierce female lead made it difficult to put this book down. Xingyin and her adventure reminded me of a Greek Hero’s journey, and the characterization that Sue Lynn Tan develops her with makes it easy to believe in her. We witness her rise to the stakes of her situation when it seems like her world is in chaos. I think this is the perfect book for readers who love Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas and The Bone Shard Emperor by Andrea Stewart. As action packed as this book was, I can’t wait for the next one in the series!

(Pine Reads review would like to thank NetGalley and Harper Voyager publishing for sending us an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change upon final publication.)

4.5 stars

Daughter of the Moon Goddess is a stunning debut novel that explores the boundaries of duty for family, love, and kingdom amidst the gorgeous prose and wuxia imagery. Xingyin is the daughter of Chang'e and the hero Houyi and has lived her entire life on the moon. Unbeknownst to her, Chang'e has hidden her existence from the rest of the Celestial Kingdom, and her life begins to unravel when the Empress arrives. Xingyin finds herself on a journey that pushes her limits as she trains alongside the emperor's son, masters archery and magic, and embarks on quests to break her mother's enchantment.

This story is immersive and magical with characters that grow on you as their journey unfolds. It took me a minute to place why this read differently before I belatedly realized that we are reading from Xingyin's perspective in first person. After that, it became almost second nature to slip into her point of view and experience all that she's goes through on her journey to reunite with her mother. The novel itself is broken into three parts and while the pacing sometimes felt inconsistent when furthering the plot, it personally didn't bother me because I was so enamored with the world. I loved how Xingyin was determined in her actions and despite all the curveballs that the Celestial Kingdom might throw at her, she doesn't lose sight of her family and her goals.

While I've only watched a handful of Chinese historical dramas, Daughter of the Moon Goddess made me feel like I was watching those beautifully choreographed scenes come to life in the pages. The little nods to the cinematography and stunning fights made my heart so happy to see them unfold in a fantasy novel. Like the wuxia dramas that I watched with my mom, there's treachery and betrayals, political manipulation and dangerous bargains, all of which made me gasp every time. At the end of the novel, I can truly say that I was 110% invested in Xingyin's story and watching her relationships develop and how she learns to harness her powers and her love for her family and friends (and a certain prince?) made her a relatable character that blossomed under all the hardships she experiences.

It almost pains me to be finished with this story because it was truly a magical experience. I can only wait anxiously for the sequel as I cannot wait to be reunited with Xingyin and go on more magical journeys with her.

This is officially my first review of 2022. Before I dive into the story, please take a moment to appreciate the cover of this book. I must say the cover as well as the title were the first two things that drew me to this book.

The story is inspired by the Chinese mythology in which a young girl has to overcome multiple obstacles and face numerous challenges in order to free her mother, the Moon Goddess, who is imprisoned on the moon. Even though this book is over 500 pages long, I find that I don't have much to say. Even though individual quests Xingyin goes on were interesting and at times action packed, I did not feel vested in the story. The love triangle became annoying pretty quickly and I also found that none of the other characters were well fleshed out. Maybe if the book followed multiple POVs, the story would have more depth.

I did like the twist that occurred towards the last one third of the book. However, even there I felt the author missed some opportunities to give us a better idea of the world and magic, and also show Xingyin's character a bit more. She is an immortal warrior who's lived at the Celestial court for many years and understood at least some things about politics and ruthlessness of rulers. Yet, here, when betrayed by someone close to her, she acts quite childish and also at one time, I frankly had to suspend my disbelief when she was able to harvest poisonous flowers while being escorted through the garden by several guards.

Overall, this book definitely feels and reads like a debut novel. I did think it was too long and even though I enjoyed individual quests, I kept wanting more in terms of character development and world building. 3 out of 5 stars. This is supposed to be a duology, but I am not sure if I will be picking up the sequel.

An e-ARC was provided by NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

Have you found your favorite 2022 read yet?

I absolutely have and it’s Daughter of the Moon Goddess.

Debut novelist, Sue Lynn Tan’s reimagining of Chinese myth is everything and more. She has dipped her pen in an ancient legend, and crafted her very own. It’s a crackle, a spark that kindles into an inferno of lush and vivid prose that will sweep readers into a realm of immortals, magic, and an adventure as epic as the stories told by firelight hundreds of year ago by a revered storyteller whose words conjure pictures as real as the moments lived by those who listen.

A masterpiece that you experience in the thrum of this story. The beat of its heart mesmerizing. With notes that are achingly familiar, exquisite in its tenor as the sounds flood your every sense, pulling and tugging you towards the edge of something breathtaking.

You won’t be able to resist this story and you shouldn’t. There’s something bewitching about it. We are passengers racing across a terrain foreboding and treacherous. An adventure you want to be part of, to experience with every fiber. Discovering the vastness of choice after choice made by characters who occupy the pages with a resonance that is unforgettable.

Daughter of the Moon Goddess is a spellbinding debut with a protagonist who jumps off the page fully formed with a vulnerability and tentativeness, but inner strength that makes her real and whole.

The romance, the adventure, the characters, every page is monumental, puncturing us with an effervescence for the second book.

Happy Reading ~ Cece

I was really excited about this book, The cover and the premise really caught my attention.
I liked the worldbuilding and how the story is woven with Chinese mythology. But the pot was very slow and there where to many hand waving time skips "months passed" for me. There where also a lot of covenant story moments, such as how Xingyin came to be at the celestial court. The romance was ok, there wasn't any chemistry and there was also a love triangle what was unnecessary. BUT this book did make me want to research Chinese myth and that's always a win.

I would recommend this book, if you want a story that is based in Chinese mythology.

This book is INCREDIBLE. I have never read Chinese mythology before, and I need MORE. This story has so much packed in! Every section could have easily been a book, and the author was generous enough to only make it a duology! (We need more of those and less trilogies!!!)

One thing I really respected with this story, is that there is no sex, at all. And for a YA fantasy, that’s amazing. So many right now do. But it’s still an enemies-friends-lovers type story! However, I’m not fully sure what to classify this book as. It’s definitely at least older YA, but it’s not new adult or adult.

Since this is a duology, I was hesitant to start the first one since book two isn’t close to coming out. But! I can honestly say the ending doesn’t make you curse the world because it’s a satisfying ending while you await book 2!

This book comes in at just over 500 pages, and I honestly wish it was longer. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and if I could give it more I would!

Have I read my favorite book of the entire year in the first week of January? I'm starting to think that might be the case.

At first I was attracted to the absolutely stunning cover of Sue Lynn Tan's debut, but within pages I was sucked into Xingyin's story. This is one of the best written fantasy debuts I have ever read. The plotting and pacing is immaculate especially considering how many stories it tells. In many ways I would argue this is almost a coming of age narrative that is also a chosen one story and at its base, the story of a girl trying to save her mother.

Xingyin at the beginning of this story is the coddled and sheltered daughter of the moon goddess who, at the risk of being discovered, must flee the only home she has ever known. She ends up in the Celestial Empire, the place governed by those that imprisoned her mother in the first place. Through chance and her own courage she ends up training at the palace as the companion of Prince Liewi. From there, she trains and comes to terms with her powers while trying to find a way to free her mother.

This book spans years as well as intricately woven together plots that have Xingyin doing some of the most incredible feats of magic while also engaged in some of the more compelling and breathtaking battles and fights I have ever read. There were times my heart was in my throat as I read and at one point I even threw the book across my bed. I like to think of myself as someone that is good at catching twists but this one caught me completely off guard.

I would be remiss to not mention romance because of course it is there. Prince Liewi is Xingyin's companion and friend with the potential for more. There is also Captain Wenzhi who fights along side Xingyin and is also nice on the eyes.

I'm really not over how fantastic I found this book - the fighting and battles, the romance and most importantly the way Xingyin grows throughout the book while remembering that she is there for her mother but what is she willing to sacrifice of herself in order to achieve that goal.

It is my understanding this is to be a duology but I don't know where we can possibly go from here but I am eagerly anticipating finding out.

Thank you so much to Harper Voyeger and NetGalley for the opportunity to review an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Daughter of the Moon Goddess is a romantic fantasy novel starring Xingyin, the title daughter of Chang'e, Chinese lunar goddess. The story stars Xingyin as she has to disguise herself to live amongst the Celestial Kingdom--a magical kingdom of immortals, as she goes on various adventures to save her mother and reverse their fate.

Along the way, she meets several other characters that help her train her magical powers and it also progresses as a wonderful coming of age novel with romantic elements. The pacing was gorgeous, I never felt bored during this book, there was only some slight dragging during setup which is expected for a fantasy novel. While I am not certain if this is a fantasy romance or romantic fantasy, the two are weaved together so beautifully I hardly care.

I enjoyed the well rounded characters, the look into the authors own interpretation of Chinese mythology, the action and the adventure. The characters are flawed and whole, and I found myself both disliking and still a aligning with some of the characters. While some of the plot can seem a bit muddled, this is only mild in parts of this book and the overall finish is both satisfying and leaving me wanting more. I recommend this for any fan of mythology, action, or romance. The descriptions alone are so beautiful.

Daughter of the Moon Goddess is a lush, epic fantasy based on the legend of Chang’e, the Chinese Moon Goddess. In this novel you will find:
✨Chinese mythology, mystical creatures and dragons
✨Friends to lovers to yearning from afar
✨Immortals, princes, warriors and a girl who will face them all to save her family

I loved the world of the Celestial Kingdom and reading the journey that Xingyin takes from a lost girl to a capable and fierce warrior. And I must say the romance and the PINING in this book is so delicious!😳 The stunning descriptions of the palace courts, magical clothing and foods build such a beautiful, imaginative world. Sue Lynn Tan’s writing style is elegant and the dialogues are formal yet so heartfelt. If you love C dramas or K dramas, you will love this! I can’t wait to receive my UK copy because the cover is gorgeous😭🌺

This was such an amazing read! It was a little slow to start, but in a way that allows you to settle in to the world and really appreciate the world building the author has put in. I loved that I, as the reader, was learning along with Xingyin during her lessons and quests.

Once you start getting into the main plot, there’s a LOT that goes on. It moves pretty quickly starting in part 2. The writing was very beautiful (I think this is gonna make a wonderful audiobook) and I was full immersed any time I was reading.

While love triangles aren’t my favorite I did genuinely care for all the characters involved (though I did have a favorite). I really liked that we had interesting side characters that Xingyin gets close to, that we learn more about the world and the magic through them as well.

Highly, highly recommend! I can’t wait to see where the second book takes us!

I was granted eARC access to Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan via NetGalley by the HarperCollins Canada influencer team and the latest #FrenzyPresents catalogue preview event. Thank you to the team at HCC for this opportunity! My thoughts are my own and my review is honest.

Rating: 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 on Goodreads and retail sites.

Daughter of the Moon Goddess was one of the titles presented in the latest FrenzyPresents preview that I was most excited about. I've read a lot of Asian-inspired fantasy lately and I enjoy it, so this seemed like the perfect next book to pick up. I was so glad to see the widget land in my inbox and only slightly intimidated by how little time I had left to get this 512 page book read and reviewed by publication day.

Sue Lynn Tan is definitely a legendary wordsmith in the making. The prose in this book is exquisitely beautiful, the dialogue flows well, the characters are interesting and multilayered, and it's easy to understand how this version of the world works. If you like YA Fantasy and/or Asian-inspired stories, and you like beautiful writing, you need to give this book a chance!

The reason this one didn't flat-out impress me is because the main characters embark on countless little quests that muddy the plot and feel quite repetitive after a while. The broad strokes of the plot are fascinating and easy to track, but all of the side quests made this feel more like watching a completionist play an open-world RPG than reading a polished novel. It's great, it just has too many samey pieces that pull interest.

Sue Lynn Tan is now firmly on my radar and I look forward to seeing how this duology concludes.

“Some scars are carved into our bones — a part of who we are, shaping what we become.”

A retelling of the Chinese fable of the Moon Goddess, Daughter of the Moon Goddess follows Xingyin in her quest to release her mother Chang’e from her imprisonment on the moon. After fleeing her lunar home before being discovered by her mother’s captors, Xingyin must overcome loneliness and degradation to find a way to secure her mother’s freedom. An opportunity presents itself when she finds herself in a competition to win a place as the celestial Crown Prince Liwei’s companion and training partner. After securing her position she is educated and trained by the best in the celestial kingdom. Taking after her mortal father, she becomes an elite archer and fights through many battles, love, betrayal, friendship, and heartbreak to retain her honor as she seeks a favor from the Celestial Emperor, her mother’s tormentor, to secure her freedom.

I enjoyed this book, it’s action packed, full of magic, and some romance. Xingyin is relatable, at times falling victim to imposter syndrome, and strong, even if she seems a bit doe-eyed at times. This book does struggle with pacing at times and took a little bit to get into but once the action starts I didn’t want to put it down.

4/5 stars

I would like the thank NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager, and the author Sue Lynn Tan for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.