Brought to you by OBS reviewer Omar

Heart of the Sun Warrior tells the story of an immortal Xingyin, the daughter of the Moon Goddess and a mortal warrior who passed away saving the mortal world. The story takes place after the events of Daughter of the Moon Goddess where Xingyin won her mother’s freedom and made enemies of the Celestial Emperor. Now, both of them live on the moon where their work is to light up the candles that light the moon for the mortals to see every night. During this time, Xingyin is visited by Liwei, the son and heir of the Celestial Emperor who has declared his love for her.

Since the ban on the moon ended, visitors have started to arrive on the moon from time to time. The latest is a group that consists of a musician, a winemaker, and some sisters who want to look at the stars. Xingyin distrusts the visitors, especially the winemaker, but everyone enjoys the wine he has provided. One night she wakes up to find the musician, Master Gang, chopping the Laurel trees in the grove which regenerates quickly.

As she tries to stop him, he attacks her. He manages to flee, but the peace that existed in her home has ended. She must find what people want with her home and hope it doesn’t have to do with the Celestial court.

Heart of the Sun Warrior was a very entertaining story to read. With the internet making foreign shows more accessible, I have recently become a fan of Chinese fantasy dramas, and when this book became available, I knew I had to read it. This book is the continuation of the Daughter of the Moon Goddess and while it is encouraged that you read the previous book, in this new story the author briefly explains past events.

I liked following Xingyin’s travels across the immortal realms to save her home on the moon and learn about the secrets from her father’s death. We get to meet many characters that are different from Xingyin but have the same ideologies, and friends of hers that will help her along the way. But we also meet kings and queens that will sell innocents to save their subjects.

We find out the identity of our main villain quite soon at the beginning, but as we continue, we get to learn more about the motives for its plans and somewhat the pains that caused all this. Master Gang is quite evil and will do anything to become the most powerful being in the realms or destroy everything.

Heart of the Sun Warrior had a lesson that we sometimes forget, all stories have a different point of view, the hero can be the villain to the monster, and the monster was someone’s child. Xingyin comes to learn this lesson later in the book when she meets the Goddess of the Sun Lady Xihe and must ask for her help even if Xingyin’s father slays the Sun Goddess’s Sunbirds.

I really liked the mythology in the Heart of the Sun Warrior book, the gods and immortals were very interesting. How the marriages among them connected all the clans and the difference between those who were elevated to immortal and those who were born. Xingyin is a special case with both of her parents being born mortal and her mother being elevated when she was pregnant with her, and the power of all immortals’ manifests in different ways.

I liked the Heart of the Sun Warrior and while the ending was somewhat sad, the author leaves it open to a possible next book to have Xingyin find her love.

If you like fantasy-based stories, then I recommend Heart of the Sun Warrior. Here a woman will face off against all immortals to save her home, her family and free her friends.

3.75 ⭐️ rounded up. So…let’s start with the positives. I really ended up falling in love with the world and magic and the platonic/familial relationships I was so invested in. The plot was really fun and there were some emotional moments sprinkled in that got me. The major drawback for this book, and the duology as a whole, was the romantic aspects. Trying to reconcile immortal beings with the fairly juvenile way the love triangle was handled and the miscommunication/lack of any kind of self awareness really drove me up a wall. Plus I am pretty sure if you cut the romance entirely and just had everyone be friends/rivals the plot would be exactly the same, the “drama of the romance” just felt so unnecessary to me. Luckily, the romance was only at the forefront like a third of the time so that’s what saved this book for me. If the romance was more prominent it would have been a pass for me. If you want a fun romp and can look passed and/or enjoy kind of angsty teen-feeling romance in your adult fantasy, I would highly recommend giving this duology a shot!

A brilliant finale to her Daughter of the Moon Goddess debut, Tan weaves another rich tale of love and loss and magic! Xingyin struggles once again to protect her loved ones from a fate they don’t deserve and are falsely given. We see her grow even more than she did in DOTMG and I am so grateful to have been able to read this! Simply masterful!

An absolutely gorgeous cover fitting for such a beautiful & stunning conclusion to this duology. That’s a lot of praise, I know, but I mean every word. I also won’t lie: I initially picked up this series simply because of the covers, but all of the the mythology/folklore, the plot & characters, and Sue Lynn Tan’s lyrical writing is what had me staying. I’m a new forever fan for sure!

I read the first book in the series directly before reading this one, and loved how seamlessly they flow into each other. I would not recommend reading this one as a stand alone.

I have some concerns about the relationships in this book, especially if marketed as young adult. They just are NOT healthy, and have some Stockholm syndrome issues. That being said…I loved it! I was rooting for the bad got the whole time. 😵‍💫 My favorite was the super powerful women, all of them, and how they repeatedly needed to save the men in their lives.

A beautiful and tender completion that fans of the first book will love! Very much excited to read more from this author!

Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Was that a satisfying ending? Yes!

Did it feel like it took forever to get there? Absolutely.

Just like with the first book, I loved how quickly the story moves and how lyrical the writing is. Sue Lynn Tan really does now how to pull you in and keep you engaged. But sometimes, I felt like I was confused because we were ramping up for a big fight and setting all of those pieces into place most of the story for the fight to almost seem anticlimactic and quick. Like I'm talking several paragraphs quick.

Because it moved so quickly and we explored so much of the world that Tan created in this story, I often felt like I didn't know what was happening or what would be important for the climax of the story when it did finally come.

Once we get past the big battle, the few chapters at the end of the book were the best, in my opinion. They were really what I came into the story for... how would this love triangle end? And at first, I was VERY alarmed. Ultimately I was left happy and satisfied by the story's ending and who our heroine ends up with and how it was all resolved, but I was worried there for a while.

I also think, since Xingyin ultimately realizes she cannot live without Wenzhi after he sacrifices himself for her, that their relationship should have been explored more in the book. It seemed tat we KNEW he was in love with her and she spent some time trying to resist complicated feelings she had, but to have her realize them ONLY after she lost him at the end and then quickly work through those feelings as she mourns him for YEARS only to have another shot at love with him THANKS TO LIWEI AND ALL OF THIS IS HAPPENING AND RESOLVED IN THE FINAL FEW CHAPTERS... I just wish I felt that passion on her end more. Wenzhi deserved more.

This duology was a wonderful read and one that is so unique in its world building and its mythology. I love the idea of the Moon Goddess having a secret child and that child saving not only her family, but this world with the help of two men who really love and honor her. I'm sad the story is over and cannot wait to pick these books back up again in the future!

When I read and reviewed "Daughter of the Moon Goddess" I wasn't very kind. Not only did I give it 3 stars, but I basically boiled my opinion down to "I couldn't lock in and fully engage" and that I would look forward to the second half of the duology but I didn't think I would be eager to come back to this duology even if the second half was sheer brilliance.

Well, it looks like I had it right on the money: This book, the second half of the duology we're talking about, is actually a really solid back half to a really weak front half. It was strong in all the places "Daughter of the Moon Goddess" wasn't, but it had two fatal flaws that kept it from being as brilliant as I wish it could've been.

1. A love triangle, which I have always hated, continue to hate, and will always hate
2. It was too long and could've been shorter if some of the filler material had been removed

Now, "Daughter of the Moon Goddess" was severely guilty of the second of these sins, which is why I was never completely able to engage with it. "Heart of the Sun Warrior" is less guilty of it, but it's not free of it either. The sadder part is that the filler is actually in the latter part of the second half, when the action and emotion should be building to an almost fever pitch, but it seems our three main characters are too busy whining, moaning, pouting, and crying over their love triangle to focus on the plot instead.

And people wonder why I hate love triangles. There's more important stuff to do, people! Personally, if two people want to fight over my affections, I'm walking away from them both. Jealously and I don't jive.

But the writing is beautiful, the imagery is absolutely splendid, the emotions are strong, and the plot arc is engaging and compelling. It certainly keeps you on your toes.

I'm reluctant to recommend the duology as a general fantasy read, due to the weakness of "Daughter of the Moon Goddess", but if you're specifically looking for East Asian mythological fantasy, then I do think you should give it a go. Just take into account that the latter half is the stronger half, in my humble opinion.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for granting me access to this title.

File Under: Myth Retellings/YA Book Series/YA Fantasy/YA Fantasy Romance/YA Fiction

The first book of this duology remains one of my favorite books. I think I'm going to need to think of it as a standalone bc the sequel didn't add anything to the story for me and if I think on it too long, it may take away.

The world is lovely but the love triangle simply isn't for me. And I didn't feel that there was much growth in our lead, who I wanted to feel MORE for but instead just kept getting irritated with.

2.5 stars because I can't take away from the beauty of the mythology and the effort to continue the story as the authors vision.

An excellent sequel to one of my favorite books of the year, Heart of the Sun Warrior continues Xingyin's journey in dealing with her family's enemies amidst rising tensions, and she will have to ally herself with old foes if she wants to protect what's precious to her.

I'm not always a fan of love triangles, but what makes this one interesting is the way that the different relationships actively flesh out Xingyin's character. Wenzhi keeps things interesting even as Xingyin deepens her bond with Liwei. I also really felt for the subplot about Xingyin's father, as a lover of the classic myth of Chang'e and Houyi.

As always, the writing is beautifully lush, just like a Chinese drama, and the stakes are high. This was a lovely end to the duology and I would love to spend more time in this world that Tan has created.

“For a life without love was a night without stars, and only the darkness awaited me now.”

I’m rating this book four stars mostly because the writing is unflawed. It’s as beautiful as the first and flows with just as much grace. The world building is *chefs kiss* and it’s one of those books where its explained so perfect that even my terrible imagination could picture it and put myself in every scene. I did enjoy the plot of the first one a lot more though.

The plot of the first part was very similar to Daughter of the Moon Goddess. Xingyin is once again forced to flee her home and protect her loved ones from the unsettling changes in power happening within the Celestial Kingdom. An unknown power is discovered on the moon and evil seeks to harness that power to take over each kingdom, including the mortal realm.

Amidst the impending take over, Xingyin fights to keep her family and friends alive with the help of both Liwei and Wenzhi. There is not only a battle for the safety of the Celestial Kingdom but also a war waged within her heart. This story was heartwarming at times but also heartbreaking and full of tragic sacrifices and touch decisions.

I was able to enjoy the first one more, since I’m not necessarily a fan of love triangles and it was not as hard to get behind. This one on the other hand was a little harder to sit through since 95% of the book, Xingyin was still torn between both princes. I felt at times she was leading both of them on and I had no idea who she’d choose. I knew who I wanted her to choose. I actually had to spoil that part because I honestly couldn’t get through it without knowing. The chemistry between all three was lackluster and almost nonexistent.

Also, what the ….. was up with that epilogue! It left me wanting and needing more. It felt like the end but also a beginning and I needed more. There was so much I craved from the way it ended and I feel unsatisfied. I wish there was an extended ending somewhere that I could subscribe to because that just can’t be it. FINALLY Xingyin chooses and we scratch just the surface of what their love could be.

Although it left me beside myself at the end, the love between Xingyin and her family was heartwarming and I felt her need for security and peace throughout the book. It was all written so beautifully.

When the second book is just as good if not better than the first 🫠

I ADORED THIS BOOK!!! Action packed, romantic tension, fantastical world building - it is literally the COMPLETE PACKAGE.

What I loved:
💛 the Chinese mythology and folklore is just something else 🤌
🧡 the plot twists had my gut wrenching and myself screaming out loud
💛 when a love triangle is done right the story is unstoppable
🧡 the world building was just *chef’s kiss*
💛 the balance of action and romance was perfect for me

This was the perfect wrap up to this duology - the just right amount of romantic angst and tension while also making the story flow was just unmatched. I will always read anything Sue Lynn Tan writes in the future and can’t wait to see what she does next!!

It's very rare for me to love the sequel more than the first one and that is my case for this book! It is so beautifully written. Will definitely get the physical copies of this book as an addition to my collection! Also, the book covers are to die for <3

I'm DNFing this book at 100 pages

I'm putting this book down. I don't know if I'm in the wrong headspace, or mood or something because I am not liking this book... I'm not liking where the projection of the plot is going and how we're starting to see that Xingyin is still going back and forth between love interests 😮‍💨 (I am NOT a fan of love triangles). The writing is still BEAUTIFUL but I cannot with the plot of this book.

I will com back to this book, but not right now.

But I do recommend the audiobook! The narrator does a really good job

- thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eArc!

- this was such a good book, and a nice wrap up from the first installment. I thoroughly enjoyed Tan’s writing style and the development and relationships of the characters.

This book is a very satisfying ending to the duology that started with Daughter of the Moon Goddess. Xingyin is back on the moon with her mother, living a peaceful life after the events of the first book. Trouble starts with an unexpected visitors to the moon when some strange magic is discovered in the laurel tree and then the Celestial Emperor begins making changes in the kingdom that threathen Xingyin and her mother. Things quickly escalate and Xingyin is forced to flee and look to Liwei and Wenzhi for assistance as the threat of war looms.

This book wasn't quite as action packed as the first one as it focused more on the characters and the love triangle between Xingyin, Liwei, and Wenzhi. The story moves along at a brisk pace and doesn't settle down long between story beats. The world building was well done as the group had to travel to all parts of the realm for various reasons. There are several emotional gut punches sprinkled throughout and the ending section does a good job of showing how Xingyin handles the aftermath of everything. I found that the weakest part was probably the sections involving Xingyin's own family--it seemed like I was supposed to be more invested in those sections but I found that they fell flat for me. Overall, excellent fantasy debut.

Bonus points for making a nice tight duology vs. stretching things unnecessarily over a trilogy. Double bonus points for gorgeous covers for both books. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Heart of the Sun Warrior (eARC) — 4 ⭐️

𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰: Oh man, my heart!!! This book was the perfect sequel to The Celestial Kingdom series, and I couldn’t be happier with the ending. I left like the characters stayed true to themselves, and I enjoyed seeing them grown over the years.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t in the mood for a fantasy story when I was reading this book, so I didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would. It took me quite a long time to finish it. I might have hyped it up in my head, but I totally think the author’s writing skills are strong and entertaining. For her next book, I’ll ensure I’m in a “fantasy book mood” before diving in!

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝 —
✨ Fantasy
🔺 Love Triangle
😨 Twists and Turns
🔐 Closed Door Romance
🥾 Adventurous

𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐢𝐟 —
💞 You’d put yourself at risk for your family
🍷 Your drink of choice is wine
✈️ You enjoy traveling to new places
🪴 Home will always have a special place in your heart
💡 You think outside of the box

𝐓𝐖: violence, death, grief, war

Thank you, NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager, for providing me an eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Daughter of the Mood Goddess is my favorite book of 2022, and Heart of the Sun Warrior is every bit as good. I really loved continuing Xingyin’s story and am sad to see my time with these characters coming to an end. I’m not usually a huge fan of love triangles, but it’s so well done here, and I absolutely love love love the way the book ended. I can’t wait to read more from Sue Lynn Tan. Color me a fan!

Wow, keep the tissues close by when reading this one. Sue Lynn Tan has written a stunner with this sequel. Xingyin is on a mission to save the entire realm this time and it will cost her dearly. I couldn't put it down. I was on vacation, travelling though some of the most beautiful scenery I've ever seen and still found myself picking up this book every spare moment I could find. The story was fantastic and pacing felt pretty quick to me. Just a really wonderful read.

Thanks to the publisher, author, and net galley for the eARC!

Sadly I ended up DNFing this book at 48%. I really loved the first book in this duology and felt that things had wrapped up nicely (other than the love triangle). I have been reading this book for weeks and I just can't find interest in the plot and characters. Things feel a bit forced and unnecessary.