Please give me more Asian myth-inspired fantasy novels by Asian authors, I promise you I will eat them all up.

Sue Lynn Tan's ability to manipulate words into silken splendor is put on full display in this stunning conclusion to the Celestial Kingdom duology. Xingyin is a unique and ever maturing protagonist who brings both a swift, taut tenderness and a devestation that comes with mending relationships. Though less plot driven and more character driven than its predecessor, the balance between action and emotional turmoil is painfully wrought to perfection.

daughter of the moon goddess was a fun read, so i was excited to read its follow up. unfortunately, so many elements of heart of the sun warrior just don't work for me, and beyond the first couple of chapters, i didn't enjoy much else about it.

the episodic narrative that it shares with its predecessor doesn't work. moon goddess was a coming-of-age story that benefited from the flexibility this sort of structure allows. sun warrior, however, is a standard adventure story, and the plot beats now feel less narratively contained and more convenient. new characters are introduced and ejected from the story as soon as they serve their purpose; after a time jump, a key character shows up at the right place at the right time; there's a super secret artifact that does exactly what the plot needs in order to move forward. everything felt so...coincidental. i didn't buy xingyin's shrewdness bc every solution she thinks up feels like it's handed to her.

despite how the first book ended, within the first few chapters, the love triangle returns with a with an unwelcome bang. while i don't hate the direction the romance swerved toward, it takes up SO much page time that could have been dedicated more interesting stuff! i didn't find the execution of the love triangle at all compelling; after anything interesting happens, xingyin would interact with either of her potential love interests, and any potential tension or decent pacing would nosedive as the next few pages presented a prolonged internal monologue of xingyin bemoaning her relationship woes. not good!

the prose also bugged me. the lush imagery is still present, but is presented through clumsily written paragraphs and stilted dialogue. in particular, sue lyn tan seems very fond of a specific sentence structure where a conjunction is used and repeated, connecting a statement related to the sentence's primary clause. it's reused enough times that it's noticeable, yet does nothing except awkwardly lengthen the sentence. for example:

"i am only speaking to you now because you let liwei and me go, because your plan failed.
"if only we had fled sooner, if only i had been swifter."
"deep down, you must suspect who aided him, who had the power to do so."
"for what happened on the moon, for what you think were your mistakes."
"who remained loyal to him, who attempted to fight back."

and that's not even all of them!! once is enough, but the entire book?????? just. why.

maybe my expectations for this book makes me less charitable towards it -- i had hoped that xingyin's mother would play a more proactive role, as she spends most of the previous book as a plot device xingyin has to save; in this book she is at least a more integral part of xingyin's party, but is mentioned little else beyond a convoluted character resurrection that just made me angry -- but i still can't help but be greatly disappointed with how little enjoyment i felt reading sun warrior, especially given how good the first part of this duology is.

thank you to netgalley and harper voyager for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Like DoTMG, Sue Lynn Tan doesn't disappoint with the sequel, Heart of the Sun Warrior! I always adored wuxia inspired fantasy romance books by Asian authors, and HoTSW checked all the box: fantasy, romance, did I also mention that this book is an adult age range? Yeah. What a perfection indeed.

Xingyin has won her mother's freedom and is enjoying her time at home again. Unfortunately, a strange new magic has been found on the moon, and the Celestial Emperor is trying to retain power throughout the Celestial Realm. Upon discovery of a shocking truth, Xingyin is forced to flee her home once again and try to save the Celestial Realm from a new unspeakable horror. Can she protect the ones she loves most? Can she protect herself?

I was so excited to get a copy of this book, and I was not disappointed. I was so sad when I finished because I realized there wouldn't be any more after this. I cried a couple times when reading this book because @suelynntan makes you love the characters as much as Xingyin does. The writing is so vivid, and you can imagine yourself in the story. Xingyin is such a brave character, but she is also vulnerable. This is one of those series that I wish I could read again for the first time. Bravo!

I have so many feelings about this book. I thought about it constantly when I wasn't reading. It is such a perfect continuation of Daughter of the Moon Goddess. Just as suspenseful, emotional, and gripping as the first one. I was on the edge of my seat as the plot kept building. I am sad that I have to leave Xingyin's story behind but I am super excited that the author will be writing more books based on Chinese mythology. I am hooked!

DNFing at 42%

This sequel just wasn’t for me. The main character, Xingyin made so many illogical decisions, unraveling so much of what she achieved in the ending of the first book. She was frequently overly naive, trusting people too readily and putting herself needlessly at risk time and time again. Her relationship and love triangle with Liwei and Wenzhi also fell flat for me, almost everything she did revolved around one or the other, and it honestly became tedious. The magic system lacked any kind of continuity or structure. Magic became used for convenience which is a huge pet peeve of mine.

Please don’t let that put you off though, what didn’t work for me might well be an aspect you love!

THANK YOU to Harper Voyager & NetGalley for sending me this ARC. All reviews are honest reflections of my own opinion, always.

Osmanthus flowers bloom eternally, lending their delicate scent to the atmosphere. Precious seeds of the Laurel tree clink together in tranquil melody, silver shadows begin to bathe to land, and a prince comes to call.

Xingyin has fought for and earned these moments. Her Mother is freed, her love by her side, but where much has been gained, much also has been lost.

Peace is a fragile thing. Having defied the Celestial Emperor and incited the wrath of the Empress, Xingyin knows she must tread carefully. In the shadows of power, ambition grows. Vengeance melded with retribution fuels fury as Xinying & her loved ones are forced to abandon their home once again.

Devastation marches across the lands, enemies untold rise against them as hope begins to wane in the face of bitterness & loss. Betrayal falls away, love is complicated, and Xingyin learns that some things which have been lost can be regained, while others are gone for good.






Beautifully atmospheric worldbuilding, a hard to put down story, good pacing & characters to love & loathe. All of the beauty of Tan's 'Daughter of the Moon Goddess' woven together in a cohesive sequel, I whole heartedly recommend this book.

As my most anticipated sequel of 2022, I'm giving this book a 4.5 star rating, compared to the glowing 5 star rating of Sue Lynn Tan's 'Daughter of the Moon Goddess'. Along with a huge event that generally is treated as a side story, the presence of a love triangle takes up much more of the dialogue than in the previous book. Something that, in this case, I enjoyed greatly, but I know is a trope many readers are tired of. The pacing is even, but less action packed, with the climax of the story being a prequel to the actual ending of the book, which shall remain spoiler free but may cause either tears or a range of alternate emotions.

I received an ARC of this book by the publisher via Netgalley in an exchange for an honest review.

Heart of the Sun Warrior is the final book in a duology that included Daughter of the Moon Goddess. First can I say I'm shocked and pleased that both novels came out in 2022 (although I received an advanced reader copy of Heart of the Sun Warrior and it's not due out until November but it still comes in 10 months after the publishing of the first novel). It's such a treat to receive both books rapidly since the ending of Daughter of the Moon Goddess left me excited to see where the story went.

Heart of the Sun Warrior is an absolute gem of a novel. It's operatic in its scope and the characters that were so well-written in the first book continue to grow and flourish into three-dimensional characters. And this novel absolutely destroyed me. I was sobbing at one point, like flat out crying my heart out. And I don't do that. It's very out-of-character for me to get choked up and shed a single tear (which this novel also accomplished at various points before the sobbing episode). Tan broke me down and then had the momentous task of building me back up so I can continue being a functional member of society (I'm trying very hard to describe my feelings while avoiding spoilers).

Heart of the Sun Warrior is an action novel, where Xingyin is tasked with trying to save the immortal realm. There is a stronger emphasis on romance in this novel compared to the first. Yes the love triangle that was established in Daughter of the Moon Goddess is still going strong. However, if there's going to be a love triangle in a story this would be the textbook example of how it should be done.

Tan is gifted in description, with the settings of the novel being beautifully described and atmospheric. It reminded me of the richness described in The Night Circus (however Heart of the Sun Warrior is a much better book in my opinion). I felt immersed in this world.

Overall I give Heart of the Sun Warrior 5 out of 5 stars. This duology has established a place for itself in my top fantasy series of all times. I loved every moment of both novels and immediately after finishing this book, I went back and started re-reading Daughter of the Moon Goddess again, because I didn't want to leave. I applaud Tan for a marvelous debut and look forward to her career.

Amazing sequel to one of my favorite books this year. I’m so glad I have the special editions of these babies on my shelf I will definitely be rereading them again

The story takes place about a year after Daughter of the Moon Goddess, and Xingyin is facing trouble once more. I started the book with kinda low expectations because the second book in a series was usually always the worst for me. Fortunately, I loved this one just as much as the first and maybe even more.

I loved the book overall, from the character development to the writing. The return of an important character (to Xingyin) was also surprising and unexpected. However, the one thing I disliked was the love triangle.

I personally dislike love triangles, especially her going back and forth between the two. While I liked the ending, it was mostly the two - Wenzhi and Liwei - that bothered me. Compared to the previous book, they felt kinda desperate?? to have her, and it just made me hate them both and wish she chose neither of them. Despite that, the ending was still somewhat satisfying, and I would definitely recommend.

Thank you Netgalley and Avon & Harper Voyager for an e-arc in exchange for a review.

I enjoyed this book more than I thought I was going to. I read the first book right before I started this one, so luckily I didn't have to wait between books.

Xingyin is a character that grows a lot over the course of the two books. There were parts that made me cringe, but that was more because she had to make a hard choice where there wasn't really a good option. So you know that something bad/sad is going to happen.

I don't want to give things away but that plot twist!! It got me so hard.

I do wish that there was an epilogue, but that is just because I wanted more to read! :)

This duology is now one of my favorite fantasy series!
This Chinese-mythology inspired duology is a fantasy must-read. The beautiful writing transports the reader to the magical world that the author has created. The pacing is perfect, alternating very intense action scenes and slower chapters that delve into the main character's thoughts and feelings.
The unresolved love triangle between Liwei, Wenzhi, and Xingyin keeps the reader guessing until the very last chapter. However, this book is so much more than a love story. This is a book about love, grief, forgiveness, family, home... It is a perfect mix of action, mythology, and romance!

Sue Lynn Tan has easily become one of my favorite authors. Her writing is enchantingly beautiful and it feels as though I am right next to Xingyin as she embarks on her adventures. Heart of the Sun Warrior was AMAZING! I love Xingyin as a character and how her stubbornness is both her strength and weakness. I was able to relate to her in many ways. I felt all her emotions and cried when she cried. I won't share my exact favorite scene as it's a spoiler but why it's my favorite scene as it has her truly facing what she feels and accepting it. That's all I can say for now haha but all I want to talk about are spoilers!! If you like the blend of mythology, fantasy, and romance, this duology is for you. Also the cover is just gorgeous and a perfect representation on how beautiful the book is. Five stars all the way!

Thank you NetGalley, and Harper Voyager for the E-arc in exchange for an honest review!

This was such a satisfying sequel to Daughter of the Moon Goddess. The pacing is fantastic and the story is unpredictably magical and exciting. I really loved the world building and appreciated the romance.

Sue Lynn Tan is officially an auto-buy author for me. I was utterly surprised by Daughter of the Moon Goddess in all the best ways, so I went into Heart of the Sun Warrior with pretty high expectations. This sequel delivered more of the same excellent storytelling – fast-paced, packed plot, interesting, complicated characters, an engrossing love triangle, and so many twists I did not see coming. This book was bittersweet and dwelled in the the pain and sacrifice of choices made. Xingyin had a very fitting conclusion to her story. I adored this sequel just as much as the first. I love Tan's writing, and cannot wait to see what she does next.

Thank you Netgalley for the free ARC in return for an honest review.

Wugang, advisor to the Celestial Emperor, becomes general of the Celestial Kingdom army and shoes more interest in Xingyin and her mother, the Moon Goddess. Their peace at home is broken when four visitors arrive unexpectedly all parties with different motivations to ask for the hospitality of the Moon Goodness. They are betrayed and Wugang's plot for revenge on his wife and the Celestial Emperor is revealed as he usurps power from the Emperor (didn't expect that!). During this time, Xingyin and Liwei make promises to each other, then Xingyin to someone else that causes all kinds of misunderstanding between the lovers. Wenzhi's constant presence is an annoyance to Xingyin but comes in handy when Wugang's evil plot is revealed. The love triangle really detracted from the story and grew tiresome. I wasn't convinced at the ending her love towards the man she selects but I understand her why. Not as great as the first installment but again, the author succeeds in creating a rich and magical world.

I prefer Book 1 as it felt more refreshing, but Book 2 gives a very satisfying ending to the beautiful duology😍 I enjoyed the series very much. Beautifully-written and action-packed. Enjoyed seeing the main character’s emotional growth. Highly recommend it!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Avon & Harper Voyager Publishing (HarperCollins) for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

I read the first book of this duology, Daughter of the Moon Goddess, last month and really enjoyed it. I noted that it was chock full of plotlines and action, and felt shorter than it really was. I wanted more world building and a little less of the love triangle. In this second book of the duology, Heart of the Sun Warrior, I got a little less action, definitely less world building, but far more character development and I absolutely loved it! In some ways, it's the (almost) perfect sequel.

Xingyin, despite leaving the first book with a solid resolution to the challenges she faced, must battle a new threat that finds her depending on and fighting beside both Liwei and Wenzhi to save the Realm. The love triangle continues in this book, but it's decidedly more grown-up than before. I found myself understanding her dilemmas and feelings more so than in the first book, where my more common response to the love triangle was an eye roll. Xingyin must really process through a lot of feelings in this adventure, and she does so with a lot more maturity than she did in the first book. In terms of the action, it's still there, but the plot is much more focused as Xingyin and her companions battle one main villain. At various times throughout the book, I cried, which surprised me because I hadn't realized my emotional investment into some of the characters. I think that speaks volumes to how our MC was written because I really felt all of my emotions through her experiences.

I am a new fantasy reader...and truthfully, I can still only stomach fantasy intermittently in my reading. However, I devoured both books of this duology and really hope Ms. Tan writes gifts us with more stories from this world. I know nothing about Chinese mythology, but Ms. Tan did a beautiful job introducing me to it in a way that left me wanting more. Overall, I rate this book 4.75 stars, rounded up to 5 when necessary. I think the story was tied up maybe a little too neatly in an effort to have a satisfactory ending. That probably comes with the romance territory...but I think that the specific ending that was chosen, despite being maybe a little too tidy, was the right one. Are you Team Liwei or Team Wenzhi? I think the author might surprise you...and you might surprise yourself!

Here's the deal with a sequel, following up one of my favorite books I read this year "Daughter of the Moon Goddess", OF COURSE I'M GOING TO LOVE IT, IT'S PERFECT. Also, as a sidenote, I am loving these duology's because they get rid of the middle book syndrome and I am HERE FOR IT.

Anyways, absolutely astounding. Highly recommend.