i hate when i don't immediately reach for a highly anticipated sequel right off the bat when i know i loved the first book so much.

this was a big let down.

I’m not sure if I can find the words to express my feelings about The Heart of the Sun Warrior by Sue Lynn Tan. This book was such an emotional journey! So many highs and lows intermixed with epic adventure. I loved this glimpse into Chinese mythology with familiar characters who I came to know and love in book one, Daughter of the Moon Goddess. I loved Tan’s gorgeous writing. I loved the themes that filled this book. This was quite the conclusion to this duology and will stick with me for a long time.

*Thank you to Netgalley, Sue Lynn Tan, and Harper Voyager for an e-arc of this book. All opinions are my own.

I just want to start off by saying that book one was amazing and book two was just as good. This book was everything. There was more character development. I thought I already loved them from book one but I somehow love them even more. That's the best thing about reading a series. There was also more world building, like in book one i was thrown into this world and I was so glad to be back.

This series is a 5/5 so far. I highly recommend it.

Incredible sequel to a phenomenal debut! This book had everything- character and relationship growth, plot twists, action, conflict, and resolutions. It was truly a perfect fantasy book.

WOW. I can't believe it's over. I need to go cry somewhere. I also have mixed feelings. Overall, I really enjoyed this, especially as a finale to the whole story, but there was...A LOT happening here. It took a while to pick up and once it did, I felt like so much was happening and my only thought was that meme with the house on fire. That said, I still love Xingyin dearly and will be by her side on any and all her journeys.

This was a beautiful sequel to a beautiful book! I love that I never know where the book will lead with both of these books. It's always so wonderful to be surprised when most books are predictable. I definitely wasn't expecting the love triangle to go that way and I was so happy it did.

I enjoyed this book a lot more than I did the first. The first book was so oddly paced, almost as if four separate books had been abridged into one. For that reason, I didn’t like the first book. But I was invested in the “villain” character (why do the boys I love always end up villains???) so I wanted to complete the series. The plot of this book felt more singular and satisfying. The prose was wonderful as always. I did desire more of the relationships and friendships. We are often told the emotions and states of the relationships, but we don’t actually get to see them bloom first hand.

The writing remains as beautiful as ever with illustrative passages that continue to bewilder the mind with the beauty of Xingyin's realm. I was not sure what to expect from this one, but I am happy I got a chance to read it early even if I am only just now catching up on my backlog of reviews.

I enjoyed Heart of the Sun Warrior more than I did its predecessor. The book has a more traditional structure, and the different parts of the book flow together better. They are more cohesive and feel less like distinct novellas separated by time jumps, which is how I felt about the first one.

If DOTMG establishes Xingyin as a kickass filial daughter, HOTSW focuses on Xingyin trying discover who she is and what she wants. Xingyin finds that what you should want and what your heart wants can be different things. I struggled along beside her, and wanted her to end up with both of her suitors, but ultimately believe she made the right decision.

The Celestial Kingdom duology is a great choice for fans of east Asian mythology, love triangles, and beautiful writing. You can't go wrong with this one.

This is an interesting conclusion to The Celestial Kingdom Duology. Xingyin is back at her mother, the Moon Goddess' home. They still have enemies in the Celestial emperor and must flee their home to stay together and alive. At the same time, Xingyin finds out that her father is alive but sick. This sets in motion her plan to get the elixir of immortality for her father. Xingyin is also warring about who she should choose between Liwei and Wenzhi. This is a beautiful tale with Chinese mythology woven into its core. It also highlights familial love, the power of love, true friendship and honor.

I really enjoy the aesthetic of this series, but I feel as if more could’ve been done in terms of developing these amazing characters. This was my main fault in the first book where it consistently feels as if the main character is a “Mary Sue” as many would put it. If you’re reading this series simply for the vibes, it’s a 10/10. For now, I will give it 4/5

4.5 Stars

A stunning sequel! If you enjoyed the first book, I think you'll enjoy this one as well. I love how original and interesting the plotlines are--this story is unlike anything I've read before. The writing is vivid and powerful, and the characters are well written.

The first story in this series was so beautifully written and full of action. This one was a little slower and, if you are like me, not as enjoyable, because of the focus on the love triangle. Not a fan. Kind of kills the story for me.

But overall it's still a good story and highly recommend reading if you like mythical fantasy.

Sue Lynn Tan knocked it out of the park with Heart of the Sun Warrior! I loved Daughter of the Moon Goddess so I went in with high expectations but I was not disappointed! The sequel brings everything that was great about the first book and then some! Not to mention the cover is just as gorgeous!

5 starts for Heart if the Sun Warrior by Sue Lynn Tan!

Thanks so much to Netgalley for the e-arc!

A wonderful sequel to Daughters of the Moon Goddess. While not quite at the same level as the first book I still absolutely loved it. It explores much darker themes of loss and forgiveness. I have to give huge credit to Tan, I had no idea how she was going to resolve the love triangle in a way that felt satisfying and natural but she did! This book brought me to tears and towards the end I was quite unhappy about some of the choices and not sure how they could be resolved, but once again Tan surprised me and the ending was absolutely perfect.

This was a stellar end to the duology. I really liked how the story came together and reminded me of watching a fantasy C-drama. I hope the author continues to write more, because I will for sure read them.

And I have to say, these covers are STUNNING!

My number one read of 2022. How brilliant is Sue Lynn Tan? Daughter of the Moon Goddess was amazing but this title? Stole my heart. The ending was everything. I have my hands on this duology in nearly every way. shape and form. Amazing job, Sue Lynn Tan!

4 stars

I loved this duology so much. The world building and the character building was dynamic.

This was such a great conclusion to this duology, it didn't have as much action as the first book did, but this book has its moments as her and her family are forced to flee their home.

The love triangle honestly is something I could have done without. But i think that the writing was fantastic, the story was great and the ending made me happy, I loved the blending of mythology, fantasy, and folklore with the added romance. My kind of book.

After finishing the first book, I think I raised my expectations of this book a bit too much. I had really high hopes that the fantasy elements I loved so much would continue. Unfortunately, the love triangle in this book brought down the rating by a lot. I'm definitely interested in anything Sue Lynn Tan writes in the future.

An equally luring spin-off and mystically fulfilling conclusion to a brilliant duology.

While not as action-packed as the first book, there are still moments of adventure as xingyins recently found freedom is debilitated. From a brief period of peace, to modern adversaries and plots, and recouping from past betrayal, all while attempting to battle for a future, there's no denying that this story doesnt move.

Although the world of the celestial kingdom is still investigated, much of the story is centered on the characters and their connections to one another. Their advancement is astounding. Working together, forgiving each other, and finding consolation are all the driving forces and focuses of this novel. I found it to supply an extremely great balance for everything else that's going on.

It is a fitting conclusion to this cozy daydream story that's dynamic in heart and mythology.

There’s a lot to really love about this series! Learning about Chinese mythology has been a blast! And I’ve enjoyed these characters.

But I wanted so much more out of these characters. There is so much going on in both books and I can’t help but feel we could’ve gone deeper. I’m a sucker for a character study however, so it could be me.

If you’re one that loves plot and action packed books- this series is for you!