I enjoyed Heart of the Sun Warrior, but I think I preferred the first book in this duology. There was a lot of repetitive language especially coming from Xingyin. I understand wanting to emphasize the devastating moments that contributed to the person Xingyin becomes by the end, but I think saying it more than twice makes it a bit repetitive and forced. It was also missing the fast-paced action that defined the first book.

I hated not posting about this book on its pub day in November, and I’m thrilled to finally be able to do so now, because it was an epic follow up to an amazing adventure! Both books in this duology absolutely fly by — whether that’s because of the writing style or just because I couldn’t wait to see what happened next, I can’t say, but the ride was so much fun. Watching Xingyin sort through her complicated feelings about Liwei and Wenzhi while trying to save the entire empire from ruin and deal with her family drama seems like it would be overwhelming, but the author handles everything with a deft hand. I can’t wait to see what she does next!

Heart of the Sun Warrior was everything I hoped for to end this duology, and more! It had the stunning and lyrical writing of Daughter of the Moon Goddess as well as a captivating story. I had no idea where Sue Lynn Tan would take the story after book one, and I was so thrilled with where it took me.

Heart of the Sun Warrior is a beautiful story of love, family, friendship, loyalty, and courage. I highly recommend it to any fans of fantasy books, and this duology belongs on every shelf. It is truly excellent storytelling.

I enjoyed this one almost as much as the first. It felt a little slower in some places and it wasn't what I wanted to reach for at times because of that, but it was overall an enjoyable read and a great ending to the duology.

That ending was simultaneously the best and worst thing that has ever happened to me. Never has a happy ending left me feeling so on edge and so unsettled. What a book! Packed with action and heartbreak and sacrifices and love — it was the best conclusion to this story that I could've imagined.

This was the perfect end to an amazing duology. It’s a super unique fantasy story. Sue Lynn Tan is definitely an insta but author for me from now on.

This is (surprising no one) a stunning follow-up and conclusion to 'The Daughter of the Moon Goddess,' with prose and narrative befitting that gorgeous cover.

I enjoyed this follow up. The continuing and more in-depth world building coupled with the character development was superb. I think I may have enjoyed this more than the first book. The only critique I have is the pacing but that did not detour me from liking this book.

Heart of the Sun Warrior is the second installment in the Celestial Kingdom Duology by Sue Lynn Tan and brings us back into the world of The Daughter of the Moon Goddess and thankfully we did not end on a huge cliffhanger, I appreciated that!

With the way DOTMG ended I thought there would be some rest for our main characters but HOTSW was just as action packed as the first. It had loads of action and excitement, not really a lull for me anywhere. Overall I would say I enjoyed the book and I felt it came to a fitting conclusion. One thing I didn't really vibe with was the love triangle. I really can't stand love triangles to begin with, they make me so anxious and with HOTSW I felt it was pretty obvious what was going to happen in that triangle so maybe it wasn't needed. Also I felt this one dragged on a little too long when I didn't get that feeling in DOTMG really. There were a few times that it could've ended satisfactorily but there as just more chapters afterwards...weird.

I will say that I initially anticipated this duology for the covers alone, my goodness, but they ended up also being so beautiful on the inside as well. Sue Lynn Tan really has a gorgeous writing style and I look forward to more of her books in the future.

Thank you so much to Avon and Harper Voyager for providing me with an eARC via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

4.5/5 stars. Thank you to the publisher for providing me a digital review copy of this book via NetGalley.

I liked the action and the emotional story of this one. As with the first book, I think this one was a bit long, but it had just enough action to not feel like it was dragging on too much, thankfully. I was pleasantly surprised with how the romantic storyline ended up - Xingyin knows her heart and takes the time to grieve. I definitely cried a bit at the ending.

Overall I was satisfied with this conclusion to the duology, and look forward to reading other work by Sue Lynn Tan!

Heart of the Sun Warrior is the sequel to Daughter of the Moon Goddess and the conclusion of the Celestial Kingdom duology, a Chinese fantasy drama (epic fantasy rooted in Chinese mythology). Although it didn’t blow me away, I did enjoy it and the duology overall.

I won’t give spoilers for the first book, but suffice to say that this one picks up only a short time after that one ends. From there, a new adventure quickly begins. That’s one thing I liked about this duology: Each book feels like a complete story. This time around, Xingyin knows herself and her strengths better; she’s still headstrong, and she still rushes into situations a bit too quickly, but it was nice to get to know her as a more confident person.

One strength of this duology is the prose. Sue Lynn Tan writes gorgeous sentences, and these books are lush and cinematic. That matches up nicely with the kind of action-packed, something-for-everyone story. I also loved getting to know the legend of the Moon Goddess through this lens!

The reason this fell a bit short for me, however, is just that I don’t like love triangles. Sometimes I can be convinced, but I never quite got there on this one. I think it could have benefited from more character development for the secondary characters in the book; they’re all sort of flat except for Xingyin herself. Although part of this may also be my own inexperience and naive reactions to a more Eastern storytelling style.

Still, if you find yourself drawn to this one, I’d say definitely give it a shot!

This duology was everything I hoped it would be. The ending threw me but I am very happy with it. I am so happy for so many things with this book. I absolutely love this book and can’t wait to read more from this author.

I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for access to this advance readers' copy of this book.

Just wow. The visual world building skills Sue Lynn Tan possesses are simply mind-blowing. Her descriptions are gorgeous, vivid, and stunning. Uncertain where the tale would go after the conclusion of the first book, this one did not disappoint. Not as action-packed as the first, but a thrilling tale in its own right. (The description says duology, but I'm eagerly waiting for the third book...)

It is difficult to critique near-perfection, but what I will say is that the love triangle got a little tedious in this follow up to DoTMG. Despite that, the book was a delight to read and had a satisfying conclusion. While I absolutely adored both books in this duology, DoTMG stood out for its vivid world, whereas HoTSW shined in its character building.

Thank you to Harper Voyager for providing me with a complimentary arc of this novel through netgalley. I stand with the Union.

I enjoyed the first book so I was happy to continue with the series/duology. I love the representation for Chinese mythology and fantasy. However, this one was really slow for me. I enjoyed the continuation of familial bonds being a core part of the story, but the pacing was not great for me.

I am OBSESSED with anything Sue Lynn Tan writes, it is official.

This books was a wild ride of emotions - a beautiful conclusion of Xingyn's adventures through life, finding family, purpose, meaning of belonging and true love. The world Sue has built just expands more and more, the extraordinary and imagery lyrical prose shines through the chapters!

This book is everything you expect from a fantasy book, ties the threads well and finishes the novel on a bittersweet tone. My heart will be forever broken and mended at the same time by this story.

Thank you so much for the publisher and Netgalley for the egalley!

Thanks NetGalley!

I don’t how many words to say about this, i love this series, i love this author, and i love these stunning covers.
It is so unique and one of a kind and it encompasses mythological elements so well that I’m obsessed with it.
Every reader should at least check it out.

📔 Heart of the Sun Warrior by Sue Lynn Tan

The Celestial Kingdom Duology # 2
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐/5
YA/ 🌶 5

📑SYNOPSIS:
After her perilous quest to free her mother, Xingyin thrives once more in the tranquility of her home. But her fragile peace is threatened by the discovery of strange magic on the moon and the unsettling changes in the Celestial Kingdom as the emperor tightens his grip on power.

📝QUOTE:
“The darkest of nights is when the stars shine brightest.”

✏️MY THOUGHTS:
I cannot believe this ideology is over. I wish we had 10 more books in this series because it is just too amazing to end.

I could not catch my breath throughout this whole book, the action, the heartbreak, and the betrayals made my head spin. Not only that, but I am still shocked that I was able to finish some chapters and put the book down to go eat or sleep. It was not easy, to be honest. I just wanted to read this book in one sitting.

The writing is just so beautiful, Sue Lynn Tan is a magician with words. Her descriptions are breathtaking, and I could imagine the wondrous places that she was sharing with us. This was a rollercoaster ride. When it comes to the love triangle between Liwei, Wenzhi, and Xingyin I just could not make up my mind about who I am rooting for. In one chapter I was hoping it would be Liwei, then next one I would drop everything for Wenzhi... The author took me for a wild ride! In the end, I made my choices, and team Wenzhi all the way... I am a sucker for a morally gray bad boy, what can I say, I am who I am.

Just like in the first book, the main theme is familial bonds, and how Xingyin will do anything to protect her family and friends.

The last few chapters of the book broke me. I was messaging my buddy read for support because I just could not believe what happened. I still cannot believe what happened. I was too heartbroken to finish this book... Furthermore, I am fairly sure I got some extra gray hairs from the shock.

The ending was beautiful, hopeful, and simply perfect for this book.

Thanks to NetGalley & Harper Voyager for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

The sequel to "Daughter of the Moon Goddess" continues to weave a magical world following a headstrong daughter trying to survive in a cutthroat world of godly politics.

Not as good as the first one, honestly. The love triangle drove me nuts! Despite the last 20%, I was actually getting super bored. A bittersweet ending as well.

Absolutely mesmerizing! I could not have been hamper on how this wrapped up. I would absolutely love more from this world! Sue’s writing sucks you in completely. This works came to life around me vividly. This was a rare case of living the second book not than the first! I will read everything she writes!