REVIEW: "Daughter of the Moon Goddess" by Sue Lynn Tann

"Daughter of the Moon Goddess" by Sue Lynn Tan

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

(5 Stars)

SYNOPSIS:

Growing up on the moon, Xingyin is accustomed to solitude, unaware that she is being hidden from the feared Celestial Emperor who exiled her mother for stealing his elixir of immortality. But when Xingyin’s magic flares and her existence is discovered, she is forced to flee her home, leaving her mother behind.

Alone, powerless, and afraid, she makes her way to the Celestial Kingdom, a land of wonder and secrets. Disguising her identity, she seizes an opportunity to learn alongside the emperor's son, mastering archery and magic, even as passion flames between her and the prince.

To save her mother, Xingyin embarks on a perilous quest, confronting legendary creatures and vicious enemies across the earth and skies. But when treachery looms and forbidden magic threatens the kingdom, she must challenge the ruthless Celestial Emperor for her dream—striking a dangerous bargain in which she is torn between losing all she loves or plunging the realm into chaos.

REVIEW:

Truly magnificent! With elaborate and poetic descriptions of the different realms, buildings, nature and clothing, as well as great characters and an interesting plot, this is a fantasy lover's dream. If you love Mythology, Dragons and other legendary creatures, Fierce female warriors, Friends-Lovers-Enemies; This is a book for you! I'm sad to say that I have little to no knowledge about Chinese mythology, aside from what Disney has provided in their films about Mulan - and I couldn't even tell you if they're an accurate representation of Chinese culture.. Probably not - but Sue Lynn Tan's book is, like I've already said, truly magnificent and I can't help but wonder what else out there I've missed. Looking forward to doing a bit of research in this area to find more stories to devour, because there is truly no other word that would describe my reading this more accurately than devour. And even better.. There's a sequel coming November 15th 2022! If you've yet to read the first book, I'd encourage you to not read the follow synopsis for "Heart of the Sun Warrior". SYNOPSIS: The stunning sequel to "Daughter of the Moon Goddess" delves deeper into beloved Chinese mythology, concluding the epic story of Xingyin--the daughter of Chang'e and the mortal archer, Houyi--as she battles a grave new threat to the realm, in this powerful tale of love, sacrifice, and hope. After winning her mother's freedom from the Celestial Emperor, Xingyin thrives in the enchanting tranquility of her home. But her fragile peace is threatened by the discovery of a strange magic on the moon and the unsettling changes in the Celestial Kingdom as the emperor tightens his grip on power. While Xingyin is determined to keep clear of the rising danger, the discovery of a shocking truth spurs her into a perilous confrontation. Forced to flee her home once more, Xingyin and her companions venture to unexplored lands of the Immortal Realm, encountering legendary creatures and shrewd monarchs, beloved friends and bitter adversaries. With alliances shifting quicker than the tides, Xingyin has to overcome past grudges and enmities to forge a new path forward, seeking aid where she never imagined she would. As an unspeakable terror sweeps across the realm, Xingyin must uncover the truth of her heart and claw her way through devastation--to rise against this evil before it destroys everything she holds dear, and the worlds she has grown to love . . . even if doing so demands the greatest price of all.