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allisonwonderlandreads's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This fantasy debut stuns with evocative descriptions of many dazzling locales from the moon to the Celestial Court to an underwater palace to an enchanted forest to the Demon Realm, among others. Each setting is layered with vibrant description, emotional atmosphere, and a spark of magic. It provides the perfect majestic backdrop for a story of mythical proportions and sweeping battles, quests, and bargains.
The plot follows Xingyin as she must abscond from her home on the moon in secret, leaving her mother, the moon goddess, behind. Driven by a desire for reunion, she sets out to free the goddess from her lunar imprisonment. She goes on many journeys: from lowly attendant to the companion of a prince, from skilled flutist to First Archer in the Celestial Army, from broken heart to betrayal, from pawn to clever trickster. The story thrives on big-picture political slyness and also on the more intimate level of personal relationships-- bonds of family, loyalty, duty, friendship, and romantic love.
Speaking of romance, I normally hate a love triangle but was actually amused in this case by how Xingyin is kind of clueless about her allure. It doesn't have the annoying flavor of a protagonist who is inexplicably desired by everyone they meet. Rather, her forthright nature and the way she clings to her goals and stays true to herself draw people in without her noticing. So intent on her aspirations and her desperation to free her mother, she has an air of surprise towards anyone holding interest in her since it doesn't rank among her own priorities. Xingyin doesn't even notice if someone else is attractive unless another party points it out to her. This power imbalance was great fun to me. I also loved her iron core of honor and the way she follows her own standard for right and wrong rather than allowing anyone else to dictate it for her. It lends her a strength of purpose and makes her a loyal friend but never a flattering sycophant.
At all points, I was enthralled with Xingyin's story and I loved being a guest in her mind. I can't wait to see where the duology goes next (and the love triangle, let's be honest).
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Violence, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Bullying, Confinement, Sexism, Sexual assault, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, and War