Scan barcode
krumanda's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Toxic friendship, and War
Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Vomit, Death of parent, Toxic friendship, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Minor: Confinement
strawb3rrysugar's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
I originally picked this up in an effort to read outside of my comfort zone; I don't pick up a lot of fantasy books and know next to nothing about Chinese mythology. I have to give due credit to Kuri Huang, the book's cover illustrator, whose work is absolutely stunning. This isn't usually relevant in book reviews for me, but as an illustrator myself, it would be dishonest to say it wasn't a factor in me buying this book.
High points: the descriptions and setting are beautifully described and well developed. The book reads as very atmospheric and immersive, which definitely enhances the experience of reading an adventure series. I felt like I was right alongside Xingyin and her journey to return to her mother. While I'm not the biggest fan of a love triangle (and in the least spoiler-y way possible, there is an obviously correct love interest made apparent from the start), but there's enough angst and drama for it to fit within the story. The dragons are very cool - I will never complain about the presence of dragons in a book.
Low points: the pacing and the tension are where this story lacks the most. Scenes that feel like they should be more important or momentous are glossed over pretty quickly in summary, which makes Xingyin's development feel a little stale (considering the author's prose is on the flowery side, it surprised me that there's very little tension built). The beginning is a little slow, and it took me a while to fully get into the book. The Act 3 plot twist made the ending a little sour for me, as I felt it started to bring up elements of the story/worldbuilding that should have been established much earlier. Many of the side characters, *especially* the women, deserved a little more background/development and time to shine. And this is more of a nitpick, but this book's magic system seems kind of vague (though this might be due to my lack of knowledge in Chinese mythology).
Overall, while the pacing and some of the tropes weren't my favorite, I looked forward to curling up with this book, along with a blanket with a cup of tea in hand. If you like Chinese mythology, romantic angst, and want a more adventurous fantasy, you might enjoy this.
High points: the descriptions and setting are beautifully described and well developed. The book reads as very atmospheric and immersive, which definitely enhances the experience of reading an adventure series. I felt like I was right alongside Xingyin and her journey to return to her mother. While I'm not the biggest fan of a love triangle (and in the least spoiler-y way possible, there is an obviously correct love interest made apparent from the start), but there's enough angst and drama for it to fit within the story. The dragons are very cool - I will never complain about the presence of dragons in a book.
Low points: the pacing and the tension are where this story lacks the most. Scenes that feel like they should be more important or momentous are glossed over pretty quickly in summary, which makes Xingyin's development feel a little stale (considering the author's prose is on the flowery side, it surprised me that there's very little tension built). The beginning is a little slow, and it took me a while to fully get into the book. The Act 3 plot twist made the ending a little sour for me, as I felt it started to bring up elements of the story/worldbuilding that should have been established much earlier. Many of the side characters, *especially* the women, deserved a little more background/development and time to shine. And this is more of a nitpick, but this book's magic system seems kind of vague (though this might be due to my lack of knowledge in Chinese mythology).
Overall, while the pacing and some of the tropes weren't my favorite, I looked forward to curling up with this book, along with a blanket with a cup of tea in hand. If you like Chinese mythology, romantic angst, and want a more adventurous fantasy, you might enjoy this.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, and War
Moderate: Death, Vomit, Kidnapping, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death of parent and Sexual harassment
hmunger's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
While there are valid critiques of the pacing and some plot choices, this novel never failed to enthrall me and envelope me in the world. I love the characters, as they each hold an important role in the plot and the messaging. I was truly torn between Xingyin’s choices and thought her inner dialogue, while at times extensive, was vital to the understanding of how she grew as a character and how she made sense of the world she did not grow up in. Highly enjoyed, excited to get the sequel!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Blood, Grief, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death, Emotional abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Vomit, Death of parent, and Classism
melethwi's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Overall review (spoiler free:)
Before I get into the review, I do want to say that I think this is a great fantasy book, especially considering the author says in her acknowledgments section that she had very little writing experience. I did enjoy this book, though at some points I felt lost and like I was dragging myself to keep reading.
I admit that I picked up this book because of the beautiful cover and title. The book did not disappoint, and the author showed her mastery of imagery in her beautifully elegant writing throughout the story (she has a really good vocabulary of great words, but has the tendency to repeat them to a point that is very noticeable..... I'm looking at you, "magnanimous.") This book was enchanting in its premise, and really dazzled me with the prose. I also really loved Xingyin as a leading lady. She was strong, smart, and reliable as a narrator.
Unfortunately, where this book lost stars with me was with the "romance." I did not feel particularly attached to any party, and most of the romantic development occurred "off-screen," so to speak. It felt like we were missing a whole book between a few of the chapters. For that reason, this book really failed to capture my attention for the first half because I was just trying to keep up. This could be explained by 99% of the characters being immortal and not really having a good sense of time, but the main relationship just felt really forced and then left me feeling really unsatisfied with the ending. I get that the author is setting up for a second book, but I was really hoping that after 500 pages of a book with "romantic" on the back cover, we would have a little more. :,(
Overall, I wouldn't let that deter you from reading this book. If you're a big fan of lush writing, of Chinese mythology, and VERY strong female leads, this book would be for you! Just... dampen your expectations for the romance, maybe?
More spoilery stuff:
For me, this book started off really fast. I barely had any time to get to know the characters before we were fully delving into the meat of the plot. We then met the main love interest, and their relationship took off really fast.After a two-year time skip,</> our main guy and girl had basically established their entire relationship off-screen. I feel like I didn't know the main guy at all, and didn't find the budding romance very convincing at all, as we went from barely knowing each other to being head over heels in just a few pages.
I got really interested again whenWenzhi, the second love interest came along, but unfortunately, he had even less chemistry and word count dedicated to relationship building with Xingyin than the other guy. His character felt very flat and unconvincing, and then he was suddenly in love with Xingyin and asking her to marry him and have his kids or something??? I was also incredibly disappointed when he turned out to be ~evil~ because I felt that Xingyin would have a better story with him. His arc felt really forced and completely out of nowhere, almost like a late addition.
I also felt like the reunion with Xingyin and her mother was a little bit anticlimactic... Though I am very happy they got reunited!!!
Before I get into the review, I do want to say that I think this is a great fantasy book, especially considering the author says in her acknowledgments section that she had very little writing experience. I did enjoy this book, though at some points I felt lost and like I was dragging myself to keep reading.
I admit that I picked up this book because of the beautiful cover and title. The book did not disappoint, and the author showed her mastery of imagery in her beautifully elegant writing throughout the story (she has a really good vocabulary of great words, but has the tendency to repeat them to a point that is very noticeable..... I'm looking at you, "magnanimous.") This book was enchanting in its premise, and really dazzled me with the prose. I also really loved Xingyin as a leading lady. She was strong, smart, and reliable as a narrator.
Unfortunately, where this book lost stars with me was with the "romance." I did not feel particularly attached to any party, and most of the romantic development occurred "off-screen," so to speak. It felt like we were missing a whole book between a few of the chapters. For that reason, this book really failed to capture my attention for the first half because I was just trying to keep up. This could be explained by 99% of the characters being immortal and not really having a good sense of time, but the main relationship just felt really forced and then left me feeling really unsatisfied with the ending. I get that the author is setting up for a second book, but I was really hoping that after 500 pages of a book with "romantic" on the back cover, we would have a little more. :,(
Overall, I wouldn't let that deter you from reading this book. If you're a big fan of lush writing, of Chinese mythology, and VERY strong female leads, this book would be for you! Just... dampen your expectations for the romance, maybe?
More spoilery stuff:
For me, this book started off really fast. I barely had any time to get to know the characters before we were fully delving into the meat of the plot. We then met the main love interest, and their relationship took off really fast.
I got really interested again when
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, Alcohol, and War
Moderate: Vomit, Kidnapping, and Death of parent
elaineyh1216's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Having grown up listening to and reading Chinese folk tales and watching Chinese fantasy dramas, this book was right up my alley. The original folk tale of Chang'e and Houyi was familiar to me, and I really enjoyed this reimagining and extension of the story. Xingyin, the titular Daughter of the Moon Goddess, is a relateably flawed heroine. She's impulsive, hot-headed, and passionate, a combination of characteristics which frequently gets her into trouble. But she's also able to reflect and acknowledge her mistakes and correct course as needed.
Sue Lynn Tan's writing style is lyrical with longer descriptive passages than most modern novels I've read. For readers who don't like long descriptions, this book is probably not for you. I personally really enjoyed the beautiful lyricity of the writing and the exquisite descriptions. The world building, fighting, and magic system reminded me of some of the Chinese historical/fantasy dramas I've watched recently, so they were familiar to me. Like classic Chinese novels and dramas, the plot is more episodic. While Xingyin's ultimate goal,freeing her mother from her imprisonment by the Celestial Emperor , is always on her (and the reader's) mind, the story follows a tight series of adventures that are linked and ultimately leads to a final climax.
There is a love triangle (rectangle?) in the story. While I'm normally not a fan of love triangles, this one was written well in my opinion. I like both romantic interests as characters, and we do get to know both guys pretty well. The romantic plot is really left a bit open-ended at the end of the book, so I'm wondering if it will be resolved in the sequel.
I do think that the plot does drag a little bit at some points of the book, but that's because there's so much happening that any lull between the adventures felt slow. There were some really extensive internal monologues that got a bit repetetive. Like many other reviewers said, I think this book could be a tad shorter. But overall, I really enjoyed Daughter of the Moon Goddess, and I look forward to continuing the adventure with Xingyin in Heart of the Sun Warrior.
Sue Lynn Tan's writing style is lyrical with longer descriptive passages than most modern novels I've read. For readers who don't like long descriptions, this book is probably not for you. I personally really enjoyed the beautiful lyricity of the writing and the exquisite descriptions. The world building, fighting, and magic system reminded me of some of the Chinese historical/fantasy dramas I've watched recently, so they were familiar to me. Like classic Chinese novels and dramas, the plot is more episodic. While Xingyin's ultimate goal,
There is a love triangle (rectangle?) in the story. While I'm normally not a fan of love triangles, this one was written well in my opinion. I like both romantic interests as characters, and we do get to know both guys pretty well. The romantic plot is really left a bit open-ended at the end of the book, so I'm wondering if it will be resolved in the sequel.
I do think that the plot does drag a little bit at some points of the book, but that's because there's so much happening that any lull between the adventures felt slow. There were some really extensive internal monologues that got a bit repetetive. Like many other reviewers said, I think this book could be a tad shorter. But overall, I really enjoyed Daughter of the Moon Goddess, and I look forward to continuing the adventure with Xingyin in Heart of the Sun Warrior.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Violence, Blood, Vomit, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexual assault and Death of parent
takarakei's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I can't believe it took me this long to read this book. I absolutely loved it!
Even though this is a 500 pg book, to me it reads very fast. I think this is accomplished by not spending extraneous time on repetitive day-to-day descriptions of the main characters' lives. The focus stays on the crucial scenes to the storyline. I think this gives a good sense of how the characters (as they are immortal) experience years as if they were days. The action-packed pacing made me not want to put it down! The writing throughout is beautiful and poignant, yet very easy to follow. I found the world to be very unique and lushly described. I actually really enjoyed the love triangle (which I usually don't enjoy reading).
I will say the one concession I have is that this book does not pass the Bechdel test, as Xingyi's one real female friendship does not have a lot of depth, and often they are just gossiping about Xingyi's love interests... I think there might be one very brief, barely conversation where they kind of discuss their families.
I will say this book wraps up fairly nicely, and since this is a duology I am curious where the second book will go... but I am excited to read it!
Even though this is a 500 pg book, to me it reads very fast. I think this is accomplished by not spending extraneous time on repetitive day-to-day descriptions of the main characters' lives. The focus stays on the crucial scenes to the storyline. I think this gives a good sense of how the characters (as they are immortal) experience years as if they were days. The action-packed pacing made me not want to put it down! The writing throughout is beautiful and poignant, yet very easy to follow. I found the world to be very unique and lushly described. I actually really enjoyed the love triangle (which I usually don't enjoy reading).
I will say the one concession I have is that this book does not pass the Bechdel test, as Xingyi's one real female friendship does not have a lot of depth, and often they are just gossiping about Xingyi's love interests... I think there might be one very brief, barely conversation where they kind of discuss their families.
I will say this book wraps up fairly nicely, and since this is a duology I am curious where the second book will go... but I am excited to read it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Violence, Blood, and War
Moderate: Death, Kidnapping, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexism, Vomit, and Sexual harassment
booksthatburn's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
The worldbuilding unfolds slowly, with early mentions of the various kingdoms supplemented later on by more detailed descriptions once Xingyin actually travels there. The descriptions are evocative but not overwhelming, tending to focus more on her thoughts about what she observes. There’s a strong focus on Xingyin’s internal life, as her relationships get more complicated but she’s still keeping her parentage a secret. She’s the daughter of the moon goddess, having grown up in secret since her mother was exiled to the moon after claiming the immortality meant for her husband, Xingyin’s father.
I like the first third and I love the second half, in between those sections the pacing gets a little weird though it’s still pretty good. Mid-book events which in some other story might be a training montage instead are collapsed into a very brief mention as several years are skipped at once. Xingyin ends up in the Celestial palace, surrounded by people who despise her for her class and who would detest her if they knew who her mother really was. After spending several years as the prince’s companion, she tries to make her own way by excelling at arms, becoming a formidable archer. Her goal is to earn a favor from the emperor in order to request her mother’s freedom.
Once place where this excels is in relationships, specifically the way that Xingyin’s relationships with Prince Liwei and Captain Wenzhi change over time. It is a love triangle, but one which at each stage feels like there are good reasons for the choices Xingyin is making. She proceeds as well as she can while figuring out who she wants, if anyone. I love the ending, it pulls things together in a fantastic way and lays the ground for what the sequel might cover while still letting this first book feel complete.
I like the first third and I love the second half, in between those sections the pacing gets a little weird though it’s still pretty good. Mid-book events which in some other story might be a training montage instead are collapsed into a very brief mention as several years are skipped at once. Xingyin ends up in the Celestial palace, surrounded by people who despise her for her class and who would detest her if they knew who her mother really was. After spending several years as the prince’s companion, she tries to make her own way by excelling at arms, becoming a formidable archer. Her goal is to earn a favor from the emperor in order to request her mother’s freedom.
Once place where this excels is in relationships, specifically the way that Xingyin’s relationships with Prince Liwei and Captain Wenzhi change over time. It is a love triangle, but one which at each stage feels like there are good reasons for the choices Xingyin is making. She proceeds as well as she can while figuring out who she wants, if anyone. I love the ending, it pulls things together in a fantastic way and lays the ground for what the sequel might cover while still letting this first book feel complete.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Confinement, Death, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Gore, Infidelity, Sexual assault, Torture, Vomit, Grief, Alcohol, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexism, Sexual content, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, and Sexual harassment
ccouey's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Confinement, Death, Sexual assault, Torture, Violence, and Vomit
rnbhargava's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
This book is a very fun and emotional adventure. My biggest gripe with the book is that the protagonist has the most abundant plot armor around, even in situations that should be seriously harming toward her. Minor quibble I guess for essentially a chosen one type fantasy action adventure.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Body shaming, Bullying, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Vomit, Grief, Medical trauma, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
There is violence throughout this story but the characters are immortals so that can undercut some of the tension a tiny bit. The author specifically has to write in that something is limiting their natural resilience but then there are healing magics to help characters recover. It leads to more emotional tension when paired with the action. I quite liked this novel and will read the follow up. That said the protagonist’s plot armor is abundant and strong. If that bothers you perhaps stay away. It’s a fun mythological adventure otherwisekbairbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was a whirlwind. A wild ride. I listened to this as an audiobook at the same time that I read it in physical and I noted some… changes. I don’t know if the audiobook narrator was given an unfinished copy of this book to narrate or what but my copy did not have ableist language that hers did. I’m grateful mine didn’t but at the same time it was rather disconcerting to hear these ableist and noticeably different sentences than what I had in front of my eyes. Story wise I enjoyed it. It was really interesting seeing the growth and years pass for the main character and the traitor was not who I expected. There was a lot of romantic back and forth and a lot of angst. Nearing the end there was so much going on I was confused about the storyline. It felt like the author was throwing shit in there just for the sake of adding trials but when it all added up I totally understood. Also this author is very good at making villains and Liwei is such a cinnamon roll!! Excited for book two
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Torture, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Minor: Ableism