aaaaalexaandra's review against another edition
5.0
este libro está tan bien narrado no había momento en el que podes parar de leer, encima xingyin era la definición de girlboss
gabsalvas's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
4.5
rmatwijkow's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-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
3.75
thecaffeinatedlibrary's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
4.0
mandolina67's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
3.0
I liked this book, but it was a bit slow for my tastes. Still a great story, though.
ktbooksit's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
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? No
5.0
likemonet's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
leahwa's review against another edition
adventurous
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? It's complicated
4.0
katiesallbooked's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.0
nicmedia123's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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
4.5
Review: This lush and beautiful story is based on the legend of Chang’e, the Chinese moon goddess and it is, in my mind, the perfect mythology-based fantasy story. If the trend in fantasy is toward incorporating world mythology, I am ready for more of these stories. The fierce female protagonist reminded me of Shiori from Elizabeth Lim’s Six Crimson Cranes and The Dragon’s Promise – those novels are reimagined versions of The Wild Swans by Hans Christian Andersen or the Brothers Grimm.
Xingyin must flee her home when the Celestial Emperor feels her presence there – her mother has kept her hidden for her safety. She finds herself working as a servant when the son of the Celestial Emperor finds her. She convinces him to allow her to vie to become his companion in study and combat. Xingyin finds herself making bargains to survive, but also to win her mother’s freedom. This is the perfect YA fantasy novel. I compare this to Elizabeth Lim’s duology, but also find it as exceptionally wonderful as adult fantasies based on world mythology by Katherine Arden (The Bear and the Nightingale) and Naomi Novik (Uprooted, Spinning Silver). Xingyin and the prince have a complicated friendship and mutual admiration for each other, and there is a bit of depth added when Xingyin decides to pursue a career in the army where she takes on perilous tasks to free her mother. This, along with the added depth of the backstory of Chang’e, makes this an engaging adventure for all readers. I am already reading her sequel, Heart of the Sun Warrior, because I never want to stop reading this story and living in this world.