A review by macgbooks
Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan

adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

REVIEW (scroll for a spoiler filled overview if you want) 
Daughter of the Moon Goddess is a book I wanted to read for some time now. The book is a retelling of Chinese mythology, with a sprinkling of romance. The story primarily follows the story of Xingyin and her journey from isolated girl to honored warrior. Chinese mythology is not something I am well versed in, but the premise is fascinating and the book was captivating. 

I do think there are some pacing issues within the book. The world building feels rushed at some points, almost like a training montage in a classic 90s/00s movie. While I understand if time was dedicated to every battle and every story the book would have been loooonggggg it felt like there were moments when the story was overly rushed. For example key battles are resolved in seconds rather than given the time to crescendo and fall. 

Another drawback for me was Xingyins perception of herself. While she is humble, especially in terms of men,  she acts in such a way that it seems as if she doesn’t play a key role in others lives. I understand she is keeping a secret from everyone, but there are times when she is so incredibly daft it’s hard to believe she is such an incredible warrior. 

Overall I really enjoyed the book and fully intend on reading the next in the series. 

OVERVIEW 
Daughter of the moon goddess closely follows the journey of Xingyin, daughter of the moon and 
mortal archer Houyi
. The story begins with heralding the isolation of Xingyin, her mother, and their attendant on the moon. The descriptions are luminous and illustrative, covering not only the stunning backdrop of the moon, but also the internal turmoil of the characters in isolation. We see their longing and deepest desires. 

However, everything is not as it seems on the idyllic moon. The tranquility of the beginning chapters is quickly broken when Xingyin
first reaches for her magic, described as floating light in her minds eye.
It is after this grave error Xingyin learns of her mother’s true reality and her hidden existence on the moon. In a bid to save everyone, Xingyin flees the moon to the immortal realm. 

Xingyin finds herself in the Celestial Kingdom, isolated and alone. She brings work as an attendant to an aristocratic, where she is treated badly by both her master and her fellow attendants. After one such episode, she goes to the river to clean a damaged garment when she is discovered by
Crown Prince Liwei.
He invites her to compete in a competition to become his companion at the Jade palace, which she eventually wins. 

Once in the Jade Palace, she is instructed alongside the young prince in all subjects, including war. She is particularly adept at archery, impressing both the prince and many instructors. For nearly two years she trains, until joining the Celestial Army as an archer. 

In the coming years she goes on various missions and defeats various monsters under the command on Captain Wenzhi.
In one such harrowing mission, she saves the crown prince and his betrothed the Phoenix Princess.
After this she is granted a favor by the Celestial Emperor. She begs for her mother’s freedom from the moon.  The Celestial emperor grants her request, but only if she manages to collect the pearls of the four imprisoned dragons. 

Xingyin departs with Liwei and Wenzhi in search of the dragons, but not everything is as it seems.
The dragons explain that their pearls are their power, and whoever holds them has control of the dragons. Xingyin is gifted the pearls, and is immediately betrayed. She is captured by the Demon Realm and held prisoner until she manages to escape. In order to protect the dragons, Xingyin returns the dragons their power that is trapped within the pearl.
While this deeply angers the Celestial Emperor, he uphold his bargain and releases Xingyin’s mother from her isolation on the moon. In the end, Xingyin returns home to her mother. 
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