Daughter of the Moon Goddess: A Novel

Content warnings: girl-on-girl hateRep: secret identities, Chinese mythology, friends-ish to lovers, lovers to enemies, love triangle, forbidden love, Mother/Daughter love/bondThoughtsNeutral thoughts:The writing: In the very beginning of the book, the writing starts off very simple & I didn’t mind that cause I think that it helps represent how Xingyin is in the very beginning of the story. And while it still stays pretty simple, I still thought that it was good & just needed some work with the pacing. But because this is a debut, I am more forgiving when it comes to pacing or more simpler writing.Xingyin: I liked her overall. I though that she was VERY naive in the beginning, and still through the events of the book, but I think that reflects the pureness of her ideals and her unwavering loyalty and her morals. She was just trying her best in order to set her mother free & finding herself and herself worth in the process & I could admire that about her.This honestly is a SOLID debut & I highly recommend! I am not entirely sure where the second book in this duology is going to cover, but I am excited nonetheless!Pros:I really liked the lore in this one and how the Gods and Goddess were actual figures in this world, not just beings that were written about in ancient texts and stories that are told in the present timeline. How the Moon Goddess did things & how they were represented in our mortal world.Some of the lines in this were absolutely beautiful. Like I literally had to stop and take the lines in & just are at them for a second.The chapters in this were short & I honestly was flying thru this book like no other. One second I was on page 56, and the next things I knew I was on page 210 without even realizing it. So while the pacing was a little off in some instances, I was still flying thru the pages.I also liked seeing the Mother/Daughter bond in this. I also have a strong relationship with my mom & it was really nice seeing the love that these two had for each other & seeing all of the sacrifices and actions that they did for one another because of the love that they had.Gripes:As I sit here and write this review I can’t think of any PRESSING issues (aside from the pacing) & the only thing I wasn’t a fan of for the most part was the love triangle that bloomed in this. And while it wasn't THAT bad, it is still a triangle nonetheless & I am NOT a fan of them.The romance(s):There is a love triangle in this 🙈 I know for this is a “buzz word” but for me it is not one at all. And while there is an inkling who Xingyin will be with at the very end of this duology based off what happened at the end of the book, I can see there being a “will they won’t they” and Xingyin going between Liwei and a certain General 😉(if you wanna know his name, by all means look at the spoiler (view spoiler)) in the next book. And while that ANNOYS me, I am hopeful for my boy Liwei 😭Xingyin & Liwei: I REALLY liked them. Could they be described as insta-lovey? Perhaps. But I still liked them. First and foremost they saw themselves as friends, as two people who felt like they were lacking in themselves and the positions/roles that were forced into & just wanted a friend that they could lean on. And that is what I liked about them. It was not an instant physical attraction that they had for one another, it was an emotional bond that they formed first before looks came in to the equation. But lemme tell you, this gets angsty real fast 😹🙈 There is some heartache and some circumstances that separate these two from one another, but they may or may not reform their relationship at the end of the book… AND ALL I CAN SAY IS THAT I BETTER SEE A MARRIAGE CEREMONY AT THE END OF BOOK 2For those who don’t know, Liwei is the Prince of the Celestial Kingdom. I REALLY liked him 😹 HE WAS SUCH A CINNAMON ROLL 🥺 While he did kind of get on my nerves on some things, he was also just trying to do his best & having to make choices that he didn’t want to make, but he had to. But he thankfully pull his head out of his butt towards the end of the story & I was swooning all over again.Xingyin & the other guy 😹: While I understood the blooming of their friendship/relationship, (I even kind of rooted for them at one point) I just do not support them. (When you read the book you’ll know why). But I can totally see people falling in love with him and their relationship.

Overall, I think the book is really great. I love the characters and the whole plot line. I think the book is very cleverly thought out, and unique to other books in the fantasy genre. I have no complaints and I think it’s a genuinely great book, other than it’s quite a slow moving story.In some aspects I enjoy it because I like the world building and I love to be able to imagine everything the characters are up to, and the places they go, but some parts of the story were just on the cusp of boring at times.I think there was definitely parts where it could’ve been cut back on and some other parts that really could’ve been extended.Although,I do understand why there’s a slowness and ultimately, I feel like it provided an ethereal feel that I feel would accompany a moon goddess.One interesting thing about this book is it doesn’t leave on a cliffhanger, so I could see the story moving in lots of different directions, or really just being a standalone, but I am looking forward to reading book two.I would say it’s definitely worth the read!

Really enjoyed the world building and new to me fantasy characters in this book. Super vivid and beautiful writing. There were parts that the story did lag a little and felt almost as if there were a few stories inside of a larger one but overall a good read. Will for sure read the sequel.

I love the way this writer develops the characters. The style is easy to read with so much intent on helping the reader visualize the settings, clothing, food, training, magic, and more. The storyline keeps you engaged and trying to guess what happens next. You know there has to be a way.... don't give up! The main characters are so entwined, it's just like unraveling knotted yarn. There was a lot of action and a lot of personal growth in the main character, helping to make it more believable. I am excited to start the next book.

Lush, lyrical style writing yet plenty of action and descriptions are perfect- not overdone, as can sometimes happen with this style of writing. Truly enjoyed practically inhaling this book as I found myself really caring about the characters. My only regret is I didn't read this sooner, though I was able to purchase the sequel immediately following reading the first! Highly recommended for those who love beautiful descriptions and settings with their action, romance and even a bit of humor sprinkled throughout. Gorgeous fantasy book and an author to continue to follow.

Honestly, this book is so good. It is one of the books I read very slowly, just in order to make it last a little bit longer.We follow Xingyin's flight from her mother's the Moon Goddesses' home when her existence is discovered and we follow her as she starts to make her own way in the Celestial Kingdom, hiding the truth of who she is from every one.We follow her as she makes her way through the treacherous grounds of the Celestial Palace with its never ending intrigues, antics, and resentments.She meets two dashing young men and eventually sets out onto adventures within the Celectial Realm to redeem her mother and get things sorted for her family.Based on Chinese mythology this book is so well crafted and brings in also martial arts.On a more personal level, this novel read to me like the perfect blend between Ashes of Love and Pride Prejudice for YA readers.And dare I mention it, there might even be dragons in the story, and hopefully more of them in the second book.For a debut novel, I think this book is very well written. The language is lyrical, beautifully flowing throughout and I loved it just for this, apart from having an awesome female main character who grows so much through this story and comes into her own and the world and the other characters we discover more and more about as the story progresses.This review refers to an eARC I received via Netgalley from the publisher in return for an honest review.

I was very happy to be sent the audiobook of The Daughter of the Moon Goddess, I listened as I read the physical book and became hooked very quickly. This book is beautifully written and has a story that flows with characters who tug at your heart strings. Xingyin is the daughter of moon goddess brought up by her mum not knowing her heritage or the reason why her mum lights up the moon with lanterns every evening.Xingyin embarks on a journey of discovery learning all the tales she had as a child were in fact true and her eyes opened to a new world. She encounters bullying and mistreatment, but also the draw and excitement of love.Crown Prince Liewi, General Wenzhi, Minister Wu along with the Empress of the Celestial Kingdom all people who will step in her way.An adorable easy to read fantasy story that is action packed with all the sprinkles of anticipation and intrigue.  A must read for all fantasy lovers and a brilliant entry level fantasy for those who want to try fantasy genre for first time.A pleasure to give both the book and audiobook 5 stars.  The audiobook brought the story alive, a solo narrator who used a wide range of voices to present the story well. I really enjoyedy journey with Sue Lynn Tan.#Netgalley #DaughterOfTheMoonGoddess #Books2022 #NewIn2022 #BookReviews

‘Daughter of the Moon Goddess’ by Sue Lynn Tan is a rich fantasy, the first in the author’s Celestial Kingdoms Duology. It is inspired by ancient Chinese mythology and the legend of Chang'e, the Moon Goddess.Xingyin is the daughter of the Moon Goddess raised in secret by her mother, Chang'e, to avoid the wrath of the Celestial Emperor. When the Celestial Empress makes a surprise visit due to the detection of an unexpected energy in the Moon, it appears that Xingyin is developing her own powers. She has to flee her home and vows to find a way to free her mother.Xingyin becomes an attendant to Lady Meiling of the Golden Lotus Mansion and initially sees no opportunity to develop her powers. Then she accidentally meets the Crown Prince, who is seeking among the noble houses for a companion to train with him. Despite her current situation Xingyin is determined to win this position. No further details to avoid spoilers though I will confirm that the pages are bursting with adventures, quests, battles, romance and betrayal.The author describes her debut novel as a crossover between Adult and older YA. I would agree with her. With respect to the romantic elements there is a sweetness and charm, as well as a great deal of angst and longing.Overall, I enjoyed ‘Daughter of the Moon Goddess’ very much. Sue Lynn Tan’s writing is lyrical and highly descriptive. I felt completely transported to a mythical land of immortal celestial beings, clouds used as a means of transportation, demons and dragons.After this wonderful experience I am counting the days until the November release of the conclusion,‘Heart of the Sun Warrior’.4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

We watch a lot of Asian costume dramas. So was looking forward to this. Unfortunately it is too predictable. Nothing new. like a fan fiction / idol web drama. If you are new to Chinese/Korean/Japanese costume or anime dramas you’ll probably love it. If you are familiar with the genre it’s really just more of the same. Never felt like the heroine was in danger. Lots of telling you it’s dangerous, without any real tension. Stopped reading 3/4 of the way through. Read more

I read this is one sitting.I thought to begin with it skipped quite alot but by chapter 8 it had levelled out .The world and character building was imaginative and detailed.I figured out one of the twists , other wise it would have been a 5 star review. Non the less it was beautiful and learnt another Chinese mytical story. Can't wait to read the next one.