I absolutely loved Daughter of a Moon Goddess and I was so excited to be able to read this one too.

The first book was amazing and usually second books don’t quite match the first but this one did not disappoint. Just when you think a book series can’t get any better and then this beautiful book is released.

The world building is fantastic and the plot was amazing, I love that I can still be surprised by plot twists when I least expect them. I really enjoyed reading about mythology in books and this definitely hits the mark.
I loved the love triangle and enjoyed watching how it developed In the second book. The book does have some heartbreak which can definitely be felt in the writing when reading. I love how well it comes across in the book.
I felt this book wrapped up this duology really well and I was happy with the ending.


Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

I really wanted this to be a 5 star read but was left wanting a little bit, though I did really enjoy the ending. Tan's writing feels slightly episodic to me which is why I can't quite give it 5 stars, although I did appreciate the character development in this novel compared to the first, and I think Tan made the right decision about where Xingyin's heart lies! A satisfying duology.

Thank you to publishers and NetGalley for the eARC

Daughter of The Moon Goddess was my favourite read of 2022 and I was highly anticipating this... Heart of The Sun Warrior.

This novel picks up from where DOTMG left off. The twists and turns had me surprised and I loved every minute.
I loved the characters and how they growed with the book.
This world is created so whimsical and with rich description, everything about this book is perfect.
I loved the direction it went in. This duology is by far my favourite, I just loved everything about it.

Absolute 5 star !!

After the first book, I didn't expect such twists in this book!! I loved the first book and when I heard about the second one, I wasn't sure if I read it as I thought the first book had a good ending. However, I'm utterly glad that I gave this book a go and discovered an almost entirely different ending as I imagined.

I can't find a book that combines actions, asian mythology, romance and friendship as perfectly as this book. There were a few epic and brutal moments contained and that made my eyes watered a couple times.
I am especially engaged in the love triangle between Xingyin, Liwei and Wenzhi. I don't like reading love triangles as it irritates me generally, this one was an exception. Although I have mixed feelings about the ending as I like both Liwei and Wenzhi, I'm glad that she chose him💕


I can't recommend this book enough!

I loved Daughter of the Moon Goddess so I was really excited to start this book.
I’m happy to say that it was another 5 star read. Sue Lynn Tans writing is so immersive and the action sequences were perfection in my opinion. Perfect amount of detail without feeling too bogged down with information.
I think the most important part of any series though, is nailing the ending. Sue Lynn Tan has absolutely done this. Although I’m sad the duology is over, it’s wrapped up in a brilliant way, and I hope there’s a possibility of coming back to this world one day. 5/5. Highly recommend.

BOOK REVIEW

A BIG thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins UK for the opportunity to read this arc.

I already owned a copy of Daughter of the Moon Goddess and decided to request a copy of book two so I could read both books back-to-back and I was very glad I did! DotMG was my December book if the month and I was eager to continue the story.

Book two begins where book one ends, Xingyin is home again with her family. She has made enemies as well as friends in her time away and the relative peace of her homecoming is soon shattered. The story is full of action; with mighty warriors, epic battles, magic wielders, some romance for the ages and well-rounded and complex characters. There is also a bucketload of trauma! Tissues are a must!

On the downside, I found the love triangle a touch clichéd. Xingyin started to annoy me with all her toing and froing, indecision and inner turmoil. The ending was quite drawn out as a result, the final battle having concluded several chapters before we finally reach the ending with many years having passed in that time.

The story encompasses legends and traditions touching on many important themes including; being true to yourself under the pressures of long standing traditions, relationships, duty and loyalty to friends, family and country.

Definitely a series worth reading with a third in the offing according to Goodreads. 4/5 ☆

Heart of the Sun Warrior is the perfect ending to the duology that began with Daughter of the Moon Goddess. Though I was hooked by Book 1, it is HotSW that truly caught hold of my heart. I am aware that the romance in this duology might not be for everyone, but I absolutely loved the subversion of trope expectations here. As always, Sue Lynn Tan's writing is lyrically beautiful. I do wish we could have had more of the surrounding characters (I hear there are exclusive editions with additional short stories).

The second I finished this ARC, I ran, raaan, to order my copy. It was a joy to read this book and I look forward to reading more of the author's work.

I should start by saying I didn’t love Daughter of the Moon Goddess so i was cautious to read the conclusion to this story. My opinion was based on the fact the love story, if you call it that, took up too much time and I found Xingyin quite unlikeable and immature and Wenzhi just irritating. Any book with a love triangle automatically triggers me but after Wenzhi’s betrayal in the first instalment I thought/hoped this would be resolved but no, we’re back with the romantic/emotional whiplash and it happens over and over again.

Wenzhi is back and he effectively stalks Xingyin, visiting her home when she doesn’t want him there, flirting when they talk, it’s relentless how he hopes to wear her down and no, that’s not romantic, nor does he have any right to smirk and suggest he deserves a do-over and that his gross actions should be left in the past. The fact he continues to pursue her and get under her skin when she’s vulnerable and trying to save her loved ones made me hate him even more and I don’t like that it was shaped like a good thing. Wenzhi literally betrayed Xingyin for power and the throne - Liwei defies his parents and risks losing everything he has known for Xingyin - I’m sorry but how is this even a question?? The author has clear bias towards Wenzhi so to even call this a triangle is absurd when Liwei gets so little time in this book.

Liwei is honourable even when he has lost so much, even when Xingyin hurts him, with no self interest he is good and unwavering in his love, Wenzhi just goes out if his way to provoke and goad him about his connection with Xingyin, or to flirt with her in front of him. Bizarrely Xingyin says that those who hurt Liwei hurt her too but she doesn’t seem to take issue on how Wenzhi taunts the man she loves, who she recently had to hurt herself, and she has no issue with using him throughout this book with no regard for him. Physically she protects him, emotionally she’s terrible at it, but we never get to see how Liwei feels about being a doormat, a resource, a plan B, a therapist etc for a woman who gives him no nourishment in return. This book is only about what Xingyin wants, her feelings, and the men who trip over her feet.. I’d say I’m team Liwei but Xingyin doesn’t deserve him, I’m team ‘Liwei find yourself an actually mature, kind woman’, she gets that she doesn’t do enough for him but doesn’t do anything to better herself, in fact she has no issue talking to him about the other man she loves and he accepts it (!!) and continuing to take from him what she needs. Xingyin closes herself off to Liwei, not sharing parts of herself with him when he’s a good man and yet gives her vulnerabilities to Wenzhi who literally kidnapped her and risked her family, multiple times she cries on him while not turning to her love, it makes no sense she shows weakness to someone she claims she can’t trust, someone who actually used her trust to hurt her previously. It’s strange, there’s a distance put between Liwei and Xingyin in this book, which isn’t of her doing, and yet she jumps to Wenzhi in his absence without any thought, it’s a strange form of love to replace someone’s support with their rival (and traitor) so easily, with someone who has hurt and betrayed you but apparently can redeem themselves with being nice, you don’t get that she misses Liwei at all and yet we’re meant to believe she still wants him and believe in this love - with no actions to support it. Literally at one point, when something impactful happens to Liwei, Xingyin thinks about comforting him, but guess what, she’s still thinking about Wenzhi so stops herself from reaching out to him. So help me.

It’s an empty romance, it’s an empty love triangle, you’ve got a toxic relationship rooted in previous abuse and lies which are remembered but undervalued by both parties, and the other relationship where emotionally (and physically) one has repeatedly cheated on the other who continues to make sacrifices out of love, also this feels toxic. Xingyin is as ruthless as Wenzhi in many ways in that her feelings and wants matter more, she takes more than she gives, the only selfless thing she does is step away from Liwei and yet even then, it was just to walk to her other man. Ultimately it’s just a young woman playing 2 men against each other, taking from both but giving little of herself in return because she can’t decide and I didn’t find it empowering that she didn’t have to, and yet they’re both infatuated with her and continue to give. It’s also completely skewed towards Wenzhi in terms of interactions, romance and time on the page to the point of eye rolling and BY GOD Liwei needs to find his self respect in putting himself out there so much. I don’t understand how I’m meant to look up to Xingyin or even respect her when she has no regard for a loved one’s feelings, and I don’t like an author’s agenda being so clear on the page. You want a Wenzhi / Xingyin love story? Then don’t include a third wheel, it makes the characters callous and heartless and wastes the readers time.

Meanwhile Wenzhi just grated on me, i don’t consider it redemption if you want something out of it and constantly remind the person you’re helping of what you want. It’s not about healing who you hurt but having them again, it’s self serving (he just wants to convince Xingyin he’s good and worth a second chance) and arrogant (he’s so sure she wants him despite how he’s behaved because of his charm and their connection). Stalking someone isn’t romantic, again like book 1 it shows he struggles with consent. He gets annoyed when he won’t be forgiven or the past forgotten, again another red flag, and for me, the redemption arc is weak, he behaves like he did before he went villainous the first time, but now it’s seen as all heroic and romantic. Friendship would have been a stretch after what he did. And his family being like they are is also weak because Liwei isn’t like that and his family are vile.

It’s the petty peacocking of Wenzhi, Liwei scrabbling for crumbs and having no voice, Xingyin not shutting up about who she wants and what is right and wrong and then flipping, that, for me, makes this book annoying and the romance unnecessary, immature and distracting when the book has so much more going for it. This story had real potential and I hate that it became reduced down to boys, literally so much happens around Xingyin, both good and bad, but ultimately the focus is on which boy to choose,

While I like Liwei, it’s still frustrating we know so little about him and how he feels, he’s not developed in that literally no matter what happens to him, he’s just too damn nice and still tries, you never really get to see what everything is doing to him and the impact of the conflict between his family, obligations and his love for Xingyin, and likewise the love triangle. He’s merely just a side in the triangle, a prop, a tool that Xingyin just uses when she wants and he’s kinda pointless to the plot. All we get from Wenzhi is that he wants Xingyin and a second chance to show that he regrets his behaviour, nothing really exists of either male character but Xingyin, after how awful he was previously I would’ve liked to know Wenzhi’s guilt beyond losing Xingyin, knowing something is wrong beyond it hurting him by taking her away. Only nearer the end do we get a bit more depth to him regarding his family. The only narrative we still have is Xingyin and all her thoughts are really back and forth about her attraction and connection to Wenzhi but not being able to trust him anymore (which you will get A LOT), and her love for Liwei which is just there but not expanded on, it’s just fact stated and that’s that, but it’s not really shown, but that’s pretty much all her thoughts consist of, she makes stupid decisions, she’s still often immature and I still found her unlikeable.. Liwei could easily be a more interesting character as he navigates his goodness around the challenges and obstacles in this book. Likewise Shuxiao has great potential, but just exists on the page, and usually in the background. The Celestial Empress too, her love for her son is goodness amidst some darker thoughts and actions and I’d liked to have understood her better, she’s just sort of one dimensional dastardly. The Moon Goddess herself deserves more time but, again, just exists. Xingyin alone is not deep enough or likeable enough to travel with alone, especially when all she thinks about is boys.

The pacing is slow, up until halfway really I was wondering where the story was heading as it was just kind of idling along, if you take out the irritating romance even less happened. That said the direction becomes clearer once you get to the halfway mark, but still really takes its time getting to the point. Personally I don’t think a 2nd book was needed. Besides resurrecting a character, which is nice enough, I still think the series would have been fine as a stand alone in terms of what this 2nd book adds, which effectively is just rewriting or dismissing what happens in book 1 or creating a new side plot to justify the Xingyin / Wenzhi show. There’s also an unnecessary death, which may boost motivation to defeat the big evil in the book, but nonetheless choosing an incredibly vulnerable character to do it seems incredibly unjust. Why kill such a good character and then resurrect others that don’t need brought back?? Just ugh.

All in all, this just wasn’t for me. To be honest, if I loved Wenzhi as much as the author does, perhaps I would love this book too, but I don’t, and there wasn’t enough around him in the plot or in Xingyin’s narrative to keep this book going for me. I will say the word building was good, as it was in DOTMG, and the cover art seduced me again, but it wasn’t enough for me.

Thanks NetGalley for the copy I’m exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to Harper Collins for providing me with a free e-ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

The first time I started this book, I was very lost. So lost that I considered DNFing it. But instead, I decided to start over, and actually take my time with it. In my opinion, this author’s work is best enjoyed when you slowly work through the book and take the time to appreciate all the details.
I can’t say too much about the plot of this one, as it will spoil the first book. However, I can say that a lot happens in this book. The characters go on a lot of adventures, and through this, we get to see them grow, not only as individuals, but also in their relationships with each other.

I will be honest and say that I don’t think that this book was necessary, and that I personally would have preferred the first book to be a standalone. That being said, there’s no denying that this is a good book. As with the first book, the writing is what really stood out to me – it was lyrical and immersive and the imagery was amazing.

There were times where I felt a bit lost regarding the plot. I think this was because the book moves at quite a fast pace so the characters would go from point A to point B very quickly without much description of how they got there. As with the first book, I wish the magic system in this world was explained a bit better. Magic plays such a big role in the story and yet I don’t feel like I ever fully grasped how it worked.

As you can probably tell, I had a lot of mixed feelings about this one, and it was pretty average for me most of the time. However, the author has no qualms with breaking one’s heart, and the last third of the book definitely had me feeling all types of emotions. Overall, I'm glad I read it. The more I think about it, the more I realize how good it was (although the first one still takes the cake, in my opinion). I can’t wait to read more from this author!

Blurb: After her perilous quest to free her mother, Xingyin thrives once more in the tranquility of her home. But her fragile peace is threatened by the discovery of a strange magic on the moon and the unsettling changes in the Celestial Kingdom as the emperor tightens his grip on power. While Xingyin is determined to keep clear of the rising danger, the discovery of a shocking truth spurs her into a treacherous confrontation.

Forced to flee her home once more, Xingyin and her companions venture to unexplored lands of the Immortal Realm, encountering legendary creatures and shrewd monarchs, beloved friends and bitter adversaries. With alliances shifting quicker than the tides, Xingyin has to overcome past grudges and enmities to forge a new path forward, seeking aid where she never imagined she would. As an unspeakable terror sweeps across the realm, Xingyin must uncover the truth of her heart and claw her way through devastation--to rise against this evil before it destroys everything she holds dear, and the worlds she has grown to love... even if doing so demands the greatest price of all.

Book review: Book review:
I started the series after watching an interview with the author and it was great. The only detail I didn't like from this book was the style at times as if was too prosaic and explanatory, The main character goes back again and again to details of the past that I found overly repeated.
On the other hand, the story was very compelling and the truths were unveiled powerfully. Contrary to other adventures, this one is very much based on events that happen thanks to the main character's integrity, taking away from the spice of the adventure. I loved the discovery of the book's lover by the main character, finally ending the love triangle that had been going on for way too long during the main plot.
Overall the story was compelling and intriguing and the story magical. I liked it less than the first book in the series but overall it went over interesting concepts of loss and love.

In comparison the last book of 2022 was completely different and aven though compelling based on scientific Knowledge instead of myths and legends.

Everyone knows how much I loved Daughter of the Moon Goddess and I was so excited to finish the duology. Following on from the events of the first book, Xingyin once again finds herself in a battle to save not just the Celestial Kingdom, but the entirety of the Immortal Realm.

Sue Lynn Tan’s writing is utterly breath-taking in its beauty – almost poetic in places. I cannot think of another author who has captivated me from the first page to the last in quite the same way.
We’re reunited with familiar characters – Liwei, Wenzhi, Chang’e, Ping’er; and we come to learn more about Xingyin’s father, Houyi. The dragons also make a reappearance, with the introduction of other mythical creatures. But Xingyin will always be my favourite – she is strong and fierce, loyal and determined, but also thoroughly human in her emotions - her internal monologue demonstrating the conflict over difficult decisions she needs to make.

This book deals with death and grief – no spoilers – but my heart was ripped apart (several times). I’m only grateful that I’ve been reading this on an evening and not when I’ve been commuting because I’ll be honest, I properly ugly cried over this book. There were also moments of joy which I also cried over. I’m a crier, what can I say. Fun fact – whenever I watch Disney’s Lion King (the animated version – do not get me started on all the live action remakes), I start crying about 10 minutes in because I know what is coming – it’s ridiculous.

My first read of 2023, and an easy 5 stars. A solid recommendation for anyone who loves Fantasy, Mythology and just generally beautiful books.

This is a lovely sequel to one of my favourite releases of 2022. The plot picks up from Daughter of the Moon Goddess, through many quests, challenges, and battles to resolve this amazing duology. Because of the connections between the plots, I only want to review this in general terms, but I loved how the stories in the Daughter of the Moon Goddess could have ended there but plausibly continue in Heart of the Sun Warrior. The book involves a love triangle and I was personally satisfied with how that, and the other loose ends, were tied up.

For me, the strength of this duology, across both books is that it is episodic and you move quickly from plot point to the next thing. It won't be to everyone's taste but I love the characters, descriptions, and was invested in the outcome. I hope they make it into an animated series. Perfect easy read but compelling adult fantasy. For fans of The Priory of the Orange Tree and Avatar: The Last Airbender.

I loved this series! The love triangle was thrilling and the development of their relationship was excellent. It was an awesome ending and I couldn’t recommend this book enough!

After falling in love with the first installment of this duology, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book and it did not disappoint. Beautifully written just like it's counterpart. A book filled with love, heart break and action. I did think the "final battle" was going to be longer, but the heartbreak that continued left me hooked regardless. It was a refreshing take on a love triangle, and it was wonderful following Xingyin's growth as a character. Loved it!

I enjoyed the first book in this duology so I thought I would instantly like this one and thought it would be as good as the first. Whilst I enjoyed the sequel I felt like it didn't live up to the expectation set by book 1.

Book 1 felt like the story had been completed then we had this where the story felt lacking.

This is not to say I won't read any of her books in the future

Heart of the sun warrior by Sue Lynn Tan

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Thank you to netgalley, harper Collins uk and Sue Lynn Tan for the opportunity to read this book

This book will destroy you... oh how I cried.

No seriously do not read this book unless you want to be an emotional wreck. Sue Lynn Tan truly has a gift with words. To create such emotion, such beautiful characters and places and to somehow fit so much plot into her works.

This book may actually be perfect to me. The romance is amazingly well done alongside the family and friendship dynamics to give you characters you have to root for. The plot weaves together seamlessly and remains well paced despite all the different threads.

This is an easy 5 stars and I am so very glad that it is likely to be my last read of 2022 because what could possibly follow this.

Thank you NetGalley for an e-arc of this book. Firstly, I have to say that I loved Daughter of the Moon Goddess when I read it at the start of this year. So, I started this book with high expectations.

The first 20% of the book was going a little slow, I found it a big harder to concentrate on the new plot and new character additions. After a point, I couldn't put the book down and I cried many times (of sadness and happiness) by the end. Generally, I cannot say that the plot is unique, but it was captivating nonetheless.

The world was one of my favorite aspects of the 1st vol and it continued to impress me here as well. I love the mythological aspects included and I wish there were more books set in the same world. The characters continued to evolve. I loved the interactions (family, friendships), the hard topics discussed - I really appreciated how the romantic aspects were handled as well.

I highly recommend this duology! I will read anything this author writes next! Loved it!

I rather liked Daughter Of The Moon Goddess, the first book in this duology, but part of what I liked about it was quite how well it worked as a self-contained novel. The journey was completed, the last-minute baddie was revealed and the day was saved - our heroine saved and was reunited with her Mum and moved back to the moon to live happily ever after. Except this book exists so we need a new instigating incident, a new bad guy, and perhaps to retcon a big chunk of the original book to make it all work.

Heart Of The Sun Warrior isn't bad, but it does feel like a sequel rather than a natural extension of the original story, or the second part of how this tale was originally conceived. And like many sequels, the heroine has to put away much of her character growth in the first book and learn some of those lessons again. The baddie of the first book is also thrown back into the mix as part of an increasingly implausible love triangle, and all of this has to fit broadly within some of the guidelines of the original myths of the Chinese Moon Goddess.

The good side is that its still a decent adventure story, with daring attacks and feats if godly prowess (though the book does start to get very mixed up with what exactly it means to be an immortal). But it does feel like a sequel that we didn't need, and the ending feels oddly less final and climatic than the one in Daughter Of The Moon Goddess.

@suelynntan has once again blown me away with her absolutely brilliant sequel to the Daughter of The Moon Goddess duology. This book was adventurous, emotional and I loved the characters and the beautiful writing style. The world building was also just fantastic. I highly recommend this duology if you are yet to pick them up. I have the beautiful Fairyloot editions also on the way which I cannot wait for!

I would like to give this book infinity stars I loved it so much!! Just the perfect ending to an epic duology. Everyone needs to read this series!