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Author: Sue Lynn Tan
Pages: 504
Publisher: HarperVoyager
Release Date: 20th January 2022
Blurb from Goodreads:
Growing up on the moon, Xingyin is accustomed to solitude, unaware
that she is being hidden from the feared Celestial Emperor who exiled
her mother for stealing his elixir of immortality. But when Xingyin’s
magic flares and her existence is discovered, she is forced to flee
her home, leaving her mother behind.
Alone, powerless, and
afraid, she makes her way to the Celestial Kingdom, a land of wonder
and secrets. Disguising her identity, she seizes an opportunity to
learn alongside the emperor's son, mastering archery and magic, even
as passion flames between her and the prince.
To save her
mother, Xingyin embarks on a perilous quest, confronting legendary
creatures and vicious enemies across the earth and skies. But when
treachery looms and forbidden magic threatens the kingdom, she must
challenge the ruthless Celestial Emperor for her dream—striking a
dangerous bargain in which she is torn between losing all she loves
or plunging the realm into chaos.
A captivating debut
fantasy inspired by the legend of Chang'e, the Chinese moon goddess,
in which a young woman’s quest to free her mother pits her against
the most powerful immortal in the realm. Daughter of the Moon
Goddess begins an enchanting, romantic duology which weaves
ancient Chinese mythology into a sweeping adventure of immortals and
magic—where love vies with honor, dreams are fraught with betrayal,
and hope emerges triumphant.
Goodreads | Storygraph | Amazon UK | Amazon US | Bookshop
My Review:
*I received an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to Harper Collins UK and NetGalley*
Xingyin is the daughter of the Moon Goddess, and they have lived together on the moon all her life.
One day, Xingyin learns that she has been kept hidden on the moon from the powerful Celestial Emperor who imprisoned Xingyin's mother on the moon for stealing an elixir of immortality.
Xingyin flees from the moon, having to leave her mother and everything she knows behind in order to be safe and for her existence to remain secret.
Alone, Xingyin creates a new identity and will take every opportunity she can to work towards obtaining her mother's freedom, even becoming the prince's learning companion which entitles Xingyin to learn magic as well as how to fight.
Xingyin's time in the Celestial Kingdom is filled with danger at every turn.
Can Xingyin save her mother?
The premise for this book really intrigued me and I was excited to read it, especially as I had seen lots of praise for it.
Xingyin was a likeable and relatable protagonist, and I felt sorry for her having to leave her mother and home behind. It was interesting to read and see her interactions as well as the decisions Xingyin took. I liked the friendships that Xingyin made and how she cared about others but also wasn't afraid to speak her mind.
The setting and concept of the Celestial Kingdom and the different magic were interesting and I liked that they were inspired by Chinese mythology.
The plot was enjoyable and held my attention, but I wasn't gripped and did find the book perhaps a little long. However, I thought the pacing was pretty good overall, and I was interested in what was happening.
The writing style was enjoyable to read and I would definitely consider reading another book by the author.
Overall, this was an enjoyable, unique read.
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