Book Review: Daughter of the Moon Goddess - Sue Lynn Tan (2022)

Title: The Daughter of the Moon Goddess

Author: Sue Lynn Tan

Series: The Celestial Kingdom #1

Date of published: 11 January 2022

Number of pages: 512 pages

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.

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.

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.

***

So, The Daughter of the Moon Goddes is one of recommendations for my 12 book challenge. I was intrigued to read it because of its beautiful cover. I swear, Kuri Huang as the illustrator has done a really good job for that. So far, I could say thay I enjoy this book, even though in the end, I wonder why it needs a second book for it.

The Story

Xingyin is the daughter of the Moon Goddess. Her existence is unknown since his mother, Chang'e has to hide her since she was born. In this universe, Chang'e has been punished because she drank the elixir which enable her to be immortal. This fact has enraged the Celestial Kingdom. It became worse as her husband also slayed the sun bird, which still part of the family from the Celestial Empress. Therefore, when Chang'e realized she no longer can protect his daughter on the moon, Chang'e send Xingyin away to mortal world.

Not knowing anything, Xingyin tried her best to survive. One day, when she worked as a maid for a young lady, she meet a guy who turned out to be the Celestial Crown Prince. His name is Liwei. Then, the story began from there.

Start from Xingyin become the companion for Liwei, her experience as part of the Celestial army, until her fight for love and life.

The Opinion

Well, tbh I love how Sue Lynn Tan divided the story into three parts. Each part in a way told us the significance of Xingyin's life development. At first, I felt that Xingyin and Liwei still underage. Therefore, most of the times their attitude was so childish. I almost throw my phone when read it.

Then, when I just continue to read it, their characters just felt right. They matured so much at the end of the story.

Well, about Xingyin-Liwei-Wenzhi relationship, I did wonder how Xingyin can finally being together with Liwei. Moreover, they don't really have a romantic moments when being together. After Xingyin decided to leave Liwei's side, their intimacy was dropped to zero. When with Wenzhi, their relationship is build cause they are always together. They fought the monsters together and sacrifice for each other.

But to be honest, I didn't really surprised when it was revealed that Wenzhi is actually from the Demon Realm. I know there should be a betrayer at the Celestial Kingdom. There's no way no enemy found. However, there's should be a hidden enemy in the middle of the calmness.

For me, what I love the most from this book is the story. How Sue Lynn Tan knit each of the events and Xingyin's main goal is just make sense and engaging.

Ahh, i just remember about something. So, I also really like the fact that some of teachers and also general at the Celestial Kingdom are woman. The last time I read Chinese-setting-book, there's no way a woman could have that higher status. I'm glad Sue Lynn Tan choose that woman representation on her book.

Maybe, for the second book, it will be more about the conflict between Celestial and Demon Kingdom.

I just realized that Wenzhi still alive and will hold a huge grudge to Celestial Kingdom. Then, even though Xingyin and Liwei's relationship getting better, they still don't have any future yet. So, probably it will be solved in the second book too.

Conclusion

Don't judge a book by its cover? Oh, please. Not gonna lie, the cover of the book is also one of determining factor for me to read a book. Daughter of the Moon Goddess is the proof of it.

4 out 5 stars.

Sincerely,