I honestly have very mixed feelings about this series as a whole. I absolutely love Tan's writing; it's beautiful and luscious and completely deserving of the artwork on the covers. However, the plot is a bit wishy washy in both books and I just didn't like book two as a whole.

Moving on to this book in particular - I loved the artwork throughout the book! Even the small black and white images on my e-ARC were amazing, but I'm sure the art in the finished copies will be absolutely stunning! I'm considering buying a physical copy just so l can stare at it more and in more vivid detail.

I also really enjoyed the stories themselves! My previous issues with plot don't really apply since these stories are so short, so I didn't have any major qualms about this collection as a whole. My favorite stories were from the POVs of Liwei and Shuxiao (my faves ). I also enjoyed the first section, which retells the story of Chang'e becoming the Moon Goddess.

I didn't really enjoy Wenzhi's stories, but this is mostly due to my personal issues with him and not Tan's writing. I normally roll my eyes every time he speaks, but I will admit he's very pretty.

Overall - I recommend to anyone who enjoyed this series! It's a perfect companion novella/story collection and I hope more authors do this in the future.

I really enjoyed this addition the the duology. We get to see scenes from other peoples perspectives and see what they might have been feeling at certain times. We get stories that happen before, during, and after the duology took place. If you enjoyed the Celestial Kingdom books you will definitely love this book. I would highly recommend this to anyone who has read the series.

Sue Lynn Tan did it again! Daughter of the Moon Goddess and Heart of the Sun Warrior are my favorite reads of last year so I might be a little bit biased. This book is a collection of stories from before, during, and after the original duology timeline. I was so happy to be back in this world and didn’t realize how much I missed the story and all its characters!!! If there is anything I could criticize, it would be that it is not long enough. What I would give for a spin-off series! The writing, the story, the characters … it's all gorgeous and I enjoyed reading it so much! I appreciated how each story gave me a little more background and meaning behind some of the events mentioned in the main series. Overall, love it!

Sue Lynn Tan takes us back to the Celestial Kingdom. This is basically a series of shorts separated into three parts. Those that take place before Daughter of the Moon Goddess (from the perspectives of our heroine's parents). Then those during our duology (from Liwei, Wenzhi, and Shuxiao's perspectives). The third and final part looks at events after Heart of the Sun Warrior (from Wenzhi and our heroine's POVs). I loved getting to revisit these characters and this world. It was nice to see more of Xingyin's parent's love story and the events that transpired that set our tale into motion. And of course, what I really came for, a conclusion to our epic love story unfolding on the page, not just vaguely in my mind, after the allusion to it at the end of Heart of the Sun Warrior. And I was not disappointed.

P.S. That Shuxiao scene is a tease. And if Tan ever wants to revisit this world again, I want to hear more about her and this Cloud Wall warrior.

In this collection of short stories from the Celestial Kingdom universe, readers will get a sneak peak into the minds of other characters as well as a new epilogue chapter for the duology. The book takes place in the same dreamy period setting with all of our favorite characters. The writing was easy to read, with the stories being split into three parts - with one taking place before, during and after the duology’s events.

If you are into plot and intrigue, I would not recommend this to you. This collection of short stories focuses on the feelings and perspectives of the other characters throughout the story line of the original duology. It is very low stakes as there are plot points - especially since you know how most of it ends (if you have already finished the duology).

I enjoyed revisiting the characters and getting to know their stories a little bit more and how relationships progressed from their perspective. I loved this new ending we get to the duology and thought this was a unique way to expand the readers experience. I would recommend this if you just really loved the world or are looking for a more cozy fantasy read.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperVoyager for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

I was very curious to how this book would be, and of course Sue Lynn Tan delivered. If you are a fan of the duology then you will definitely enjoy this. These stories actually elevated the story that we know. Which will a collection of tales this is usually not the case so I was presently surprised.

Thank you very much to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

These stories were a gorgeous addition to the duology we all know and love. Sue Lynn Tan’s writing is rich and full of life, and the world just drips off every page.

An easy 5 star read that I sped through! The conclusion I needed to the Celestial Kingdom…I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH. Sue Lynn Tan is masterful at threading her words into something magical and poetic. She’s one of my top auto-buy authors. Her lyrical writing immediately transported me back to the world of DOTMG. Sue Lynn’s writing is the epitome of book escapism, I just feel myself healed and soothed falling into her writing and becoming completely immersed in the fictional world.

This book is a series of short stories from different timelines: 3 prologues before Daughter of the Moon Goddess, 3 stories that happen during DOTMG, and 3 stories that tell about what happened after Heart of the Sun Warrior ended. They’re told from different POVs than Xingyin which I found refreshing and interesting to learn the different voices. Wenzhi’s POV had me kicking my feet and giggling and I loved getting to know all the characters a bit more.

I adored the duology to pieces but I felt the ending to HOTSW a bit too bittersweet as I wanted to actually see Xingyin get her happy ending :’) Tales of the Celestial Kingdom more than delivered and completely satisfied that last itch. I finally felt ready to say a peaceful good bye to the Celestial Kingdom after finishing book 2.5. I shed happy tears at the end, I love the writing so much. I actually had to spend a couple days after finishing the book to ponder fondly over the story and mull over some highlighted quotes. My heart is so full 🥹 I definitely want to do a reread of the duology now to trace all the short stories in Tales of the Celestial Kingdom. I can’t wait to get my physical copy of this book. All the covers for Sue Lynn’s book are drop dead gorgeous 😍

Thank you so much Sue Lynn Tan for writing and releasing this gem! I can’t wait to read your next books!!! And thank you NetGalley for sending me an ARC to read and review!

In Tales of the Celestial Kingdom I love the idea of continuation of stories, prequels, and the characters we love. It's an easy choice for fans of the series and Sue Lynn Tan. With beautiful illustrations from Kelly Chong, this feels like a piece of art. It takes an already gorgeous, detailed, and vivid world and creates more colors and angles. We can see the characters we know, and the ones we want to know more about, bloom in front of our eyes.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I’ve been in love with these books ever since Daughter of the Moon Goddess came out. I was so excited when I got approved for an earc of Tales of the Celestial Kingdom and I loved the short stories that are included in it. Sue Lynn Tan is one of my favorite authors because of the beautiful way that she writes. It is like a melody honestly. This novella was just wait I needed after finishing Heart of the Sun Warrior. Also the artwork that is included in it….. STUNNING
Thank you to Netgalley, Harper Voyager and Avon Books for sending me this earc!

I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley for review. My opinions are my own.

5/5 stars

I had requested this book so long ago that I had forgotten that I requested it! Imagine my surprise when it popped up in my email inbox that I had been approved. I literally SQUEALED with delight. The “Celestial Kingdom” duology had wrecked me in the best way possible and I have been figuratively (maybe literally) dying for answers.

This book delivers, friends.

A bit of warning. You may not enjoy this if you haven’t read the “Daughter of the Moon Goddess” or “Heart of the Sun Warrior.” The stories and characters probably can read as standalone stories, but they may not punch you in the gut the same.

All this to say… buy all 3. These books are amazing.

Thank you @netgalley for the ARC 💙

Firstly, if you haven't read the original duology (Daughter of the Moon Goddess and Heart of the Sun Warrior) you absolutely should because it's my favorite duology. I love reading about any and all mythology and this duology was my first foray into Chinese mythology. Sue Lynn Tan's writing style made me absolutely fall in love with it.

This was a very cute follow up to the original stories. Sue Lynn Tan takes parts of the original duology and expands on them in these short stories. I LOVED getting different characters POVs. I was so excited to see that we got a little mini story from Shuxiao because she's the actual best.

This was adorable and if you loved the original duology, it's definitely worth a read. Thanks to @netgalley, @avonbooks, and @harpervoyagerus for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

I loved being able to see the past and the future for Liwei, Wenzhi, Xingyin, and the others unfurl. I missed the world Tan had created and the celestials in it. I am glad to see the love, loss, and motivations all woven together to make the events of Daughter of the Moon Goddess and Heart of the Sun Warrior all the more impactful. Most of all, I was happy to see two of my favorite characters get their happy ending.
Also the images in this book were amazing! I am honored to have been able to read this ARCH copy!

As the adage goes, "Never trust a book by its cover" but it has never been more wrong than with the Celestial Kingdom series. I am so happy to be back in the Celestial Kingdom with this collection of short stories. If you, like me, finished the Heart of the Sun Warrior and just wanted more, this collection is for us. It also includes beautiful scene illustrations, which was a happy surprise to me and I can't wait for when my pre-order arrives!

Officially a huge fan of this author. There are a few authors that I love so much that I can purchase their books w/o ever having to read the synopsis. Sue Lynn Tan has officially been added to that list.

I’ve read the first two books of the series and this book made them so much better. It’s a prequel and gives a gave me a better understanding and appreciation for this series, I experienced all the emotions while reading and hoping we get more from the series. I’d say this is one of the top series I’ve read in the past few years.

A sweet return to the Celestial Kingdom. Apart from the last two stories which form an epilogue for the duology, I feel the collection focuses more on revisiting key moments for the joy of reliving them rather than exploring new facets of the world. They’re very much about in-betweens, and addressing lingering imaginations of what-might-have-been for Xingyin and her companions during their adventures. I would’ve loved to see an expansion of the world in place of the alternate perspectives (which are mostly key characters saying, “Does Xingyin love me, does she not”) but the stories are sure to bring a smile to everyone wanting a few more moments in the Celestial Kingdom.

I love the interior illustrations. A very nice addition.

I also appreciate the author’s guide to spoilers/when it’s appropriate to reach each short story while reading the main duology. I’ve included it for reference below, since it’s buried in the Author’s Note at the back of the book:

“As there are spoilers for the duology within the compilation, I wanted to share a little about the arrangement of these stories. The three tales in “Dusk” are reimaginings of the original legend that inspired the books, a prequel in a way, reinterpreting the myth in the world of the Celestial Kingdom—and these can be read without prior knowledge of the duology. The first two stories in “Twilight” explore blossoming relationships in Daughter of the Moon Goddess, expanding upon moments as the ginseng root that was gifted to the Celestial Empress, and the monster recounted by Xingyin upon her return to the Jade Palace as the First Archer. While the remaining stories, including those in “Dawn,” would ideally be read after Heart of the Sun Warrior as they contain spoilers.”

"Only once we understand who we were, and what we are now, can we claim our future."

Thank you NetGalley and the author for granting me access to a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I’m so grateful for many reasons, but the biggest always being how much I adore Xingyin.

I was absolutely positive at the end of Heart of the Sun Warrior that I didn’t have a favorite, that I wasn’t sure who I wanted her to choose. It’s something you figure out when that choice is finally made, and I’m so glad Sue Lynn Tan hasn’t kept us waiting any longer for Xingyin’s choice. It’s exactly what I wanted for her, exactly what she needed, exactly what she was probably working towards in the now three installments of her story. I’m so grateful for an ending that is truly just another beginning. The epilogue I would have done anything for, and received. Again, I say, I am so grateful for these stories.

Because this isn’t just the end we’d been waiting for. It was an alternate twist to the myth these books revolve around, one that I found just as compelling and exciting as the first. Heart wrenching, and yet beautiful for its truth. Because decisions, no matter their outcome, should never be taken lightly and that was so extremely present in these words. I was so proud of the way Chnag'e was brave even while condemned, and how she took her punishment without argument. In any circumstance, I believe she would have done the same thing, because she knew how much she hurt the one she loved.

I loved the behind-the-scenes-esque part two, and I loved seeing Liwei and Wenzhi again. Though maybe, especially, Liwei. He’s grown so much since we first met him, and it only made me more proud. This was the ending you hope and wish for an author to give you. A gift. I’m so blessed I got to read this one early, and I hope you all grab your copies on February 6 so you can feel a tiny bit of this joy as well.

The Celestial Kingdom duology is among my favorite reads of all time, and in this book, Sue Lynn Tan took me right back. I love her writing style, it's so descriptive and draws me right in. Such a great read.

I absolutely loved the Celestial Kingdom Duology (and I would highly recommend reading the duology before this). The covers and illustrations are beautiful. Sue Lynn Tan’s writing style is just perfection. She achieved diving back into the world and giving her fans exactly what they needed. My personal favorite is the Dawn section. I also loved getting more insight from reading side characters pov.

Thank you netgalley an Harper voyager for this arc.

Sue Lynn Tan takes you back to the most beautiful place, The Celestial Kingdom. These wonderful stories were beautifully written and I loved every second of them. I will say if you haven’t read the previous 2 books before this you may want to, as there maybe spoilers for you. I didn’t realize how much i missed all the characters and was so happy you read this book. If you want read a beautifully well written novella this book is for you! I adore Sue Lyn Tan and cant wait for more.