Magical. Everything about Daughter of the Moon Goddess was beautiful and captivating. The writing was lush and descriptive, and Sue Lynn Tan has an incredible and unique voice.

Ok so imagine if the Song of the Lioness Quartet was condensed into one book, and then make that book based on Chinese mythology, and that is what we're working with here, friends! Writing this review, I am SHOCKED to see it's the first in a duology. Because, dang, did you see where I said the book was like four books in one? I actually thought this book itself could've been a duology, so I'm really surprised to see there's another one coming. And the ending seemed final enough to me, although it did seem a little abrupt.

As for the book itself - it starts with our main character fleeing her home and her mother in order to save her mother from the vengeful empress. Pretty quickly, she becomes the training companion of the prince and there's some romance (Alanna and the First Adventure). Then, she decides to go Do Army for a little bit and becomes the best archer in the world and starts hunting down some monsters, fighting in battles and whatnot(Hand of the Goddess). And THEN there's some other stuff that happens that I don't want to go into because spoilers. Anyway, to say that a lot happens is putting it pretty mildly, but our main character still gets developed.

That said, this might've worked better as two books and the characters would've had a little more room to breathe. There's a twist involving one of the characters that left me cold because they weren't super developed. The writing is good, but sometimes leaned a little middle grade for me. Otherwise, though, I would generally recommend this to most fantasy readers, especially those interested in different mythologies. Even though it's really long, I can see reluctant readers getting into it. 4 stars - I really liked it!

Can I give a book more than five stars? If so, this is a book that I will be doing exactly that. DAUGHTER OF THE MOON GODDESS by Sue Lynn Tan is a beautifully written, achingly romantic adult fantasy, with pining, a love triangle I am living for, ancient Chinese mythology, and sweeping eternal magic. I couldn't put the book down, and will never stop praising the twists and betrayals. I can't wait for more with Xingyin in the Celestial Kingdom!

2020/2021 are being hard years for everyone, but books like this one can bring some light back to our lives. It's a breathtaking debut novel, so full of details that the reader can picture exactly the same thing the author describes. As a huge fan of Chang'e stories, I was excited with the plot since I first read the synopsis. This book is pure magic and reminded me a LOT of Elizabeth Lim's books, but in a 100% good way.
The story takes place in a few years, but it's not the kind of story that develops quickly and without depth, it's quite the opposite. The author manages to explore a completely new literary universe with exceptional mastery, manages to fit one of the most beautiful legends into a story that involves magic, love, dragons, very bad teas and, above all: loyalty for family. for those who are not a blood family, and yet become beloved kin at our hearts.
One of the things I loved most about Xingyin, our main character, is her courage and her willingness to do anything to free her mother, but never hurting other people and always taking her actions with honor.. Everything it's just so new to her, and watching her develop from an initially fragile drizzle to a warrior woman is beautiful. Not being afraid to do the right thing is one of the things, if not her most admirable quality.
And for those who like a good romance, the subplots are just adorable. Romance isn't such a strong point of the book, since Xingyin has other worries and issues running through her head, but even though it's not one of the main focuses of the book, it's very sweet. Let's say we have 2 guys vying for our heroine's heart, and I can't wait to see what happens in the next book, after all: all is fair in love and war.
This book is heartwarming, heartbreaking and extremely beautiful at the same time, it's one of the most original stories I've read so far this year and I can't wait for y'all to meel Xingyin, Liwei and Wenzhi!
Last but not least, many thanks to Netgalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the opportunity to read this fabulous book!

Daughter of the Moon Goddess was an utterly captivating and magical read. From the start, the prose has a unique feel; as soon as I adjusted I was absolutely entranced by the lush world-building and action-packed plot. I was amazed at how much happened within this novel without any of it feeling rushed or confusing. Xingyin was such a compelling protagonist, and I was so invested in her quest to free her mother and her growth as a character. And I haven’t event mentioned the romance yet! I think this book redefined yearning and angst, and even the love triangle didn’t feel like an overused trope. At so many points throughout the story I thought I could predict where it was going — and then it would twist off in a new way I didn’t see coming. I loved the infusion of ancient Chinese mythology, and thought it was a captivating retelling of the legend of the moon goddess. This book just felt epic in myriad ways: Xingyin felt like a warrior heroine out of myth, the action was the thing of legends, and the emotional and romantic aspects of the story were at times achingly tender, heart-wrenching, and overwhelming beautiful. I can’t wait to see where this duology will lead Xingyin next!

I absolutely adored Daughter of the Moon Goddess. First off, the cover is absolutely vibrant, stunning and whimsical and it tells the story of the book perfectly. I loved that the story was heavily dosed in Chinese Mythology and the author did a beautiful job of making everything come to life. Her writing and descriptions were so vivid and I felt like I was watching the story unfold as if it were a movie. Xingyin was such a badass female lead and I adored reading her journey unfold and watching her discover more and more of who she was. This book is action packed, magical, vivid in world-building and descriptions and will tear at your heartstrings. I think my favorite mythology in this book though was that the Moon Goddess was in control of the moon rising every night and had to light lanterns, the description of this just put such a beautiful and magical image in my head. I cannot wait for book 2!

My first NetGalley ARC and I am obsessed!! In actual agony over the fact that I already can't wait for the second book when the first book hasn't even been released yet

This is a great debut for lovers of mythology and adventure. The places in the story are vibrant and take you to a whole new world.

In this heartfelt and action-packed debut, a Chinese myth is captivated into a beautiful work of art.
This book was simply as stunning as its cover. The jammed-packed story had beautiful imagery, a plentiful enriched history, and a constant moving plot.
I was drawn in by the first few pages and couldn't seem to put it down after that. Everyone needs to try this gorgeous debut from Sue Lynn Tan.

Thank you NetGalley & Harper Voyager for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I had to double-check that this wasn't a YA novel. I was going to use this as an example to myself of why I don't read YA novels anymore. But no, it's adult fiction. Everything is very flat. The prose, the characters, the romance, and the magic system. The prose is very telling and not showing. I never felt the conflict. It doesn't help that it takes a paragraph for Xingyin to conflict.

Thank you so much to NetGalley & Harper Voyager for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was, without a doubt, one of THE BEST debuts I’ve ever read in my entire life.

Daughter of the Moon Goddess surprised me in all of the best ways possible. I shrieked with excitement when I got approved for this ARC. I’ll be honest, this gorgeous cover is what made me interested in this initially. I was not very familiar with the legend of Chang’e, so that only made me more excited to read it.

After finishing, I’m stunned. This is the type of book that makes me want to lower all of the books I rated 5 stars this year to 4. It’s THAT good.

Xingyin is the type of heroine I have been longing to read about for some time now. She’s truly a breath of fresh air, and someone I never wanted to stop reading about. I love her so much.

The writing was beyond lush & magical. Sue Lynn Tan has a gift with words, and it’s very apparent in the way she writes. Every page is more beautiful than the last. The way the story and legends are woven together was just beautiful, even when brutal.

While the ending was not a cliffhanger, I’m absolutely dying with anticipation to go back into this world and be with these characters again. I’m so glad this is not the end!

Everyone go pick this book up on January, 11, 2022!

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.

This book is simply magical and atmospheric.

Xingyin is the daughter of the moon goddess, who was imprisoned on the moon after drinking immortal elixir in an attempt to save her and her baby's life. Xingyin is forced to flee the moon as the empress from the Celestial Kingdom gets a read on her magic. She unintentionally ends up in the Celestial Kingdom and becomes the Prince's study companion. They soon become friends and then something more blooms between them. But when he is promised to another she vows to steel herself against her affection for him and becomes a warrior in an attempt to gain a favor from the emperor to free her mother.

She goes on multiple quests, earning a reputation and becoming close with her General (W because I will botch this name). She soons earn the favor but the emperor and empress are furious with her and set her on one more final, near impossible task. She must get the pearls from the dragons. But she learns these pearls are their essence and whomever has them controls the dragons and can easily use them for evil. She gets kidnapped by W (turns out he's the Prince from the Demon Realm) and he wants to use the pearls to fight the Celestial Kingdom and he wants her as his bride. She manages to escape and warn Prince L (her real love) and they are able to escape and ambush. She frees the dragons, knowing they should not be used by another and returns to the emperor with the empty pearls.

The emperor is forced to release her mother but attacks Xingyin (and she was already weakened by releasing the dragons). Xingyin returns to the moon and tells her mother she is free.

Can't wait for book 2. This book feels kind of like reading the Odyssey but it's better because it's a little more fast paced and we have strong female characters who shirk typical female roles.

Do you like YA books with competent heroines, love triangles, magic, and mythology? Then you'll probably like Daughter of the Moon Goddess. What sets it apart from other recent YA releases is that it is set in China and incorporates many Chinese myths and legends. As readers who are relatively unfamiliar with these myths and legends, the book was a great introduction to these charming stories.

In addition, the love triangle was pretty well done! We generally don't ship the villain and the heroine, but here we were more than a little convinced that Xingyin had a couple of good choices and in some ways was more suited to the third leg of that triangle than the first!

Daughter of the Moon Goddess is a gorgeous retelling of the story of the Chinese moon goddess. Highly recommended for anyone who loves retellings especially since the setting is so rich and the food descriptions are incredible!! My one gripe was that while Xingyin does struggle with some of the challenges in her path she never truly fails at anything so the stakes don't feel very high by the end. It didn't bother me too much since the book was so excellent but might be good to know before reading if that type of storytelling annoys you.

Thank you so much to Harper Voyager for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

A dazzling debut filled with Chinese myth and wonderful storytelling, Daughter of the Moon Goddess will pull you in at page one. Sue Lynn Tan's storytelling is truly out of this world. Following the daughter of the moon goddess, Xingyin, she must flee the comofort of her mother and the only home she's known. No one knows she exists, and in order to find a place for herself in the Celestial kingdom, she must find a way to pardon her mother for drinking an elixir of immortality that was meant for her mortal father.

Xingyin is a fascinating character with so much complexity. Her story and her POV really added to this gorgeous world that Tan created. And while this book is a big one, it'll have you enthralled, loooked for the next page and the next chapter until, suddenly, you're done. Luckily for us, this is a duology! I honestly didn't want this to end, and now I'm waiting for news on an HBO or Netflix adaptation to the series, because when I say this world is beautiful and crafted so visually, I mean it.

Cannot wait for the sequel!!!!

reminds me of elizabeth lim. and i mean that as a compliment !! it's just a little slower paced than i thought it would be

This book is absolutely fantastic. I had a hard time putting it down to get anything done. Can’t wait for the next book!

Since the first time I saw the announcement of this book and later it’s stunning covers, I not only knew that I would read it, I had a very strong feeling that it would become a favorite. And I can now happily confirm that I was right. This is indeed an unforgettable favorite of mine from now.

While I love my YA and adult epic fantasies, mythological retellings as a subgenre will always have a special place in my heart because myths and legends are what I grew up on and how I developed my interest in reading. I also remember reading up on the story of Houyi and Chang’e after finishing another retelling, Burning Roses - so I was immediately intrigued by the premise of this novel. And the author doesn’t disappoint here. She has a flair for beautiful descriptions and even myself, who is not a fan of overly descriptive stuff, was immediately enchanted by the stunning palaces, serene pavilions, the delicious foods and delicate flowers. The author creates the perfect atmosphere for the Celestial Kingdom and I found myself lost in it. The writing is lyrical and poetic when it has to be, but also heart wrenching and emotional and violent when necessary. The pacing throughout the book varies, but matches the tone of the part being narrated, with everything culminating in an intense showdown.

And this gorgeous prose is perfectly complemented by wonderful characters. Xingyin starts off as a happy but naive girl content with her isolated existence until her idyllic life is shattered by some age old truths about her mother. But the arc that the author creates for her is just spectacular. She is devoted to her mother and determined to secure her freedom, and this gives her the conviction to pursue any opportunity available to come closer to her goal. She is also clever, resourceful, honorable and a very genuine person, easily making friends and impressing many others with her candidness. She doesn’t shy away from dangerous assignments, is fearful for her survival but not a coward to give up, and also too loving to punish the ones who betray her trust. I’m just completely in love with her.

Liwei is in someways the typical YA hero I expect in this kind of stories - born in a position of extreme privilege but not seduced by it’s power, a kind hearted person who can’t make himself to become the kind of ruthless ruler his parents expect him to become, one who values friendship borne out of the bonds of his status. But this doesn’t make him any less lovable - the reason why we encounter many guys like this in fiction is because we like them, we want to believe that compassion will triumph over brutality.

The friendship between Xingyan and Liwei is easy like a soft breeze, both finding something in each other, gladly enjoying their companionship while also furthering their education and training. And of course their developing romance across distinctly opposing classes is so full of deep yearning and angst that there were moments I wanted to just cry.

There are also many important side characters, some a bit fleeting and others with more important moments but nonetheless they are all memorable. The Celestial Emperor and his cunningness, the Empress and her unbridled rage, the open hearted Shuxiao who is a great friend to Xingyan, the very popular and powerful warrior Wenzhi, and the dependable General Jianyun - the author creates a plethora of distinct characters with their own backstories and motivations and it’s a joy to get to know them all.

In the end, this was everything I could ask for in a YA fantasy novel - a coming of age story, a strong female protagonist who suffers but perseveres, male protagonist(s) who will charm you with their earnestness and passion, love full of yearning as well as tenderness, some excellent action sequences as well as emotionally powerful moments, maybe some magnificent creatures - and all of this with the backdrop of a daughter’s devotion towards her mother. It’s a beautifully written story and now I will have sky high profile expectations for its sequel.

Daughter of the Moon Goddess is filled with incredible culture, world-building, and characters. This book is fast-paced with plenty of action and character development, which fits well with the immortal nature of the characters. Xingyin's journey is probably one of my favorite character journies of all time, as she navigates politics, love, and earning justice for her mother. The plot is filled with vivid descriptions and near-constant excitement. The plot twist had me gasping aloud! I cannot recommend this book enough, and I urge you to pick it up!

This is a work of art. I loved everything about this book, not only the cover is immaculate but the story itself is gorgeous and the writing made me gasp a few times. I recommend this book with my eyes closed.