I love the writing. It feels so lovely and pulls me into the story. If you liked the first, this one is just as good. I loved the romance, the fantasy, the characters were interesting once again. I genuinely adored this duology and would love to read more the of the author's writing.

I'm losing my marbles over this book. I was so excited to receive an ARC and it did not disappoint. Heart of the Sun Warrior is a direct sequel to Daughter of the Moon Goddess and I'll admit that I was a little apprehensive starting this book, the first few chapters were kind of dull to read. Once the story picked up though I had such a fantastic time reading it.

This book has a lot of aspects that I really enjoy when reading fantasy novels. Love triangles, lots of royal court drama, family & friend dynamics, and high stakes battles. The love triangle in this actually is fun to read, unlike many I've read before. The three characters involved have fleshed out personalities and feel unique from each other, which doesn't always happen in books that have love triangles.

The villain in this novel was interesting. He has clear motivations for being a bad dude and goals he's trying to achieve. Honestly though therapy could have probably prevented a lot of his nonsense.

Also the ending?? I don't know how it simultaneously made me so upset and happy but it sure did.

I loved this book. I have many thoughts on it but honestly am having a difficult time putting thoughts into words because all my brain wants me to write is "wow good book." I cannot wait to see what Sue Lynn Tan writes next.

5 stars

Heart of the Sun Warrior is the conclusion to the Daughter of the Moon Goddess duology, a reimagining (more like an extension) of the Chinese myth of Chang’e. The sequel sees heroine Xingyin on a quest to reunite her parents but also to work with her allies to stop a new threat as the story also incorporates the myth of Wu Gang the woodcutter.

While I found the first book to be a page-turner, I admittedly had a hard time getting through this one, most of which was too slow-paced for my liking before plot finally started happening in the last quarter. I also wonder if part of my struggle was that it had been too long since I’d read the DOTMG arc last year, and thus I couldn’t remember some of the character names and story details needed this time around. My experience might have been different if I read the books closer to one another. The novel doesn’t shy away from death and loss, but I unfortunately just found myself not caring as much for the characters as a result despite the stakes. Mostly, I felt a bit tired by the back and forth indecision we see in Xingyin regarding her love interests. I had hoped that the love triangle trope was put to rest after the first novel, but that was not the case.

Ultimately, I loved that Xingyin remains a character with strong principles, with the desire to do the right thing and sacrifice herself (sometimes making seemingly reckless decisions) for the good of others. The segment in which Xingyin meets the goddess of the sun, who is still grieving the loss of her firebirds that Xingyin’s father killed in order to save the mortal realm, was perhaps my favorite part of the book and I thought it was a moment that reflected Xingyin’s courage but also her empathetic spirit. While it wasn’t personally what I wished for, I think the ending was believable too, and reflected consistency in her character, with what we know about her personality and her desires. Fans who enjoyed DOTMG will likely still enjoy reading this to know how it ends, but I felt like the story could stand on its own after the first novel.

*4.5*

The Heart of the Sun Warrior continues the Celestial Kingdom Duology and follows Xingyin as she faces a new threat in the immortal realm. A tyrant is after the seeds of the laurel tree that grows on the moon, which will allow him to raise an army with regenerative powers to take over the realm. With the help of her allies, Xingyin must find a way to stop him and decide what place love will have in her life.

I loved this book! I wasn’t sure where the series was going after the conclusion of the first book, but I really like the direction it went in. There were many epic fantasy elements included in this book that made it feel like a journey as I was reading it. I loved watching Xingyin’s growth throughout the novel. She became such a noble and honest person, almost to a fault. I loved her relationship with her family and how she was willing to do anything to protect them. I loved the ending of this book. At first, I didn’t think things would go my way, but I finished reading this book very content. I think Xingyin made a great decision to help everyone around her be happy. Overall, I loved this book and I loved this series. I really enjoyed reading about Xingyin’s journey and being immersed in this world.

Heart of the Moon Goddess unravels with all the luxurious beauty, soft yearning, and deadly action as Daughter of The Moon Goddess. All while asking the question, what lengths must one go to be forgiven? Can one truly earn back broken trust?

Wenzhi endeavors to find out as he pursues and assist Xingyin. Liwei still holds her heart too, but the question remains, how much of herself is she willing to give up to be by his side? These questions must be answered all while a mad man's plot has destroyed Xingyin peaceful home upon the moon once more. The stakes are higher in the sequel and the consequences far heavier. The themes deeper. How to break the cycle of vengeance without more bloodshed? How to love after betrayal? The answers to those questions surprised and moved me, but I won't spoil it for anyone.

Also; dragons, monsters, bold friends, and adventures from the moon to beneath the sea to the demon court.
I wish I could watch this story on the screen next!
Make sure you visit @suelynntan to see pre-order details for artwork!

I absolutely adored DOTMG and the sequel did not disappoint. Heart of the Sun Warrior was just as good, all the conflicts, the characters and everything is so well written. I just got hooked since I started the book and can now say that this is one of my favorite duologies, I can wait to read more from this author! Thank you net galley for the arc of this amazing book.

How do I find the words to convey the beauty and magnificence of this series? This series completely touched my heart and fully surprised me. I haven't read anything like it before! The pacing is fast and tense, the characters have incredible growth throughout, and the writing is perfection in every way.

Heart of the Sun Warrior did not disappoint. It is a worthy sequel to Daughter of the Moon Goddess, taking the story to new heights. There are greater consequences and plot twists that create lots of tension. The love triangle is so expertly explored in this book as well; I didn't know which way I was leaning for most of the book. But I think my favorite part was the character growth. Each character had their own things to learn: forgiveness, strength, respect, bravery, overcoming grief, unconditional love. I marked so many passages of life lessons to learn from this book.

Without a doubt, this is my favorite fantasy series and one I will return to again. PLEASE read this series! Especially if you love Chinese folklore, dragons, hidden identity, well-done love triangles, enchantments, strong family bonds, monster battles, and exquisite writing.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 5
Character Development: 5
Overall: 5

Thank you, Harper Voyager and NetGalley, for the ARC.

Trigger/Content Warnings: violence, death, kidnapping, kisses

I absolutely adored the first book in this Chinese mythology young adult fantasy duology and I could not wait to dive into the finale!

This book picks up right where the first book Daughter of the Moon Goddess picks off. Each character in these stories are so dynamic and strong, and each character goes through such incredible change as the stories progress. The Celestial Kingdom and this world as a whole is so well thought out and painted beautifully. From dragons and magic to love triangles and family trauma, this fantasy story does such an amazing job retelling the Chinese mythology surrounding the Moon Goddess.

It's filled with so many epic moments that took my breath away as Xingyin and her mother's home is invaded after they felt like they finally found peace. In order to fight for her family and her home, Xingyin has to turn to those who betrayed her trust and to those who she doesn't want to put in danger to save not only her own but the whole kingdom.

The ending of this story had me in tears for a variety of reasons, and I had to reread parts because I loved them so much. It was such a beautiful ending for a story filled with heartache, love and loss and I am so happy to have read these books. This second book is filled with so much action and character development, and I highly recommend picking up this YA fantasy duology as soon as you can!

Special thanks to the publsiher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. It was a 4.5 star read!

Loved this follow up to Daughter of the Moon Goddess!
It felt more character based than the first.book, which I really loved. I got to watch the characters grow a bit, am the romance felt more real than it did in the first book.
I've been searching for cozy fantasy that hits that sweet spot for a while, with no luck. But reading these two books hit the mark for me!
I'll definitely be recommending this, and may even read it again myself!

This was a perfect sequel to Daughter of the Moon Goddess! I really enjoyed it. It didn't feel like it dragged on and it didn't feel rushed either.

Love, love, loved. I can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy.

I loved this duology for the characters, the high stakes, and the outstanding writing. I'm sad to see this come to an end, but it is a series I will definitely reread in the future.

Heart of the Sun Warrior is the second book in The Celestial Kingdom Duology. HotSW picks up where Daughter of the Moon Goddess left off following the story of Xingyin, her friends, and family. ⁠
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Once again, Tan's writing is one of the most illustrative that I've encountered. Her descriptions are so detailed and vivid that I found myself picturing even the smallest details of the immortal realm while I read. ⁠
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I thought that HotSW contained more depth and was more thoughtful than Daughter of the Moon Goddess. Tan explores the complexities of love, loss, grief, and sacrifice in both heartbreaking and thoughtful ways captivating my emotions.⁠
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Heart of the Sun Warrior is plot heavy and the ending is what really resonated with me. I wasn't sure how the duology would end, but the ending is what drove my 4.25 ⭐️ rating. I still am turning the insights and plot over in my head as I write this. ⁠
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Overall: Heart of the Sun Warrior and The Celestial Kingdom duology are for readers who love high fantasy, escaping into fantastical worlds, and epic stories!

This is book 2 and the conclusion of the Celestial Kingdom Duology. This continues after the events in Daughter of the Moon Goddess; you will need to read that one first.

As with DOTMG, there are new challenges, adventures, and quests around each corner. As a new evil threatens both the Immortal and Mortal Realms, Xingyin must put aside her differences and grudges and work together with those who have hurt her in order to save the Kingdoms. Her heart is torn in two as grief takes hold of her. She must fight for the Kingdoms no matter the cost.

This story is filled with betrayal, redemption, sacrifice, duty, alliances, forgiveness, second chances, loss, and healing. It is heart-racing, heart-warming and heart-breaking. Oh my gosh, the emotions in this story just gutted me.

This was truly an amazing book and might threaten The Ballad of Never After as my favorite book of the year.

“This pain you feel . . . you might believe that you will never recover. And while it might always hurt, the pain will fade a little more each time—until one day, there will be no more tears. Just the memories and the hope, that you might find some joy in them again.”

This duology was so beautiful. And so unlike anything I’ve read in a long time.

It was romantic and poetic but not devoid of action and war. And Sue Lynn Tan was an amazing story teller. Her characters were beautifully crafted and the story was well told. It was captivating and addicting.

As it was a different type of book than I have been reading lately it took me slightly longer to get through. But that didn’t mean I liked it any less. I really liked Xingyin. I enjoy strong female leads.

She was a daring character and at times I didn’t agree with choices she made as she was a bit reckless and selfish. But overall she cared greatly for those that she loved and for her it was family above all else.

I wasn’t expecting a love triangle in the first book or for it to carry over into this book. But the development of their relationships was really captivating. I can’t say the ending was quite what I wanted but it got the happy ending nevertheless.

There was good character development and development of the plot throughout. I loved that it’s a fantasy based on myths. It was a beautiful story and I imagine it’s a beautiful retelling of its original story.

Quotes
•”Some people feel uncomfortable talking about themselves; some prefer to listen.”
•”History was rewritten as it pleased the victor or buried when it was an inconvenient truth.”
•”If they believed ill of you so quickly, their good opinion is not worth having.”
•”With love came pain, and I had drunk my fill of it.”
•”Fame is how the world sees you, what they imagine of your life. A fleeting thing as capricious as smoke, and as easily reshaped through malice.”

Quick thoughts
I LOVED Daughter of the moon goddess so when I was struggling through part 2 of HoSW I was really worried this was going to fall short for me. However Part 3 ripped my heart out and then put it back together.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the e-arc. I am voluntarily leaving a review.

would u believe i finished this a week earlier and just forgot to leave a review before publishing date….😔

although not as great as the first in my opinion, heart of the sun warrior is definitely a incredibly strong sequel and end to the duology. i adored the first book because of how much i loved xingyin and this book is no different! although the romance is a big factor i am SOO happy about how the book’s focus always remains on xingyin and her choices and struggles. the ending romance choice is not who i wanted her to end up with (normally im on the winning side of the love triangle but this one….not so much like i GET how + why endgame ends up together but the other couple was just SO much more my style..) but i have no other thoughts to say besides WOW! thanks to netgalley and avon/harper voyager for the arc!

Ultimately this follow up to 'Daughter of the Moon Goddess' was not exactly what I hoped for, even though I did enjoy it. It felt a little disjointed, like the stories weren't fully connected and the characters seemed a bit out of character from book one. But even so, I love the world and magic and story so much. Sue Lynn Tan is an excellent writer and storyteller, she has an amazing way of setting atmosphere and that's what I liked best about his book. I look forward to reading more of her work!

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon/Harper Voyager for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Heart of the Sun Warrior was one my most anticipated sequels of the last half of the year and it lived up to the majority of my expectations.This was a very quick, action packed book. We move from one action sequence to the next with very little down time in between, and while this does lend itself to making it a quick read, it also is a little exhausting. This story would have benefited from fleshing out the in-betweens a little more and giving us, as the reader, time to breathe and reflect on the events that happened. That isn’t something that we really get until the end. I would have loved it if this was broken up into a longer series.

However, despite the pacing issues, I still loved this story and going back to the characters that we got to know in Daughter of the Moon Goddess. The love triangle from the first book continues in this one, but I loved how it was handled. There are interesting conversations about redemption, trust, and perception of right and wrong to be had when reading this. The history books are written by the victors, after all.

I eagerly await what Sue Lynn Tan publishes next.

Thank you to NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager/Harper Voyager, and Sue Lynn Tan for an e-arc

I loved this sequel! I re-read the first book prior to reading this one and the story felt very balanced across the two books. I also thought this provided a satisfying conclusion to the overall story. Sue Lynn Tan’s prose is beautiful, and the worldbuilding provided a sense of expansiveness while ultimately keeping things grounded in the characters.
This duology is a great example of a well-written love triangle, too!

I loved Daughter of the Moon Goddess and my affection for Heart of the Sun Warrior did not falter. Although there is not much action compared to the first book, it still got its fair share of adventures here and there. New characters are introduced who are just as intriguing as the one we’ve known. Fyi, crying is mandatory in this book.

The writing is still as beautiful as the first. I lost count how many sentences I highlighted because the narrative ran deep ✂️ One thing I’d like to point out though is the pacing. There were actions that take place so quickly yet so little build up.

Xingyin, Wenzhi, and Liwei. They are just so precious to me that I don’t want either of them hurt 🥺 I expected to be satisfied with the ending but I want more. Miss Sue Lynn, please let me in! Just a glimpse would be enough 😭

I was satisfied of how the love triangle was resolved. I just wished I did not wait that long for Xingyin to finally choose and embrace her feelings.

All in all, I loved this duology. The story is poignant and hopeful. It’s about myths, friendship, first loves, and last loves. It’s about grief, letting go, and finally healing.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for the ARC of one of my most anticipated sequels this year! ☀️ I am looking forward to what the author has to offer next 🫶🏼