Review: Daughter of The Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan
This blog post contains affiliate links, no extra cost to you, thank you for your support!
Review: Daughter of The Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan
Daughter of The Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan is an epic fantasy based on Chinese mythology.
This book is inspired by the legend of Chang’e and Houyi.
However, the plot focuses around their daughter, Xingyin who is determined to free her mother, (Chang’e – the moon goddess) that is bound to the moon.
Along the way of her journey to free her mother, we dive into a lush world rich with culture, mythology and magic. We also meet some very interesting characters.
With intricate world-building, relatable characters plus an enticing plot, this book stirs the deepest of emotions within us.
I hope this non-spoiler review of Daughter of The Moon Goddess helps you decide if you should pick this book up or not.
Disclaimer: This blog post consists of affiliate links. They are of NO EXTRA cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog. This book was not sent to me by the publisher, author or book distributor. I purchased this book myself.
Not used to reading fantasy? Checkout these 6 Tips On How To Read Fantasy Books For Beginners. I started reading fantasy not too long ago and these tried and tested tips really helped!
More Book Reviews:
Book Information
Title: Daughter of The Moon Goddess
Author: Sue Lynn Tan
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult
Series: The Celestial Kingdom Duology
Pages: 498
Publisher: Harper Voyager
Amazon Rating: 4.6
Goodreads Rating: 4.20
Quick Reading Tip: If you want to read more books this year or if you find it difficult to read fantasy books.
Listening to an audiobook really helps! I personally listened to the DOTMG audiobook while reading and it helped me read faster and understand the plot/characters better.
Also, I can confirm that this audiobook is my favourite of all-time! I love the narrator!
Receive 2 audiobook credits with my code: BREWING on Libro.fm! Support local bookstores. Cancel anytime and keep your audiobooks and credits! Don’t like an audiobook? FREE RETURNS!
Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository | Kinokuniya
Daughter Of The Moon Goddess Summary
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.
Daughter Of The Moon Goddess Book Review
What I Liked About Daughter Of The Moon Goddess
Rich World-Building
I love the world-building. The immortal world above the sky was designed beautifully. Lush descriptions, elegance in culture portrayed. I don’t know how else to describe it other than it was magical, divine and graceful.
The world and the magic system is influenced by Chinese mythology. You will meet some familiar names in Chinese legends and tales. If asian mythology interests you, this book will be an irresistible page-turner.
Complex Characters And Plot
Daughter of the Moon Goddess characters were not simple, they were complex. With their own history, trauma, dilemma and more.
Because this book was almost 500 pages long, we got to see a lot of Xingyin’s decision making which reflects on her strong-willed, determined and witty character.
We also did see some of her character development as the book takes us through not months, but years in the immortal world.
The complexity of the moon goddess’ dilemma in consuming the elixir was also very well thought-out and explained in the book.
Personally, I was not only invested in this mother-daughter relationship, but felt connected to it.
The deep-rooted history of the Celestial Kingdom and political dilemma was enticing.
The Love Triangle
The love triangle was not the centre of the plot, but it did heavily influence it. I really enjoyed the romance.
Crown Prince Liwei and Captain Wenzhi are bound to make readers swoon, both charming and caring in their own way.
I feel the love triangle was well-executed. As a reader, I really do not know who Xingyin will end up loving more. This is something that kept me wanting more.
The Writing Style
Writing style was poetic and lyrical.
When reading this book, I kept asking myself – “How can one write so beautifully?” I was sucked into this book, captivated by the writing style. The book could not leave me alone.
You know what’s better than reading a book so well-written?
Listening to it. Or you could listen and read at the same time (my personal fave way)
Listening to an audiobook really helps! I personally listened to the DOTMG audiobook while reading and it helped me read faster and understand the plot/characters better.
Also, I can confirm that this audiobook is my favourite of all-time! I love the narrator!
Receive 2 audiobook credits with my code: BREWING on Libro.fm! Support local bookstores. Cancel anytime and keep your audiobooks and credits! Don’t like an audiobook? FREE RETURNS!
Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository | Kinokuniya
What I Disliked About Daughter Of The Moon Goddess
In my humble opinion, there was nothing much to dislike.
However, because I am not an avid fantasy reader, I felt it was difficult for me to imagine certain battle scenes.
Some scenes were also too descriptive (not something I disliked, something that I’m not used to, probably a fantasy genre thing where things are explained in great detail).
Daughter Of The Moon Goddess Quotes
Here are some of my personal favourite quotes in the book!
“My father slew the suns. My mother lights the moon.”
― Sue Lynn Tan, Daughter of the Moon Goddess
“Some knowledge beats in our hearts, while others are learned by the body and mind.”
― Sue Lynn Tan, Daughter of the Moon Goddess
“I was no longer a child willing to drift with the ride – I would steer against the current if I had to. and if I won, by some miraculous stroke of luck, I would never be helpless again.”
― Sue Lynn Tan, Daughter of the Moon Goddess
“Titles are inherited, talent might be blood-bound, but true greatness lies within.”
― Sue Lynn Tan, Daughter of the Moon Goddess
“The work I do is not a reflection of who I am.”
― Sue Lynn Tan, Daughter of the Moon Goddess
“You’ll never grow if you only do what you’re good at.”
― Sue Lynn Tan, Daughter of the Moon Goddess
“A prison of the mind is far worst than the body”
― Sue Lynn Tan, Daughter of the Moon Goddess
“Why was it that the times which called for greatest strength were when we were at our weakest.”
― Sue Lynn Tan, Daughter of the Moon Goddess
“Not everyone’s past was a path through sunlit fields. We each had our own corners that we preferred to leave in the shadows.”
― Sue Lynn Tan, Daughter of the Moon Goddess
“How wretched I was, cracked and ripped and gouged, yet I refused to shatter.”
― Sue Lynn Tan, Daughter of the Moon Goddess
“I would not yearn after what had been lost, impossible to regain. I would look to the days ahead, to the happiness which awaited me there… if only I were brave and steadfast enough to reach for it.”
― Sue Lynn Tan, Daughter of the Moon Goddess
“We should appreciate the flower, regardless of its roots.”
― Sue Lynn Tan, Daughter of the Moon Goddess
“I had done these things despite my fear. Because not doing them frightened me more.”
― Sue Lynn Tan, Daughter of the Moon Goddess
Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository | Kinokuniya
FAQ: Daughter Of The Moon Goddess
Here are some most frequently asked questions about the Daughter of The Moon Goddess book.
Does Daughter Of The Moon Goddess Have Romance?
Yes. This epic fantasy and retelling of Chinese mythology has romance. In fact, it seems like a love triangle is present in this book.
Is Daughter Of The Moon Goddess A Standalone?
No it is not a standalone. It is part of a duology series called – The Celestial Kingdom.
What Genre Is The Daughter Of The Moon Goddess?
High Fantasy, Mythology, Young Adult.
What Is The Daughter Of The Moon Goddess Age Rating?
15 and up.
Is Daughter Of The Moon Goddess a series?
Yes, it is a duology. Daughter of The Moon Goddess is the first book to The Celestial Kingdom duology.
What is the sequel to Daughter of The Moon Goddess?
Heart of the Sun Warrior (Daughter of the Moon Goddess book 2) will be published in November 2022.
Final Thoughts
Daughter of The Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan is my first 5 star read of 2022. I am heavily invested in the Celestial world, the plot and complex characters.
The slow-burn romance and love triangle was not the main plot but it definitely played a prominent role in the story.
Besides the fast-paced plot based on Chinese mythology, the poetic writing style is probably why I could not stop reading.
Overall rating: 5/5
Should you read Daughter of The Moon Goddess?
YES. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy, asian mythology and has a love for intricate world-building.
This book might not be the best for beginner fantasy readers as there’s a lot to absorb. Nonetheless, no harm trying to read it!
If you regularly read fantasy, this book might just be your next favourite read.
Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository | Kinokuniya
More Book Reviews:
