Daughter, you are mortal-born, yet immortality flows in your veins. Your home should be here, yet you live on the moon. You, more than anyone, should have learned that nothing is impossible.” The danger escalates out of nowhere. Xingyin’s house gets invaded, her loved ones’ life in danger. Once again her mother and she are sentenced to prison unfairly. Only way to save their lives is escape and accept to be ally with a powerful warrior who betrayed Xingyin’s trust! Was it a callous cruelty or indifference? To cultivate desperation, so the savior might be twice as celebrated?”

Heart of the Sun Warrior by Sue Lynn Tan Book Review | Heart of the Sun Warrior by Sue Lynn Tan

Tales from the Celestial Kingdom collects nine spellbinding stories—two previously published, seven original, including the epilogue to the duology—set in the enchanting world of Sue Lynn Tan’s stunning debut. Filled with magic and mythology, friendship and love, these stories intertwine through the past, present, and future of the two novels, told from the perspectives of multiple characters, including Chang’e, Shuxiao, Liwei, and Wenzhi.Wugang convinced my husband to grant him full control over the Celestial Army. I always believed that was the pinnacle of that upstart’s plans. It is now clear he intends to usurp my son’s rightful position as heir—to taint the throne with his mortal blood, and rule after my husband.” On a positive note, I did really enjoy a step into a more grey, ambiguous morality from the noblebright foundation that the first book laid out. The world building and Sue Lynn Tan’s ability to make Chinese mythology real and tangible is very much admired. Yes the writing is still very nice, lyrical and beautiful but it had hardly any action and the little it had was mediocre. This is essence is just a romance with a hint of fantasy.

Heart of the Sun Warrior – HarperCollins Heart of the Sun Warrior – HarperCollins

Zhiyi. Zhiyi is Liwei's half sister who is the girl from the painting in the first book. She was interesting and I was glad to meet her after the foreshadowing from book 1. Still, she could've easily been squeezed in book 1. I really enjoyed this book! I do not read/listen to these types of books often but after The Daughter of the Moon Goddesses and this book definitely look forward to more! The Celestial Kingdom duology is phenomenal. It has unique characters, intricate storytelling, strong worldbuilding, and a beautiful romance to boot. I am sad to close the book on Xingyin’s story, but I will look to the future and be ready to read anything Sue Lynn Tan writes.True happiness springs from within, a contentment with oneself. And while it may be humbler and quieter, there is nothing more precious and lasting.”

Heart of the Sun Warrior: A Novel (Celestial Kingdom Book 2)

The author should've let him actually die in Book 1 if his character was going to be nerfed this hard in the name of a ship - and this is coming from someone who was rooting for Wenzhi! One of the things I loved the most about Daughter of the Moon Goddess was the way I could not predict what was going to happen. It was a high action fantasy which enthralled me. And the sequel, Heart of the Sun Warrior was the same way. Keep reading this book review for my full thoughts. Summary Heart of the Sun Warrior follows the events of the first book, but we have a little break of a year in between the two where Xingyin has just been enjoying her time being reunited with her mother, whilst receiving the adorable Liwei as they’ve tried to build upon their relationship following the events of Daughter of the Moon Goddess. If you loved the dragons in book one, fear not because we’re blissfully reunited with the wonderful creatures in this story! Use the past to guide the present, but do not let it trap you. Grow from your mistakes, don't let them become a weakness.”

Discussion

and although the world of the celestial kingdom is still explored, much of the narrative is focused on the characters and their relationships to one another. their development is amazing. working together, forgiving each other, and finding comfort are all the driving forces and focuses of this novel. and i found it to provide a really great balance for everything else that is going on. I am so sad to be writing this review and giving this book only three stars. I went into this book with high expectations and I left feeling really let down. I loved the first book in the series and it was only of my favorite books of the year..but this book didn't do it for me. I nearly gave this 2 stars because it disappointed me so much. We go through so many cycles in our lives. School to school. College to work. Job to job. Love to love. Life to death. There is always change, there is always a grace period, there is always learning and loving and experiencing, and it all revolves around how we choose to live our lives. Had her bitterness been born from the disillusionment of her marriage, of having her wings clipped by life in the Celestial Kingdom?” I am so rarely shattered by a story in such an intrinsic way. To find a character like Xingyin: I've only ever found two others before. I didn't just become a part of her world, but a part of her as well. I'll hold her in my heart for the rest of my life, and I can't wait to see what happens in book three.

Heart of the Sun Warrior by Sue Lynn Tan Book Review: Heart of the Sun Warrior by Sue Lynn Tan

Filled with magic and mythology, friendship and love, these stories intertwine through the past, present, and future of the two novels, told from the perspectives of multiple characters, including Chang’e, Shuxiao, Liwei, and Wenzhi. Inspired by the legend of Chang’e the Moon Goddess, this is the sequel to Sue Lynn Tan’s captivating debut, DAUGHTER OF THE MOON GODDESS. After finishing the first book of the series, I was thinking how the sequel will exceed its perfection. Let’s not forget there was no cliffhanger at the end if you don’t count the unresolved love triangle. The entire plot seems based off a what if. The whole thing with Minister Wu was just another version of SO MANY OTHER CHARACTERS FROM OTHER BOOKS who was a courter but wanted more power. It completely butchered Sue Lynn Tan's usual manner of creativity. Nuh uh.Queen Suite is a consummate diplomat, something my father appreciates. She switches directions as ruthlessly as the wind, with a keen sense for the winning side.” Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for sharing me this amazing arc with me in exchange my honest thoughts.