MARCH 2023 - AudioFile
Natalie Naudus returns to narrate the breathtaking sequel to DAUGHTER OF THE MOON GODDESS. The formality in Naudus's narration suits this story of courtly intrigue, fantastical magic, and Chinese mythology. Xingyin has been living a quiet life on the moon with her mother, Chang'e, but deadly threats to her family and the Celestial Kingdom drive them away. They seek refuge across the Immortal Realm, though few welcome them. Naudus keeps up with the action as Xingyin embarks on a quest to defeat a usurper to the throne. Listeners hear how her heart is pulled in two directions as she battles alongside Liwei and Wenzhi, facing down legendary creatures and wicked enemies. Naudus draws out all the emotions in the bittersweet yet hopeful conclusion. E.E.C. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine
Publishers Weekly
09/05/2022
Tan’s ambitious if not entirely successful conclusion to her Celestial Kingdom duology (after Daughter of the Moon Goddess) hits the ground running and doesn’t let up. Xingyin and her mother, the Moon Goddess, are finally living peacefully together when an enemy in disguise tricks his way into their domain. The usurper, General Wu, reveals himself to Xingyin at a celebration in the Celestial Kingdom, where he sets in motion a plot to usurp the Celestial Throne. It’s up to Xingyin and her companions, Liwei and Wenzhi, to stop him. To do so, they’ll need to seek out the Goddess of the Sun and acquire a feather from the last remaining sunbird. As mythic battle looms, Xingyin faces uncomfortable truths about herself and must decide how much she is willing to sacrifice to save her home. Xingyin’s quest is a nonstop roller-coaster ride, but, after all the buildup, the final confrontation does not feel suitably climactic. The drawn-out ending likewise ties things up too neatly, conveniently fixing all the romantic conflicts. The journey is worth it, but the destination disappoints. Agent: Naomi Davis, Bookends Literary Agency. (Nov.)
From the Publisher
"Tan’s melodic prose brings the gods and monsters to life in a book that ebbs and flows through action and dialogue in a way that will surprise readers when they turn the last page...Tan’s sequel to Daughter of the Moon Goddess is a beautiful story inspired by Chinese mythology, serving up both exquisite worldbuilding and emotional characters." — Library Journal (starred review)
"Xingyin’s whirlwind adventure through the beautifully described Immortal Realm is an intricate dance that encompasses multiple quest lines, thrilling battles, romances, magic, and mythological creatures. Tan raises the stakes significantly, grounding Xingyin’s strength in love even when her heart is buffeted by shifting loyalties and tragic sacrifices, and leads the reader to a bittersweet yet hopeful conclusion." — Booklist (starred review)
“Tan absolutely exceeded my already-high expectations with the conclusion to her story. Not only does she give ample time to resolve every plot thread, but left me breathless with her lush prose and enchanting storytelling. The Celestial Kingdom duology is a stunning debut, and I am excited to see what magic Sue Lynn Tan brings to her next project.” — Locus Magazine
"A fast-paced, reckless ride that’s not afraid to take big narrative and emotional swings." — Paste Magazine
“This epic fantasy series based on Chinese mythology is one of the year's best fantasies.” — Buzzfeed
“Fellow fans of Daughter of the Moon Goddess will want to jump on this conclusion to the action-packed duology. Come for more of the adventure, vivid exploration of Chinese mythology, and the love triangle from the first book. Stay for even more character development, new enemies, excellent pacing, and an overall satisfying conclusion.” — Book Riot
“With magic elixirs, jade bows and cloud transport, Sue Lynn Tan brings to life a new fantasy realm with tight plotting, vivid detail and bright shafts of celestial charm.” — Daily Mail (UK)
“Heart of the Sun Warrior – set my heart ablaze . . . 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.” — The Quill to Live
"Tan’s remarkable debut and duology launch transports readers into a stunning world...The result is a riveting page-turner that will leave fantasy lovers satisfied and eager for more" — Publishers Weekly (starred review) on Daughter of the Moon Goddess
“Filled with intricate world building, heartbreaking romance and mind-bending intrigue. Tan’s story is mythic in its scope yet personal in its execution . . . The result is an all-consuming work of literary fantasy that is breathtaking both for its beauty and its suspense.” — BookPage (starred review) on Daughter of the Moon Goddess
“This vivid, unputdownable debut effortlessly whisks us into the celestial realms of Chinese high fantasy. Tan magnificently conjures the romantic yet dangerous dazzle of this immortal world, but never loses track of the shining human heart of her tale. A captivating treat for lovers of Chinese fantasy dramas and newcomers alike.” — Shelley Parker-Chan, #1 international bestselling author of She Who Became the Sun, on Daughter of the Moon Goddess
“An exquisitely detailed fantasy with a strong, vulnerable protagonist. The intimate prose makes Tan’s wonderful debut an immersive experience; share with fans of Shelley Parker-Chan and Katherine Arden.” — Library Journal (starred review), Debut of the Month, on Daughter of the Moon Goddess
“Sue Lynn Tan has written a breathtaking debut novel that will sweep readers away to the moon and back. I can’t remember the last time a book surprised and delighted me as much as this one. Epic, romantic, and enthralling from start to finish. I love this book.” — Stephanie Garber, #1 NYT bestselling author of the Caraval series, on Daughter of the Moon Goddess
"A lush, dreamy gem of a novel." — Shannon Chakraborty, bestselling author of The City of Brass on Daughter of the Moon Goddess
"A sparkling debut, epic but intimate, about love and sacrifice and hope in the face of despair. At its center is a protagonist who is flawed but full of heart—I dare you not to be entranced by this magical book." — Ava Reid, author of The Wolf and the Woodsman on Daughter of the Moon Goddess
“With all the beauty and heartbreak of a Chinese fantasy drama, Daughter of the Moon Goddess is an enchanting joy from start to finish.” — Tasha Suri, author of The Jasmine Throne on Daughter of the Moon Goddess
"A gripping adventure inspired by the legend of Chang'e, Daughter of the Moon Goddess explores how far one woman will go for the sake of family, loyalty, and love. Prepare to be swept off your feet by this absolutely magical tale." — Genevieve Gornichec, author of The Witch's Heart on Daughter of the Moon Goddess
“Strikingly evocative, tense, and heartfelt, Daughter of the Moon Goddess is a difficult book to put down. It floats you into the Celestial Kingdom, introduces you to monsters both literal and figurative, and leaves you dreaming of dragons.” — Andrea Stewart, author of The Bone Shard Daughter on Daughter of the Moon Goddess
"An absolutely delightful and enchanting read! Daughter of the Moon Goddess takes a beloved Chinese legend and reimagines it into a gorgeously-spun romantic fantasy. I can't wait for the sequel!" — Elizabeth Lim, New York Times bestselling author of Spin the Dawn and So This is Love on Daughter of the Moon Goddess
BookPage (starred review) on Daughter of the Moon Goddess
Filled with intricate world building, heartbreaking romance and mind-bending intrigue. Tan’s story is mythic in its scope yet personal in its execution . . . The result is an all-consuming work of literary fantasy that is breathtaking both for its beauty and its suspense.
Shelley Parker-Chan
This vivid, unputdownable debut effortlessly whisks us into the celestial realms of Chinese high fantasy. Tan magnificently conjures the romantic yet dangerous dazzle of this immortal world, but never loses track of the shining human heart of her tale. A captivating treat for lovers of Chinese fantasy dramas and newcomers alike.”
Shannon Chakraborty
"A lush, dreamy gem of a novel."
Genevieve Gornichec
"A gripping adventure inspired by the legend of Chang'e, Daughter of the Moon Goddess explores how far one woman will go for the sake of family, loyalty, and love. Prepare to be swept off your feet by this absolutely magical tale."
Ava Reid
"A sparkling debut, epic but intimate, about love and sacrifice and hope in the face of despair. At its center is a protagonist who is flawed but full of heart—I dare you not to be entranced by this magical book."
Tasha Suri
With all the beauty and heartbreak of a Chinese fantasy drama, Daughter of the Moon Goddess is an enchanting joy from start to finish.”
Stephanie Garber
Sue Lynn Tan has written a breathtaking debut novel that will sweep readers away to the moon and back. I can’t remember the last time a book surprised and delighted me as much as this one. Epic, romantic, and enthralling from start to finish. I love this book.
Andrea Stewart
Strikingly evocative, tense, and heartfelt, Daughter of the Moon Goddess is a difficult book to put down. It floats you into the Celestial Kingdom, introduces you to monsters both literal and figurative, and leaves you dreaming of dragons.”
Library Journal
★ 10/01/2022
One year after Xingyin won the freedom of her mother, the Moon Goddess Chang'e, she tries to find her own peace in the life unfolding in front of her. But trouble once again looms. As the Celestial Emperor attempts to further consolidate his power, undercurrents of disruption and a heated confrontation lead Xingyin, Chang'e, and the rest of the Moon's residents to flee. Xingyin and her companions travel through the Immortal Realm, hoping to find respite and allies, but the Celestial Kingdom is on their heels. More than one shocking discovery means that she must align with past foes, defeat a horrible magical evil that could destroy both the Immortal and Mortal Realms, and finally confront the truths of her own heart—no matter the cost. Tan's melodic prose brings the gods and monsters to life in a book that ebbs and flows through action and dialogue in a way that will surprise readers when they turn the last page. VERDICT Tan's sequel to Daughter of the Moon Goddess is a beautiful story inspired by Chinese mythology, serving up both exquisite worldbuilding and emotional characters.—Kristi Chadwick
