Reviews tagging 'War'

Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan

165 reviews

meant2breading's review

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This debut fantasy from Sue Lynn Tan is inspired by the legend of the Chinese moon goddess, Chang'e. The story is centered around a daughter fighting for the freedom of her mother and I was pleased how this did not change throughout. I had a very difficult time putting this down so I’m not mad I finished it in 2-3 days, but dang it! I wish I could have given myself more time to sit with the pure joy I had from reading this story. This was my first time reading about Chinese mythology and it truly enthralled me from beginning to end.

Daughter of the Moon Goddess had everything I could want in a book: A fierce female main character, lyrical descriptions and world building, a plot twist I didn’t see coming, magic, and friendship (Shuxiao you’re a real one for sure), and dragons…duh🐉! It also had some romance that didn’t overpower the enjoyable adventures throughout Highly recommend!! 🌙

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Violence and War

Moderate: Injury/Injury detail

Minor: Sexual harassment and Death

lavender_chai's review

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: War, Violence, and Kidnapping

Moderate: Injury/Injury detail and Death

Minor: Sexual assault, Death of parent, and Sexual harassment

hmunger's review

adventurous emotional reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

While there are valid critiques of the pacing and some plot choices, this novel never failed to enthrall me and envelope me in the world. I love the characters, as they each hold an important role in the plot and the messaging. I was truly torn between Xingyin’s choices and thought her inner dialogue, while at times extensive, was vital to the understanding of how she grew as a character and how she made sense of the world she did not grow up in. Highly enjoyed, excited to get the sequel! 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Grief, Blood, War, and Murder

Minor: Emotional abuse, Classism, Rape, Sexual assault, Vomit, Death of parent, and Death

nekomatagirl's review

adventurous emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I think this is one of the best books that I have read.  The world is rich and the author does an amazing job at describing it.  Usually I have a hard time visualizing everything but I had no trouble with it here. The book has really good pacing except for the very very beginning but after about 40 pages it finds its rhythm. Characters are very rememberable and distinct from one another. 

Highly recommend!!!

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Content Warnings

Graphic: War and Violence

Moderate: Violence

Minor: Alcohol

runefiction's review

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Blood, Violence, and War

Moderate: Kidnapping, Death, and Injury/Injury detail

Minor: Sexual harassment, Death of parent, and Sexual assault

kbowles24's review

adventurous emotional reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Blood, Violence, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Gore

Minor: Gaslighting, Death of parent, and Bullying

amandaboyer's review

adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Violence, Torture, Injury/Injury detail, Self harm, Death, War, Abandonment, Confinement, Murder, Misogyny, Blood, Suicidal thoughts, Kidnapping, Grief, and Death of parent

aformeracceleratedreader's review

adventurous emotional hopeful sad medium-paced

5.0

I had the physical book and listened to the audiobook. Although there were minor discrepancies between the two, it didn't take me out of the story.
I freaking loved this, and I'm def gonna read the next book. It is longer than most books I have read, and I think without the audio, I would've struggled getting through some parts (a lot of the building, slower parts). But it was enjoyable all the way through. No spoilers, but my heart hurts a little at all that transpired with Xingyin's personal connections. I loved seeing her grow and all the things she had to do. A great mix of supernatural, fantasy, adventure, and love.
The cover art is also beautiful.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Violence, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, and Blood

Moderate: War, Death of parent, and Grief

Minor: Kidnapping, Sexism, and Infidelity

karalyndawn's review

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book is absolutely stunning and easily one of my favorite books I’ve ever read. I love the indeph imagery and storyline. Xingyin’s quest was exciting and fantastical at ever turn. This book transformed me to a while other world. I enjoyed both the action and romance the novel had to offer. I fell in love with the Xingyin and Liwei. And maybe even Wenzhi. 😉 Can’t wait to read the next book!!!

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Content Warnings

Moderate: War and Violence

lusheeta_toel's review

adventurous emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

I really enjoyed how strong, women were central to the story, and appreciated that the romance was not the primary focus. Great imagery and provoking characters and situations as well. A lot of twists and turns which was fun, but sometimes made the events less impactful. Overall, I enjoyed!

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Content Warnings

Minor: Racism, Classism, Violence, Misogyny, and War