Scan barcode
kylieqrada's review
adventurous
emotional
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
3.5
Withholding my review in solidarity with the Harper Collins Union strike. I will post upon the union receiving a fair bargain.
I really liked this, but it did have some problems that I didn't initially realize. Overall, I'm glad I read it but I won't be continuing in the series.
I really liked this, but it did have some problems that I didn't initially realize. Overall, I'm glad I read it but I won't be continuing in the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, War, and Blood
Moderate: Kidnapping, Injury/Injury detail, and Death
Minor: Death of parent, Sexual harassment, and Sexual assault
chrisljm's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Another book that didn’t live up to the hype. The writing is flowery and pretty, but that’s it. The plot and characters lack depth and it felt like 400+ pages of just trying to fit every plot point the author had planned.
The characters were so boring. Xingyin the female main character, is two-dimensional and lacks growth, but the worst thing to be done to her character was to end up having her centered around her love interests. The romance was definitely the worst thing about the book, and I could not have cared less. The characters had no chemistry, the two male leads had no personality, and the development in their relationships came off even worse because the pacing in the story was poorly done.
This book had me apathetic at best. The romance? Didn’t care. Xingyin only likes these boys because they’re there and the male leads. The plot? Also didn’t care. It’s hard to feel bad for any of her issues when there is no emotional impact in the writing, and so much telling and no showing.
This book just lacked in so much: personality, depth, climax, tension. The only thing it has going for it is pretty words but at the end of the day, who cares.
And you know what. You know how ridiculous it felt, reading about how hurt Xingyin was that Lingwei chose another woman, only for her to tell Wenzhi she wants to leave the army with him and be with him in the next fucking line. And then for Lingwei to come back in the next scene and have her be depressed over him again. Girl stfu.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Violence, and War
Moderate: Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Sexual harassment, Bullying, Death, Torture, Body horror, Kidnapping, and Sexism
Minor: Stalking and Pregnancy
hello_lovely13's review
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Violence, and War
Moderate: Kidnapping, Death, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Grief, Sexism, Death of parent, and Sexual harassment
takarakei's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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
4.5
I can't believe it took me this long to read this book. I absolutely loved it!
Even though this is a 500 pg book, to me it reads very fast. I think this is accomplished by not spending extraneous time on repetitive day-to-day descriptions of the main characters' lives. The focus stays on the crucial scenes to the storyline. I think this gives a good sense of how the characters (as they are immortal) experience years as if they were days. The action-packed pacing made me not want to put it down! The writing throughout is beautiful and poignant, yet very easy to follow. I found the world to be very unique and lushly described. I actually really enjoyed the love triangle (which I usually don't enjoy reading).
I will say the one concession I have is that this book does not pass the Bechdel test, as Xingyi's one real female friendship does not have a lot of depth, and often they are just gossiping about Xingyi's love interests... I think there might be one very brief, barely conversation where they kind of discuss their families.
I will say this book wraps up fairly nicely, and since this is a duology I am curious where the second book will go... but I am excited to read it!
Even though this is a 500 pg book, to me it reads very fast. I think this is accomplished by not spending extraneous time on repetitive day-to-day descriptions of the main characters' lives. The focus stays on the crucial scenes to the storyline. I think this gives a good sense of how the characters (as they are immortal) experience years as if they were days. The action-packed pacing made me not want to put it down! The writing throughout is beautiful and poignant, yet very easy to follow. I found the world to be very unique and lushly described. I actually really enjoyed the love triangle (which I usually don't enjoy reading).
I will say the one concession I have is that this book does not pass the Bechdel test, as Xingyi's one real female friendship does not have a lot of depth, and often they are just gossiping about Xingyi's love interests... I think there might be one very brief, barely conversation where they kind of discuss their families.
I will say this book wraps up fairly nicely, and since this is a duology I am curious where the second book will go... but I am excited to read it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Blood, Violence, and War
Moderate: Death, Injury/Injury detail, and Kidnapping
Minor: Vomit, Sexism, and Sexual harassment
booksthatburn's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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
The worldbuilding unfolds slowly, with early mentions of the various kingdoms supplemented later on by more detailed descriptions once Xingyin actually travels there. The descriptions are evocative but not overwhelming, tending to focus more on her thoughts about what she observes. There’s a strong focus on Xingyin’s internal life, as her relationships get more complicated but she’s still keeping her parentage a secret. She’s the daughter of the moon goddess, having grown up in secret since her mother was exiled to the moon after claiming the immortality meant for her husband, Xingyin’s father.
I like the first third and I love the second half, in between those sections the pacing gets a little weird though it’s still pretty good. Mid-book events which in some other story might be a training montage instead are collapsed into a very brief mention as several years are skipped at once. Xingyin ends up in the Celestial palace, surrounded by people who despise her for her class and who would detest her if they knew who her mother really was. After spending several years as the prince’s companion, she tries to make her own way by excelling at arms, becoming a formidable archer. Her goal is to earn a favor from the emperor in order to request her mother’s freedom.
Once place where this excels is in relationships, specifically the way that Xingyin’s relationships with Prince Liwei and Captain Wenzhi change over time. It is a love triangle, but one which at each stage feels like there are good reasons for the choices Xingyin is making. She proceeds as well as she can while figuring out who she wants, if anyone. I love the ending, it pulls things together in a fantastic way and lays the ground for what the sequel might cover while still letting this first book feel complete.
I like the first third and I love the second half, in between those sections the pacing gets a little weird though it’s still pretty good. Mid-book events which in some other story might be a training montage instead are collapsed into a very brief mention as several years are skipped at once. Xingyin ends up in the Celestial palace, surrounded by people who despise her for her class and who would detest her if they knew who her mother really was. After spending several years as the prince’s companion, she tries to make her own way by excelling at arms, becoming a formidable archer. Her goal is to earn a favor from the emperor in order to request her mother’s freedom.
Once place where this excels is in relationships, specifically the way that Xingyin’s relationships with Prince Liwei and Captain Wenzhi change over time. It is a love triangle, but one which at each stage feels like there are good reasons for the choices Xingyin is making. She proceeds as well as she can while figuring out who she wants, if anyone. I love the ending, it pulls things together in a fantastic way and lays the ground for what the sequel might cover while still letting this first book feel complete.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Confinement, Blood, Animal death, Violence, Death, Toxic friendship, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Vomit, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, War, Alcohol, Grief, Sexual assault, Infidelity, Bullying, Emotional abuse, and Torture
Minor: Sexual content, Fire/Fire injury, Death of parent, Sexism, Sexual harassment, and Pregnancy
deedireads's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
All my reviews live at https://deedispeaking.com/reads/.
TL;DR REVIEW:
Daughter of the Moon Goddess is a fun and exciting story that really just checks all the boxes: magic, action, romance, mythology, a plot twist! Can’t wait for book two.
For you if: You like or want to read more Chinese fantasy drama (epic fantasy rooted in Chinese mythology)
FULL REVIEW:
The first half of a duology, Daughter of the Moon Goddess has been on my radar since it was published. Book two (Heart of the Sun Warrior) is coming in November, so I figured it was probably about time I finally picked this up! So glad I did; it was a great read.
This book is a Chinese fantasy drama, which is essentially epic fantasy rooted in Chinese mythology. The main character, Xingyin, has a peaceful life as (you guessed it) the daughter of the moon goddess, Chang'e. Except Xingyin is not supposed to exist, and Chang’e cannot leave. When the Celestial Empire starts poking around, she knows she has to go into hiding to protect her mother, but she vows to return and find a way to free her mother from her prison on the moon. Before long, she achieves a place as the Empire’s prince’s companion, learning and training alongside him, and eventually seeks glory in the army. But she never forgets about her ultimate goal of freeing Chang’e.
On the surface, this book has a pretty straightforward magic system and hero’s journey plotline, but Sue Lynn Tan brings them to sparkling life in a way that makes it feel exciting and special. You’ll feel transported to the Celestial Empire of cloud travel, jewels, and palaces. The book is well paced — even though it’s long, I was never bored, and it didn’t take long to read. There’s a great twist that I didn’t see coming at all, but once it was revealed, it felt so natural to the story, which was impressive.
A lot of other reviewers have noted this, but one thing I loved was how romance (note: note steamy) plays an very integral part in the story, and yet never feels like the center of it. There’s a love triangle (one that eventually dissolves itself, for those of us who do not like them lol), but Xingyin’s character development and journey is always the point.
Can’t wait to read the second book!
TL;DR REVIEW:
Daughter of the Moon Goddess is a fun and exciting story that really just checks all the boxes: magic, action, romance, mythology, a plot twist! Can’t wait for book two.
For you if: You like or want to read more Chinese fantasy drama (epic fantasy rooted in Chinese mythology)
FULL REVIEW:
The first half of a duology, Daughter of the Moon Goddess has been on my radar since it was published. Book two (Heart of the Sun Warrior) is coming in November, so I figured it was probably about time I finally picked this up! So glad I did; it was a great read.
This book is a Chinese fantasy drama, which is essentially epic fantasy rooted in Chinese mythology. The main character, Xingyin, has a peaceful life as (you guessed it) the daughter of the moon goddess, Chang'e. Except Xingyin is not supposed to exist, and Chang’e cannot leave. When the Celestial Empire starts poking around, she knows she has to go into hiding to protect her mother, but she vows to return and find a way to free her mother from her prison on the moon. Before long, she achieves a place as the Empire’s prince’s companion, learning and training alongside him, and eventually seeks glory in the army. But she never forgets about her ultimate goal of freeing Chang’e.
On the surface, this book has a pretty straightforward magic system and hero’s journey plotline, but Sue Lynn Tan brings them to sparkling life in a way that makes it feel exciting and special. You’ll feel transported to the Celestial Empire of cloud travel, jewels, and palaces. The book is well paced — even though it’s long, I was never bored, and it didn’t take long to read. There’s a great twist that I didn’t see coming at all, but once it was revealed, it felt so natural to the story, which was impressive.
A lot of other reviewers have noted this, but one thing I loved was how romance (note: note steamy) plays an very integral part in the story, and yet never feels like the center of it. There’s a love triangle (one that eventually dissolves itself, for those of us who do not like them lol), but Xingyin’s character development and journey is always the point.
Can’t wait to read the second book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Kidnapping and Confinement
Minor: Sexual harassment
i_write_on_occasion's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
It had good ideas, but the extremely fast pacing doesn't allow for these ideas to reach their full potential.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, War, and Blood
Moderate: Kidnapping and Animal death
Minor: Death of parent, Sexual assault, and Sexual harassment
annamur's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, and War
Moderate: Death of parent and Kidnapping
Minor: Sexual assault and Sexual harassment
ezwolf's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
slow-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
4.0
This was an adventurous story about Xingyin, the secret daughter of Chang'e the Moon Goddess. Hidden away for most of her life, her mother sends her away when her life becomes endangered. Xingyin finds herself amongst the world of other immortals and strives to find a way to free her mother from her imprisonment. While also hiding her true parentage. Along the way she becomes an accomplished warrior and draws the attention of two powerful immortals, but Xingyin is not the only one with secrets.
I'll start with the negatives and go to the positives.
My biggest issue was with the love triangle, which is a plot point that always bothers me, no matter what the book. I hate when the main character is literally dragged between two love interests, especially when there's a more interesting plot as a whole (in this case, Xingyin's desire to save her mother and that felt pushed to the side fairly often to put attention on Xingyin's relationship with Liewi or Wenzhi).
I will give credit to the plot twist, I did not see it coming and I'm usually very good at spotting them a mile away. On that same hand, there were so many little plots going on I kind of forgot about the one that led up to the plot twist until it was revealed.
My only other annoyance was the way that the author described how Xingyin would guess at how someone was reacting to what she said or did based on their reactions, I started to noticing it about half way through and then noticed every time it happened after.
Overall I was very impressed with this book, Xingyin grows from a timid and sheltered girl to a powerful immortal and warrior in her own right and I loved that aspect of the story. It felt like I was reading a very gorgeous wuxia drama unfold in my own imagination with how the scenery, magic, and weapons were described. I am excited to read the next book in the series and see where it takes Xingyin and her family!
I'll start with the negatives and go to the positives.
My biggest issue was with the love triangle, which is a plot point that always bothers me, no matter what the book. I hate when the main character is literally dragged between two love interests, especially when there's a more interesting plot as a whole (in this case, Xingyin's desire to save her mother and that felt pushed to the side fairly often to put attention on Xingyin's relationship with Liewi or Wenzhi).
I will give credit to the plot twist, I did not see it coming and I'm usually very good at spotting them a mile away. On that same hand, there were so many little plots going on I kind of forgot about the one that led up to the plot twist until it was revealed.
My only other annoyance was the way that the author described how Xingyin would guess at how someone was reacting to what she said or did based on their reactions, I started to noticing it about half way through and then noticed every time it happened after.
Overall I was very impressed with this book, Xingyin grows from a timid and sheltered girl to a powerful immortal and warrior in her own right and I loved that aspect of the story. It felt like I was reading a very gorgeous wuxia drama unfold in my own imagination with how the scenery, magic, and weapons were described. I am excited to read the next book in the series and see where it takes Xingyin and her family!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Torture, Blood, and War
Moderate: Confinement and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death of parent, Sexual harassment, and Kidnapping
oatesy's review against another edition
adventurous
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.0
The pacing of this book was really weird. I found myself not enjoying the first bit of the book as it felt very surface level and shallow, and all these things kept happening but I didn’t have any context or background, so I didn’t care as much. Later on in the book I got used to the writing style and I really enjoyed myself. The adventures were fun and I loved the strong female characters. There were still some overdone tropes in there, but overall I found myself enjoying the book
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and War
Minor: Sexual harassment