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samchase112's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
An enthralling, action-packed fantasy epic! This stunning series finale certainly kept me turning the pages, and there was never a dull moment. However, I found myself skimming at times as I was wholly uninterested in the love triangle that consumed the book. If there had been no romance — or if Xingyin had simply chosen a man and stuck with him — I think I would’ve enjoyed this so, so much more because the plot and Xingyin’s story could have centered around much more interesting angles; her parents, her friends, her own maturation, etc.
I’ve seen this book described as a C-drama, and I wholeheartedly agree. It has the emotionality and cinematic scope of a well-done fantasy drama, and I love that! Maybe not my personal favorite genre, but I can certainly see how it would appeal to so many others.
All in all, I am truly glad I finished out this series — it’s helped remind me of my love for fantasy, and for that I’m grateful.
I’ve seen this book described as a C-drama, and I wholeheartedly agree. It has the emotionality and cinematic scope of a well-done fantasy drama, and I love that! Maybe not my personal favorite genre, but I can certainly see how it would appeal to so many others.
All in all, I am truly glad I finished out this series — it’s helped remind me of my love for fantasy, and for that I’m grateful.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Murder, War, Blood, and Child death
Minor: Kidnapping and Confinement
hq_reads's review
adventurous
emotional
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? No
3.5
I enjoyed this book although I had to take a reading break from it as I wasn’t excited by the plot. I hate to say that as I absolutely loved Daughter of the Moon Goddess! As such my rating is reflected in this but please note that I am a mood reader and unfortunately that means my ratings can seem inconsistent!
Once I picked it back up, I really enjoyed it again. The love triangle between Xingyin, Lewei and Wenzhi added some excitement amongst the action.
I love the writing style, it’s like reading a fairytale. But where this style falls down I think is capturing those moments of love, anguish or tension and drawing them out to keep the reader feeling that emotion. This series is my first time reading Chinese mythology and I absolutely love the lore so I will definitely look for more.
I will definitely read more of Sue Lynn Tan’s work in the future!
Once I picked it back up, I really enjoyed it again. The love triangle between Xingyin, Lewei and Wenzhi added some excitement amongst the action.
I love the writing style, it’s like reading a fairytale. But where this style falls down I think is capturing those moments of love, anguish or tension and drawing them out to keep the reader feeling that emotion. This series is my first time reading Chinese mythology and I absolutely love the lore so I will definitely look for more.
I will definitely read more of Sue Lynn Tan’s work in the future!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Death
theespressoedition's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Death, Blood, Fire/Fire injury, Child death, War, and Murder
daniellekat's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
2.75
I struggled with this. I really enjoyed Moon Goddess especially since I'm not a huge fan of high fantasy, but the lack of character development really killed this for me. If I thought Xingyin was annoying in the first book, she was unbearable in this one. The characters all lacked substance, leading me to not care about their individual outcomes. While I generally enjoyed the weird pacing (some parts were so slow while others were super quick), the writing felt much more repetitive than Moon Goddess. Overall, the plot was fine and I would still read more of Tan's work, but this left me feeling disappointed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Grief, Death, Blood, Murder, and Violence
Moderate: War, Fire/Fire injury, and Classism
Minor: Death of parent
adrenabereading's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I really don't want to give too much away about this book, especially if you haven't read the first book. There was so much going on!! We're back at it again with Xingyin trying to save her family. They won't give my girl a break. There are so many new storylines and plot twists in this book. It really keeps you engaged.
I feel like this book wasn't as predictable as the first book. Of course, the writing is just as great as the first book. However, this book is a lot sadder than the first one, so be prepared to be in your feelings.
The love triangle is back in this book. Throughout the book, we're still wondering who Xingyin is going to pick. I really enjoyed the romance, but it got a little annoying when she kept being undecisive about how she felt.
✨️Favorite Character✨️
Yall not going like this, but my favorite character was Wenzhi. He is such a dynamic character, and his story was very interesting. Also, he redeemed himself in this book.
Overall, I really love this book. The ending has me really excited for the third book!
I feel like this book wasn't as predictable as the first book. Of course, the writing is just as great as the first book. However, this book is a lot sadder than the first one, so be prepared to be in your feelings.
The love triangle is back in this book. Throughout the book, we're still wondering who Xingyin is going to pick. I really enjoyed the romance, but it got a little annoying when she kept being undecisive about how she felt.
✨️Favorite Character✨️
Yall not going like this, but my favorite character was Wenzhi. He is such a dynamic character, and his story was very interesting. Also, he redeemed himself in this book.
Overall, I really love this book. The ending has me really excited for the third book!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Violence, and War
matcha_pages's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
A sequel I didn't need. Harsh, I know, but this story just dragged on and diluted everything great about the series. I'm disappointed because this sequel had potential to be just as strong as the first book.
There were parts I enjoyed, the gorgeous descriptions, consequences from the first book playing out, and exploration of morally grey choices. The story starts off strong, we face a new villain playing the long game and uncover imperial schemes. We learn the backstory of several characters adding to the richness and complexity of the Celestial Kingdom.
Unfortunately as the book continued, the plot started to meander and break apart. There were too many side plots each with it's own bad guy, the magic system lost it's logic, and the ending was doubly disappointing. This is the most undecisive love triangle I've ever read. There's no romantic tension or engaging rivalry (like the first book). The hottest immortal bachelors throw themselves at Xingyin, but she can't accept her "true" feelings or make up her mind until the last few pages, literally.
I still love the Celestial Kingdom, just not this one
There were parts I enjoyed, the gorgeous descriptions, consequences from the first book playing out, and exploration of morally grey choices. The story starts off strong, we face a new villain playing the long game and uncover imperial schemes. We learn the backstory of several characters adding to the richness and complexity of the Celestial Kingdom.
Unfortunately as the book continued, the plot started to meander and break apart. There were too many side plots each with it's own bad guy, the magic system lost it's logic, and the ending was doubly disappointing. This is the most undecisive love triangle I've ever read. There's no romantic tension or engaging rivalry (like the first book). The hottest immortal bachelors throw themselves at Xingyin, but she can't accept her "true" feelings or make up her mind until the last few pages, literally.
I still love the Celestial Kingdom, just not this one
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Child death, Violence, Death, and Murder
luverbyrd's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Definitely a different tone than the first book but I still loved it and it was easy to binge read.
I don't understand why this duology isn't hyped more, this has been such a fantastic duology and I already want to reread it.
I'm now validated for my pretty cover buys.
I don't understand why this duology isn't hyped more, this has been such a fantastic duology and I already want to reread it.
I'm now validated for my pretty cover buys.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child death, Death, and War
maregred's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, War, Blood, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Child death, and Death
onemamareads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Read my full review here: https://onemamassummer.weebly.com/book-reviews/heart-of-the-sun-warrior
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Child death, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
literatellama's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
It largely felt like I was reading the same book as the moon goddess. All the characters are the same, their struggles are the same. The main character has not learned anything from her previous adventures, and the plot armor is real.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Death