Scan barcode
deedireads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
All my reviews live at https://deedispeaking.com/reads/.
TL;DR REVIEW:
Heart of the Sun Warrior is a fun, adventurous sequel to Daughter of the Moon Goddess. While it didn’t blow me away (mostly because the love triangle didn’t quite work for me), I did enjoy it.
For you if: You like an adventure, and/or want to read more fantasy based on Chinese mythology.
FULL REVIEW:
Heart of the Sun Warrior is the sequel to Daughter of the Moon Goddess and the conclusion of the Celestial Kingdom duology, a Chinese fantasy drama (epic fantasy rooted in Chinese mythology). Although it didn’t blow me away, I did enjoy it and the duology overall.
I won’t give spoilers for the first book, but suffice to say that this one picks up only a short time after that one ends. From there, a new adventure quickly begins. That’s one thing I liked about this duology: Each book feels like a complete story. This time around, Xingyin knows herself and her strengths better; she’s still headstrong, and she still rushes into situations a bit too quickly, but it was nice to get to know her as a more confident person.
One strength of this duology is the prose. Sue Lynn Tan writes gorgeous sentences, and these books are lush and cinematic. That matches up nicely with the kind of action-packed, something-for-everyone story. I also loved getting to know the legend of the Moon Goddess through this lens!
The reason this fell a bit short for me, however, is just that I don’t like love triangles. Sometimes I can be convinced, but I never quite got there on this one. I think it could have benefited from more character development for the secondary characters in the book; they’re all sort of flat except for Xingyin herself. Although part of this may also be my own inexperience and naive reactions to a more Eastern storytelling style.
Still, if you find yourself drawn to this one, I’d say definitely give it a shot!
TL;DR REVIEW:
Heart of the Sun Warrior is a fun, adventurous sequel to Daughter of the Moon Goddess. While it didn’t blow me away (mostly because the love triangle didn’t quite work for me), I did enjoy it.
For you if: You like an adventure, and/or want to read more fantasy based on Chinese mythology.
FULL REVIEW:
Heart of the Sun Warrior is the sequel to Daughter of the Moon Goddess and the conclusion of the Celestial Kingdom duology, a Chinese fantasy drama (epic fantasy rooted in Chinese mythology). Although it didn’t blow me away, I did enjoy it and the duology overall.
I won’t give spoilers for the first book, but suffice to say that this one picks up only a short time after that one ends. From there, a new adventure quickly begins. That’s one thing I liked about this duology: Each book feels like a complete story. This time around, Xingyin knows herself and her strengths better; she’s still headstrong, and she still rushes into situations a bit too quickly, but it was nice to get to know her as a more confident person.
One strength of this duology is the prose. Sue Lynn Tan writes gorgeous sentences, and these books are lush and cinematic. That matches up nicely with the kind of action-packed, something-for-everyone story. I also loved getting to know the legend of the Moon Goddess through this lens!
The reason this fell a bit short for me, however, is just that I don’t like love triangles. Sometimes I can be convinced, but I never quite got there on this one. I think it could have benefited from more character development for the secondary characters in the book; they’re all sort of flat except for Xingyin herself. Although part of this may also be my own inexperience and naive reactions to a more Eastern storytelling style.
Still, if you find yourself drawn to this one, I’d say definitely give it a shot!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Child death, and Death
Moderate: War, Violence, and Blood
Minor: Death of parent
emolr's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Fire/Fire injury, Death of parent, Blood, Grief, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, and War
Minor: Infidelity
fifteenthjessica's review
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Fist of all, Sue Lynn Tan's prose is gorgeous! Descriptions of the opulence of the immortals are a delight, and I wish I used sticky notes to mark my favorite descriptions so I can draw them later. Action features a solid balance of memorable spectacle and realism that keeps it grounded and weighty while still heavily featuring magic.
I didn't like the plot as much as I liked the first one though. The love triangle (the one weak part in the first book because Xingyin's feelings for Wenzhi never held a candle to her feelings for Liwei) is overall stronger and more prominent, but also gets old eventually. Towards the end of the book, when Xingyin pondered her feelings for the male leads, my eyes would glaze over. The resolution makes sense and fits with the themes of the novel, but it was drawn out by Xingyin's stubbornness.And I feel bad for Liwei who feels very much like he was strung along for a book and a half. In spite of these complaints, I would buy a low stakes sequel about Wenzhi and Xingyin's new relationship (or anything by Tan) in a heartbeat.
There were also some loose ends that left me feeling unsatsifed. The two sisters from the Golden Desert that stay on the moon in the beginning are probably a sequel hook, but the lack of confirmation about what happened tothe dead in Wugang's army in the end was disappointing. Especially after it was heavily implied that poor Yanming was added to the army. Also, the resurrection of Houyi felt too easy, and characters from that subplot like Tao and Zhiyi feel more like plot devices then characters, which is a pity, because this adds a lot of much needed depth to Wenzhi and the Celestial Empress that makes you really understand their more antagonistic decisions in the last book.
I didn't like the plot as much as I liked the first one though. The love triangle (the one weak part in the first book because Xingyin's feelings for Wenzhi never held a candle to her feelings for Liwei) is overall stronger and more prominent, but also gets old eventually. Towards the end of the book, when Xingyin pondered her feelings for the male leads, my eyes would glaze over. The resolution makes sense and fits with the themes of the novel, but it was drawn out by Xingyin's stubbornness.
There were also some loose ends that left me feeling unsatsifed. The two sisters from the Golden Desert that stay on the moon in the beginning are probably a sequel hook, but the lack of confirmation about what happened to
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Death, and Child death
Moderate: Blood, Body horror, Violence, and War
Minor: Fire/Fire injury and Alcohol
trippalli's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
A good read of you like a string female warrior sorcerer leading in many battles and adventures while being in a love triangle (2 in love with her) with 8dragons, Phoenix, Mermaids, magic, Demons/mind manipulators and goddesses and emperors that are immortal yet getting in trouble with falling in love with mortals, fighting over and steeling the elixir of immortality, that is made from peach trees on the moon... But takes a long time to make. Lots of fights between 8 kingdoms. There are a couple sad deaths in battles and some unification against common enemies.
Honestly it was like too much was going on so nothing got quite as in depth as I need to fall in love with characters or their plights.. It becomes cartooniy almost to have so much going on and chaos.. Except for the real violence which is sad
Honestly it was like too much was going on so nothing got quite as in depth as I need to fall in love with characters or their plights.. It becomes cartooniy almost to have so much going on and chaos.. Except for the real violence which is sad
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Death of parent, Child death, Murder, Death, Sexual harassment, War, and Blood
r1vana's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
Fame was often accompanied by suffering, the thrill of glory came entwined with terror, and blood was not so easily washed from one's conscience.
This whole book until 97% of the book, the author made me believe that Xingyin was gonna end up with Liwei.
Even tough it was 2% of the end of the book, I am satisfied with the fact that she ends up with Wenzhi. PSA: this review is all about leasing Wenzhi, beware.
As I was reading through the book, the more I got depressed. For me, it was not better than the first book. The plot in this one keeps getting dragged. And the love triangles was even more stressful. Again, it shadows that FL’s progress and growth. It felt like she was back to square one.
This is why I hate LT. The fact that she still abodes deep feelings for “both” of them?! Please. I knew that Liwei was gonna give up his relationship with Xingyin for the Celestial Kingdom.
-
The ending was rushed. Which is really disappointing. What happens with Xingyin and Wenzhi? Is he gonna get his memory back? Or will he fall in love with her again?
He was not my first love, but he would be my last.
-
For thoses who want to debate on why Wenzhi is better? Theses quotes itself speaks:
“Believe this, then--for I swear it upon my family, my kingdom, and my honor. When I won the crown and lost you, it was a hollow victory. I regretted all that was lost between us, all I had destroyed--for nothing was worth losing you."
;
When he knows that his betrayal has affected him but can’t himself to want her:
“To hear you say my name without hate or wariness, is a desire that has haunted me for the past year. Some days I thought you would despise me forever—as I deserved." A drawn breath slid from him. "I should be grateful, but I can't help wanting more."
This guy is the ultimate:
"You would have given up your crown? After all you did to secure it?" My voice lifted in disbelief.
The light in his eyes rivaled that of the moon. "I would give it all up for you, if you would only ask."
“Unclouded by emotion, instinct can be a powerful guide?"
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Violence, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Death
marleywrites's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
So. Much. Angst. My heart fractured so many times while reading this book. Every time Xingyin’s heart broke, mine did too. I felt her grief deep in my soul.
This book made me want to sing and cry at the same time. The Wenzhi redemption arc- phew! I was rooting for him from the start! I was feeling every emotional high and low like it was my own emotions at stake.
This story is now a forever favorite. The character arcs. The thrilling plot. The symbolism. The fantastic prose.
If Sue Lynn Tan writes it, I’m gonna read it.
Liwei working so hard to save Wenzhi for Xingyin… that’s love. I’m so proud of him for setting aside that pain he felt for her. And that Wenzhi and Xingyin will get another chance…. Yes, I cried. A lot.
This book made me want to sing and cry at the same time.
This story is now a forever favorite. The character arcs. The thrilling plot. The symbolism. The fantastic prose.
If Sue Lynn Tan writes it, I’m gonna read it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Child death, Grief, and Violence
Moderate: War and Blood
Minor: Infidelity, Murder, and Death of parent
The angst is heavy in this one.lanid's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Gore, Violence, War, Confinement, Death, Body horror, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, and Grief
leaflit's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
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
4.25
I think I enjoyed the first book more as it had more of the world building and possibly less romantic angst. Felt less *magical* than it did discovering the universe for the first time and the romance stuff went a bit overboard for me in this book but it was still an enjoyable read. A few elements felt kind of thrown in/rushed. Overall engaging and a good balance of action-mushy stuff and angst-comfort.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Fire/Fire injury, Child death, Death, and Grief
Moderate: Murder, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, War, Animal cruelty, and Death of parent
LGBTQ+ side characteraexileigh's review
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Violence, War, Child death, Murder, Death, and Grief
jessicaludden's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
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
*4.5*
“For the fools do not fear the odds, the reckless do not care—and only the truly brave proceed regardless.”
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for an ARC of this book!
The Heart of the Sun Warrior continues the Celestial Kingdom Duology and follows Xingyin as she faces a new threat in the immortal realm. A tyrant is after the seeds of the laurel tree that grows on the moon, which will allow him to raise an army with regenerative powers to take over the realm. With the help of her allies, Xingyin must find a way to stop him and decide what place love will have in her life.
I loved this book! I wasn’t sure where the series was going after the conclusion of the first book, but I really like the direction it went in. The pacing was a little slow and there were some things with the plot and character motivation that didn’t make sense to me, but it definitely picked up in Part 3. There were many epic fantasy elements included in this book that made it feel like a journey as I was reading it. I loved watching Xingyin’s growth throughout the novel. She became such a noble and honest person, almost to a fault. I loved her relationship with her family and how she was willing to do anything to protect them. I loved the ending of this book. At first, I didn’t think things would go my way, but I finished reading this book very content. I think Xingyin made a great decision to help everyone around her be happy. Overall, I loved this book and I loved this series. I really enjoyed reading about Xingyin’s journey and being immersed in this world.
“For the fools do not fear the odds, the reckless do not care—and only the truly brave proceed regardless.”
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for an ARC of this book!
The Heart of the Sun Warrior continues the Celestial Kingdom Duology and follows Xingyin as she faces a new threat in the immortal realm. A tyrant is after the seeds of the laurel tree that grows on the moon, which will allow him to raise an army with regenerative powers to take over the realm. With the help of her allies, Xingyin must find a way to stop him and decide what place love will have in her life.
I loved this book! I wasn’t sure where the series was going after the conclusion of the first book, but I really like the direction it went in. The pacing was a little slow and there were some things with the plot and character motivation that didn’t make sense to me, but it definitely picked up in Part 3. There were many epic fantasy elements included in this book that made it feel like a journey as I was reading it. I loved watching Xingyin’s growth throughout the novel. She became such a noble and honest person, almost to a fault. I loved her relationship with her family and how she was willing to do anything to protect them. I loved the ending of this book. At first, I didn’t think things would go my way, but I finished reading this book very content. I think Xingyin made a great decision to help everyone around her be happy. Overall, I loved this book and I loved this series. I really enjoyed reading about Xingyin’s journey and being immersed in this world.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child death, Death, Death of parent, Blood, Grief, Murder, and War