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lucielockettreads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-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? No
4.75
This book has so many good quotes in it, a lot of them felt like lessons and I’ll always take them with me now. The only reason I lost a quarter of a star was because I guessed a later plot twist and that frustrates me when I do that I’m just too observant sometimes and this book has made me want to look into more Chinese mythology!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, War, Death, and Gore
Moderate: Confinement, Vomit, and Death of parent
Minor: Kidnapping and Bullying
leigh13's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Torture, War, Blood, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Animal death, Kidnapping, Murder, and Violence
Minor: Death of parent, Panic attacks/disorders, Bullying, and Confinement
anapthine's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
relaxing
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? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, Emotional abuse, Bullying, Colonisation, Medical content, Kidnapping, Injury/Injury detail, War, Violence, Torture, Physical abuse, Gore, Gaslighting, Confinement, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Deadnaming
Minor: Alcohol and Death of parent
kindra_demi's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
This was my first story of Chang’e and Houyi and I devoured it! I always love reading retellings of myths and legends from various cultures of the world.
There are times where cliché tropes can still be well done, and I believe Daughter of the Moon Goddess is a case of that. The major twist isn’t the most shocking thing, but that being said, the build up to the twist makes it still hurt a bit when you find out.
I will own I am a sucker for a messy love story with two interests fighting for the main character’s attention, and this book is full of that. While it is technically a subplot line, it is a very prominent part of the story. There are several smaller storylines that are included simply to build the romance part of the plot.
The writing style is very descriptive (with a heavy repetition of certain words *cough* jade *cough*) so if that is not something you enjoy, I would caution you with this book.
I think my one major critique is the fact that the story wanted to show so many small moments between the main character and the characters surrounding her that it felt that many of the scenes were wrapped up nicely (relatively speaking. I mean this is a book about a girl who becomes a soldier so…)
Overall though, this was a super nice read if you want a story about what we will do to help those we love (with a nice side of messy romance). I am super excited for the next book to come out!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Blood, Kidnapping, War, Gore, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Drug use, Fire/Fire injury, and Grief
readerperson's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
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
5.0
Where do I start. This is one of the few books that genuinely made me laugh, cry and gasp with shock. I absolutely fell in love with this book and would think about the characters long after I would close the book and try to sleep.
Only thing that stuck out a little for me is the amount of description in the book, sometimes warranted, sometimes not, each to their own on how much detail they need but
sometimes I found myself not caring what a person was wearing, even though the description of this was most of the time meaningful of the character's mood, circumstances or intentions in the scene.
The main character is such a badass and I absolutely loved seeing her fight her way through some super tricky situations.
There was so much adventure and romance and loss packed into it that I almost feel lost now after finishing it.
I loved the weaving of mythology and magic throughout the book, I also like that there's a limit to what they can do and they don't just have some endless well of power, it's feels more realistic that a being faces the risk of over exerting themselves, even if they're immortal. It also adds intensity and urgency when you can tell a character is using too much of their powers to sustain themselves.
I love that Xingyin had genuinely made friends and allies in the celestial kingdom outside of Liwei, it felt like she had more people that trusted in her and could back her up.
I could go round and round talking about Liwei and Captain Wenzhi but I'm going to stop myself before I get emotional lol.
One of my favorite reads this year I think. The characters and story have stuck with me so much.
Only thing that stuck out a little for me is the amount of description in the book, sometimes warranted, sometimes not, each to their own on how much detail they need but
sometimes I found myself not caring what a person was wearing, even though the description of this was most of the time meaningful of the character's mood, circumstances or intentions in the scene.
The main character is such a badass and I absolutely loved seeing her fight her way through some super tricky situations.
There was so much adventure and romance and loss packed into it that I almost feel lost now after finishing it.
I loved the weaving of mythology and magic throughout the book, I also like that there's a limit to what they can do and they don't just have some endless well of power, it's feels more realistic that a being faces the risk of over exerting themselves, even if they're immortal. It also adds intensity and urgency when you can tell a character is using too much of their powers to sustain themselves.
I love that Xingyin had genuinely made friends and allies in the celestial kingdom outside of Liwei, it felt like she had more people that trusted in her and could back her up.
I could go round and round talking about Liwei and Captain Wenzhi but I'm going to stop myself before I get emotional lol.
One of my favorite reads this year I think. The characters and story have stuck with me so much.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Gore
cndillon17's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
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? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Blood, Death of parent, and Gore
maple_dove's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
tense
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
4.0
Chinese drama Vibes
One of this book's most prominent subjects was Xingyin's character arc.
One of this book's most prominent subjects was Xingyin's character arc.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Confinement, Gore, Misogyny, Sexual harassment, and Violence
Moderate: Death of parent, Grief, Infidelity, and Kidnapping
tonysipsandreads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
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? No
5.0
This was a cute and whimsical story about self-discovery, love, forgiveness, and determination. I loved the magic system in this book! The world building was minimal, but that didn't take away from the story. While I was reading this, I felt like I was picked up and dropped right in the middle of this world. The writing is so effortless, and beautiful. I would highly recommend this book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Blood, Death, Gore, Kidnapping, Violence, and War
Moderate: Blood, Death, Gore, and Violence
Minor: Animal death, Kidnapping, and War
foreverinastory'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? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Thank you to B2Weird book club & tours as well as Harper Voyager US for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This was a fantastic debut! Daughter of the Moon Goddess is a retelling of the Chinese myth of the moon goddess, Chang’e. This book takes place over the course of several years. We see Xingyin leave the moon palace and enter the Celestial Kingdom in order to find a way to free her mother. Xingyin goes on several adventures during her time in the Celestial Kingdom, but she never forgets her purpose: to free her mother. This is something that is always circled back to in the overall plot.
This book has something for everyone: romance, an engaging plot, fierce battles, dragons, a female badass. I absolutely loved the world of the Celestial Kingdom. I want more of this world, because I’m so fascinated by how everything works. Plus the history and lore of the world is magnificent. I was blown away by the scope of this book and how much of the world we get to explore. I'm impressed with how much was included and how I never felt bored.
I listened to the audiobook, which is read by the fantastic Natalie Naudus. I’ve listened to several other books by Naudus, and she’s definitely one of my favorite audiobook narrators! She really brought Xingyin to life, it was impossible not to be invested in her journey.
Throughout all the action, Xingyin also falls in love with Crown Prince Liwei. Unfortunately, he is betrothed to another, but the two cannot keep from being drawn to one another. I really enjoyed the romance between these two. There is also a love triangle, but like idk which side I want to win? We learn so much about both of these men and I can't pick who I like best with Xingyin, hopefully she'll be able to figure it out for herself.
This is a debut I won’t be forgetting any time soon. I was swept away by the adventure Xingyin went on. While this book does wrap up the major conflicts presented, there are still some paths left open, and I’m really curious to see where the sequel will take Xingyin and her friends.
Rep: All Chinese coded cast. Female MC.
CWs: Death, blood, violence, gore, fire/fire injury. Moderate: confinement, kidnapping, infidelity, sexual harassment, attempted sexual assault, torture, grief, abandonment, war, injury/injury detail. Minor: vomit, alcohol consumption, sexism, death of parent, past mentions of pregnancy, bullying bordering on emotional abuse.
This was a fantastic debut! Daughter of the Moon Goddess is a retelling of the Chinese myth of the moon goddess, Chang’e. This book takes place over the course of several years. We see Xingyin leave the moon palace and enter the Celestial Kingdom in order to find a way to free her mother. Xingyin goes on several adventures during her time in the Celestial Kingdom, but she never forgets her purpose: to free her mother. This is something that is always circled back to in the overall plot.
This book has something for everyone: romance, an engaging plot, fierce battles, dragons, a female badass. I absolutely loved the world of the Celestial Kingdom. I want more of this world, because I’m so fascinated by how everything works. Plus the history and lore of the world is magnificent. I was blown away by the scope of this book and how much of the world we get to explore. I'm impressed with how much was included and how I never felt bored.
I listened to the audiobook, which is read by the fantastic Natalie Naudus. I’ve listened to several other books by Naudus, and she’s definitely one of my favorite audiobook narrators! She really brought Xingyin to life, it was impossible not to be invested in her journey.
Throughout all the action, Xingyin also falls in love with Crown Prince Liwei. Unfortunately, he is betrothed to another, but the two cannot keep from being drawn to one another. I really enjoyed the romance between these two. There is also a love triangle, but like idk which side I want to win? We learn so much about both of these men and I can't pick who I like best with Xingyin, hopefully she'll be able to figure it out for herself.
This is a debut I won’t be forgetting any time soon. I was swept away by the adventure Xingyin went on. While this book does wrap up the major conflicts presented, there are still some paths left open, and I’m really curious to see where the sequel will take Xingyin and her friends.
Rep: All Chinese coded cast. Female MC.
CWs: Death, blood, violence, gore, fire/fire injury. Moderate: confinement, kidnapping, infidelity, sexual harassment, attempted sexual assault, torture, grief, abandonment, war, injury/injury detail. Minor: vomit, alcohol consumption, sexism, death of parent, past mentions of pregnancy, bullying bordering on emotional abuse.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Gore, and Violence
Moderate: Abandonment, Confinement, Grief, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Torture, and War
Minor: Alcohol, Bullying, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Sexism, and Vomit
bookishcb_21's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Wow! Just W.O.W!! This book was soooo good 💜 If you love books that feature friends to lovers (to enemies 😱), an abundance of fantasy, Chinese mythology, and a strong female MC, then this is the book for you! It is a story inspired by the legend of Chang’e and how her daughter, Xingyin, will learn how to harness her powers, discover her true identity, and will do whatever it takes to free her mother from exile. Can we also admire how GORGEOUS this cover is! 😍😍 Thanks again to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for feedback.
**I will add my full review closer to the publication date 😊
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, and Gore