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A review by nadiajohnsonbooks
Tales of the Celestial Kingdom by Sue Lynn Tan
adventurous
emotional
fast-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? Yes
4.0
This book is such a lovely companion to the Celestial Kingdom duology. In it, we get to see glimpses of Chang'e and Houyi's life before Xingyin is born as well as some side stories that take place during the events of Daughter of the Moon Goddess and Heart of the Sun Warrior. The collection concludes with short stories that serve as a sort of epilogue to the events of the duology, which were swoon-worthy and an absolute balm to my romantic heart.
Chang'e and Houyi's stories are more directly interpretations of Chinese mythology, which Tan crafts here into a fitting prologue to the events of her books.
I should note that if you have not read the Celestial Kingdom duology, the stories told from the perspectives of Liwei, Wenzhi, Shuxiao, and Xingyin won't make a ton of sense. If you HAVE read the duology, though, these stories add some depth to familiar characters, and it was a delight to revisit them.
Chang'e and Houyi's stories are more directly interpretations of Chinese mythology, which Tan crafts here into a fitting prologue to the events of her books.
I should note that if you have not read the Celestial Kingdom duology, the stories told from the perspectives of Liwei, Wenzhi, Shuxiao, and Xingyin won't make a ton of sense. If you HAVE read the duology, though, these stories add some depth to familiar characters, and it was a delight to revisit them.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pregnancy
Minor: Blood