Daughter of the Moon Goddess

by Sue Lynn Tan

4 out of 5

Synopsis

A captivating debut fantasy inspired by the legend of Chang'e, the Chinese moon goddess, in which a young woman’s quest to free her mother pits her against the most powerful immortal in the realm.

Growing up on the moon, Xingyin is accustomed to solitude, unaware that she is being hidden from the feared Celestial Emperor who exiled her mother for stealing his elixir of immortality. But when Xingyin’s magic flares and her existence is discovered, she is forced to flee her home, leaving her mother behind.

Alone, powerless, and afraid, she makes her way to the Celestial Kingdom, a land of wonder and secrets. Disguising her identity, she seizes an opportunity to learn alongside the emperor's son, mastering archery and magic, even as passion flames between her and the prince.

To save her mother, Xingyin embarks on a perilous quest, confronting legendary creatures and vicious enemies across the earth and skies. But when treachery looms and forbidden magic threatens the kingdom, she must challenge the ruthless Celestial Emperor for her dream—striking a dangerous bargain in which she is torn between losing all she loves or plunging the realm into chaos.

Daughter of the Moon Goddess begins an enchanting, romantic duology which weaves ancient Chinese mythology into a sweeping adventure of immortals and magic—where love vies with honor, dreams are fraught with betrayal, and hope emerges triumphant. 

Review

Xingyin is an innocent young immortal who only wants her mother's freedom.

I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Xingyin, a young immortal, has grown up with the peace and comfort of the moon. For most of her life, she naively doesn't realise that her mother is a prisoner. She has all the comforts of their own palace, but cannot leave the moon, thanks to the petty ruling immortals.

Her mother, Chang'e has tried to keep her daughter's presence hidden from the others, but no secret can be kept forever.

Trying to escape the Empress, Xingyin finds herself in the immortal lands, lost and alone, and only herself to rely on.

The story follows Xingyin, as she tries to find her way home; not insult the Empress; and becomes best friends with her son, Prince Liwei.

With nothing but her own wit, and no family to support her, she makes progress by her own merit.

She learns more about the world and magic than her mother taught her, and she finds a natural aptitude with a bow, just like her mortal father.

I thought that after the exciting opening sequence, the story slows down a lot, as Xingyin learns to cope in the immortal lands.

She feels understandably lost, and has no idea how to get back home. Her drive and direction were somewhat flaky, making the story lull.

I also thought that her character seemed to be at odds with herself. She's shown to be soft and naive, and generally very sweet to everyone; but we are told that she is angry and spiky.

I thought both the plot and Xingyin's character got much better by half-way. I completely loved Xingyin in the end, and could understand all of her choices, and her unwavering loyalty to the people that have earnt it.

I really liked the love triangle - I thought that it evolved slowly and naturally, and it kept you guessing until the end. Xingyin never goes girly or silly around her love interests, and always insists on using her head as well as her heart.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I look forward to the next part of the duology.

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