After winning her mother's freedom from the Celestial Emperor, Xingyin thrives in the enchanting tranquility of her home. But her fragile peace is threatened by the discovery of a strange magic on the moon and the unsettling changes in the Celestial Kingdom as the emperor tightens his grip on power. While Xingyin is determined to keep clear of the rising danger, the discovery of a shocking truth spurs her into a perilous confrontation.
Forced to flee her home once more, Xingyin and her companions venture to unexplored lands of the Immortal Realm, encountering legendary creatures and shrewd monarchs, beloved friends and bitter adversaries. With alliances shifting quicker than the tides, Xingyin has to overcome past grudges and enmities to forge a new path forward, seeking aid where she never imagined she would. As an unspeakable terror sweeps across the realm, Xingyin must uncover the truth of her heart and claw her way through devastation--to rise against this evil before it destroys everything she holds dear, and the worlds she has grown to love... even if doing so demands the greatest price of all.
The stunning sequel to Daughter of the Moon Goddess delves deeper into beloved Chinese mythology, concluding the epic story of Xingyin--the daughter of Chang'e and the mortal archer, Houyi--as she battles a grave new threat to the realm, in this powerful tale of love, sacrifice, and hope.
When I reviewed Daughter of the Moon Goddess, the first in this duology - just about a year ago, actually! - I thought that although the UK cover was lovely, the US cover was much more dramatic and exciting. This year, there's no contest, sadly. The UK cover is nice, but it's so busy. The UK one is nicer, to my eyes.
Luckily, the book is not the cover! Daughter was one of my top books of last year. Although I very much enjoyed this one, it doesn't rank as highly; I felt that parts of it dragged, which didn't happen in the first one. I almost even found myself skimming! I wouldn't have thought that was possible for a Sue Lynn Tan book.
I did love the language very much, it's just as beautiful and flowing as the first volume. The steady love and respect Xingyin and Liwei had for each other is absolute goals, too. (Do we say goals any more? I'm never sure what the slang is...)
Overall I really enjoyed this duology, and I'm really looking forward to seeing what Sue gives us next. I'll be here, front and centre.
Heart of the Sun Warrior publishes on the 10th of November, 2022 in the UK (top image) and on the 15th of November, 2022 in the US (lower image). I received a free copy and am giving an honest review.
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