Review: Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan

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.

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📌 Publication date: 20/01/2022
📌 Disclaimer: I received an e-arc from the publisher for review 

I was drawn to Daughter of The Moon Goddess, because the captivating description and cover. It's the first book in a planned duology, inspired by the legend of the Chinese moon goddess, Chang'e. It follows the moon goddess' daughter, Xingyin, as she is forced to flee her home. 

Told in three parts, it moves from the present to the future. Time jumps are hard to pull off, because they can often feel rushed and abrupt, but it worked well here. Xingyin was a sympathetic main character as she went through a journey both externally and internally. Also, I don't say this a lot, but the love triangle in Daughter of the Moon Goddess didn't annoy me. I liked it because both love interests were intriguing in their own way and Xingyin wasn't mooning over them.   

Although, Daughter of the Moon Goddess is an adult fantasy it has YA cross-over appeal. I loved the mythology and magic, and appreciate the fact that it's going to be a duology, because it means there won't be unnecessary filler. I'm very much looking forward to the conclusion. 

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