Published: 2022
Series: Celestial Kingdom
Author: Sue Lynn Tan
Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Mythology, Young Adult, Fiction, Retellings, Romantasy, Magic, Young Adult Fantasy
Audience (Grade Levels): High School; Grades 9-12
Number of Stars: 5-Stars
Goodreads Link: Heart of the Sun Warrior
Triggers: Alcohol consumption, kidnapping, assault, bullying, death
Review By: Nicole Nicosia
Publisher’s Summary:
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.
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 must 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.
Review:
This lush and beautiful story is based on the legend of Chang’e, the Chinese moon goddess and it is, in my mind, the perfect mythology-based fantasy story. If the trend in fantasy is toward incorporating world mythology, I am ready for more of these stories. The fierce female protagonist reminded me of Shiori from Elizabeth Lim’s Six Crimson Cranes and The Dragon’s Promise. Where Lim’s story is based on fairy tales and East Asian folklore, this duology delves into the beloved Chinese mythology of the moon goddess. This spectacular fantasy duology is a must read – Xingyin is a fierce female warrior who will fight for her family, love and what is right. The second novel in this beautiful fantasy world is full of action and adventure. This is a most satisfying conclusion and resolution to this amazing story.
Classroom & Curricular Connections:
- English Language Arts / Comparative Literature (Mythology & Retellings): This novel provides an excellent framework for studying how traditional folklore is adapted into modern young adult fantasy. Educators can build comparative units contrasting Sue Lynn Tan’s narrative structural choices with traditional Chinese mythology, specifically focusing on the legends of Chang’e (the moon goddess) and the mortal archer Houyi.
- World History & Culture (East Asian Folklore & Mythology): Social studies teachers can leverage this text to explore the cultural significance of mythological archetypes within Chinese heritage. By examining the shift toward incorporating world mythology into mainstream literature, students can analyze how cultural storytelling preserves values of family, sacrifice, and honor across generations.
Diversity & Representation:
-
Heart of the Sun Warrior strongly supports diversity, equity, and inclusion by celebrating authentic Chinese mythology and centering an entirely East Asian-inspired cast within a high-profile fantasy duology. By positioning a fierce, independent young woman as an elite warrior fighting for her family and realm, the novel actively disrupts Eurocentric high-fantasy paradigms and offers crucial, empowering representation for Asian and Asian-American students.
Readalikes:
- Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan
- Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim
- The Dragon’s Promise by Elizabeth Lim
- Eon: Dragoneye Reborn by Alison Goodman
