Published: 2022
Series: Celestial Kingdom
Author: Sue Lynn Tan
Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Mythology, Retellings, Romantasy, Magic, Young Adult Fantasy
Audience (Grade Levels): Young Adult; Grades 9-12
Number of Stars: 5-Stars
Goodreads Link: Daughter of the Moon Goddess
Triggers: alcohol consumption, kidnapping, assault, bullying, death
Review By: Nicole Nicosia
Publisher’s Summary:
“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. 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 duology which weaves ancient Chinese mythology into a sweeping adventure of immortals and magic, of loss and sacrifice—where love vies with honor, dreams are fraught with betrayal, and hope emerges triumphant.”
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 – those novels are reimagined versions of The Wild Swans by Hans Christian Andersen or the Brothers Grimm.
Xingyin must flee her home when the Celestial Emperor feels her presence there – her mother has kept her hidden for her safety. She finds herself working as a servant when the son of the Celestial Emperor finds her. She convinces him to allow her to vie to become his companion in study and combat. Xingyin finds herself making bargains to survive, but also to win her mother’s freedom. This is the perfect YA fantasy novel. I compare this to Elizabeth Lim’s duology, but also find it as exceptionally wonderful as adult fantasies based on world mythology by Katherine Arden (The Bear and the Nightingale) and Naomi Novik (Uprooted, Spinning Silver). Xingyin and the prince have a complicated friendship and mutual admiration for each other, and there is a bit of depth added when Xingyin decides to pursue a career in the army where she takes on perilous tasks to free her mother. This, along with the added depth of the backstory of Chang’e, makes this an engaging adventure for all readers. I am already reading her sequel, Heart of the Sun Warrior, because I never want to stop reading this story and living in this world.
Classroom & Curricular Connections:
- Social Studies / World History: Excellent for units studying ancient Chinese history, folklore, and cultural legends. The text serves as a perfect modern gateway for students to analyze the traditional mythological figure Chang’e and explore how traditional tales survive through modern retellings.
- English Language Arts (ELA): This novel is ideal for comparative literature studies. Students can compare the journey, resilience, and growth of Tan’s fierce protagonist, Xingyin, to similar folkloric heroine arcs in YA novels, such as Elizabeth Lim’s Six Crimson Cranes.
Diversity & Representation Note:
This book provides wonderful Asian representation by weaving rich, authentic Chinese mythology and folklore into a sweeping, high-fantasy adventure. It features a diverse cast of characters rooted in traditional legends, showcasing a powerful, self-determined female protagonist who takes agency over her own destiny, pursues a demanding career in the imperial army, and actively fights to free her mother.
Readalikes:
- Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim
- The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
- Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik
