Daughter Of The Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan

*Spoiler free*

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.

I’ve wanted to read this book since the first time I heard about it and found out it was about a girl who lived on the moon, and went on a quest to save her mother, who was imprisoned there. It sounded absolutely incredible, and I had seen so much love for it online. I was so stoked to read it.

This book was quieter than I expected, but absolutely enchanting.

Everything about it is so vivid, from the storytelling to the imagery to the scenery to the characters. It’s told through sweeping motions, but it doesn’t make it any less gorgeous.

At it’s core, it’s a story about love. The pain it can cause, how much it aches to hold it in your hands, how it can wash over you in the greatest of waves, and how willing people are to fight for it. It’s a fight for love, romantic, familial, friendships. It blossoms and crests and sometimes it pierces straight into the heart. There’s sacrifices made in the name of love, and there are questionable decisions made in the name of love. But, it is love that keeps Xingyin going, and what she continues to fight for.

Another thing that I loved about this book were the monsters and creatures that inhabited the world of immortals. I loved seeing Xingyin meet them and sometimes fight them and just pretty much all of them were so freaking cool. Like, there are dragons. Dragons are so freaking cool, and these dragons take it to a whole new level. The way mythology was weaved into this story was stunning, and I was absolutely fascinated with all of it.

The writing was another thing that I loved. It flowed so smoothly.

I also adored all the characters, and I wasn’t expecting to love them as much as I did. They blossomed right along with Xingyin. And gosh, the romantic yearning and the love triangle and friendships.

All in all, I really, really enjoyed this book even though it was a lot different than I expected. Everything about is gorgeous and it’s truly vivid and I adored all the characters. It’s amazing.

Daughter Of The Moon Goddess comes out January 11, 2022! You can add it on Goodreads and pre-order a copy of your own!