Genre Fiction
![Sue Lynn Tan - [object Object] author](https://res.cloudinary.com/readsomnia/image/upload/authors/a_a_sue_lynn_tan.jpg)
Daughter of the Moon Goddess: A Novel (Celestial Kingdom, 1)
The acclaimed national and international bestseller
"Epic, romantic, and enthralling from start to finish."-Stephanie Garber, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Caraval series
"An all-consuming work of literary fantasy that is breathtaking both for its beauty and its suspense."-BookPage, starred review
A captivating and romantic debut epic fantasy inspired by the legend of the Chinese moon goddess, Chang'e, in which a young woman's quest to free her mother pits her against the most powerful immortal in the realm.
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.
"Epic, romantic, and enthralling from start to finish."-Stephanie Garber, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Caraval series
"An all-consuming work of literary fantasy that is breathtaking both for its beauty and its suspense."-BookPage, starred review
A captivating and romantic debut epic fantasy inspired by the legend of the Chinese moon goddess, Chang'e, in which a young woman's quest to free her mother pits her against the most powerful immortal in the realm.
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.
Editorial Reviews
"Tan's remarkable debut and duology launch transports readers into a stunning world...The result is a riveting page-turner that will leave fantasy lovers satisfied and eager for more" - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"An exquisitely detailed fantasy with a strong, vulnerable protagonist. The intimate prose makes Tan's wonderful debut an immersive experience; share with fans of Shelley Parker-Chan and Katherine Arden." - Library Journal (starred review), Debut of the Month
"Filled with intricate world building, heartbreaking romance and mind-bending intrigue. Tan's story is mythic in its scope yet personal in its execution . . . The result is an all-consuming work of literary fantasy that is breathtaking both for its beauty and its suspense." - BookPage (starred review)
"This vivid, unputdownable debut effortlessly whisks us into the celestial realms of Chinese high fantasy. Tan magnificently conjures the romantic yet dangerous dazzle of this immortal world, but never loses track of the shining human heart of her tale. A captivating treat for lovers of Chinese fantasy dramas and newcomers alike."
- Shelley Parker-Chan, author of She Who Became the Sun
"Sue Lynn Tan has written a breathtaking debut novel that will sweep readers away to the moon and back. I can't remember the last time a book surprised and delighted me as much as this one. Epic, romantic, and enthralling from start to finish. I love this book." - Stephanie Garber, #1 NYT bestselling author of the Caraval series
"A lush, dreamy gem of a novel." - Shannon Chakraborty, bestselling author of The City of Brass
"A gripping adventure inspired by the legend of Chang'e, Daughter of the Moon Goddess explores how far one woman will go for the sake of family, loyalty, and love. Prepare to be swept off your feet by this absolutely magical tale."
- Genevieve Gornichec, author of The Witch's Heart
"A sparkling debut, epic but intimate, about love and sacrifice and hope in the face of despair. At its center is a protagonist who is flawed but full of heart-I dare you not to be entranced by this magical book." - Ava Reid, author of
"An exquisitely detailed fantasy with a strong, vulnerable protagonist. The intimate prose makes Tan's wonderful debut an immersive experience; share with fans of Shelley Parker-Chan and Katherine Arden." - Library Journal (starred review), Debut of the Month
"Filled with intricate world building, heartbreaking romance and mind-bending intrigue. Tan's story is mythic in its scope yet personal in its execution . . . The result is an all-consuming work of literary fantasy that is breathtaking both for its beauty and its suspense." - BookPage (starred review)
"This vivid, unputdownable debut effortlessly whisks us into the celestial realms of Chinese high fantasy. Tan magnificently conjures the romantic yet dangerous dazzle of this immortal world, but never loses track of the shining human heart of her tale. A captivating treat for lovers of Chinese fantasy dramas and newcomers alike."
- Shelley Parker-Chan, author of She Who Became the Sun
"Sue Lynn Tan has written a breathtaking debut novel that will sweep readers away to the moon and back. I can't remember the last time a book surprised and delighted me as much as this one. Epic, romantic, and enthralling from start to finish. I love this book." - Stephanie Garber, #1 NYT bestselling author of the Caraval series
"A lush, dreamy gem of a novel." - Shannon Chakraborty, bestselling author of The City of Brass
"A gripping adventure inspired by the legend of Chang'e, Daughter of the Moon Goddess explores how far one woman will go for the sake of family, loyalty, and love. Prepare to be swept off your feet by this absolutely magical tale."
- Genevieve Gornichec, author of The Witch's Heart
"A sparkling debut, epic but intimate, about love and sacrifice and hope in the face of despair. At its center is a protagonist who is flawed but full of heart-I dare you not to be entranced by this magical book." - Ava Reid, author of
Readers Top Reviews
MomFarahGabbyTeri
This book presents an engaging narrative about the growth and ingenuity of a young woman in pursuing the freedom of her family in an immortal world. It explores love, friendship, freedom, and war. It is full of magic, action and all the feels. A fun and uplifting read.
Meg GMomFarahGabb
I could not put this book down. From start to finish I found myself drawn into the world. All of the characters simply come to life on the page. And I love how there is a love triangle, but they don't make it the core of the story. The pacing is very middle of the road, not too fast or too slow. It made me excited for the second book in the duology. I cannot wait to see how this ends.
LARK MEADOWS D'AU
This is a book of suspense, mystery, romance. It’s about making noble choices, facing life fearlessly and without regret. The characters are believable and endearing or scary. I wanted to read it in one sitting but had to divide my reading, always eager to continue the adventure. I didn’t want it to end. You will enjoy this book. I did.
KarinaLARK MEADOW
So this book has been on my TBR since it's release earlier this year. I mean look at the cover, it's flippin' GORGEOUS. That alone definitely drew me in. I've never read anything about Chinese folklore, but this book being fantasy made it fall into my wheelhouse of preference. Xingyin has easily become one of the female MCs that I admire the most. Her trials and tribulations throughout this entire book were just amazing to get to experience alongside with her. I was totally here for all the action and adventure, the mythical creatures, and the totally unexpected LOVE triangle. This book was just SO beautifully and tastefully done. I could literally go on and on about this book forever. Daughter of the Moon Goddess has skyrocketed to the top of my list for best reads of 2021. & probably into my top 3 fantasy duology series. What I would give to be able to read this again for the first time !
morgann hegartyKa
This is super cute and I’m really excited for the sequel! I really like Xingyin and Liwei however Wenzhi is my favorite I really liked him and was rooting for him so I am sad about this ending. I do adore Xingyin and Liwei and now that Liwei has found a solution to their problem I hope that they can get their happily ever after. I liked how Xingyin handles her and her mother’s situation and was super pleased that she used her favor to help her mom rather than what Liwei hoped she used it for. I also adore how she handled the situation with the Dragons and their pearls along with Wenzhi. I was surprised with his ending but I'm glad that he's trying to fix the issues he causes I want him to have a happily ever after too. Overall this was a fun little myth retelling that has me craving a book too and for the moon to find happiness and love.
