Genre Fiction
![Sue Lynn Tan - [object Object] author](https://res.cloudinary.com/readsomnia/image/upload/authors/a_a_sue_lynn_tan.jpg)
Heart of the Sun Warrior: A Novel (Celestial Kingdom, 2)
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 has to 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.
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 has to 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.
Editorial Reviews
"Tan's melodic prose brings the gods and monsters to life in a book that ebbs and flows through action and dialogue in a way that will surprise readers when they turn the last page...Tan's sequel to Daughter of the Moon Goddess is a beautiful story inspired by Chinese mythology, serving up both exquisite worldbuilding and emotional characters." - Library Journal (starred review)
"Xingyin's whirlwind adventure through the beautifully described Immortal Realm is an intricate dance that encompasses multiple quest lines, thrilling battles, romances, magic, and mythological creatures. Tan raises the stakes significantly, grounding Xingyin's strength in love even when her heart is buffeted by shifting loyalties and tragic sacrifices, and leads the reader to a bittersweet yet hopeful conclusion." - Booklist (starred review)
"A fast-paced, reckless ride that's not afraid to take big narrative and emotional swings." - Paste Magazine
"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) on Daughter of the Moon Goddess
"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) on Daughter of the Moon Goddess
"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, #1 international bestselling author of She Who Became the Sun, on Daughter of the Moon Goddess
"An exquisitely detailed fantasy with a strong, vulnerable protagonist. Th...
"Xingyin's whirlwind adventure through the beautifully described Immortal Realm is an intricate dance that encompasses multiple quest lines, thrilling battles, romances, magic, and mythological creatures. Tan raises the stakes significantly, grounding Xingyin's strength in love even when her heart is buffeted by shifting loyalties and tragic sacrifices, and leads the reader to a bittersweet yet hopeful conclusion." - Booklist (starred review)
"A fast-paced, reckless ride that's not afraid to take big narrative and emotional swings." - Paste Magazine
"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) on Daughter of the Moon Goddess
"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) on Daughter of the Moon Goddess
"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, #1 international bestselling author of She Who Became the Sun, on Daughter of the Moon Goddess
"An exquisitely detailed fantasy with a strong, vulnerable protagonist. Th...
Readers Top Reviews
CatmaMoore71011Fa
This book was released just as I finished Daughter of the Moon Goddess. Perfect timing. I loved going back to these characters and the Celestial kingdom. Beautifully written story..
JordanCatmaMoore7
I waited months for this book after finding the first installment of the series. Tan’s writing is captivating. She describes scenes and emotions so beautifully I’m left hanging off of every word. My only complaint is that I can’t read the story for the first time again!
TaylorJordanCatma
I absolutely loved the first book, so I purchased this immediately upon release! The author is so good at weaving a story. A lot of times I can predict the outcome of books and and movies but this book just kept me hanging on (and reading all night lol). I can't wait to see more from this author!!!
Kindle TaylorJor
*4.5 stars* This was such a great sequel. I gobbled everything up. The minor squabbles I had are related to the love triangle and XingYin's wishy-washyness about it all. Nevertheless, I so enjoyed this story. The action doesn't let up with so many surprises along the way (1 particular heartbreaking one). I'm so ready for what the author writes next
jediKindle Taylo
I finished The Heart of the Sun Warrior and have so many thoughts. The story is beautifully written and does a fantastic job building the story arch of each character from the first novel. There were twists, turns, laughter, joy and tears. It's one of those books that once you start reading, you just can't put down. Even after finishing the novel, I walked away feeling charged and raw with emotion (in a good way). It's one book I plan to re-read just to appreciate the nuances and emotional layers. A highly recommended read.
