As for the arcs that weren't romance related. I felt that one of the arcs related to Xingyin's family wasn't quite as strong this time around. It had to compete with a different plot and so it didn't get quite the same level of care and attention that a similar plot in the first book got and that felt pretty unfortunate given how little these characters really knew each other. The other non romance arc, this government coup situation... that... that really didn't need to be here. I see why it was, because aside from what will happen with the romance it was the only part of the story that had any firm footing in the first book, it makes this feel more like a direct sequel than just a companion to the first book. Still though, with how the family plot was sort of used as a parallel it really took away from some of the time spent with the larger plot... It also didn't help that the larger plot was spearheaded by a character that had pretty valid reasons to be doing what they were doing... and like... the government was already questionable so I'm not sure what this little plot really had going for it? Just as, "A life without love was a night without stars" a world without books is a dream without words. The love triangle could win an award for the daftest of all time. Even YA love triangles aren't usually handled as poorly as this.

Heart of the Sun Warrior by Sue Lynn Tan | Waterstones

Source: Physical ARC gifted by the publisher (this in no way affects my review which is honest and unbiased) There was a love triangle in this book which I don't mind but it felt like that was the only story it was trying to tell - everything else felt like an after thought. It almost felt like the author decided on a whim to expand this series. Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.) I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.*** Goodreads Librarians are volunteers who help ensure the accuracy of information about books and authors in the Goodreads' catalog. The Goodreads Libra Goodreads Librarians are volunteers who help ensure the accuracy of information about books and authors in the Goodreads' catalog. The Goodreads Librarians Group is the official group for requesting additions or updates to the catalog, including:

There is an act This is a very hard review to write. The Daughter of the Moon Goddess was one of my favorite books of the year, maybe of all time. When I found out about the sequel I was beyond happy. However, I almost wish I hadn’t read this book. 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.

Heart of the Sun Warrior - Sue Lynn Tan Book Review Heart of the Sun Warrior - Sue Lynn Tan Book Review

This story was great! I enjoyed the read and audiobook. Love is more complicated in this book as well as family. I loved the twists at the beginning and at the end. I enjoyed the men fighting for love. There's more actions and adventures in this story I believe. The ending was good but I was hoping the new Celestial King would also get a happy ending. Xingyin asks herself, "Was my heart strong enough to shatter again?" and I found myself thinking that she was. After finishing, I wondered why that was my first instinct. I wondered why I didn't hesitate to believe she would get up, that she would continue moving forward. If she reflects a part of me, why would I say she would continue to move forward when if someone asked the same about me, I would never have so much belief in myself? I also found the pacing really difficult I can see why people have decided to put this book down, it doesn't flow nicely from chapter to chapter it seems to bounce around and never really settle. There were some repetitive moments/sentences too.

Discussion

Xingyin loses what little braincells she had and makes some of the most ridiculous decisions for the sake of plot. She does not develop as a character in the slightest as everything falls into place for her. Also, could she not shut her mouth in dangerous situations for TWO SECONDS??? Xingyin may be amongst the worst protagonists I've encountered in the genre AND THAT IS SAYING SOMETHING. Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for sharing me this amazing arc with me in exchange my honest thoughts. Her love for stories began with a gift from her father, her first compilation of fairytales from around the world. After devouring every fable she could find in the library, she discovered fantasy books – spending much of her childhood lost in magical worlds.

Heart of the Sun Warrior: The SUNDAY TIMES bestselling sequel

This time around I had a better time more consistently. I think it helped that we dropped the triangle. It was very clear the entire book where the reader was supposed to care about in terms of the romance arc, and the narrative was focused on building that up and so those beats just felt a lot more close to home. The Emperor is easily the most evil character in the duology. His actions are unforgivable. NOTHING happens to him at all. He faces no consequences except for the grief after his wife's death, y'know, whom he never seemed to care for much and was regularly unfaithful to? If you loved the dragons in book one, fear not because we’re blissfully reunited with the wonderful creatures in this story! Me, trying to figure out what the hell the Houyi plotline was trying to achieve outside of protagonist wish fulfilment:Though a beautiful, heartfelt story on the whole, be prepared because you will definitely find yourself crying at many points. Poor Xingyin goes through heartache again and again, and I’d happily read a book where she simply gets to be happy after these two! If anyone deserves a lovely little family life, it’s definitely her.

Sue Lynn Tan (Author of Daughter of the Moon Goddess) - Goodreads Sue Lynn Tan (Author of Daughter of the Moon Goddess) - Goodreads

Born in Malaysia, Sue Lynn studied in London and France, before moving to Hong Kong with her family. Her love for stories began with a gift from her father, her first compilation of fairytales from around the world. After devouring every fable she could find in the library, she discovered fantasy books, spending much of her childhood lost in magical worlds. Heart of the Sun Warrior is the second book in Sue Lynn Tan’s Celestial Kingdom duology, following up on The Daughter of the Moon Goddess (see our review of the first book here). This follows Xingyin’s story a time after the events of the first book, and has quite a different feel to it. Where The Daughter of the Moon Goddess was focused on Xingyin growing up, maturing and finding out who she is as a person, wrapped in a quest story, this second part of the story is far less plot-driven and more concerned with politics and relationships than quests. Xingyin, as the daughter of a goddess, comes with inherent longevity, so this does continue the personal growth arc and she matures further, which I appreciated in many ways. 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. Chang”e felt very weak and not smart at all. The love triangle was the worst part. It really ruined things for me. Sun Warrior broke me, several times over. The heartbreak in this book is real, and I was not prepared. The romantic threads at the end of book one appeared tied off, giving Xingyin an opportunity to heal and pursue a relationship on better footing. But, unfortunately for my poor soul, Tan has other plans. She really came out swinging. I can barely hold my own through this intense adventure and on top of that I’m served a heaping of heartache. Tan expertly crafts Xingyin’s feelings which adds an extra layer of suffering throughout the entire story. It was an incredible experience and the culmination solidified the book’s perfect rating.The Celestial Kingdom duology is phenomenal. It has unique characters, intricate storytelling, strong worldbuilding, and a beautiful romance to boot. I am sad to close the book on Xingyin’s story, but I will look to the future and be ready to read anything Sue Lynn Tan writes. Liwei is pushy, impatient and ignorant to Xingyin's feelings, especially where his parents are concerned. Wenzhi is a creep and stalker who chases Xingyin around begging for forgiveness while she reprimands him but doesn't do anything to stop him. Xingyin is always forced to defend the Emperor and fight on his side because "the Emperor is bad, but (insert villain) is worse". So now at the end of the story he is able to have a nice retirement and run free. I can't explain how problematic this portrayal is and I am slightly concerned regarding the author's political beliefs in real life.