Book Review for Daughter of the Moon Goddess By Sue Lynn Tan
This is a romantic fantasy with immortals, magic, dragons, and merfolk. It is based on Chinese culture and mythology. It has a strong female protagonist and is filled with action and adventure. This story begins on the moon and continues in a fantasy land called the Celestial Kingdom.
The protagonist, Xingyin is the immortal daughter of the Moon Goddess, Chang’e. She lives in the Pure Light Palace on the moon with her mother. However, the Celestial Empress comes for an unexpected visit and her mother admonishes her to hide from the Empress. Chang’e keeps Xingyin’s existence a secret in order to protect her. Chang’e was a mortal woman who became immortal by drinking her husband’s elixir of immortality. She is punished with banishment and the never-ending responsibility of lighting the lanterns that make the moon shine.
Xingyin flees from her home on the moon and ends up living in the Celestial Kingdom where she hides her identity. She becomes friends with Prince Liwei and is given the opportunity to learn and train with him. She learns skills in archery and magic. She joins the Celestial Army hoping to win the Crimson Lion Talisman so that she will be granted a royal favor. She begins on a quest to free her mother from imprisonment. She develops romantic feelings towards both Crown Prince Liwei and Captain Wenzhi.
Prince Liwei is the Celestial Crown Prince and the son of the Celestial Emperor and Empress. He is skilled with a sword and performs powerful magic. He becomes friends with Xingyin and has feelings for her. However, he is betrothed to Princess Fengmei, the Phoenix Princess, but he does not love her.
Captain Wenzhi is responsible for the army troop that Xingyin joins. While working under him, Xingyin develops romantic feelings towards him. He takes advantage of her trust, kidnaps Xingyin and takes her to the Demon Realm. He is the second son of the Deamon King and desires to become heir to the demon throne. He plans to overthrow the Celestial Kingdom. Coming from the Deamon Realm, Wenzhi is skilled at Mind Talent giving him the ability to control others.
I loved this story. The author does an excellent job at combining fantasy with mythology. It kept me engaged and wanting more. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys fairytales and mythology. I give this book my 5-star rating!