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bookish_selkie 's review for:

Heart of the Sun Warrior by Sue Lynn Tan
4.5
adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Heart of the Sun Warrior is the stunning and heartfelt sequel to Daughter of the Moon Goddess. I loved the first book and couldn’t wait to see what happens next! Xingyin has finally been reunited with her mother on the moon. Yet the adventure is not over, as mysterious visitors come to the moon in search of magic. The Celestial Emperor has not forgotten Xingyin and her mother, while the Celestial Empress holds a fierce grudge against them. Xingyin will need her alliances, her magic, and the help of both Prince Liwei and Wenzhi to save her family and kingdom once again. 

 Heart of the Sun Warrior is filled with betrayals, triumphs, magical battles, and romance. Sue Lynn Tan’s prose is so beautiful and flowing. Whether she is describing an epic battle or a romantic scene, every detail is exquisite. I love stories of Chang’e, the Moon Goddess, and I really liked how Sue Lynn Tan showcased her quiet strength and persistence in this retelling. Xingyin shows excellent character growth, making her a compelling character to follow. While love triangles can be tricky, I enjoyed how this one was resolved. I hope there are more stories to come in the world of the Celestial Kingdom! I’m excited to see what Sue Lynn Tan writes next. Thank you to Sue Lynn Tan, Harper Voyager, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.