Daughter of the Moon Goddess

by Sue Lynn Tan

Overview

Notes From Your Bookseller

A captivating fantasy that seamlessly weaves ancient Chinese mythology into a sweeping adventure of immortals and magic. Inspired by the legend of the Chinese moon goddess, Chang’e, this debut is the first in a romantic duology. With its lush world-building, strong female protagonist, and vivid characters, this tale of love, sacrifice, and honor is a must-read fantasy epic in the making!

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780063031302
Publisher:	HarperCollins Publishers
Publication date:	01/11/2022
Series:	Celestial Kingdom , #1
Pages:	512
Sales rank:	437
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.80(d)

About the Author

Sue Lynn Tan writes fantasy inspired by the myths and legends she fell in love with as a child. Born in Malaysia, she studied in London and France before settling in Hong Kong with her family. Her love for stories began with a gift from her father, a compilation of fairy tales from around the world, and she spent much of her childhood lost in magical realms. When not writing or reading, she enjoys exploring the hills, lakes, and temples around her home.

Editorial Reviews

★ 10/18/2021

Tan’s remarkable debut and duology launch transports readers into a stunning world built from Chinese legend and replete with mythical creatures, magical artifacts, and mortal entanglements. The moon goddess, Chang’e, is imprisoned in her palace where she hides her secret, half-mortal daughter, Xingyin. When Xingyin’s existence is exposed to the Celestial Emperor, she’s forced to flee her home—but rather than laying low, she sets out on a mission to free her mother. She disguises herself in order to navigate the devious workings of the Celestial imperial court, hoping to gain enough status to bargain with the Celestial Emperor himself. Along the way, she becomes companion to the Crown Prince, finds a confidante in the Captain of the Celestial Army, and follows in her mortal father’s footsteps to become a renowned archer. But Xingyin’s coming-of-age adventures inevitably force her to choose between the people she loves and the fate of the world. Tan paints a lush, sparkling world in her inventive reimagining of the age-old Chinese folktale. The result is a riveting page-turner that will leave fantasy lovers satisfied and eager for more. Agent: Naomi Davis, Bookends Literary. (Jan.)

Publishers Weekly

"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

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)

"An absolutely delightful and enchanting read! Daughter of the Moon Goddess takes a beloved Chinese legend and reimagines it into a gorgeously-spun romantic fantasy. I can't wait for the sequel!"

Elizabeth Lim

With all the beauty and heartbreak of a Chinese fantasy drama, Daughter of the Moon Goddess is an enchanting joy from start to finish.”  

Tasha Suri

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

"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

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

"A lush, dreamy gem of a novel."

Shannon Chakraborty

A stirring romantic fantasy set in a richly realised world inspired by Chinese mythology. I loved it!

Zen Cho

Strikingly evocative, tense, and heartfelt, Daughter of the Moon Goddess is a difficult book to put down. It floats you into the Celestial Kingdom, introduces you to monsters both literal and figurative, and leaves you dreaming of dragons.”

Andrea Stewart

★ 11/01/2021

DEBUT Tan's epic fantasy (the first in a duology) draws on the mythology of Chang'e, the Chinese goddess of the moon. Protagonist Xingyin has only ever known a life of solitude on the moon with her mother and trusted servants. She's unaware that her mother is in exile, for stealing the Celestial Emperor's elixir of life and transforming into the Moon Goddess. Xingyin's existence has been kept hidden, until her magic flares and the Emperor investigates; she's forced to run away to the beautiful, secretive Celestial Kingdom. Hiding her identity becomes second nature to Xingyin, even when she becomes study partner and servant to the Celestial Crown Prince. As Xingyin searches for a way to free her mother from exile, she must also face battles of honor, love, and sacrifice; following her heart could destroy the kingdom she has been trained to protect. VERDICT 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.—Kristi Chadwick, Massachusetts Lib. Syst., Northampton

Library Journal

2021-11-17
Set against a background of Chinese mythology, a young woman resolves to save her mother from magical imprisonment.

Xingyin is the daughter of Chang’e, the Moon Goddess, imprisoned on the moon for offending the Celestial Emperor. Xingyin’s very existence is a secret—as part of her punishment, Chang’e is to have no unsanctioned visitors. When Celestial soldiers almost discover her, Xingyin runs away, promising not to reveal her parentage and determined to reverse her mother’s punishment. Alone in the Celestial Kingdom, Xingyin has the remarkable good fortune of becoming Prince Liwei’s companion, attending his lessons and learning not only herbology and magic, but also the fighting arts. Xingyin and Liwei grow close, but as Liwei is the son of those responsible for Chang’e’s imprisonment, Xingyin must continually hide a part of herself. As Xingyin pursues her goals, others plot against the Celestial Kingdom, and the emperor and empress are not without their own machinations. Packed with magic, dragons, and plenty of scheming, this novel features many expected tropes, freshened up by the well-developed setting and strong basis in Chinese mythology. Xingyin is sometimes frustratingly successful and spends much more time with her male love interests than her female friends, but the plot delivers what it promises in a quite satisfying, though predictable manner. The prose is lovely and fluid, lush descriptions of magic and immortal life buoying the narrative.

A standard court fantasy, unique in its expansion on the story of the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Kirkus Reviews