Book Review: ‘Daughter of the Moon Goddess’ is a YA Fantasy Perfect for Fans of Chinese Mythology and Historical Cdramas
Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan was my white whale book for years. Specifically, this gorgeous special edition by Fairyloot. I got off the waitlist the month AFTER they published this edition, and for the longest time, you couldn’t find it anywhere for less than $200. But I was constantly on the lookout, and after literal years of waiting, I finally found it (shout out to Mercari) for a super reasonable price. But the clincher? I still hadn’t read the book. I know, I know. I just had a feeling I was going to love it. I mean, how could this gorgeous of a book be bad?! Ok, yes, I have been bamboozled by a pretty cover before, but I am pleased to report, after finally reading this beautiful book, I definitely enjoyed it. And you might too. This one is definitely for the Cdrama girlies. It is YA fantasy, so don’t expect spice, but there’s a few steamy moments. Plus, a very convincing love triangle that I’m still torn over. Our FMC is super strong and can take care of herself…most of the time. If you love Chinese mythology, I think you’ll love the setting of this book. Tan paints a very vivid picture of the Celestial Kingdom and beyond. But let’s get into the details of why else you might want to pick this up immediately…
Things to Know:
Book one in a duology
Chinese mythology
Dragons
Celestial Immortals
Hidden identities
Love triangle
Betrayal
We meet Xingyan who’s lived on the moon with her mother, the Moon Goddess, since she was born. Her powers were sealed and because of an impulsive decision, she suddenly finds out it’s because her mother was banished by the celestial emperor for stealing immortality from her mortal husband, a famous archer. She’s forced to flee her home, and accidentally ends up in the Celestial Kingdom.
There’s definitely the bullying and cattiness you’d expect from a Cdrama. She experiences it from fellow maids (she hides her identity), as well as the woman she serves. But when she meets the crown prince without knowing who he is, her life changes. Don’t worry, I won’t give any major spoilers. But she does receive more education and ends up joining the army where she slays a bunch of monsters, all with the goal of earning a talisman that would grant her a favor from the emperor. And what does Xingyan want most? To have her mother’s banishment rescinded.
I really loved the mythology and magical setting of this book. There’s also court intrigue, a horrific Empress, young love, battles and action, quests, betrayals, and DRAGONS. Although, I do wish they would have played a bigger part. Oh, and of course, there’s a love triangle. And these men are both hilariously jealous. It was great Going into book two…I really can’t decide who I like more for her.
I did struggle a bit with the dialogue at times, because it felt very stiff and formal, but at the same time, I feel like this sometimes happens in Cdramas too, so I think it was somewhat intentional. Xingyan is also a bit annoying at times because she is super impulsive and doesn’t always think through her decisions. I tried to remember she was still young.
Overall, I would absolutely recommend this to anyone looking for an upper YA Fantasy with a romantic subplot, centered in a Chinese mythology fantasy setting. I can’t wait to start book two!
As per usual, I did an immersive read with my physical edition and the audiobook. Natalie Naudus is the narrator, so if you love her voice, you’ll love this narration. If you want to try out the audiobook, you can find it on Audible or Libro.fm (ProTips: Audible is 99 cents/mo for three months (3 books for $2.97) right now AND you can get two free audiobooks on Libro.fm with the code SWITCH right now).
Favorite Quotes from ‘The Witch Below the Dreaming Wood’:
“We should appreciate the flower, regardless of its roots.”
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“A glorious future beckoned on the horizon. Yet I still clung to a shred of my past, as a flowering peach blossom tree yearning for its fallen bloom.”
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“Titles are inherited, talent might be blood-bound, but true greatness lies within.”
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