Review: Sue Lynn Tan’s Celestial Kingdom Series
“Don’t judge a book by its cover” is not a philosophy I live by when it comes to choosing my next read.
I was immediately captivated by the cover art for “Daughter of the Moon Goddess”, the first book of the Celestial Kingdom series by Malaysian-born author Sue Lynn Tan. A girl looks out into the dreamy, magical landscape draped in night, who readers will come to know as the main protagonist, Xingyin.
This fantasy romance series is based on Chinese folklore, specifically the myth of the Chinese moon goddess Chang'e.
According to legend, which can be traced back to the Zhou Dynasty in China (1046 to 256 BC), Chang'e became the Moon Goddess after drinking the elixir of immortality, which was bestowed to her husband, archer Hou Yi by the Heavenly Queen Mother for saving humanity by shooting down nine of the ten suns which was scorching the Earth.
But in becoming the immortal Moon Goddess in the heavens, Chang'e was forever separated from her husband, who was still mortal on Earth.
In the face of eternal separation, Hou Yi began making offerings to honor his lost love in the sky with his wife’s favorite foods, such as moon cakes.
It is said that on the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunisolar calendar, when the full moon is at its brightest, the two lovers are allowed to meet: this has come to be known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, or Moon Festival.
It is one of the major holidays in China, and widely celebrated in many other Asian countries, with each having their own unique traditions.
The most common traditions on the day of the festival include eating mooncakes, lighting lanterns, and spending time with loved ones.
South Korea celebrates Chuseok, where family members come together to honor their ancestors and eat traditional foods like half-moon shaped rice cakes.
Japan celebrates tsukimi, where houses are decorated with pampas grass, said to ward off bad spirits, and incense is offered in shrines along with singing and dancing.
Vietnam celebrates Tet Thieu Nhi, also known as “Children’s Day”, where intricate lanterns are made and lighted as symbols of unity, purity and hope. Children take part in processions on the street, complete with songs and lion dances.
“Daughter of the Moon Goddess” breathes new life into these ancient stories and traditions.
The second book, “Heart of the Sun Warrior” continues the tale, and “Tales of the Celestial Kingdom” comprises short stories of other characters’ perspectives that take place before, during, and after the events of the first two books.
Tan’s deeply vivid storytelling and complex characterization hooked me from the beginning and brought me to tears toward the end of every book in the series.
Xingyin is an empowering female protagonist who’s both inspiring and relatable, while her love interests are 10/10 swoonworthy!
It is a tale of profound courage, adventure, and true love in all forms — a must-read for all fantasy-romance lovers.
Book 2 of the Celestial Kingdom Duology (BUY HERE!)
Novella expansion of the Celestial Kingdom Duology (BUY HERE!)
Book covers courtesy of Sue Lynn Tan
Written by Lydia Schultz
