Publishers Weekly
01/08/2024
Tan returns to the fanciful world of her bestselling Celestial Kingdom duology (after Heart of the Sun Warrior) with this vibrant collection of nine stories each highlighting behind-the-scenes perspectives from her main characters. The moon goddess Chang’e narrates two prequel tales—“Rise of the Sunbirds” and “Goddess of the Moon”—sharing glimpses of her time with her husband, Houyi, before she became immortal. For his part, Houyi, the great archer and commander of the emperor’s army, reveals his unwavering loyalty to his duty in “The Ten Suns.” In “The Snow Ginseng Root” and “A Rival’s Spirit,” Liwei begins to realize his feelings for series heroine Xingyin but comes to understand that giving her what she truly wants means helping his romantic rival. Soldier Wenzhi fights side-by-side with Xingyin in “Battle with the Bone Devil” before reuniting with her during peace time in “Sun Moon Teahouse.” Finally, Xingyin herself gets a happily ever after in “Home” after watching her mortal beloved lose his memories. The tales are driven more by introspection than by plot, and though they offer few surprises, they represent a welcome chance to revisit favorite characters. This is a gift for series fans. Agent: Naomi Davis, BookEnds Literary. (Feb.)
From the Publisher
"Using other characters’ perspectives broadens the original two novels’ range. Tan’s poetic prose, combined with delightful illustrations, brings together a collection that readers will be thrilled to have." — Library Journal
“Tan’s melodic prose brings the gods and monsters to life in a book that ebbs and flows through action and dialogue in a way that will surprise readers when they turn the last page...Tan’s sequel to Daughter of the Moon Goddess is a beautiful story inspired by Chinese mythology, serving up both exquisite worldbuilding and emotional characters.” — Library Journal (starred review) on The Heart of the Sun Warrior
“Xingyin’s whirlwind adventure through the beautifully described Immortal Realm is an intricate dance that encompasses multiple quest lines, thrilling battles, romances, magic, and mythological creatures. Tan raises the stakes significantly, grounding Xingyin’s strength in love even when her heart is buffeted by shifting loyalties and tragic sacrifices, and leads the reader to a bittersweet yet hopeful conclusion.” — Booklist (starred review) on The Heart of the Sun Warrior
“Tan’s remarkable debut and duology launch transports readers into a stunning world . . . The result is a riveting page-turner that will leave fantasy lovers satisfied and eager for more.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) on Daughter of the Moon Goddess
“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) on Daughter of the Moon Goddess
“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, #1 international bestselling author of She Who Became the Sun, on Daughter of the Moon Goddess
Library Journal
11/17/2023
With the highly acclaimed "Celestial Kingdom" duology complete, many readers wondered about not only what happened to Xingyin, Liwei, and Wenzhi, but also where their stories began. Tan answers those calls with nine stories that fall before, during, and after the duology. The sun's cycle of "Dusk," "Twilight," and "Dawn" sections separate the tales, highlighting Houyi's fight with the 10 sunbirds, Chang'e's ascension as a goddess, certain battles—both external and internal—from some of the beloved men protagonists, and the true epilogue of Xingyin and Wenzhi's story. Using other characters' perspectives broadens the original two novels' range. Tan's poetic prose, combined with delightful illustrations, brings together a collection that readers will be thrilled to have. VERDICT Tan's compilation of stories allows readers more insight into the characters from Daughter of the Moon Goddess and Heart of the Sun Warrior, allowing their perspectives to expand the view of this wonderful series.—Kristi Chadwick
