Name: Cloudface's review of Heart of the Sun Warrior by Sue Lynn Tan
Item: Heart of the Sun Warrior
Rating: 3.5
Author: Cloudface

Sue Lynn Tan

The stunning conclusion to the Celestial Kingdom Duology. An unspeakable terror is sweeping across the realm as the Celestial Emperor tightens his grip on power. The fragile peace Xingyin fought so hard for when freeing her mother is under threat.

Forced to flee her home, Xingyin ventures into the unexplored lands of the Immortal Realm to seek aid in her fight, but, with alliances shifting quicker than the tides, she has to overcome past grudges and enmities to forge a new path forward, seeking aid where she never imagined.

Xingyin must uncover the truth of her heart and claw her way through devastation – to rise against evil before it destroys everything she holds dear, and the worlds she has grown to love … even if doing so demands the greatest price of all.

The stunning sequel to the Sunday Times bestselling 'Daughter of the Moon Goddess' delves deeper into beloved Chinese mythology, concluding the epic story of Xingyin – the daughter of Chang’e and the mortal archer Houyi – as she battles a grave new threat to the realm, in this powerful tale of love, sacrifice, and hope.

Heart of the Sun Warrior

The stunning sequel to Daughter of the Moon Goddess delves deeper into beloved Chinese mythology, concluding the epic story of Xingyin—the daughter of Chang’e and the mortal archer, Houyi—as she battles a grave new threat to the realm, in this powerful tale of love, sacrifice, and hope. 

After winning her mother’s freedom from the Celestial Emperor, Xingyin thrives in the enchanting tranquility of her home. But her fragile peace is threatened by the discovery of a strange magic on the moon and the unsettling changes in the Celestial Kingdom as the emperor tightens his grip on power. While Xingyin is determined to keep clear of the rising danger, the discovery of a shocking truth spurs her into a perilous confrontation.

Forced to flee her home once more, Xingyin and her companions venture to unexplored lands of the Immortal Realm, encountering legendary creatures and shrewd monarchs, beloved friends and bitter adversaries. With alliances shifting quicker than the tides, Xingyin has to overcome past grudges and enmities to forge a new path forward, seeking aid where she never imagined she would. As an unspeakable terror sweeps across the realm, Xingyin must uncover the truth of her heart and claw her way through devastation—to rise against this evil before it destroys everything she holds dear, and the worlds she has grown to love . . . even if doing so demands the greatest price of all.

Hannah Nugent

True happiness springs from within, a contentment with oneself. And while it may be humbler and quieter, there is nothing more precious and lasting.

As much as I wished, Xingyin ended up with Liwei, her and Wenzhi’s moments were romantic.

Ivory Flores

“”Some flowers have thorns,” I said coldly. “If you pluck them, you will get pricked.” His gaze flicked to mine. “Those are the most precious of all.””

Stas

 I was unworthy of Liwei, not because of my lineage but because he deserved better than my divided heart. And I would not offer it again until it was whole, until I was certain, and until we were safe. 

Amira BEN

“I must ask, would you give this a chance? We could wed to please my father, to obtain the scroll. Once we defeat Wugang, we would have eternity before us. I would release you from your vows anytime you wished—whether a month, a year, or a decade after. We could live as you choose, doing nothing you did not want to. I will do everything in my power to make you happy, even letting you go whenever you wish because . . . I love you.”

“You would have given up your crown? After all you did to secure it?” My voice lifted in disbelief. The light in his eyes rivaled that of the moon. “I would give it all up for you, if you would only ask.”

Wenzhi’s fingers toyed with the rim of his cup. “There might be a field of flowers, yet all I need is one.” 

“Some flowers have thorns,” I said coldly. “If you pluck them, you will get pricked.” His gaze flicked to mine. “Those are the most precious of all.”

“Words are easily spoken.” His gaze pinned mine. “Then let me express them through deeds.”

“The past can’t be undone, but my hope lies in our future. Trust me with your heart again and you will find the truth of mine. For you are the reason I rise each day, for you I live and breathe.”

“You destroyed what we had. By right, I should hate you forever.” “Hate me then, for I would rather have your hatred than indifference.”

“Yes. To hear you say my name without hate or wariness, is a desire that has haunted me for the past year. Some days I thought you would despise me forever—as I deserved.” A drawn breath slid from him. “I should be grateful, but I can’t help wanting more.”

“Xingyin and I spent years together, battling creatures beyond your nightmares, seeing places you have only dreamed of. We have camped beneath the skies, at the foothills of the Mortal Realm, in palaces and in tents. I know more of her than you ever will, sitting in a classroom surrounded by teachers.”

I stifled a flicker of concern for his safety. “Thank you,” I told him, somewhat stiffly. “I would do that and more for you.”

“Did you run into any trouble?” I asked. 

“Are you concerned for me, Xingyin?” he tilted his head toward me. I scowled. “Not in the least.”

“I will be happy with any part that you will give me. Though it will not stop me hoping for more, for all of you, however long it takes.”

Believe this, then—for I swear it upon my family, my kingdom, and my honor. When I won the crown and lost you, it was a hollow victory. I regretted all that was lost between us, all I had destroyed—for nothing was worth losing you.”

“It does not bother me. The only opinions that matter are from those I care for. Yours, for one.”

 “If anyone hurts you, they will regret it,” he declared ominously.

“Cry. Shout. Strike me if you will. Just don’t treat me like a stranger. Don’t pretend to be all right when you are not.”

Wenzhi stalked from the trees ahead, his black robes swirling, his eyes churning like the storm-lashed sea. With a flick of his wrist, spears of ice plunged toward my attackers.

“As I told you, I wish to make amends. I also prefer that you remain alive and not locked away in some Celestial prison. It would be much harder to extricate you then.”

“I make it my point to know these things,” he interjected. “The defenses of the Celestial Kingdom. Your well-being.”

“Did you follow me?” “Call it ‘chasing after’ you,” he said with a small smile.

“To set myself against you, would be akin to going against myself.” He paused. “When I hurt you . . . it hurt me too.”

The wind surged then, tossing my unbound hair, our robes fluttering wildly. He shrugged off his outer robe and offered it to me.

Brittany Garcia

This was really good overall, and I still love Sue Lynn Tan’s writing style. Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first one. The biggest issue for me was just how obsessed the two male leads were with Xingyin; like I know she’s cool, but am I really supposed to believe these two very handsome, very powerful, very rich boys are unwilling or unable to move on from her? It started to feel less like romance and more like she was being stalked.

I also liked the story structure a little less; the villain in this book was giving Thanos, which is a type of villain that bores me to death. 

That being said, I still really liked the world building in this book, and it was fun to return to this duology after liking the first book so much.

(One final note: when a character is suddenly revealed to be queer in the last 10 pages and then we never see them again and they’re the only queer character in the entire story I am booing and throwing tomatoes. I’d rather have no representation at all tbh)

Cloudface

This was really good overall, and I still love Sue Lynn Tan’s writing style. Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first one. The biggest issue for me was just how obsessed the two male leads were with Xingyin; like I know she’s cool, but am I really supposed to believe these two very handsome, very powerful, very rich boys are unwilling or unable to move on from her? It started to feel less like romance and more like she was being stalked.
I also liked the story structure a little less; the villain in this book was giving Thanos, which is a type of villain that bores me to death. 
That being said, I still really liked the world building in this book, and it was fun to return to this duology after liking the first book so much.


(One final note: when a character is suddenly revealed to be queer in the last 10 pages and then we never see them again and they’re the only queer character in the entire story I am booing and throwing tomatoes. I’d rather have no representation at all tbh)

mirin

i cried too many times reading this. if dotmg was 5/5 this was a 10/5.

Julie Rubens

I loved both of these books so much! The characters and the storyline were wonderful and I couldn’t put either book down. Even though at times the story might have felt a little rushed, it was also very refreshing to read a book where so much happened. I would definitely recommend this book.

wow i wasn't expecting that ending. su lynn tan's beautiful words made me feel so connected to this world and characters where the ending was a bit mournful but i still love the way it ended hehe 

if you're in the mood for a chinese romance fantasy with dreamy lyrical writing and a love triangle has that has you conflicted throughout the book, THIS ONE IS FOR YOUUUU 

wow i wasn't expecting that ending. su lynn tan's beautiful words made me feel so connected to this world and characters where the ending was a bit mournful but i still love the way it ended hehe 

if you're in the mood for a chinese romance fantasy with dreamy lyrical writing and a love triangle has that has you conflicted throughout the book, THIS ONE IS FOR YOUUUU 

Kierra Block

Beautiful written again! This one made me cry multiple times, the grief is palpable and the heartbreak throughout almost unbearable. Loved how the characters developed from the first and the plot had a new story of its own. One of my new favorite fantasy series!

nina 

for a book i was indifferent to, it somehow still managed to evoke such strong negative emotions in me

1.5 stars

miss sue lynn tan did not disappoint. 🥹🥹🥹

🌙

Joy Bush

This just ripped my heart apart in the best way possible! ❤️

(Narrated by Natalie Naudus.) The stunning sequel to Daughter of the Moon Goddess delves deeper into beloved Chinese mythology, concluding the epic story of Xingyin—the daughter of Chang’e and the mortal archer, Houyi—as she battles a grave new threat to the realm, in this powerful tale of love, sacrifice, and hope. 

After winning her mother’s freedom from the Celestial Emperor, Xingyin thrives in the enchanting tranquility of her home. But her fragile peace is threatened by the discovery of a strange magic on the moon and the unsettling changes in the Celestial Kingdom as the emperor tightens his grip on power. While Xingyin is determined to keep clear of the rising danger, the discovery of a shocking truth spurs her into a perilous confrontation.

Forced to flee her home once more, Xingyin and her companions venture to unexplored lands of the Immortal Realm, encountering legendary creatures and shrewd monarchs, beloved friends and bitter adversaries. With alliances shifting quicker than the tides, Xingyin has to overcome past grudges and enmities to forge a new path forward, seeking aid where she never imagined she would. As an unspeakable terror sweeps across the realm, Xingyin must uncover the truth of her heart and claw her way through devastation—to rise against this evil before it destroys everything she holds dear, and the worlds she has grown to love . . . even if doing so demands the greatest price of all.

Ouch. That hurt. This book had a lot of emotions thanks to the higher stakes. It makes the first book seem tame. I think  Daughter of the Moon Goddess is my favorite in many ways, but its sequel was still impeccable. I would often think about when I would get the next opportunity to listen to it. Again, I appreciate the author’s decision to write a duology instead of a trilogy. It was the perfect number of books to make a satisfying story. The dragons are still my favorite characters. I love how they’re portrayed as powerful creatures, but they have no wish to harm, in fact it would destroy them to cause pain and suffering and violence. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I wasn’t getting annoyed at the love triangle. I can’t pinpoint why at the moment, but that is no feat. Big brownie points to Tan. I can’t wait to reread these books.

Adelia French

Wow. What a sequel. A lovely end to a strong duology that I flew through. 

Krys C

I was expecting so much from this book after reading the Daughter of the Moon Goddess, the built up of the plot for this book is a bit weird for me, it felt rushed even though it took quite a few chapter for it to be revealed. 

MC's thoughts are also repetitive throughout the book. I was expecting so much from her as she has a strong character in the first book. Was also expecting her to actually feel remorse to the Celestial Realm as well for doing horrendous things to her, her family and other kingdom instead she still felt indifferent to the cloud wall even though that kingdom didn't do much to her except for a bit of imprisonment and stealing that actually didn't matter that much on the whole plot of the duology compared to what the celestial kingdom have done.

The book overall felt rush and slow at the same time for me.

Dani T

I was expecting so much from this book after reading the Daughter of the Moon Goddess, the built up of the plot for this book is a bit weird for me, it felt rushed even though it took quite a few chapter for it to be revealed. 

MC's thoughts are also repetitive throughout the book. I was expecting so much from her as she has a strong character in the first book. Was also expecting her to actually feel remorse to the Celestial Realm as well for doing horrendous things to her, her family and other kingdom instead she still felt indifferent to the cloud wall even though that kingdom didn't do much to her except for a bit of imprisonment and stealing that actually didn't matter that much on the whole plot of the duology compared to what the celestial kingdom have done.

The book overall felt rush and slow at the same time for me.

Camille Carso

The beginning and ending of this book was very reflective of each other. I really enjoyed this duology. It was so contemplative and beautifully written. I thought the character developments were really wonderful. I know some people were unhappy with the ending but I thought it was beautiful. I loved the stillness of this book. We got to see the characters just be. We got to see the importance of family and taking time to heal mentally and physically.

I loved this book even more than the first. It was fast-paced and so beautifully written with characters so fully realized that it was hard to put down. A compelling retelling of Chinese myth, this story was so much more than I expected. It was gut-wrenching and heartbreaking and made me forget I was reading a YA novel, honestly. The main character, Xingyin suffers through guilt, heartache, and lost love in such a visceral way, I almost wanted to cry for her at the end. Make no mistake, this duology does have a happy ending, but Sue Lynn Tan really takes you over the coals to get there. So worth it though. I loved this book. 

Katie Allard

Sophie

This should have stayed a stand alone.

Too much love triangle

An equally brilliant sequal, full of magic, adventure and even brought tears to my eyes.

Plenty of action throughout and heartfelt memories. I adored tje ending to this book and felt it was left open for another.

Samantha King

An equally brilliant sequal, full of magic, adventure and even brought tears to my eyes.

Plenty of action throughout and heartfelt memories. I adored tje ending to this book and felt it was left open for another.



What an absolutely beautiful book. The writing is stunning and evocative. The world building is glorious and I’m now obsessed with the Celestial Kingdom. The characters are human, flawed, real and loveable. The whole vibe of the book is stunning. I just loved it. And even preferred it to Daughter of the Moon Goddess. One of my favourite books of the year.

Lucy Howard

So here we are. I think this prequel was unnecessary. The story overall would have worked so much better as a stand-alone. I enjoyed book 1 very much and the little problems that’s has been left unsolved could have been resolved with a longer book than a useless prequel. 

The things that have been left unsolved didn’t need a full length novel. Therefore, the author added more extravagant problems and intrigues… also it completely took other directions for the relationships between different characters. Honestly I didn’t see that coming, and a lot of people would call it growth but that’s not how I see growth lol. 

I didn’t especially like the directions the author decided to take so it impacted in my overall enjoyment. To me, it felt like reading a book from a different story and I couldn’t see any 

However, the quality of the writing and the way the story was crafted is really good. Clearly, SL Tan is a talented one. 

But yeah, the way we’ve reached that ending wasn’t 

 for me. Even if actually I found that ending delightfully surprising. In some way. 

Lmao when I read my first review i'm like girl you missed A LOT. Maybe don't trust my judgement but actually the first time around i wasn't mad at the ending just surprised by it and pleasantly so... so i decided to reread the entire duology and see how it'll affect my experience. And damn ! I enjoyed it so much more and i was hear for the ride ! Therefore, i managed to see how much i missed upon my first read. SO much happened in this book it was actually well paced and well written !! 

So much happened, the politics, the action, the plot and the 

 lmao well I am glad I read it knowing somewhat how it was ending. I gave it another shot with a new perspective and it was a whole new experience. Especially, towards the characters. And i highlighted some lines like my life depended on it. 

Wenzhi has become one of my fav love interest i ever encountered in books 😭😭 dang he knew what to say

Overall, a VERY solid duology. Sue Lynn Tan did a great job ngl

FIRST READ: 3.25 ⭐️
Wtf was that ending ?

So here we are. I think this prequel was unnecessary. The story overall would have worked so much better as a stand-alone. I enjoyed book 1 very much and the little problems that’s has been left unsolved could have been resolved with a longer book than a useless prequel. 

It’s harsh but true imo. 

The things that have been left unsolved didn’t need a full length novel. Therefore, the author added more extravagant problems and intrigues… also it completely took other directions for the relationships between different characters. Honestly I didn’t see that coming, and a lot of people would call it growth but that’s not how I see growth lol. 

I didn’t especially like the directions the author decided to take so it impacted in my overall enjoyment. To me, it felt like reading a book from a different story and I couldn’t see any real continuity with book 1.

However, the quality of the writing and the way the story was crafted is really good. Clearly, SL Tan is a talented one. 

But yeah, the way we’ve reached that ending wasn’t it for me. Even if actually I found that ending delightfully surprising. In some way. 


SECOND READ: 4.75 ⭐️


Lmao when I read my first review i'm like girl you missed A LOT. Maybe don't trust my judgement but actually the first time around i wasn't mad at the ending just surprised by it and pleasantly so... so i decided to reread the entire duology and see how it'll affect my experience. And damn ! I enjoyed it so much more and i was hear for the ride ! Therefore, i managed to see how much i missed upon my first read. SO much happened in this book it was actually well paced and well written !! 
So much happened, the politics, the action, the plot and the emotional damage lmao well I am glad I read it knowing somewhat how it was ending. I gave it another shot with a new perspective and it was a whole new experience. Especially, towards the characters. And i highlighted some lines like my life depended on it. 
Wenzhi has become one of my fav love interest i ever encountered in books 😭😭 dang he knew what to say

Overall, a VERY solid duology. Sue Lynn Tan did a great job ngl

I just have one word for this book...which is 'disapointment' 💔.Idk why i would hurt myself like this by reading this book.

It could have been done Better. I think there should have been more to the ending.

While I had liked the first book...there were some things I thought would sort out in the sequel. I didn't like the turn it took. 

Nonetheless I'm not reading this duology again. 😔

Manya

I just have one word for this book...which is 'disapointment' 💔.Idk why i would hurt myself like this by reading this book.

It could have been done Better. I think there should have been more to the ending.

While I had liked the first book...there were some things I thought would sort out in the sequel. I didn't like the turn it took. 

Nonetheless I'm not reading this duology again. 😔

Brittany Garcia &
Heart of the Sun Warrior by Sue Lynn Tan

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Heart of the Sun Warrior by Sue Lynn Tan