by Sue Lynn Tan
The Daughter of the Moon Goddess is the kind of book I’m always searching for but rarely find. It’s a masterpiece of action, romance, intrigue, and decadent world-building—the kind that makes you sigh with satisfaction when you turn the last page. Honestly, it felt like I’d just returned from an adventure I never wanted to end. Yes, I know the characters aren’t real. Tell that to my emotions.
This novel is an epic tale set in the lush world of Chinese mythology, filled with larger-than-life characters and a heroine I adored. The story follows Xingyin, the daughter of the moon goddess, as she’s forced to flee her home and embarks on a quest to free her mother from eternal imprisonment. Along the way, she faces immortal monsters—both human and not—navigating the dangerous web of the imperial court, and encounters betrayal, sacrifice, and love.
I cannot say enough good things about this book. It’s my first FBF (Forever Favorite Book) of 2022. Xingyin is my ideal protagonist—strong-willed, courageous, and unshakably determined. She carves her own path and refuses to let anything stand between her and her goal. Her romance with Liwei is beautifully developed and genuinely heartfelt, and even the dreaded love triangle (which I usually dislike) only strengthens the story rather than detracting from it.
Liwei himself is the perfect love interest—thoughtful, strong, loyal, and supportive. What more can a fictional girl ask for? But what I really loved was that Xingyin never loses herself in the romance. She stays focused on her mission and grows into a force to be reckoned with.
Even the villains were intriguing and presented a worthy challenge. The Emperor and Empress felt a little more like archetypes than fully fleshed-out characters, but honestly? It didn’t bother me. They served their purpose well, and the rest of the cast was so well-developed that I didn’t feel like I was missing anything.
Tan has a phenomenal grasp of human emotion, weaving a story that captures every shade of it. She took me on a journey that made me laugh, rage, and everything in between—and she did it effortlessly.
The magic system was also a highlight—clear, believable, and well-integrated into the story. There were no convenient “magic solves everything” moments, just expert use of magical elements that enhanced the world and plot rather than acting as crutches.
I could go on forever about how much I loved this book, but if you’re looking for:
✔ A kickass protagonist
✔ A heartfelt romance
✔ Emotional depth
✔ Epic adventure
✔ A stunning magical world
Then The Daughter of the Moon Goddess is your book. I’m breaking all the rules and giving this a 6 out of 5. Yes, it’s that good.