Special thanks to NTE for gifting me this book in the last holiday book exchange! I had mentioned enjoying retold myths, and Daughter of the Moon Goddess is one of NTE’s favorite such stories. It is based on the Chinese myth of Chang’e, the Moon Goddess. This was a myth I was completely unfamiliar with, but I loved learning about this tale. Sue Lynn Tan takes the reader into a colorful, enchanting and dangerous world where immortals engage in subterfuge and violence to promote their own ends and bring honor to their own houses. Armies, monsters and dragons feature prominently along with a love triangle that puts the main character in danger.
The Moon Goddess Chang’e had once been mortal and in love with the mortal archer Houyi. After Houyi performed a great service, the Celestial Emperor rewarded him with an elixir that would make him immortal. But Chang’e drank it instead, and as a result she was punished; though now immortal, the Celestial Emperor has banished her to the moon. In Daughter of the Moon Goddess, main character Xingyin is the secret child of Houyi and Chang’e. She is also immortal and possesses magical powers. When she discovers them, the Celestial Emperor knows that Chang’e has been hiding the girl from him. Xingyin escapes detection by fleeing from the moon, the only home she has ever known. She finds herself in the Celestial Kingdom, which would be dangerous enough since the Emperor and Empress are angry with Chang’e and can be quite ruthless with their perceived enemies, but to make matters even more complicated, Xingyin becomes friends with the Emperor’s son, Prince Liwei. They meet as early teens and thanks to Liwei, Xingyin becomes his official study partner. The story of how they met and their friendship is quite charming, and we can see how a budding romance begins. Of course, Xingyin must keep her true identity a secret from Liwei. Her ultimate goal is to find a way to free her mother from incarceration on the moon. When Liwei becomes engaged to another, Xingyin’s heart is broken, but she resolves to join the army as an archer and distinguishes herself right away. She works with the esteemed and handsome commander Wenzhi, and together they fight monsters and win acclaim. Xingyin is on the cusp of achieving her dreams; her bravery and stellar service bring not just attention from the Celestial Emperor but also the promise of a special award, one that might allow Xingyin to win her mother’s freedom. Moreover, Wenzhi seems to have fallen in love with Xingyin, and his attentions start to win her over. But political machinations and the Xingyin/Liwei/Wenzhi love triangle lead to deadly danger for Xingyin and the potential for all out war amongst immortals.
There is a lot of action, suspense and excitement in this tale. Sue Lynn Tan brings us magical items, terrifying monsters and political intrigue. All is not harmonious in the Celestial Kingdom or surrounding realms. Xingyin will have to face betrayal and heartbreak and will have to find the inner strength to follow through with her plans when magic is not enough. I liked the way this story resolved, and I am eager to read the second volume to find out what is going to happen to Xingyin, Liwei, Wenzhi and the rest.
