Female Warrior in Daughter of the Moon Goddess | Book Review

【 DAUGHTER OF THE MOON GODDESS 】

This was brilliant, and I can’t stop thinking about it.

Genre: Fantasy, Mythology
Author: Sue Lynn Tan
Published: January 2022
Publisher: Harper Voyager
Pages: 512 (hardback)

Ever since finishing this book a week or so ago, I’ve just been mulling over the events in my mind and unable to leave it alone. I wasn’t anticipating reading this so soon but fate put a copy of this book in my hands and oh my god, I’m so glad it did.

This is dripping in the most sensational Chinese-inspired mythology that will really fan the flames of your imagination. I instantly fell in love with the world of Daughter of the Moon Goddess and the fierce, strong female lead.

In fact, let’s jump right in to talk about how Xingyin is now number one on my favourite female fictional characters list. She is unparalleled in her steadfastness for being true to herself and for not letting pesky men get in the way. I was clapping and cheering her from the sidelines every time she instantly cut through the bullshit and empty promises any man in this book made her.

She was her number priority in her own life and oh my god, what an inspiration. Not only that, but family ties came well before frivolous men and their nagging attentions. She keeps her goal at heart and strives to become the best and strongest version of herself. If you want mythology-inspired writing that champions feminism, this is the book for you.

But looking broader at the plot, this is a sweeping tale filled with beautiful settings and imagery (and even dragons!!) as well as a bit of magic. It’s really got all the things you want. Not to mention the story of a girl who seems to come from nothing, rising amongst the ranks to become a warrior unmatched to any man in the army.

Honestly, I can’t recommend this enough. This is a brilliant book and I’ll be impressed if I read any other epic fantasy this year that beats this.