Daughter of the Moon Goddess

Since the first time I saw the announcement of this book and later it's stunning covers, I not only knew that I would read it, I had a very strong feeling that it would become a favorite. And I can now happily confirm that I was right. This is indeed an unforgettable favorite of mine from now.

While I love my YA and adult epic fantasies, mythological retellings as a subgenre will always have a special place in my heart because myths and legends are what I grew up on and how I developed my interest in reading. I also remember reading up on the story of Houyi and Chang'e after finishing another retelling, Burning Roses - so I was immediately intrigued by the premise of this novel. And the author doesn't disappoint here. She has a flair for beautiful descriptions and even myself, who is not a fan of overly descriptive stuff, was immediately enchanted by the stunning palaces, serene pavilions, the delicious foods and delicate flowers. The author creates the perfect atmosphere for the Celestial Kingdom and I found myself lost in it. The writing is lyrical and poetic when it has to be, but also heart wrenching and emotional and violent when necessary. The pacing throughout the book varies, but matches the tone of the part being narrated, with everything culminating in an intense showdown.

And this gorgeous prose is perfectly complemented by wonderful characters. Xingyin starts off as a happy but naive girl content with her isolated existence until her idyllic life is shattered by some age old truths about her mother. But the arc that the author creates for her is just spectacular. She is devoted to her mother and determined to secure her freedom, and this gives her the conviction to pursue any opportunity available to come closer to her goal. She is also clever, resourceful, honorable and a very genuine person, easily making friends and impressing many others with her candidness. She doesn't shy away from dangerous assignments, is fearful for her survival but not a coward to give up, and also too loving to punish the ones who betray her trust. I'm just completely in love with her.

Liwei is in someways the typical YA hero I expect in this kind of stories - born in a position of extreme privilege but not seduced by it's power, a kind hearted person who can't make himself to become the kind of ruthless ruler his parents expect him to become, one who values friendship borne out of the bonds of his status. But this doesn't make him any less lovable - the reason why we encounter many guys like this in fiction is because we like them, we want to believe that compassion will triumph over brutality.

The friendship between Xingyan and Liwei is easy like a soft breeze, both finding something in each other, gladly enjoying their companionship while also furthering their education and training. And of course their developing romance across distinctly opposing classes is so full of deep yearning and angst that there were moments I wanted to just cry.

There are also many important side characters, some a bit fleeting and others with more important moments but nonetheless they are all memorable. The Celestial Emperor and his cunningness, the Empress and her unbridled rage, the open hearted Shuxiao who is a great friend to Xingyan, the very popular and powerful warrior Wenzhi, and the dependable General Jianyun - the author creates a plethora of distinct characters with their own backstories and motivations and it's a joy to get to know them all.

In the end, this was everything I could ask for in a YA fantasy novel - a coming of age story, a strong female protagonist who suffers but perseveres, male protagonist(s) who will charm you with their earnestness and passion, love full of yearning as well as tenderness, some excellent action sequences as well as emotionally powerful moments, maybe some magnificent creatures - and all of this with the backdrop of a daughter's devotion towards her mother. It's a beautifully written story and now I will have sky high profile expectations for its sequel.