so-soI had a hard time getting through this one. I feel like the story could have ended with book 1.
This story was still good, I liked reading about the characters again. However, it was not a huge page turner for me.
1 like
Heart of the Sun Warrior: The Celestial Kingdom | 
so-soI had a hard time getting through this one. I feel like the story could have ended with book 1.
This story was still good, I liked reading about the characters again. However, it was not a huge page turner for me.
pickIt‘s been a while since a book has turned me into a crying, sobbing mess, and this one did that and more. It took me on a wild ride of emotions. This author created such beautiful characters in a breathtaking world, and I fell in love with them. Their hurt became my hurt, their joy became my joy. Such an enchanting tale from beginning to end, and now I‘m sad it‘s over! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Some years swept by, leaving little mark on our lives, while a single moment sufficed to upend them.”
“The darkest of nights is when the stars shine brightest.”
“What did I care for the power that came alongside royalty, the chance to leave your mark on the realm, to mold it to your beliefs? I would choose a flowering forest or a tranquil shore over all the banquets in heaven.”
“…the break of dawn, the moment despair is edged with hope.”
Part 2 of this duology arrived last week. I loved the first one, so expectations are high and I‘m excited to dive in!
panThis is more of an irritating YA romance than fantasy. The main character became whinny & annoying and made decisions that didn‘t make sense, and a lot of complicated situations and people got ignored for a stupid love triangle. The world & side characters needed more attention.
Xingyin must navigate her new family situation and save the celestial kingdom by finding allies in unexpected places.
2/5 I would not recommend this, very disappointing.
so-soThis is an action packed second half of a Chinese folklore inspired duology. I found book 1 to be a solid fantasy that felt new and original. This book felt more like many current YA/NA romantic fantasies. Including the love triangle and almost too much family drama. There was just too much packed into this book. I think this was a rare incidence where a trilogy would have served this series better.⬇️
pickI have...mixed feelings...
I really loved the first book, which focused more on Xingying's journey into greatness, but this book had me floundering a bit at the start (there was a Lot going on). Also, I may have still been heartbroken from the events in book one. Liwei is nice, but I like a bit more spice from my 2D obsessions 😂 That said, I really enjoyed the focus on family, not just with Xingying, but with all of the other characters
pickSecond book from Celestial Kingdom duology. It was definitely darker comparing to the first one. The narrative had more snags, but still it was a pretty solid read and I enjoyed this book.
pickHeart of the Sun Warrior is the second book in this duology, following Daughter of the Moon Goddess. This story is a magical fairy tale that has everything you could want. An epic tale of love, loyalty, loss, grief, resilience and honor, this story will stay with you for a long time. The various facets of the world are unique and authentic, the characters are complex and flawed and the writing weaves a truly magical tale. Well done!
Another book on my humongous TBR list. I loved the first one. #TemptingTitles #WithHeart @Eggs @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
I've been so bad about reading sequels this year! But finally picking up heart of the sun warrior, hoping i remember enough of the first book... Or should I reread it? Idk if i want to live through the heartbreak again tho 😂
Finally getting around the sequel of one of my faves from last year 💛🌝 heard mixed review of this so I hope I can enjoy it as much as I did the last one.
#suelynntan #thecelestialkingdom #heartofthesunwarrior #readathon
It‘s a yes from me!!! I will read anything in this universe (which is great because I think the author is officially signed for two other books in this universe). Originally this was the second in a duology, but with the way it ends, I could see both it being the end of Xingyin‘s story, or I can see where the author could continue on with her. Either way, I‘m always captivated by the mythology, the adventure, the love and the twists & turns.
Love is a privilege, not a possession. We can‘t control our own feelings, much less those of others. Sometimes love means letting go - for yourself, if not for them.
pickBeautiful sequel that encompasses the passion of love and standing up for yourself. This book was just as powerful as the first, and still brought more. The stakes were different, yet just as powerful and impactful. This love triangle drove me crazy, yet her choice felt so raw and real by the end. Xingyin is a powerful and complicated woman. She is vulnerable and incredibly independent.
pickThe ending of this book was amazing! I got very teary eyed at certain points of this book, definitely a pick!
Loved the first book of this series and have beem really looking forward to getting to this one so its the perfect second book of 2023.
pickI‘ll be honest, I loved book 1 and didn‘t feel it needed a second book. That said, I loved revisiting this amazing world that Sue Lynn Tan created and revisiting with all the characters. As a Chinese born American raised on all the mythology, I adored reading a story with my people.
pickMerry Christmas! One of my gifts is this cute bookmark. Of course I love how pretty this cover is, and I loved the story too. It was immersive as the first book, and with more trials for the characters to face. The only reason I‘m not gushing over it is the ending. No spoilers - I know that Xingyin did the right thing for her in the end, and that‘s what really matters, but my little fangirl heart wanted her to pick something else!
Reading some thrilling Chinese mythology with my little bookish partner! 😻📚💕 #catsoflitsy #rumpel
Went to get some chicken hibachi for dinner tonight! 😋 Other than having to work on a Saturday, this has been a perfect day! 📚
This is how the US and UK editions of this duology look side by side! 💕📚💕 Honestly, I think they're all absolutely stunning! I can't decide which I love best!
Look what arrived today! 🧡💛🧡💛🧡💛🧡 My UK edition of Heart of the Sun Warrior! Now that I've figured out how to order from Waterstones I'm unstoppable! Which...is probably a bad thing for my wallet! 😱 But still worth it! Isn't it gorgeous?! Please be prepared to be seeing many posts about this beauty! 💕📚💕
pickAnother fun, almost impossible to put down story, the second & concluding volume of the Celestial Kingdom Duology—a story filled with intrigue, danger, betrayal, forgiveness, love, courage, ALL the things—picks up right where the first one left off. While Xingyin is content to live at home with her mother, the world is not done with her & she will have to work with friends & foes alike if they are to confront a new, terrible threat. A good read.
SO EXCITED that this came out today! I absolutely adored Daughter of the Moon Goddess and can't wait to find out what happens next! 💕📚💕
Hooray for book mail—especially in a day with our first measurable snow of the season! I was surprised by how much I liked the first book in this duology and am looking forward to reading this one.
pickI spent the day with this amazing book. It was windy and cold here today so I did the sensible thing and avoided the outdoors. The world building in this series has been extraordinary and the pictures this author paints with her words are amazing. High fantasy, dragons, romance and of course evil that will put all in peril. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
