Lets talk Heart of the Sun Warrior by Sue Lynn Tan

 *I was gifted an advanced reading copy courtesy of HarperInsider*

Hey lovelies, welcome back! 

Very late with writing this review, since the lovely El at Harper Collins gifted me an ARC of Heart of the Sun Warrior by Sue Lynn Tan back in October! However, the paperback publishes on 31st August and so what better time to finally share my review of one of my favourite books from last year. 

In the sequel to Daughter of the Moon Goddess, Xingyin has won her mother's freedom and has finally found peace. However, the discovery of strange magic on the moon and unsettling changes to power force her to flee her home once more and venture to unexplored lands of the Celestial Kingdom with friend and foe alike. With alliances shifting, she must seek aid in the most unlikely of places to uncover the truth before everything she holds dear is destroyed...  

Heart-warming and heart-breaking in equal measure, this was a beautiful conclusion to a gorgeous duology that had just as many twists and turns as the first! 

The descriptions felt a little lacklustre compared to its predecessor, but still vivid and enchanting nonetheless. 

In contradiction, the characters had more depth to them this time round. Characters that were previously one-dimensional became multifaceted, with context to their exterior persona provided. I found myself warming to characters I'd previously written off.  

What struck me most was how much Tan's writing had improved. She conveyed how raw and realistic the characters emotions were exactly, and I felt my mood alter with them. It takes an incredibly talented writer to make the reader feel the characters pain and joy as if it were their own. 

An exquisite, well-crafted fantasy duology that showcases the power of traditional storytelling.

Have you read the Celestial Kingdom duology? If so, who was your favourite character? Let me know in the comment below. 

Until next time, lovelies!