I can barely hold my own through this intense adventure and on top of that I’m served a heaping of heartache. But, unfortunately for my poor soul, Tan has other plans. The romantic threads at the end of book one appeared tied off, giving Xingyin an opportunity to heal and pursue a relationship on better footing. The heartbreak in this book is real, and I was not prepared. Sun Warrior broke me, several times over. Tan peels back the surface of these powerful stories and shows us real people living with the consequences. Houyi is portrayed as a hero of the mortal realm, yet the sun goddess suffers when nine of her children are killed at his hand. Chang’e suffers from being separated from her love, but mortals often view her as a selfish woman who stole the elixir of immortality. I love how Tan uses mythology to examine the featured immortals on a personal level. Tan shared each droplet of information purposefully and it expanded the story beautifully. It gives Tan room to explore it more in the future if she desires, but she spotlights a perfect portion of the lore and magic through Xingyin’s perspective. The world is large and magical and rich in Chinese mythology. Tan constantly puts Xingyin in difficult situations and her questionable decision-making had me on edge throughout the entire book. Yet, so many new facets of her character are revealed and I loved every new part of her. Xingyin is brought low in this book and it hurts. She did everything in her power to avoid political games, but Xingyin’s entire journey makes her confront the situations she tried so hard to avoid. I thought book one tested Xingyin but nothing can compare to what she must go through now to protect the realm. It seemed as if Xingyin was up against impossible odds, and every choice was a bad one.

She introduces a new threat and amps up the dread with every chapter. Xingyin must confront a malicious enemy that will stop at nothing to destroy the immortal and mortal realms.

A new plot pulls Xingyin and all those she loves into harm’s way, and she can no longer hide away in her peaceful home. Yet, even the moon is not far enough from the machinations of the Celestial Kingdom’s court. Having secured a bit of peace for her mother, Chang’e, Xingyin is happily bidding her time on the moon and indulging in short visits with Liwei. Xingyin has spent a year recovering from her many hardships and adventures in book one. No sequel slump to be found here! Tan finishes Xingyin’s tale expertly, and I have nothing but glowing opinions to share with you. Then Tan capped the year with the duology’s heart-wrenching conclusion in Heart of the Sun Warrior. She made an incredible debut in January with Daughter of the Moon Goddess. Sue Lynn Tan has blessed us twice this year.

Heart of a sun warrior