Heart of the sun warrior : book two of the celestial kingdom duology / Sue Lynn Tan.

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

The stunning sequel to Daughter of the Moon Goddess delves deeper into beloved Chinese mythology, concluding the epic story of Xingyin--the daughter of Chang'e and the mortal archer, Houyi--as she battles a grave new threat to the realm, in this powerful tale of love, sacrifice, and hope.

After winning her mother's freedom from the Celestial Emperor, Xingyin thrives in the enchanting tranquility of her home. But her fragile peace is threatened by the discovery of a strange magic on the moon and the unsettling changes in the Celestial Kingdom as the emperor tightens his grip on power. While Xingyin is determined to keep clear of the rising danger, the discovery of a shocking truth spurs her into a perilous confrontation.

Forced to flee her home once more, Xingyin and her companions venture to unexplored lands of the Immortal Realm, encountering legendary creatures and shrewd monarchs, beloved friends and bitter adversaries. With alliances shifting quicker than the tides, Xingyin has to overcome past grudges and enmities to forge a new path forward, seeking aid where she never imagined she would. As an unspeakable terror sweeps across the realm, Xingyin must uncover the truth of her heart and claw her way through devastation--to rise against this evil before it destroys everything she holds dear, and the worlds she has grown to love . . . even if doing so demands the greatest price of all.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Library Journal Review

One year after Xingyin won the freedom of her mother, the Moon Goddess Chang'e, she tries to find her own peace in the life unfolding in front of her. But trouble once again looms. As the Celestial Emperor attempts to further consolidate his power, undercurrents of disruption and a heated confrontation lead Xingyin, Chang'e, and the rest of the Moon's residents to flee. Xingyin and her companions travel through the Immortal Realm, hoping to find respite and allies, but the Celestial Kingdom is on their heels. More than one shocking discovery means that she must align with past foes, defeat a horrible magical evil that could destroy both the Immortal and Mortal Realms, and finally confront the truths of her own heart--no matter the cost. Tan's melodic prose brings the gods and monsters to life in a book that ebbs and flows through action and dialogue in a way that will surprise readers when they turn the last page. VERDICT Tan's sequel to Daughter of the Moon Goddess is a beautiful story inspired by Chinese mythology, serving up both exquisite worldbuilding and emotional characters.--Kristi Chadwick

Publishers Weekly Review

Tan's ambitious if not entirely successful conclusion to her Celestial Kingdom duology (after Daughter of the Moon Goddess) hits the ground running and doesn't let up. Xingyin and her mother, the Moon Goddess, are finally living peacefully together when an enemy in disguise tricks his way into their domain. The usurper, General Wu, reveals himself to Xingyin at a celebration in the Celestial Kingdom, where he sets in motion a plot to usurp the Celestial Throne. It's up to Xingyin and her companions, Liwei and Wenzhi, to stop him. To do so, they'll need to seek out the Goddess of the Sun and acquire a feather from the last remaining sunbird. As mythic battle looms, Xingyin faces uncomfortable truths about herself and must decide how much she is willing to sacrifice to save her home. Xingyin's quest is a nonstop roller-coaster ride, but, after all the buildup, the final confrontation does not feel suitably climactic. The drawn-out ending likewise ties things up too neatly, conveniently fixing all the romantic conflicts. The journey is worth it, but the destination disappoints. Agent: Naomi Davis, Bookends Literary Agency. (Nov.)

Booklist Review

Xingyin, daughter of the Moon Goddess Chang'e, confronts a new threat to the Immortal Realm in this captivating duology closer, following Daughter of the Moon Goddess (2022). Now that the moon is no longer a prison, Chang'e and Xingyin are free to come and go as they please and to welcome visitors. Yet the turmoil they sparked in the Celestial Kingdom has grown, as the emperor punishes Xingyin's allies and elevates her enemies, including crafty General Wu. Though Prince Liwei intends to marry Xingyin, the obstacles between them seem insurmountable, while her lingering feelings for Wenzhi, who wishes to make amends, cannot be ignored. While Xingyin ponders matters of the heart, the emperor moves against her and Chang'e, forcing them to flee again but precipitating his own downfall as Wu usurps the throne with an army of undead soldiers. Xingyin's whirlwind adventure through the beautifully described Immortal Realm is an intricate dance that encompasses multiple quest lines, thrilling battles, romances, magic, and mythological creatures. Tan raises the stakes significantly, grounding Xingyin's strength in love even when her heart is buffeted by shifting loyalties and tragic sacrifices, and leads the reader to a bittersweet yet hopeful conclusion.