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.)

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.

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