Tales of the Celestial Kingdom (Celestial Kingdom, 3)

Return to the fantasy world of the Celestial Kingdom with nine short stories from the point of view of familiar and well-loved characters. Most of the stories are missing scenes from the duology, told by someone besides Xingyin. To name a few perspectives: Chang’e, Shuxiao, Liwei, and Wenzhi. Three of the stories are about Xingyin’s parents; I think they are my favorite. The stories tell the rather sad tale of how Chang’e became the moon goddess and left her husband. I could really feel her fear and pain that drove her to steal the elixir.

The final stories I’m not as fond of. Yes, they are good; they build on where Heart of the Sun Warrior left off in the epilog, but I felt it was unneeded and the book ended at a good place that leaves the rest to the readers imagination. Though I loved Liwei and Xingyin’s reunion. It was short and bittersweet, but hopeful. If you enjoyed the other books of the Celestial Kingdom, then this is a must read.