Title: The Daughter of the Moon Goddess

Author: Sue Lynn Tan

Series: The Celestial Kingdom #1

Date of published: 11 January 2022

Number of pages: 512 pages

A captivating debut fantasy inspired by the legend of Chang'e, the Chinese moon goddess, in which a young woman’s quest to free her mother pits her against the most powerful immortal in the realm.

Growing up on the moon, Xingyin is accustomed to solitude, unaware that she is being hidden from the feared Celestial Emperor who exiled her mother for stealing his elixir of immortality. But when Xingyin’s magic flares and her existence is discovered, she is forced to flee her home, leaving her mother behind.

Alone, powerless, and afraid, she makes her way to the Celestial Kingdom, a land of wonder and secrets. Disguising her identity, she seizes an opportunity to learn alongside the emperor's son, mastering archery and magic, even as passion flames between her and the prince.

To save her mother, Xingyin embarks on a perilous quest, confronting legendary creatures and vicious enemies across the earth and skies. But when treachery looms and forbidden magic threatens the kingdom, she must challenge the ruthless Celestial Emperor for her dream—striking a dangerous bargain in which she is torn between losing all she loves or plunging the realm into chaos.

Daughter of the Moon Goddess begins an enchanting, romantic duology which weaves ancient Chinese mythology into a sweeping adventure of immortals and magic—where love vies with honor, dreams are fraught with betrayal, and hope emerges triumphant.

***

So, The Daughter of the Moon Goddes is one of recommendations for my 12 book challenge. I was intrigued to read it because of its beautiful cover. I swear, Kuri Huang as the illustrator has done a really good job for that. So far, I could say thay I enjoy this book, even though in the end, I wonder why it needs a second book for it.

The Story

Xingyin is the daughter of the Moon Goddess. Her existence is unknown since his mother, Chang'e has to hide her since she was born. In this universe, Chang'e has been punished because she drank the elixir which enable her to be immortal. This fact has enraged the Celestial Kingdom. It became worse as her husband also slayed the sun bird, which still part of the family from the Celestial Empress. Therefore, when Chang'e realized she no longer can protect his daughter on the moon, Chang'e send Xingyin away to mortal world.

Not knowing anything, Xingyin tried her best to survive. One day, when she worked as a maid for a young lady, she meet a guy who turned out to be the Celestial Crown Prince. His name is Liwei. Then, the story began from there.

Start from Xingyin become the companion for Liwei, her experience as part of the Celestial army, until her fight for love and life.

The Opinion

Well, tbh I love how Sue Lynn Tan divided the story into three parts. Each part in a way told us the significance of Xingyin's life development. At first, I felt that Xingyin and Liwei still underage. Therefore, most of the times their attitude was so childish. I almost throw my phone when read it.

Then, when I just continue to read it, their characters just felt right. They matured so much at the end of the story.

Well, about Xingyin-Liwei-Wenzhi relationship, I did wonder how Xingyin can finally being together with Liwei. Moreover, they don't really have a romantic moments when being together. After Xingyin decided to leave Liwei's side, their intimacy was dropped to zero. When with Wenzhi, their relationship is build cause they are always together. They fought the monsters together and sacrifice for each other.

But to be honest, I didn't really surprised when it was revealed that Wenzhi is actually from the Demon Realm. I know there should be a betrayer at the Celestial Kingdom. There's no way no enemy found. However, there's should be a hidden enemy in the middle of the calmness.

For me, what I love the most from this book is the story. How Sue Lynn Tan knit each of the events and Xingyin's main goal is just make sense and engaging. 

Ahh, i just remember about something. So, I also really like the fact that some of teachers and also general at the Celestial Kingdom are woman. The last time I read Chinese-setting-book, there's no way a woman could have that higher status. I'm glad Sue Lynn Tan choose that woman representation on her book.

Maybe, for the second book, it will be more about the conflict between Celestial and Demon Kingdom. 

I just realized that Wenzhi still alive and will hold a huge grudge to Celestial Kingdom. Then, even though Xingyin and Liwei's relationship getting better, they still don't have any future yet. So, probably it will be solved in the second book too.

Conclusion

Don't judge a book by its cover? Oh, please. Not gonna lie, the cover of the book is also one of determining factor for me to read a book. Daughter of the Moon Goddess is the proof of it.

4 out 5 stars.

Sincerely, 

Ra

Judul: Jalan yang Jauh Jangan Lupa Pulang

Sutradara: Angga Dwimas Sasongko

Penulis naskah: Angga Dwimas Sasongko, Mohammad Irfan Ramly

Durasi: 1 jam 46 menit

Pemain: Sheila Dara Aisha, Lutesha, Jerome Kurnia, Ganindra Bimo, Rio Dewanto, Rachel Amanda

Nonton di CGV, Dmall

In London, Aurora finds a soul mate with the same vision as hers, Jem, an up-and-coming artist who is also a senior on campus and an immigrant from Indonesia. Aurora's life is perfect and full of passion until she finds another side of Jem, who makes Aurora give up college and leave her dream. During her difficult time, Aurora is assisted by her two best friends: Honey and Kit, to live together in their apartment. Aurora's preoccupation with surviving and trying to return to her studies by working odd jobs causes her to lose contact with her family. Two months without news make Angkasa and Awan follow Aurora to London. Surprised by Aurora's messy condition, Angkasa and Awan agree to force Aurora to come home.

*** 

Sesungguhnya, Jalan yang Jauh Jangan Lupa Pulang ini adalah semacam sekuel dari Nanti Kita Cerita Tentang Hari Ini. Mengambil cerita setelah NKCTHI selesai, JyJJLP fokus ke kehidupan Aurora yang merantau di London, Inggris. Apakah berhasil semenyentuh NKCTHI? Baik, mari kita bahas dengan pengetahuan sotoy saya. 

The Story

Aurora (Sheila Dara Aisha) memutuskan untuk lanjut studi seni di Inggris. Di sanalah ia bertemu dengan sosok Jem (Ganindra Bimo), cowok berbakat asal Indonesia yang sekaligus berakhir menjadi kekasihnya.

Hari itu, Jem menampilkan karyanya di salah satu pameran bergengsi di London. Akan tetapi, hasil pameran tersebut sama sekali tak memuaskan baginya. Ia yang emosi, pada akhirnya membuat Aurora terluka. Sejak saat itu, Aurora memutuskan untuk pergi dari kehidupan Jem.

Untungnya, kedua kawan baiknya, Honey (Lutesha) dan Kit (Jerome Kurnia), bersedia menampung Aurora selama kabur dari Jem. Well, sebenarnya, Aurora tak hanya kabur dari Jem, tapi juga dari keluarganya. Sekitar hampir dua bulan, ia tak bisa dihubungi dan berakhir dengan kedatangan Angkasa (Rio Dewanto) dan Awan (Rachel Amanda) ke London. Kedua kakak-adik itu diperintahkan oleh ayah mereka untuk menjemput Aurora.

The Opinion

Sedari awal, aku betul-betul tidak menyukai sosok Jem. Dia ini tipikal cowok egois yang selalu menyalahkan orang lain atas kegagalan yang ia alami. Parahnya, Aurora tak menyadari kalau dirinya terjerat dalam suatu hubungan toksik bersama Jem. Yaa, meskipun Aurora memutuskan kabur, dia tuh masih berempati kepada Jem. Astaga. 

Kalau di NKCTHI alur kilas-balik tidak membuatku bingung, maka di sini terasa banget setiap adegan begitu scattered. Sampai-sampai, kadang aku tak menyadari kapan scene telah berubah dari masa lalu ke masa sekarang. Lalu, ada juga bagian-bagian yang terasa terpotong sedemikian rupa. Alhasil, betul-betul membuatku bingung.

Belum lagi, sejumlah editing yang menonjolkan editing perpotongan cepat hanya membuatku pusing ㅠㅠ Sigh. 

Yang aku enggak mengerti, aku masih tidak merasakan pentingnya kemunculan Angkasa dan Awan di sini. Apakah mereka muncul untuk bisa memberikan solusi untuk Aurora? Aku rasa tidak. Bahkan, mereka cuma menambah masalah. Bagiku, keberadaan mereka tidak sesignifikan itu.

Mungkin, yang cukup menolong di film ini adalah keberadaan Honey dan Kit. Keduanya jadi karakter yang paling realistis kalau menurutku. Memberikan perhatian yang cukup sebagai teman, bahkan lebih. Iri banget punya sahabat sebaik mereka.

In a way, kalau dibilang relatable sebagai anak rantau, ya.. ya lumayan lah. Tapi mungkin secara cerita, tidak akan se-relatable NKCTHI. 

Conclusion

Kalau ingin tahu kehidupan Aurora, bisalah menonton JyJJLP ini. Tanpa menonton NKCTHI, mungkin agak susah ya buat jadi lebih mengerti keadaan Aurora. Bagaimanapun, alasan utama sikap Aurora di sepanjang film  ini memang dampak dari apa yang terjadi NKCTHI. Tapi kalau mau ditonton lepasan pun, menurutku enggak masalah.

Well, jadi 6 bintang saja ya untuk film satu ini.

Apakah aku akan menonton Story of Kale yang merupakan spin-off dari universe ini? Well, let's see.

Sincerely, 

Ra

Image: detik

Judul: Nanti Kita Cerita Tentang Hari Ini

Sutradara: Angga Dwimas Sasongko

Penulis: Marchella F.P., Jenny Jusuf, Mohammad Irfan Ramly

Pemain: Rio Dewanto, Rachel Amanda, Sheila Dara Aisha, Oka Antara, Donny Damara, Susan Bachtiar

Durasi: 121 menit

Nonton di Netflix 

Every family has a secret. Angkasa (Rio Dewanto), Aurora (Sheila Dara Aisha), and Awan (Rachel Amanda) are siblings who live in happy-looking families. After experiencing her first major failure, Awan meets Kale (Ardhito Pramono), an eccentric guy who gives Awan a new life experience about breaking-up, falling, growing, losing, and all the fear of humans in general. Under parental pressure Awan's attitude changes; this prompts the rebellion of the three siblings that leads to the discovery of secrets and great trauma in their families.

***

Mari kita percaya bahwa lebih baik terlambat daripada tidak sama sekali. Sesungguhnya, pada tahun 2019, aku sudah tertarik untuk menonton NKCTHI. Akan tetapi, entah kenapa semangat menonton itu tetiba surut dan akhirnya terlupa untuk mulai menonton. 

Nah, kemarin, karena aku kepo saja dengan sekuel dari NKCTHI yang sekarang lagi tayang di bioskop, aku memutuskan untuk menonton NKCTHI terlebih dahulu. Sesungguhnya, supaya aku tidak kebingungan bertanya-tanya tokoh yang akan muncul siapa dan bagaimana konfliknya akan berhubungan dengan NKCTHI.

The Story

Bagi Awan (Rachel Amanda), memilih dalam hidupnya merupakan sesuatu yang tak mungkin ia lakukan. Sikap ayahnya, Narendra (Oka Antara dan Donny Damara) yang terlalu protektif, membuat hidup Awan sudah dimudahkan begitu rupa. Sang ayah, selalu menekankan bahwa keselamatan Awan adalah yang utama. 

Hal ini pun akhirnya berdampak kepada dua anak tertuanya. Angkasa (Rio Dewanto) mendapatkan tanggung jawab untuk melindungi adik-adiknya, terutama Awan. Setiap hari, ia harus meluangkan waktunya untuk menjemput sang adik atas perintah ayahnya. 

Ia memang tak mengeluhkan hal itu. Akan tetapi, Lika (Agla Artalidia) yang merupakan pacar Angkasa, menyadari bahwa Angkasa telah terkekang di dalam keluarganya sendiri.

Di sisi lain, ada Aurora (Sheila Dara Aisha), si anak tengah yang telah lama belajar untuk menekan keinginannya sendiri. Ia tahu ia bukanlah prioritas sang Ayah dan ia sudah lelah untuk memperjuangkan untuk bisa diakui di depan mata ayahnya.

Nanti Kita Cerita Tentang Hari Ini adalah kisah keluarga yang terlihat sempurna dan bahagia. Akan tetapi, di antara upaya untuk tidak bersuara dan menyembunyikan perasaan itu, luka dan sakit hati malah tumbuh subur. Keluarga itu pada sesungguhnya tidak baik-baik saja.

The Opinion

To be honest, NKCTHI memang perlu diapresiasi sebagai salah satu drama keluarga yang cukup realistis. Situasi yang dialami Awan, Angkasa, maupun Aurora, pastinya banyak mengena bagi para penonton. 

Awan yang menjadi prioritas sang ayah, Angkasa yang selalu dibebani tanggung jawab--yang entah apakah bisa ia tanggung atau tidak, dan Aurora yang lebih memilih untuk menutup diri karena merasa terpinggirkan.

Menggunakan alur kilas-balik, untungnya kisah NKCTHI ini tidak membuat pusing. Bahkan, menurutku baik Jenny Jusuf maupun Angga Sasongko berhasil mengolahnya dengan baik.

Yang aku suka adalah pemilik puncak konfliknya. Kala Aurora jarang banget disorot, ternyata klimaks ceritanya akan bermula di Aurora. Ahh, aku enggak bisa bayangin sih, gimana rasanya jadi Aurora. Bagaimanapun ia berusaha, sang Ayah seperti tidak melihat upayanya yang mati-matian itu.

Seengaknya ya, di NKCTHI, masing-masing karakter jadi punya perannya sendiri. Oh, kalau kupikir-pikir, peran Aurora ini mirip sekali dengan peran Sarma di Ngeri-ngeri Sedap. Meskipun terlihat tenang, dia yang paling banyak menyimpan beban. 

Meskipun, di satu titik aku tidak cukup relate dengan kemampuan Narendra dan juga Ajeng menutupi luka mereka. 

Conclusion

Sebagai film drama keluarga, menurutku NKCTHI lumayan berhasil menampilkan konflik yang cukup realistis. Masing-masing anggota keluarga jadi punya masalah masing-masing, dan semuanya bermula dari keengganan untuk mengakui luka dan jujur satu sama lain.

Jadi, 7.5 dari 10 bintang untuk kisah yang berakhir hangat satu ini.

Oh, anyway. Aku juga ikhlas-ikhlas aja sewaktu Awan akhirnya tidak berakhir bersama Kale. Yaa, mungkin peran Kale hanyalah untuk memberikan kebahagiaan bagi Awan untuk sementara. Tidak lebih.

Sincerely,

Ra

Title: Alchemy of Souls S02: Light and Shadow (2022)

Director: Park Joon Hwa, Bae Hyun Jin

Scriptwriter: Hong Jung Eun, Hong Mi Ran

Number of episodes: 10 episodes

Stars: Lee Jae Wook, Go Youn Jong, Hwang Min Hyun, Shin Seung Ho

Watched on Netflix

Jang Uk returns from death, and three years later, the story of the mages unfolds anew. Jang Uk becomes a hunter of the soul-shifters when a young woman, a prisoner in her own home, seeks his help to reclaim her freedom.

***

So, after finishing the first season in one go about two weeks ago, I decided to finish the second season soon. Sadly, I had to go to Solo for the annual staff retreat. Therefore, I couldn't watch much there even though I was dying to know about what will happen to Jang-uk and Mudeok.

The Story

To be very honest, I was so confused when watching the first episode of this series. I couldn't understand how Bu-yeon (Go Youn Jung) still alive. What made me confuse more is the connection between her and Mudeok-Naksu. I mean... I couldn't get it who is she at first ㅠㅠ

Then, after returning from his death, Jang Uk (Lee Jae Wook) dedicated his life to hunt the soul shifter. Well, since he got the power of ice stone, the palace forbid him to use that power for himself. Therefore, Jang Uk should obey the palace's order. Sadly, no one knows how struggle Jang Uk is after acquiring the ice stone power. 

Every night, he couldn't sleep well since the wraith will come after him. That wicked soul wouldn't let Jang Uk to sleep peacefully.

Three years has passed from the tragic tragedy at Seongrim. Overall vibe at Daeho is very dark and gloomy. Even, every characters here become more sorrow and pitiful. Not only Jang Uk, but Dang Gu, Cho Yeon, Park Jin, and others. 

Then, the fate brings Jang Uk to meet Buyeon, the first daughter of Jinyowon. Eveyone knows that she is the most powerful priestess at Daeho. Knowing that Buyeon still alive, Jang Uk finally agree to help Buyeon in order to get something from her.

My opinion

Most of the time, I really can't see Jang Uk being tortured. I mean, tortured by the wrait, his memory, or his longing feeling to Mudeok/Naksu. Moreover, he still remember killed by a person he loved the most. It's hurtful to see him like that.

Thankfully, the dark opening isn't kept for long. On the later episode, the overall vibe still become vibrant because of the interaction between Buyeon and Jang Uk. They are so funny ㅋㅋㅋ The other characters still being comical like always. Start from Park Jin who determined to being a gardener and cook--please don't try to savour his food🙂, the quirkiness from the Crown Prince, or the interaction between Dang Gu, Seo Yul, and Jang Uk.

What annoyed me the most on this series of course Jin Mu. Smh. Can we just throw him? I really despise him. Then, the royal family is also suck. I really don't like the king and the queen. Imho, the one who is kind in this series is the one who have a comical side. If it's not, they are just another Jin Mu allies for me.

As a finale of this epic saga, I think AoS 2 has done a really good job. The story is quite complex and the conflict for each character can be resolved well at the end. 

Maybe, if i can have a wish, I do really hope they will make a special episode for the happy moment for each couple. I mean.. can we just get more sweetness from Jang Uk and Bu Yeon? We also haven't got enough scenes of Park Jin-Maidservant Kim or Dang Gu-Cho Yeon. Then, can we also talk about Seo Yul who still being single? 

Conclusion

As a finale, I am satisfied with AoS 2. It's really worth to watch, imho.

8.5 out of 10 stars.

Sincerely,

Ra

Title: Choco Milk Shake

Director: Ahn Ji Hee

Genres: Comedy, Romance, Fantasy

Number of episode: 11 episodes

Stars: Go Hu Jong, Lee Jae Bin, Kim Seong Hyuk, Park Seung Bin

Watched on YouTube

A cat and dog cross the Rainbow Bridge and return to the terrestrial world in human form?!

Jung Woo lives alone. When he was twenty, a fatal accident robbed him of all he loved: he lost not just his parents, but even the pet dog and cat, Choco and Milk, whom he had raised since childhood. One evening, after returning home from work in his uncle's café, he is disturbed by two handsome strangers knocking at his door. To his disbelief, they claim to be Choco and Milk! They can prove it, however: and after hearing their memories of earlier times together, Jung Woo realises that he has indeed been visited by the two beloved companions of his youth, reincarnated in human form.

Choco and Milk settle themselves comfortably into Jung Woo's home, and the three once more enjoy the warmth and affection they have longed for since their cruel separation. But there are new dimensions to their resumed life together, and surprising discoveries to be made in the realms of friendship and love...

***

I totally forgot that I haven't finished to watch this mini drama yet. So, when I had a break from my office event at Solo, I remember about it and decided to watch it.

The Story

Choco Milk Shake told a story about Jungwoo who lost everything in life. Start from his parent, love, and also his dearest pet. One day, two guys appeared in front of him who claim to be his deceased pet--that come back alive in a human form. 

At first, of course Jungwo couldn't believe what Choco and Milk said. But, Choco--who used to be Jungwoo's dog, and Milk--who used to be Jungwoo's cat, tried their best to convince Jungwoo. 

One thing for sure, Choco and Milk come back alive to help Jungwoo. Even though they should risk their life in the afterlife.

My opinion

I found this mini drama on YouTube. I don't exactly remember how.. but this drama is so cute. Not that much cringe and the story is quite unique as a BL drama 

As from the premise, I totally intrigued. How does a pet reincarnation can help its owner? And well, how they can portrayed the life of Jungwoo with his two reincarnated pet is just believable.

I really appreciate how Lee Jaebin and Kim Seong Hyuk are able to portray the characteristic of dog and cat in a real life. Personally, I like Seonghyeok more. He really embodied cat's life on his personality. Tbh, he also more rational than Jaebin who becomes Choco.

Since this is a simple drama, the conflict is not that grande. It told us the story of Jungwoo who struggle to bear his loneliness in life. The purpose of Choco and Milk come back to his side is also clear, they just want Jungwoo to be happy.

Imho, the relationship that developed between Jungwoo-Choco and Milk-Uncle is just cute. But sometimes, I couldn't feel their intimacy. Even though I really grateful they are not cringe. 

Conclusion

Tbh, there isn't much thoughts when I  watched this drama. It's good to be watched for relaxing since the story is just cute and simple. Moreover, it's only 10-15 minutes per episode. Try to watch it to find their cute relationship.

6.5 out of 5 stars

Sincerely,

Ra