This was a great read. I have liked everything I have read by Sue Lynn Tan. Liyen was a character you can really get behind and root for. I love the world Sue Lynn took us to. She creates such beautiful places for us. This keeps you guessing through so much of it, I never did figure any of it out until it was revealed to us. I would love to be in Zhangwei's head. I'm hoping we get a novella or full book from his perspective. He was such an enigma throughout so much of this book. I loved his and Liyen's banter. I highly recommend this book.

Immortal by Sue Lynn Tan is a standalone romantic fantasy. Liyen, our heroine, is the heir to the throne of Tianxia (Mortal Realm); she suffers from a near-fatal poisoning. Her grandfather, who runs Tianxia, gives Liyen something he holds for the Immortal Queen; as he gives her the Divine Pearl Lotus, which will save her life, healing her of the poison. Liyen is now at full health; but her grandfather dies, and now Liyan ascends to the Tianxia throne. Liyan knows that she needs to renew her kingdom’s pledge to serve the immortals, who always protected them from vicious enemies.

The Immortal Queen is angry, with the Pearl Lotus is missing; she sends the God of War to find the Lotus. Zhangwei, our hero, who is known as the God of War, has a reputation of being a bloodthirsty warrior. He is the strongest immortal, bred and raised for war. He also has his own motivations regarding the Lotus pearl for himself.

Liyan is summoned to the Immortal Realm, where she is determined to learn the secrets of the Immortal Realm; in order to safeguard her people. Liyan finds herself spending time with the God of War, a man she was meant to fear, which slowly changes. They are drawn together, igniting their attraction, with their chemistry rising; the banter between them was amazing.

Zhangwei was devoted, witty and truly in love with Liyan; especially when she saw her past life and learned the truths. Liyan was a terrific heroine, a bit stubborn, difficult, flawed, and a brave leader; but once she learned the secret truths that allowed her to know Zhangwei, as well as the Queen. I liked a few of other characters, but I really loved Zhangwei and Liyan together. The last quarter of the book was mindboggling.

Immortal was a great romantic fantasy, with lots of twists, exciting action, captivating, emotional, danger and magical throughout. Immortal was so very well written by Sue Lynn Tan. I was unable to put the book down, and I suggest you read this wonderful story.

Thank you to Avon, Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for the eARC!

4.5 stars. This was such an enchanting novel that thoroughly gripped me from the start. I will say that Part 3 had some pacing problems, in my opinion, and I'm not completely satisfied with the way the final battle was dealt with, but the rest of the book was phenomenal. Sue Lynn Tan's writing is so descriptive and lush, and the romance she built between our two characters was the perfect slow burn. This book had some plot twists that I was not expecting but it was amazing. All in all, if you are a newbie when it comes to the romantasy genre like me, or a seasoned veteran, I think you will absolutely love this novel.

Immortal was not a successful romantasy for me. The fantasy elements were uninspired and underdeveloped leaving the book to rely on its romance plot. Unfortunately, I found the "enemies to lovers" romance plot unbelievable and borderline cringe at times. The insta-lust was disguised with immature banter and I honestly didn't feel any chemistry between the characters. The characters were annoying with incredibly shallow and abrupt character growth. The plot was repetitive and predictable with preachy moments that shoved the "meaning" of the story in the reader's face.

4.25⭐️this was one of my most anticipated Q1 book releases and it did not disappoint. what a great read! the perfect balance of fantasy and romance with so many twists and turns that i did not see coming (can’t wait to reread this later knowing what i know now hehe). I really love when books have complex conflict that goes deeper than black and white good vs. evil. such a beautiful, intricate world that sue lynn tan has crafted. you definitely don’t need to have read the related duology to enjoy this book, but I’ll definitely be moving them up my TBR after this one!

Thank you so much to HarperCollins for the ARC in exchange for an unbiased review!

WARNING: Spoiler Alert

This book was not what I expected. It is a three-part Asian fantasy standalone story. I started off really enjoying it, but as the story progressed it kind of fall apart for me.

I liked Part 1 of the story. It was action packed and emotional. Although pacing eventually slow down, it did set up a good foundation for the characters, as well as the tension between the mortals and the immortals. I thought the character development was well done. Our heroine, Liyen, is the new ruler of Tianxia. However, since she was sheltered most of her life, it has been a challenge for her to navigate court politics. At times she can be reckless and judgmental, but her heart is always in the right place. I loved her loyalty and determination of being a good leader, and ending her kingdom’s obligation to the immortals. I also enjoyed her relationship with Zhangwei, the God of War. I liked how they challenged each other, in particularly their prejudice views of one another. I was invested in their romance so when the plot twist in Part 1 happened I was shocked. I was excited and curious to see where the story was heading, but I guess I should have tempered my expectations.

In Part 2 and 3, there was just so much going on and the pacing was just very inconsistent. Although I appreciated the multiple twists and secret reveals, it also left a lot of plot holes along the way (i.e., <spoiler> Why can the Lotus only be shared between a mortal and immortal? If the Lotus can only be gifted to another, why did Zhangwei try to take the Lotus by stabbing Liyen? How did Aunt Shou survive in the mortal realm if she is Wuxian? Why is the Wangchuan River so important to the Wuxian people? </spoiler>). I also felt the characters became pretty stagnant, and the way the villain was written was very one dimensional. There also weren’t any high stakes in the final battle. Everything just kind of worked itself out. As for the romance, I have mixed feelings about it. After what happened in Part 1, I felt like there should have been a major atonement arc. Instead, I felt like the incident was kind of explained away due to a reveal later on in the story.

Overall, the story wasn’t bad. It had its moments. I enjoyed the author’s writing and I can see where the story was going. She had some really good ideas, but unfortunately, there was just so much happening, that it kind of took away from the character development and depth of the plot. Honestly, it kind of makes me wonder if it would have been better as a duology.

Thank you Netgalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC. All opinions are my own.

Immortal
By Sue Lynn Tan

Sue Lynn Tan is a magical writer. Immortal is set in a mortal realm that is now guarded by Immortals. In Tianxia there is an invisible barrier that keeps them from the rest of the mortals. The mortals promise to protect the Immortals by guarding the mountain from the enemy that weakened them both so long ago. The Ruler of Tianxia was tasked by the Queen of the Immortals to find the enchanted Lotus.
But when his Granddaughter is poisoned by the waters of the netherworld, her Grandfather uses the lotus to save his Granddaughter, as his last act before he dies in front of the Queen due to a weak heart. The heir to the throne of Tianxia, Lieyen, must go to the Immortals to swear her allegiance to the immortal Queen. But Tianxia is attacked by winged creatures and the god of War comes down to help. Lieyen now must find the courage to ask the Queen to take down the walls around Tianxia and return to live among the rest of the mortals, while hiding the fact that she contains the lotus the Queen is searching for.

Immortal is a standalone novel, and has a satisfying finish. I would give this book 4.5 stars out of 5. I love the slow burn of the story, the pacing is just right. I recommend this book to adults who love fantasy/romantasy !

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read Immortal. #netgalley

Sue Lynn Tan has done it again! What a phenomenal story!

What a great way to start my 2025 reading season! An absolute stunning masterpiece. It was so magical to return to this world and meet new characters. I was obsessed with every moment.

This book started off very fast-paced, and I found myself easily swept up into the story. The FMC was such a dynamic character, and it was easy to follow her journey. I loved the magic and the way we were introduced to the problems of this world. The MMC was also a 10 out of 10. Definitely a new book boyfriend! There were a lot of twists and turns, but it was gripping, and there was never a dull moment for me. I found being back in this world as enchanting as it was the first time around. The love between the two main characters was so infinite I wanted the world for them and more. Their love story was very beautifully written.

Overall, this book was everything I could've hoped for. It was beautiful and whimsical, and this book is another victory for Sue Lynn Tan. An absolute stunner of a novel! Would 100% recommend!

I would like to extend a very big thank you to Sue Lynn Tan, the publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rating: 4.7/5

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for this eARC.

This is my first book by Sue Lynn Tan. I have Daughter of the Moon Goddess and its sequel, and now I really need to read them. This was overall great!

In the beginning, I struggled with the instalove, but that evolves in a satisfying way. The pacing was great. The characters were great.

It did feel like there could’ve been three full books that were smushed into this one standalone…each part could have been expanded into its own book with the amount of time the story line changed…but it was still entertaining the whole time.

"We each shone brightest in our own lives, unless we allowed out light to be dimmed. Our differences did not make us weaker; we were strong in our own ways."

Liyen is weak and has been poisoned by those that do not want her to ascend to her grandfather's throne. When they are attacked by the immortals, her grandfather gives her a cure, the very cure that the Immortal queen is attacking them for. Liyen vows vengeance, hoping to free her mortal land from the isolation that keeps them from the rest of the mortals. However, as she travels to the immortal realm to try and plead her case, she finds herself drawn to the handsome God of War. There is more to the situation than she understands.

This book felt like it was several books in one, making for one long book with several related plot points throughout. It was long but well written. The scenery felt lush and realistic.


The romance was well done and added to the story. There was a lot of slow burn to it.

Thank you to Net Galley, Avon, and Harper Voyager for the DRC. All opinions are my own

What an incredible book! Sue Lynn Tan draws you immediately into the beautiful world she creates. I love seeing the growth each character makes as the story progresses. Highly recommend!

I love this book. I was craving romantasy and I found it. It is so much nicer when it is done in a subtle way. The God of War was a perfect book boyfriend. The way Sue writes I could imagine myself in the palace as well as her home. I felt like I could relate to Liyen in wanting to do the right thing but also feeling your heart being torn.

2.5 stars. I loved Daughter of the Moon Goddess and was extremely meh about Heart of the Sun Warrior and Tales of the Celestial Kingdom, so I wasn't sure what to expect from this. I think in the future I will be waiting to hear reviews before diving into more of Tan's work.

A lot of the lower-rated reviews seem to have an issue with the 'insta-love' of this. I will admit I was frustrated by this, but it was explained later, so I give that a pass. However, the main character's internal dialogue is extremely annoying and not helpful to the reader. She had the typical "I hate him but I need to be near him" vibes during the enemies part of the enemies to lovers, but we didn't have any real understanding of why she would feel that way to him. And his behavior was weird, even though it was later explained, during that portion.

This book has a LOT of 'telling' of the plot, and not in the most interesting of ways, so the plot felt convoluted and random. We start with the main character being poisoned and it's something that is very important to the plot... so I didn't understand why we weren't given the poisoning more explicitly? I initially thought the main character had a chronic illness because it was unclear. I was unsure what the different types of creatures (?) were, and the explanation was never really given. There was a back history/politics between these creatures (mortals, immortals, and wuxin... creatures feels like the wrong word but I don't knwo what the proper one would be) that was very much told in a non-interesting way. The plot could have been handled much better than it was.

Finally, the pacing was off. Part one and two were significantly slower paced than part three. Some have argued that the first half drags on and the second half races through - my issue is more that the pacing just doesn't match up. Nothing happens and then EVERYTHING HAPPENS. Let's just make it more evenly paced throughout?

Thank you to Avon and HarperVoyager for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

First of all, thank you netgalley and the publishers for this arc. omg I am out of words.... The tension, the action, the betrayal, the storyline!! Every thing was perfect omg!!!

Sue Lynn Tan returns with Immortal, a lush sequel that draws us deeper into the world of Eastern mythology with storytelling as intricate and spellbinding as her debut, Daughter of the Moon Goddess. Immortal is a tale of love, resilience, and destiny, set against a breathtaking mythic landscape that will captivate fans of fantasy and folklore alike.
Immortal follows the journey of Liyen as she confronts trials that test not only her strength but the core of her very identity. While Liyen’s earlier journey was fraught with danger and discovery, Immortal explores the emotional complexity of power, love, and loss on a whole new level. As her ties to the celestial realm deepen, Liyen faces new challenges that blur the line between duty and desire, loyalty and freedom.

What I Loved:
Sue Lynn Tan’s world-building is once again exceptional. She crafts realms that feel both dreamlike and tangible, using rich descriptions that transport the reader into a vivid tapestry of gods, dragons, and magic. Linyen’s character continues to grow with depth and nuance, making her feel even more relatable as she grapples with both personal desires and obligations that could shape the future of her world. The tension and chemistry between Linyen and Zhangwei from the start to the end is plausible.
Tan’s prose in Immortal flows with an elegance and sophistication that match the mythic tone of her narrative, weaving together not just action and intrigue but tender moments of vulnerability that make the characters feel profoundly human. This story doesn’t just rely on its fantasy elements; at its heart, Immortal is about the courage it takes to choose your path in a world that often tries to define it for you.

Themes and Impact:
Immortal explores themes of fate, loyalty, and self-discovery, betrayal and undying love, giving readers much to ponder about the choices we make and the sacrifices we’re willing to endure for those we love. Tan has a way of exploring these themes subtly yet impactfully, drawing parallels between myth and our own human experience. It’s a tale that urges us to seek our own strength while respecting the forces that shape us.
Immortal is an enchanting follow-up that will satisfy fans of Daughter of the Moon Goddess while inviting new readers into its richly woven story. If you’re a fan of lyrical, myth-inspired fantasy or just looking for a story with a strong, resilient protagonist, Immortal is a must-read. Sue Lynn Tan continues to prove she’s a master of weaving mythology and emotion into a seamless narrative that’s both heartfelt and exhilarating.
Be prepared to be swept away into a world where myths come to life and choices shape destinies.

lol when the “lush world building” is just the generic backdrop of every xianxia cdrama and the writing is a caricature of the voiceovers explaining the history in the prologue, all grandiose and ‘epic’

i guess if you wanna read a book where characters speak in proverbs … TO EACH OTHER, and the main character oscillates between being presumptuous as hell and “leashing her emotions,” i concede that it does kinda hit the spot if you feel like watching that brand of cdrama. bc it does have all those tropes, including the ~reveal~ that puts ~everything into a new perspective~

thanks for the arc, netgalley and harper voyager 🙏🏼

For readers who crave a gripping and romantic tale of self-discovery, forbidden love, and epic adventure, this is a must-read, offering a captivating blend of fantasy, magic, and danger that will sweep you off your feet and leave you breathless.

Sue Lynn Tan is a master at writing the most beautiful and immersive worlds!!! I was so happy to read that Immortal was set in the same world as Daughter of the Moon Goddess, and even more so when I read Immortal and realized it stood wonderfully on its own! This story follows Liyen, a young woman who takes the throne after her grandfather sacrifices himself to save her life. She quickly realizes her kingdom is suffering and begins to plot against the immortals in order to save her people. In this journey, she meets the God of War and forms a surprising alliance.

Although the beginning was a little slow, after the 15% mark I was hooked and didn’t want to put this down! I love fantasy stories with political intrigue, it’s so refreshing to find one that doesn’t follow the standard cookie-cutter plot these days. Intertwined with forbidden love, destiny, and heart-wrenching betrayal, Tan does an amazing job keeping readers on the edge of their seats!! Liyen was an incredible heroine, always keeping the safety and well-being of her people at the front of her mind, even if it came at her expense!! I also loved the God of War, Zhangwei, and all of the yearning and chemistry that came with him!! His utter devotion and love was so beautiful to read 🥹

I was caught completely off guard by the plot twists!!! I truly didn’t see any of them coming and I love when a book shocks me! The world-building was stunning, along with the writing, and the characters were some that will stay with me for a very long time!! Thank you so much to Netgalley and Harper Voyager for this ARC ❤️

Immortal by Sue Lynn Tan is a beautifully crafted story.
An incredible, standalone romantic fantasy filled with menacing secrets, forbidden magic, and passion, of a young ruler who fights to protect her kingdom.
This book was the most beautiful, astonishing, attention-grabbing, endearing and incredible book ever.
The plot was incredible, the characters were so well written, the world building was absolutely magnificent and the writing style was out of this world!!
I genuinely didn't want to put it down from the moment I started it.

Thank You NetGalley and Harper Voyager for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

This book was so good! I loved all the twists and turns, you’ll think you know where the book is heading then bam! Something changes. The magic system is really interesting and just about all the characters are morally grey which I thought was cool. There are so many layers to each character that are slowly revealed as you read. By the end of the book I was sad there wasn’t more.

3.75 ⭐
Closed door 🌶️
Thank you to netgalley and harper voyager for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions._
Releasing Jan 14, 2025 Immortal by Sue Lynn Tan is a peautiful historical fantasy romance steeped in Chinese mythology and folklore
Liyen, the heir to a mortal kingdom completely cut off from the rest of the mortal world at the best of the immortals, unexpectedly ascends the throne after the abrupt passing of her grandfather. In order to be recognized as her people's new leader, she must travel to the immortal realm to swear her allegiance to the Immortal Queen, but Liyen is hiding a secret, one her grandfather died to protect. One that could be disastrous if the Immortals found out. Upon her arrival, she is placed under the watchful eye of the the ruthless and cold God of War. But all is not as it seems in the immortal realm and everything Liyen has ever known is about to be turned upside-down,
really wanted to love this book but some things just fell short for me. The pacing was inconsistent, some parts dragged while others felt rushed. The timeline of events as a whole was also a bit confusing and even after the end, left me scratching my head

Honestly, the back story about the Immortal war seemed far more interesting than the actual plot of this book and we only see glimpses in a few flashbacks,
While the MMC and love interest is absolutely swoor worthy, his character felt very flat and one dimensional. His entire personality is "must protect Liyen" and that's it.
Overall, this was 3.75 for me. The world and writing were absolutely beautiful but the story as whole was a bit of a let down and the plot twists were kind of predictable..
Major Spoilery bits below:
The timeline of events is so confusing. How long did it take for Liyen to be reborn as a mortal? The way they talk about it made it seem like it happened at the end of the war but Liyen is in her 20s. Didn't the war end centuries ago? Was she just in limbo for decades/ centuries? Also, after so much focus on the hair comb, I was expecting her to remember that it was her favorite one or something like that after she started getting her memories back but it's never mentioned again despite being set up as something important to Zhangwei.