This was my most anticipated read this year. I had HIGH expectations. And let me tell you, this book did not disappoint!! Nobody tells a story like Sue Lynn Tan. She has this magic that completely immerses you in her story. I could not put this book down. I lost sleep. I neglected my house. My family. This book was a masterpiece. I didn’t think I would like this more than her Daughter of the Moon Goddess series, but here we are. There wasn’t a single thing in didn’t love. I loved the characters. The histories. The old romances. The new. And I was completely invested. The twists. I expected them, but I can never imagine the ways she will resolve conflict. This book was perfect. It’s one of those stories that are fun to reread with new understanding and see all the hints you missed. Incredible. If you don’t read any other book this year, read this one.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reader copy of this masterpiece.

For whatever reason I thought this was a physical book going to be sent out because of showing off the sprayed edges. Skipping the read.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars. May include spoilers.

Overall, I enjoyed Immortal. My favorite part was the world building, I really enjoyed the lush descriptions of the various realms the protaganist, Liyen, experiences throughout the book, and the Chinese mythology weaved into it.

Story-wise, I don't love it when books begin smack in the middle of an action scene, and at the beginning it seemed like a fairly typical romantasy, which didn't immediately grab my attention. It picked up later on in the book, with some twists that I didn't 100% see coming, and plot points were filled in (like the circumstances of how Liyen drank the waters of the Wangchuan River b/c at first I was kinda like how?? That seems kinda hard in the mortal realm?). So this point became more engrossed in the plot, and was generally happy with the ending.

Thank you to the publishers and netgalley for the chance to read an e-ARC.

Sue Lynn Tan is one of my favorite authors - I loved the Daughter of the Moon Goddess duology and I was so happy to receive an ARC of Immortal! As expected, the book was gorgeously written, and contained plenty of action, romance, and intricate worldbuilding and magic systems.
All of the characters were really complex and likable. I enjoyed Liyen as a character - her ambition and drive as a leader was really admirable and I liked that she was brave and wise but also flawed. The plot twist in the middle was a little predictable, but it was a nice addition to the plot and resolved some of my loose ends. The God of War was also a lovely main character as both a love interest and protagonist. It was refreshing to have a character whose war-like tendencies lean more towards wisdom and strategy instead of death and violence. I really liked his chemistry with Liyen and I wish there was going to be a sequel or prequel about his and Liyen's past!
The plot was nicely done - a mix of political intrigue, epic fantasy, and romance. I liked the different elements of the magic system and the realm of the Immortals, though some of the magic was a bit vague at times. I thought the worldbuilding was nicely done, and it seemed like a great companion to the information that we get from Daughter of the Moon Goddess, without having to recall the previous books.
I am so happy that I was able to read this and I cannot wait for Immortal to release in January - readers are in for a delight! Thank you so much to Netgalley and Avon & Harper Voyager for the eARC!

Perfect fantasy read! Sue seriously knows how to write an immersive fantasy world the romance kept you wanting more the tension between the characters just leapt off the page!

Highly recommend

What a perfect standalone! My expectations were high and yet I was surprised by how much I loved this book. Sue Lynn Tan definitely knows how to write immersive fantasy with captivating romances, the tension in this book was palpable and I ate it all up. This book definitely earned a spot in my top 5 best fantasies of 2024!

Immortal was an enchanting romantic fantasy story. Sue Lynn Tan’s writing always has this beautiful, elegant, dreamy quality to it. I can’t help falling in love with her words. In Immortal, Sue once again weaved a magical story by intertwining politics, betrayal, love, and exuberant worldbuilding. She proves that it’s possible to write a well written standalone fantasy! The pacing and arching storyline were perfectly timed. Despite it being only one book, I never felt like the story wasn’t developed enough, nor did I ever feel like things were rushed. It was an enthralling tale that kept you guessing. There were so many good twists in this story!

The story follows Liyen, heir to the throne of Tianxia. Upon being poisoned, Liyen’s grandfather gives her an enchanted lotus to spare her life. In doing so, he incurs the Immortal Queen’s wrath. Upon being summoned to the Immortal Realm to face the Immortal Queen, Liyen decides to take the opportunity of her precarious position to learn the secrets of the Immortals. She strives to find a way to help her people and become worthy of her title as Heir, while simultaneously fighting against her growing attraction to The God of War.

I adored Liyen’s vulnerability and her compassion. Her love for her grandfather was very touching. I also enjoyed that the romance was a central element to the storyline. It was sweet, heart wrenching, and had a slow burn quality to it I appreciated. There was a lot of heart in this story. The emotional turmoil in this was felt!

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Last year Hart’s Weyward was among my pick of books that I actually bought physical copies of and gave as gifts for Christmas, so when I learned she had a new book, I requested the ARC as soon as I could. What Hart does well is weave multiple time lines together without making you wish for more of one or the other. While the message tends to hit you over the head a bit - feminist, empowering, etc - it mostly manages to do so without you rolling your eyes too hard. Mostly. The Sirens was enjoyable, if predictable, and while it won’t be out until February 2025, I might be keeping an eye out for a copy as a gift. I liked how it wasn’t afraid to go to the dark places, and the empowerment often came at the cost - or perhaps with the benefit - of utter destruction.

While the narration felt robotic, I must say that this book took me by surprise. At first, the relationship between Liyen and Zhangwei felt rushed, even forced but now that I have finished, it all makes perfect sense and I’ve come to absolutely adore those two. While many of the twists were predictable, not all of them were and those that weren’t were incredible. I felt Liyen’s anger, her pain. I felt Zhangwei’s suffering, his desires and yearning. I have preordered the book because I enjoyed this far more than I expected to.

Discover a standalone story of destiny, betrayal, and love in Immortal by Sue Lynn Tan. The story revolves around Liyen, a woman who is expected to ascend the throne after poisoning. Her life is spared but sparks the wrath of an Immortal Queen. She comes face to face with the God of War…who becomes much more than the person she was supposed to fear.


Liyen is everything we want in a heroine/FMC…extremely human and vulnerable. I enjoyed this story with its pacing and slow-burn romance.



Sue Lynn Tan wrote another amazing book that can’t be put down.

Sue Lynn Tan brings us to the mystical land of Tianxia, weaving together a story that feels like a dance. Set in the previous world as her others, this fantasy book is the perfect standalone for diving back into this Chinese folklore inspired universe.

I enjoyed following Liyen in her story for self discovery in the midst of the heartbreaking loss of her grandfather, and her ascension to the throne. This story talks about war, love, and what people would do to correct their pasts. With the perfect balance of action and romance, this reminds me of the Chinese dramas my mom watches lol.

Tan manages to continue her world building throughout the story, and even includes a few Easter eggs for those who have read her other books. Being said, this book can still be read alone without feeling like you’ve missed out on a lot. This read is a little hard to get through if you aren’t used to how the author writes, but it is done so artfully, skimming makes you miss out on imagery.



I received this as an eARC from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

**Review of *Immortal***

*Immortal* by Sue Lynn Tan is a captivating standalone fantasy that masterfully intertwines romance, power struggles, and the rich tapestry of mythology. Set in the enchanting world of *Daughter of the Moon Goddess*, this novel introduces us to Liyen, a young ruler who finds herself navigating treacherous political waters and the complexities of forbidden love.

From the outset, Tan’s lyrical prose pulls readers into the lush landscapes of Tianxia, where magic and danger lurk in every shadow. Liyen’s journey begins with a shocking betrayal when she is poisoned, setting off a chain of events that thrust her into the heart of the immortal realm. This premise alone creates an engaging backdrop for a story filled with intrigue and suspense.

Liyen is a compelling protagonist, embodying strength and resilience as she grapples with her newfound responsibilities and the legacy of her grandfather’s actions. Her determination to break free from the grip of the immortals who have long protected her kingdom adds depth to her character, making her relatable and inspiring. The tension between her duty and her desires drives the narrative forward, particularly as she forms an uneasy alliance with the God of War.

The chemistry between Liyen and the God of War is palpable, filled with a push-and-pull dynamic that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Their relationship evolves in a way that is both thrilling and fraught with danger, as Liyen must constantly weigh her feelings against the potential consequences for her kingdom. Tan expertly balances the romance with the larger stakes of the plot, ensuring that neither overshadows the other.

Tan’s world-building is another standout element. The Immortal Realm is vividly depicted, steeped in mystique and magic that enriches the narrative. The author’s attention to detail creates a vibrant setting that feels alive, from the enchanted lotus to the complex hierarchies among the immortals.

As the story unfolds, themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and the pursuit of power resonate deeply, inviting readers to reflect on what it truly means to protect those we love. The pacing is brisk, with enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged until the very last page.

The DELUXE LIMITED EDITION promises not just a beautiful book with sprayed edges and illustrated endpapers, but also an immersive reading experience that fans of fantasy will treasure.

In conclusion, *Immortal* is a stunning tale that blends romance, danger, and self-discovery in a richly imagined world. Sue Lynn Tan has crafted a story that is both enchanting and thought-provoking, making it a must-read for anyone who loves romantic fantasy. With its compelling characters and intricate plot, *Immortal* is sure to leave readers eagerly anticipating what this talented author will create next. Highly recommended!

Loved it! Such amazing world building. I felt like I was dropped right in and living the life as well. Just enough romance to be interesting. A lot of good things here! Highly recommend!

This was fine I guess? I was quite bored by the plot and struggled to connect to it. The story kind of limped along. I do think the romance was well done and very angsty.

What I wouldn't give to find love the way Sue Lynn Tan writes it.

As soon as Immortal was up for pre-order I bought it so fast. I'm not sure I need anything but a "coming soon from Sue Lynn Tan" before I running off immediately to buy it. I fell in love with her poetic writing of mythology and lore inspired fantasy with DotMG. And it just continues with each new book she puts out.

The way she writes her FMC. Their strength and stubborn headedness. Their independence and love of their people and kingdoms. Every character she writes has depth..layers of them that with each turn of the page we get to unravel. She brings beauty into these mystical worlds that you feel when you open the book and miss when you close it.

I cannot wait foe this publication to share the many highlights of quotes I saved. She really does have such a lyrical way to her writing.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc!

This romantasy was top tier, but I guess I should have expected high quality from this author! I love the cozy and lyrical writing, the Asian mythology, and the lovable and multi-faceted characters, especially our heroine. And the romance itself had me going, I love a slow burn and the chemistry here was so palpable and fun.

I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Sue Lynn Tan has a way with words that very few authors have. I read and fell in love with Daughter of the Moon Goddess and was so excited to see the ARC for Immortal. I requested it so quickly and kept my fingers crossed that I would be approved.

Immortal is beautifully written, the characters well developed, and the world crafted perfectly. I was captivated by the story from the beginning - it took me right out of the reading slump I have been in. The author found a great balance between the fantasy and romance, which is much appreciated. This has got to be in my top 5 books of the year - a definite must read! .

It's official. This woman could write anything and I would read it.

When I say this author has the most cozy and magical writing ever I mean it. Truly this book was impossible to set down and it wasn't just the gorgeous and comforting writing style. It was also the characters that just captured your heart and had you cheering for them every step of the way.

Liyen is such a strong character and never backed down from what she believed in, and for that and so many other reasons she might be one of my favorite characters of the year. Also, the relationship she had with the god of war was S TIER! The yearning, bickering, fighting, threatening, bantering, and every interaction had me kicking my fight and refusing to set my kindle down.

To say I was obsessed would truly be an understatement when it comes to this book. Perfect writing and characters are hard to come by, but then let's also add in the intriguing and wonderous plot that kept me on my toes?!? This book by all definitions is perfect, and that's truly the only adjective that I have right now.

If you loved Daughter of the Moon Goddess or are looking for a vast fantasy world with strong characters and the best romance ever... well here it is!

Thank you to netgalley and publisher for eARC!

As always, Sue Lynn Tan has a way of painting a story just as beautiful as the book covers! Love her writing style and love the vivid world building. While it did take me awhile to be fully invested in this book, I found that by part 2 I was completely hooked. The ending wrapped up the plot perfectly, but I do wish it had an epilogue to see a glimpse into the MCs HEA.

✨ Single POV from FMC
✨Multiple plot twists (some predictable, others not)
✨slow burn romance
✨ asian mythology

🐉 “Words could be treacherous, as slippery as the riverbank, where one misplaced step could plunge you into waters too deep. Once spoken, they could not be forgotten, imbued with an unpredictable power that blurred fantasy and reality, spinning lies into truth.“

🐉 ““Heroes are not born but made through their choices. One could be given the greatest gifts in the world and choose to do nothing with them. Or someone with nothing could forge their way to the pinnacle of power. Whether mortal or immortal, our destiny is in our hands.” His words struck a chord inside me. “I don’t believe in destiny—that it’s been set or determined from our birth. I don’t believe it is written in the stars.” His gaze was that of an endless night. “Then write your own.””

🐉 ““Do you think me a monster?” “Never,” he said vehemently. “You are more than your face, more than your name. With you, I am whole.””

Immortal was a wonderfully addictive and beautifully crafted romantic fantasy story filled with court intrigue and a pair of star-crossed lovers caught up between a fight to save both their kingdoms. Sue Lynn Tan’s rich prose and world-building were some of the highlights for me as I felt immediately transported into Tianxia upon the very first page.

Following Liyen’s precarious ascension to the throne after the unexpected death of her grandfather, she knows that her position, and the fate of her kingdom, hinders on the very same immortals that her grandfather betrayed. Vowing to end Tianxia’s obligation to the immortal realm above, Liyen journeys to the Immortal Realm with Zhangwei, the ruthless God of War. Yet, along the way Liyen discovers secrets and betrayals that threaten to uproot everything she has ever known and when her kingdom is threatened by external forces, she must team up with Zhangwei to save her people before it’s too late.

Tan does a remarkable job at balancing between the romance and the political intrigue and I was so engrossed in the last part of the book that I ended up staying up all night to read until the end and I was definitely not disappointed. However, I will say that I’m not particularly a huge fan of the 'enemies-to-lovers’ trope in fantasy. While I did end up very much enjoying Liyen and Zhangwei’s relationship, I had some issues with some of the 'will they, won't they' tensions in their relationship at the beginning that seemed a bit repetitive ended up dragging down some of the pacing for me.

While I haven’t read any of Sue Lynn Tan’s other works prior to this, Immortal was such an emotionally riveting and spellbinding story that I definitely will have to read Daughter of the Moon Goddess in order to stay in this magical world for just a little longer.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Voyager for providing this e-arc in exchange for an honest review. All opinions in this review are my own.