I have very mixed feelings about Immortal, which makes me so sad because I adored The Celestial Kingdom Duology. While I really enjoyed the incredibly lush world building of this book, I had some issues with the overall plot and pacing. This book started off pretty slow and while the pacing at the end was very quick, it took roughly 60% for it to catch my interest. The pacing was also very fast at times and then would get so slow. There was a lot of intrigue and betrayal, which is something I really enjoy in books. The mythology interwoven throughout was also very interesting. The characters were okay, but the villain definitely didn’t feel villain-y enough for me at times. See…very mixed feelings :/

Thank you so much to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Immortal by Sue Lynn Tan

This was my first Sue Lynn Tan book although I have her other series on my TBR. This one is set in the same world as the Celestial Kingdom series. This one follows Liyen who has been cursed and ascends to the throne of her kingdom after her grandfather dies. Her grandfather makes the ultimate sacrifice to cure his granddaughter with the one thing the Immortals seek.

I find this one hard to summarize too much without more spoilers but I was drawn in from the start. One of things that stands out to me the vivid setting that Sue Lynn paints and how rich the world is. I found myself predicting certain plot points but it was done in such a delightful way that it didn’t detract from the story. There was plenty of elements I did not see coming and I enjoyed every minute.

This one is a good standalone, it references the Celestial Kingdom but not in a way that you will feel lost reading it as it is very much its own story.

Thank you Harper Voyager and NetGalley for the free copy.

I have previously loved and thoroughly enjoyed Sue Lynn Tan's previous works. I loved the stories, the imagery, and the illustrations. However, Immortal was a challenge. I did finish it, but I really wanted to mark it as did not finish (DNF). I requested this book knowing nothing about it except the name of the author and knowing it is part of the Celestial Kingdom. I found this book to be very predictable, slow, and forced at times. Even when things were "moving," the story was still a drag. The book improves in Part Three, but even that section is plagued by the problems mentioned above. I wanted to love this book, but it unfortunately was not a good read for me.

With all of that being said, I would still read more of SLT's works because i think she is a talented author, but this particular story was a miss for me.

3,5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley, Avon, and Harper Voyager for this advanced copy! You can pick up Immortal on January 7, 2025.

This was one of my most highly anticipated releases of 2025, and while certain parts of this book delivered everything I wanted, others unfortunately fell a bit flat. The writing was GORGEOUS as always, and once again Sue Lynn Tan delivers a beautiful world and complex characters and relationships, but we don't truly see those characters and relationships unfold until the last two-thirds or quarter of the book.

It took me a bit longer to read and get into this story because the main character, Liyen, just didn't compel me in the beginning. I didn't understand her outright prejudice against immortals and the God of War, and I especially didn't understand his attraction to her when it feels like they just met (iykyk). Without going into spoilers, let's just say this story would have been god-tier if the ending had been expanded and pushed up to encompass more of the story. We just spend SO MUCH time going through seemingly meaningless arguments and plot points in the beginning that kind of led nowhere? I just see so much potential in what COULD have been the main storyline that it made the actual plot feel a bit lackluster.

While I still love this author and will consume anything she writes, I'm afraid this was more of a miss than a hit for me. If you do choose to pick it up, I highly recommend starting with Daughter of the Moon Goddess first and then exploring Immortal.

I have conflicting feelings about this one.

Sue Lynn Tan's writing is a lovely as ever. Her stories always feel sweeping and ethereal, which suits the heavenly court of Immortals that she writes about perfectly. While her previous duology largely takes place in the Celestial Kingdom, this standalone spends much of its time in the mortal realm. I liked that Tan explored this angle - examining how the shorter lifespan of mortals effects them politically when dealing with divinities, and that their lives are no less important just because they're fleeting. Liyen's steadfast defense of her kingdom and its people was one of the strongest elements of this story.

Where Immortal falters, in my opinion, was in the central romance.

The Daughter of the Moon Goddess duology had such a strong romantic subplot that my expectations going into this one were incredibly high. I knew that Tan could capture yearning and forbidden feelings extremely well, and I expected much of the same here. Unfortunately, the relationship between Liyen and Zhangwei felt really rushed, and - as even the book itself acknowledges - unearned. I understand that there are reasons that the plot and the romance are structured in this way, but I still couldn't help but feel cheated out of some core development. There are some juicy, high-drama moments between our leads sprinkled throughout the story, but they don't entirely make up for what's missing, in my opinion. Where this book was billed so heavily on its romance, I just couldn't help but feel a little let down.

I still think this is worth a read, especially if you're already a fan of Sue Lynn Tan's other works. It just wasn't the instant favorite that I was hoping it would be.

I loved this Asian fantasy story. The world building was immaculate, and the main characters Liyen and the god of war are the perfect enemies to lovers. I fell in love with the god of war, his quotes were my favorites. Favorite quotes: "I will never forget you." He spoke with such intensity it bordered on fury. "You are more than my equal in every way. No one will ever replace you, whether you live for a hundred years more or ten."
"I know you." My gaze searched his with aching certainty. "I knew you even before we met."
He looked into my face, his shining as the stars at dusk. "Welcome back, my beloved." Beloved.
"Never doubt my heart. I have loved you since we met—as I will for the rest of our days."

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
In a word -
Asian fantasy
Gods, mortals, monsters
Enemies to lovers
Second chance
Epic journey
Standalone

I'm a little bit back and forth on this one because some parts dragged or got repetitive, but it also simultaneously cured my reading slump! I always wanted to pick it up and I haven't felt that way in a while. I loved being back in the world of Daughter of the Moon Goddess and meeting new characters. Immortal is an epic journey of loss, love, and finding one's self, and kept me mostly hooked (I did skim some parts of repetitive backstory). If you enjoyed DotMG, you'll enjoy this one!

Thank you NetGalley and Avon / Harper Voyager for the ARC.

If you have read any of Sue Lynn Tan’s books and you love them for the amazing storytelling let me save you the trouble of reading this review or any others and tell you to just go buy the book. The only thing you will dislike is the fact it is a stand alone and you will love the characters too much to want to let them go.

If you have never read this author then you should also go buy this book and just be ready for the following: amazing world building, characters who feel so real you want to meet them for coffee, a story that will capture your heart and imagination, and shedding a few tears. Sue Lynn Tan has a way of creating books based on the mythologies / stories she grew up with that are able to make you feel like you also grew up with your mother telling your these legends and it is like coming home to read them. This book is part of the Celestial Kingdom series in the sense it is based in the same world but there is no need to have read them to enjoy this book, but they should be read because they are also amazing.

I loved everything about this book. It was beautifully written and I adored all the characters. I really loved how the characters worked through problems and hard decisions, it helped make this book hard to predict! I really love this world and can't wait to read more!

This was soooooo good. Amazing writing, strong world building, interesting character development, several twists, and a very satisfying conclusion. This is fantasy romance done right. Strong plot that stands on its own without the romance, but tension, angst, and romance that adds something so special to the book. This is true rivals to allies to enemies to allies to lovers. I am impressed with the immersive storytelling and plot that had perfect pacing that kept me engaged the entire time I was reading. Definitely would recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review

This was such an emotional and beautiful romance! It follows Liyen, the sick and weak granddaughter of the Lord of Tianxia. Her grandfather and kingdom serve the immortal queen, Queen Caihong. When Queen Caihong wants Liyen's grandfather to find and give her the Divine Lotus, her grandfather instead gives it to Liyen to save her from her sickness. Upon taking the lotus, Liyen is told to run away, but she witnesses the death of her grandfather, blaming both Queen Caihong and the God of War for it. With her grandfather's death, Liyen rises to the throne. But Liyen hates that her kingdom is under the rule of the immortals, who she claims care nothing for mortals like her kingdom. When Liyen is summoned to the Immortal Realm to pledge her loyalty, she makes other plans, forming an alliance with the God of War, one of the more feared immortals.

Going into this, I honestly thought it would be a simple enemies to lovers romance, and the first 40% of the book didn't prove me wrong. But then, the twists started to come in, and then almost nothing was predictable. The story takes many turns, all of which caught me completely off guard. I didn't know what to expect anymore, but I was enticed. All the different connections amongst the characters and events led to a ton of mindboggling twists that still somehow made perfect sense.

I loved most of the characters, but especially Liyen. She was a strong leader as the Lady of Tianxia She controlled her court calmly, yet with conviction, Any officials who saw her unfit as a leader had no choice but to go along with her. And as the leader, she cared deeply for the wellbeing of her people. Not only did she hate that her people were forced to be loyal to the immortals with barely anything in return, but she also did everything in her power to change the conditions of her people's lives. She was brave when it came to taking risks for her kingdom, and caring when it came to tending to the needs of her people. In her relationship with Zhangwei, the God of War, she prioritized her duty as the Lady of Tianxia above all else, taking risks that left her life in jeopardy for the freedom of her people. Overall, she was an admirable leader.

Overall, there isn't much more I can saw without giving spoilers, but I can confidently say this was a great read!

Sue Lynn Tan's Immortal is a wonderful look at another part of her Celestial Kingdom world. She opened the door to another rich and vivid corner of the immortal and mortal realms in Immortal.

Immortal follows mortal Liyen as she unexpectedly ascends the throne of Tianxia, a kingdom serving the Queen of the Golden Desert and closed off from the rest of the mortal realm. As she seeks to set her kingdom free from immortal rule, she finds herself entangled with the immortal God of War.

I really enjoyed this story. It's a deep world that makes me wish there were more stories coming from it. The story takes lots of twists and turns and really got going for me about half way through.

This can absolutely be read as a stand alone but I would recommend reading The Celestial Kingdom series before. That series sets up elements of mortal and immortal life that are helpful to know going in.

Thanks to Sue Lynn Tan, NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC!

Enjoyed this read so very much. The heroine is such a strong character and watching her development throughout the story made it great. The God of War lover scenario is a little off but still worth reading.

“No matter where I am or who I become, my heart will always be yours.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you Harper Voyager for the gifted ARC!

This book destroyed my heart, picked up the pieces, and taped them back together 😭 i just love how sue Lynn tan weaves addicting plot with the most beautiful love stories!

We are in the same world as the celestial kingdom duo, so I definitely recommend reading those first to get a good foundation! We also see mostly new areas and learn a lot about a new magic system 🤭

Liyen, heir of tianxia, is near death when her grandfather gives her the divine pearl lotus to save her life. This lotus was intended for the immortal queen and liyen must keep this a secret to avoid her wrath. I really loved seeing liyen’s strength, despite how much happens to her during this book! She just wants what is best for her people and will do what is necessary for them 🫶

“I was my past and my present—and I would forge my own future.”

Zhangwei, the God of War, is known for his loyalty to the immortal queen and the brutality he inflicts in her name. I had so much fun getting to know him! He is very broody and mysterious at first, but we start seeing how big his heart is as we go on 🤭

“If you want to see me, nothing will keep me away.”

The romance just thawed my heart into a puddle 😭 there were so many twists and turns, but the undeniable chemistry between them was so fun to see unfold!

“Where you go, I go. Now and always.”

At this point Sue Lynn Tan is an autoread author for me. This is the level of fantasy I like— based on mythology with recognizable ties and, thank the stars, not another fantasyland based on the UK. You can see elements that go back to her Celestial Kingdom books while being a completely new story in the same universe. Maybe a bit of Beauty and the Beast (do not enter the south courtyard and the library).

Liyen was a bit unlikable. Totally understandable that she needs to be a strong leader after her sickly upbringing but it felt like she swung in the opposite direction a little too hard. Bulldoze first, ask questions later, don’t consider the consequences of her actions. But that God of War had us swooning from the start. A gorgeous standalone and I can’t wait for what comes next from this amazing author. I will absolutely be gifting this to friends and family and recommending it!

A huge thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager for providing me an ARC via NetGalley 💗

I am utterly speechless. This book is a masterpiece from start to finish. Sue Lynn Tan is a master storyteller, her prose absolutely shine throughout the whole book. The story told here is so beautiful and moved me in a way few books have. I cannot properly convey into words how much I adored this. This is hands down now one of my favorite books of all time and it's going to stick with me forever. 💖

I would like to thank NetGalley, Sue Lynn Tan & Avon and Harper Voyager for this ARC honest review.

"It would be a waste of eternity should one choose to stand still in life."

Sue Lynn Tan does it again. With her beautiful world building and complex characters, I was able to dive into her world and writing again, and enjoy it thoroughly. Tan sets amazing paces in her books and she did great with this one. Following Liyen through her own story was incredible and I truly felt I grew right along side her as she faced numerous challenges.

We start this book off with, Liyen ascending to the throne after her grandfather dies. In her mourning, she vows to take revenge for the wrongdoings of her people, from the Immortals. But she is summoned to the Immortal Realm. She decides to take advantage and try her best to find out secrets that will benefit her and her people. But there she learns nothing is what it seems, and there are bigger enemies out there than her own. She also finds herself getting closer to the God of War, despite all the warning signs. This story really sets you aside Liyen and how she grows as a leader to her people as well as her heart.

Immortal is filled with action packed, slow burn romance and a fast paced story. The worldbuilding is eye opening and enjoyable as well as easy to follow. Tan continues making stories that immerse you and hook you in as soon as you open the first page. It has twists and turns that I hadn't seen coming. This book truly has it all and more. Recommend for those who love slow burn romances, and against all odd romance, with an amazing plot that will not disappoint.

I have read all her other books and wow it only gets better. This was an incredible story from start to finish and i will be recommending it to everyone i know and gifting it to friends!

Favorite quote(s):

"You are you. You are all I need, whether we are together a year or a hundred." He stroked the hair from my face, looking into my eyes. "Never doubt my heart. I have loved you since we met--as I will for the rest of our days."


“When your days are dark, you forget the existence of dawn.”


Review:

This book was beautiful. The writing was incredible. I loved the world and the magic so much. I loved Liyen and her journey and her heart. She always found a way to make things work, no matter how difficult, as long as it helped others. Zhangwei was incredible. At first, I was unsure about him, and at times I wanted to throttle him, but getting to know him and how much he cared not just for Liyen but for others won me over. However, he sometimes gave me emotional whiplash. I loved getting the different realms, the Mortal realm and the kingdom of Tianxia, the Netherworld with the Wuxin, the Golden Desert, and the Immortals. There were so many great characters and even ones who angered me. This book also was so emotional in so many ways. I loved every minute of this journey, though part of me does wish for more. Still, this was a great standalone. Overall, this was an incredible read and I can't wait for what Sue writes next.

Thank you NetGalley for this arc!!

I was so incredibly excited when I was approved for Immortal! I absolutely LOVED this!! Sue Lynn Tan has such a beautiful way with words! Every single book is a five star read!! I can’t wait to see what’s next!!