Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for the arc! Yeah…this didn’t cut the mustard for me. I decided to old yeller the book at 53% and DNF after being treated to insta love and a multitude of cliches. Maybe my expectations were too high, or maybe I’m aging out of the typical YA formula. Either way, yikes!

I've never felt such a drastic switch-up on how I felt a book would turn out.

All in all, this was a beautiful story set inside the same world as the Celestial Kingdom but is entirely its own standalone story and holds its own humbly. The Celestial Kingdom duology may help in understanding some of the world in context but is not required to fully appreciate Sue Lynn Tan's world and its own heroics.

The beginning, quite frankly, did not capture me. It felt a little confused in what it was trying to accomplish and there were several times I tried to re-read and process the words in front of me and it just did not click. And I am no stranger to the Celestial Kingdom series, so I was hoping that understanding that world's context would help me get into this straight away but it did not. It did not help that the main character, Liyen, could be particularly caustic and grating. Her abrasive nature often drove me to tut any of her potential romances because I felt she was undeserving of it.

And then everything changed in the final act. My view of the main character, too, changed and suddenly I felt myself curling into myself burden with a burst of emotions. I cried. I empathized. I became a rabid animal hellbent to get answers and follow the character's journey to the bitter end. It became an entirely new story to me and left me with an entirely different perspective.

My opinion was the complete opposite from where I had started. I fell in love with the story, the characters, and their romance. I am very much looking forward to the next installment.

“We cannot help how the dice fall, but it's our choice whether to keep playing.”

Omg this was so good!!! I loved The Daughter of the Moon Goddess duology and this standalone taking place in the same beautiful world the author created is just has good!! More romance and just as much enthralling world building and lore. I ♾️ recommend!!!

Thank you so much NetGalley and Harper Voyager for this ARC! Review will be posted on my Goodreads and Amazon.

When stepping into any story crafted by Sue Lynn Tan, you know that you’re in for a well-crafted, clearly envisioned and executed tale of culture and myth, beauty and human flaws and everything in between. Tan’s world is rich and expansive, rife with vivid detail and brings readers back into the world that was originally introduced in Daughter of the Moon Goddess. Tan’s ability to produce an emotional and thought-provoking story through flowing description and details alone is something to be commended.

Immortal follows the journey and tale of Liyen, who has been tasked with ascending the throne of Tianxia. With an imposed threat looming over the fate of her kingdom, Liyen takes it upon herself to venture into lands uncharted that ultimately brings her into the retinue of the God of War. There is a palpable connection between Liyen and the War God, a building passion and interest that teeters on the edge as the two bicker and become acutely aware of each other, and of their roles in the grander scheme of the story.

The God of War, Zhangwei, is stoic and somewhat aloof. Despite being accused of cruelty by Liyen, his motivations are far more nuanced and aren’t adequately highlighted due to Liyen’s distinct and opinionated point of view. It’s these flaws in Liyen that further contribute to her being an unreliable narrator, another facet of the story at large that contributes to the enjoyment of the tale being told. Tan encourages you to look beyond what is written on the page and engage with the mythos and characters as she’s presented them, while allowing room for rebuttal in character thought, perception, and action. In this way, too, Tan forces readers to question their understanding of tropes and romance, too, by presenting them with not enemies to lovers, but something far more akin to annoyance rather than an overt enmity.

Immortal is an incredibly fast-paced tale but spares no expense in providing readers with an enriched and thought-out tale that entices you to read more. The romance, too, is a slow burn but wastes no time in providing readers with witty banter, tender moments with building tension and an innate attraction that neither can fight, as the threads of fate continue to weave and braid into one another bringing the two crashing together.

Resonating with fans of Sue Lynn Tan’s work and new fans alike, the story Tan crafts upon the pages of Immortal speaks for itself. Immortal is resonating, enchanting and wholly enjoyable regardless of what draws you to the book in the first place. Nothing is as it seems, as the story unfolds, and Tan expertly crafts a story of love and betrayal, intrigue and twisting as readers are kept on the edge of just how Liyen and Zhangwei’s story might end.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Sue Lynn Tan & Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC of Immortal in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I have pretty mixed feelings on this to be honest. There are three parts to the story and each one had me convinced I was going to give this a different rating.

Since my feelings are sort of all over the place, I guess the best way to do this would be to go through each individual part.

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Part 1 - ☆ ☆ . 5

This got off to a pretty rough start. The plot was fine, and the writing had a few issues, but it was the romance that I really struggled with. I wouldn’t say that it read as insta-love per say, but it definitely was a fast-burn. Personally, I just thought that was kind of disappointing, because when I read a forbidden love story I expect the exact opposite; not to mention the tension better be good. The two main characters only have a handful of conversations, and I had a hard time believing in their chemistry because they all felt flat.

Those interactions they did have also felt very repetitive. I don’t know how many times I read the main guy say something to the main girl along the lines of “no one has ever done that for/ thought that of me before.” I do know it got old after the third time.

The writing, and it’s only this part weirdly enough, felt like it was trying way too hard. The most casual of conversations would have random melodramatic declarations in them that sounded more like Facebook inspirational quotes than believable dialogue.

You know how a lot of reviewers paste their favorite quotes in their reviews to convince people to read it, and how sometimes it works? It felt like this was putting in way too much effort to be quotable. Which is a shame because there’s actually some good ones in there, they just lose their impact because they’re buried in a heap of melodrama.

Safe to say I my expectations for the rest of the book had severely dipped. Luckily though the twist at the end of the first part actually felt like we might be getting on the right track now.

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Part 2 - ☆ ☆ ☆ . 75

It’s here, in the middle, where the book was the strongest for me. Without spoiling, all I’ll say is the romance gets off to a new start and it was much better off for it. I was actually starting to root for them and was enjoying the plot for the most part.

The writing also improved dramatically, there were a normal amount of good lines when they made sense for the scene.

We also got to see a lot more personality from both of our main characters in this part, and again, it made it much easier to be invested in what was going to happen to them.

But then, because this book truly did not understand when to quit, we got more twists. Which brings us to the next part…

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Part 3 - ☆ ☆ ☆

In terms of the plot twists I mentioned, they were all pretty predictable. Normally I don’t mind that as long as they make sense for the story, and while some of them did, others took the story in a direction that I didn’t really enjoy.

Since we started going who the hell knows where at that point, it honestly became a chore to read. I was considering DNFing because I was so bored and ready for it to finish.

And when I finally did finish I felt…nothing. Less than nothing if that’s even possible.

*Slight spoiler warning*

I honestly kind of did like the idea of forgotten memories I just wish we would have seen more from those flashbacks because their dynamic then was actually kind of interesting.

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Overall, while this book had its moments, especially in the middle section where the story and characters shone, it ultimately fell short of what I was hoping for. The rocky start and an overcomplicated final act made it difficult for me to consistently stay engaged. This isn’t a terrible book by any means though and I definitely could see a lot of people enjoying it. For me, I’m going to give it three stars, but that might change as it sit with it.

Thank you to Harper Voyager for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

~🄾🅅🄴🅁🄰🄻🄻 🅁🄰🅃🄸🄽🄶: ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ~

Behind a lovely cover, lies a lovely story of myth, romance, political intrigues and loss. Not quite as lush a tale as the author's Celestial Kingdom, but a stand alone tale to get a feel of the writing style that blends legends into a fresh adventure in such easy prose can be appreciated by fans of the prior series and those who have not read any of the author's prior work. World-building and character development are balanced well with plot and there are a few curves that make the story less predictable. The romantic aspect of the tale was not quite as richly developed as the political subplots of both mortal and immortal worlds but the other aspects of love shone through from a grandparent's love of their grandchild, to parental love, and love between friends who are like family, love certainly changes the course of the plot on multiple occasions. This was a delightful young adult fantasy.
I received access to this eARC thru NetGalley (for which I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, Avon and Harper Voyager) for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

Another immersive and vivid fantasy from Sue Lyn Tan!

When Liyen’s kingdom is attacked by the Immortals, resulting in her grandfather’s untimely death, she must rise up to lead her people, vowing revenge and to win her kingdom’s freedom. To do so she must travel to the realm of the Immortals under the guise of swearing loyalty to find and retrieve a magical shield that was surrendered to the Immortal Queen centuries ago. She finds herself a guest of the enigmatic God of War, the brute responsible for the burning of her kingdom and her grandfather’s death. Quite against her own will she finds herself drawn to him, though she knows she cannot trust him or his intentions. When they return to the mortal world together they learn that an old enemy, the Wuxin, have broken free of their prison in the Netherworld, and are intent on taking over her realm! Now they must work together to stop the Wuxin before another war can break out. But in doing so Liyen will learn everything she thought she knew about herself was a lie.

Liyen isn’t the typical protagonist, which was quite refreshing. Sickly from birth she finds herself rather unprepared to lead and uncertain of how to handle many of the situations she finds herself in. However her compassion for her people makes her brave enough to fight for them, including standing up to numerous Immortals and the Wuxin, spirits that feed on negative human emotions. She admits her fears and tries to conquer them anyway. She isn’t afraid to challenge things that she feels are wrong, no matter the danger it puts her in—even convincing the God of War to teach her swordplay so she can defend herself and her people.

I found the romance between Liyen and Zhangwei a little underwhelming and their scenes together to be repetitive. He would flirt and bring her gifts, she would fall for him, he would make a move, and she would push him away citing his immortality or her inability to trust him leaving them no option to deepen their relationship. I had guessed the “twist” about her identity pretty early on (about halfway) so I wasn’t surprised when it was revealed. For a long time it seemed that he was only interested in her past self and not how mortality had changed her personality and morals. He came off as rather possessive instead of protective, somewhat controlling, and easy to anger, but he came around in the end. Once he explained the need to keep so many secrets and apologized I forgave his behavior, and was happy he chose to stay in the mortal world with her.

Overall I think there is a solid plot here that would interest fans of Fantasy and Asian-inspired Mythology. I would definitely reccomend Immortal to my friends and followers.

I received this book as an ARC.

I absolutely adored this book. It had tension, romance, fighting, betrayal, and so much more.

The author draws you from the beginning and keeps you on the edge of your seat as you follow Liyen through her journey and discovery.

This was my first book by this author and I cannot wait to read the others!

Its so wonderful to return back to the stunning Immortal Realm . Immortal is so lush and just an exquisite piece of work .
Liyen and the God of War are stunners together . They are adversaries at first and then a tentative friendship with lots of bantering and needling that blooms into a romance flaming with passion . Beautiful. Just Beautiful

I also enjoyed visiting new realms in this world and I do pray a lil bit that Sue Lynn sets more storied in this world .
PS . Xingyin Wenzhi will always remain the superior couple for me above Liyen and Zhangwei 😆.
Immortal promises a return to the Immortal realms featuring new worlds, new creatures , action and passion

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I loved Sue Lynn Tan's celestial kingdom duology so I came in with extremely high hopes - which unfortunately were not met. There was a lot to enjoy about this book (Sue Lynn Tan really can world build and paint such vivid pictures) but I felt like it was trying to be a romantasy without sacrificing the plot and then really excelling at neither. There was also a twist that I did not like - it made the romance less exciting for me. But it was still an enjoyable read in a fun and unique world and for that I'm going to give it three stars.

*Immortal* by Sue Lynn Tan is a gripping fantasy story filled with action, romance, and tough choices. Liyen, who becomes queen after her grandfather's death, has to deal with big challenges, including a powerful enemy—the God of War. Their relationship is tense but also full of chemistry, making for some exciting moments as they team up to protect her kingdom.

The book does a good job of balancing the romance with the main plot, which revolves around Liyen trying to save her people. The story is easy to follow, with enough twists and turns to keep you hooked. While some parts might slow down a bit, especially when the book dives into the details of the Immortal Realm, the overall story is strong and engaging.

If you enjoy fantasy with a mix of romance and adventure, *Immortal* is a great pick. It’s a solid read that will keep you turning the pages.
#Immortal #NetGalley

Set against a lush and vividly drawn backdrop, Sue Lynn Tan’s Immortal is an exhilarating romantic fantasy that masterfully intertwines forbidden magic and political intrigue. This standalone novel plunges readers into the mesmerizing world first introduced in Daughter of the Moon Goddess, though it stands entirely on its own, offering an enthralling tale of destiny, betrayal, and unexpected love.

The story follows Liyen, a young woman tasked with ascending to the throne of Tianxia after a near-fatal poisoning. Saved by her grandfather’s sacrifice, Liyen’s life is spared—but at a cost that sparks the wrath of the Immortal Queen. With her kingdom under threat, Liyen takes bold steps to confront the immortals and unravel their secrets. Her journey brings her face to face with the formidable God of War, an adversary she’s meant to fear but who soon becomes much more. Their chemistry crackles with tension, their interactions simmering with wit and growing passion. As Liyen and the God of War navigate the thin line between duty and desire, darker forces loom, threatening not just their relationship, but the fate of an entire realm.

Liyen is a fascinating heroine—stubborn, flawed, and refreshingly human in her vulnerabilities. Her growth from a hesitant ruler to a brave leader determined to protect her people makes her journey all the more compelling. And while the plot gallops forward with rapid pacing, the romance is tenderly developed, balancing moments of humor with an undeniable slow-burn intensity.

Filled with unexpected twists, breathtaking action, and heart-wrenching stakes, Immortal captivates from the very first page. Sue Lynn Tan crafts a magical, emotionally resonant story that will undoubtedly leave readers spellbound. Fans of romantic fantasy and enemies-to-lovers dynamics will find themselves lost in this unforgettable tale, where nothing is as it seems, and love may be the ultimate weapon against the darkest of fates.

Perfect for those who adore rich world-building, complex characters, and a romance that blossoms amidst turmoil, Immortal delivers on every front. A must-read for fans of epic fantasy and star-crossed love alike.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for providing me this brilliant fantasy novel's digital reviewer copy in exchange of my honest opinions. I enjoyed it a lot!

This is easily my favorite book by Sue Lynn Tan. A standalone fantasy that’s action packed with a heavy on the romance subplot - what more could you ask for?

Thank you to the publisher for an early copy of this book! Below is my honest review.

Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5 stars

Overall, this was a decent read. Who doesn't enjoy a romance between a mortal princess and a brooding immortal god of war? While the plot is familiar, I loved the way Sue Lynn Tan incorporated Asian aspects into the story, making it something different than other books. There are a bunch of twists and turns, but nothing crazy. I think this book did well balancing mythology and political interests. Also, the cover is stunning! Even though I didn't love this book as I had hoped, I still think it was a good read.