I really enjoyed Daughter of the Moon Goddess but this just didn’t work for me, I’m afraid. This is more a romantasy than a fantasy with romance (which is what DOTMG was), and the FMC was so bratty and knee-jerk defensive for much of the book that I couldn’t like her or understand the MMC’s attraction to her. That attraction is explained about 3/4 through the story, but by that point the FMC was unfortunately irredeemable to me.

As far as the audiobook goes: Natalie Naudus is a brilliant narrator, but I don’t think she was a great fit for this story. I know she’s of Asian descent, but a narrator with a Chinese accent would have been more immersive for this particular story.

I really liked this one!!!
What a terrific story and world, I got pulled right in! I didn't see the twist coming, and I just loved how this played out and ended. The audio narration was fantastic! Thank you, netgalley, for the chance to listen and review, I loved it!!

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

I was excited about this book when I read the synopsis, I am a huge fan of romance and fantasy separately so I thought I would give it a chance together.

I was even more excited when I found out the main character was chronically ill, as weird as that sounds being chronically ill myself it is nice seeing representation at times.

I quickly got pulled into this story the Arthur being amazing at painting the picture of the characters, world and outfits making it come alive in my mind as I read.

That being said at around 30% into this book it did the one thing that makes me instantly lose interest in a book and it made me realize I may not be a fan of romance and fantasy together.

“Don’t let your grief turn inward, don’t let it hurt you.”

The next several chapters of the book focuses more on romance and Liyen trying to fight her feelings due to her lack of trust. admittedly her bratty attitude and inability to listen at all can at times become very grating and hard to handle.

“At the end of every night, no matter how long, comes the rise of the dawn”

Towards the end of the book it really pulled me in again with a twist and betrayal at times I felt like I couldn’t read fast enough because I needed to know what was going to happen next.

My final thoughts are that I really really enjoyed this book, there where a few things that kind of turned me off of the book but overall it was highly enjoyable and I recommend it to anyone that likes romance and fantasy.

Natalie Naudus did an amazing job at the narration of the audiobook, bringing so much emotion into each of the characters, completly bringing them to life.

I absolutely love Sue Lynn Tan's writing and if I had been writing a physical copy, there are several lines I would've highlighted. That being said, Natalie Naudus (who also narrated the Celestial Kingdom books) is one of my favorite narrators and I would happily listen to her narrate a grocery list. So, naturally, gorgeous prose paired with impeccable narration is a match made in heaven.

I also have to say, as someone who dislikes a lot of popular romantasy books, rest assured that Sue Lynn Tan delivers both lush fantasy world-building and sworn-worthy romance. Also, this is truly enemies-to-lovers, not just rivals-to-lovers or haters-to-lovers. Liyen is a mortal queen kept alive by a magical lotus, highly sought after by the ruthless immortals, including the treacherous God of War.

While some of the plot decisions weren't my favorite and I lost some interest in the middle, I recommend this for fantasy and romantasy fans alike. The ending is very satisfying and I appreciated that this is just a standalone! I'm excited to see what Sue Lynn Tan writes and Natalie Naudus narrates next!

Overall I liked this and while I didn't mind the narrators voice at all I didn't love the way she portrayed the female lead. It just rubbed me the wrong way for whatever reason. I was looking forward to turning this audiobook on when I got in the car to go to or from work each day though! The story had a lot of twists and turns and I really loved the whole world. It felt fully realized without bogging me down in minutia. I will say the spice factor of this left a lot to be desired for me personally, but overall a good read/listen.

WORKED FOR ME.

Fantasy standalones and I don’t always see eye to eye. I did go with the audiobook route and that was the click for me. I loved the audiobook and keeping it at the pace that I do helped me move through the story.

Yes, there’s a few plot quirks and I would have loved more of the relationship background BUT for a standalone this delivered. I love love love wild twists and plot moments I didn’t see coming. This had good reveals and I thought the unveiling of the story was executed well.

The romance was heated and swoony. I loved the connection between Liyen and the God of War. Perfectly timed tension and the build had my full attention. The lore was beautiful and I just can’t get enough of SLT’s writing style. It’s magnetic and the audiobook narrator brought everything to life.

Another gorgeous story that I loved reading.

Overall audience notes:

Fantasy Romance
Language: low
Romance: fade to black
Violence: moderate

Wonderful storytelling and narration. I fell in love with the characters immediately. Tan writes with a style that carries you along adventures and action while still keeping a tender sensation. In the midst of war and trickery, you begin to care for characters you thought you wouldn't. I loved the underlying message of justification and revenge, I'll recommend it to many!

I loved it! The story is amazing and such a great read. The audiobook was very captivating and well done with the narration. Overall this will be a book and audiobook I’ll recommend!
This has everything from a heart stopping enemies to lovers romance, twists and turns, and all wrapped into a Chinese inspired mythological story. I loved it. Truly ate it up in a day.

I received an early copy of the audiobook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Having read "Daughter of the Moon Goddess" when it first came out, I was excited to see that Sue Lynn Tan was releasing a standalone novel set in the same universe.

The story follows Liyen, who is poisoned, prompting her grandfather to steal an enchanted lotus to save her life. Once she ascends to the throne of Tianxia, Liyen seeks to free her kingdom from its obligations to the immortals. After receiving a summons, she travels to their realm, aiming to uncover their secrets while also developing feelings for the God of War. As dark forces close in and betrayal lurks around every corner, Liyen must collaborate with the God of War to protect her kingdom.

I loved this book and will definitely return to finish the Celestial Kingdom duology! Sue Lynn Tan has become a must-read author for me. If you're interested in historical fantasy and Chinese mythology, I highly recommend her works!

I AM OBSESSED.

I was very lucky to receive an audiobook and a physical ARC and I cannot tell which one would be better because they're both such a great way to consume this story.

I will forever read anything that Sue Lynn Tan reads. The way she can weave magic, romance, and mythology together into one grand adventure is beautiful, poetic, and astounding. Sue Lynn Tan rips you away from reality and carried through the magic portal that is her books. I loved the romance and loved the surprising reincarnated twist. The characters were well developed and I can't even tell you how many times I squealed. I felt so excited to read each page and hear each chapter.

Thank you so so much to NetGalley and to HarperAudio for this incredible ARC. I cannot wait to share it on goodreads and my bookstagram!!

Thank you Netgalley for this audiobook ARC. Though I will not intentionally spoil anything in this book, some deductive skills may pick up on some plots lines as I give my feedback

When you have someone like Sue Lynn Tan, you wonder if between her first series and second if the writing style will evolve/change. How on earth could it compare to her debut success?

Immortal was so..... enchanting. The words were lyrical and just flowed, engaging the reader and bringing them into the world. It doesn't just describe things in the world, it tells you how it feels to be there, what the sights and sounds evoke in you, and in turn, it lures in the reader to the world so immensely. You can't help but fall for this book. HARD. So, yes. Her world was just as beautiful and enthralling, and very engaging.

Onto the characters?

Liyen is very driven and loyal. She has true values and sticks to them. Not all good, mother-theresa qualities, but fair and honest and independent. Willing to do what needs doing. And it was great to see her character arc throughout this book.

The God of War? OMG I loved and hated this character. Hated him more in the beginning, but then as time went on, my heart MELTS for him. He seems very mysterious and wishy washy at first, but as the story gets along, his true character comes out and he is SET on who he is and why he does what he does.
I would go to war for this couple lol. Their chemistry is flammable and intoxicating. The BANTER omg. And the build up to the climax, their relationship. My heart hurts and is so full of happiness with how it evolves.

Last point, the story/timeline.

You start this book thinking it's a very linear "us vs them" storyline. Very straightforward.
Then the entire thing gets turned upside down, and your sympathizing with people you hated, small insignificant moments are major plots points, and your heart just ACHES with how it all ties up. Somehow Sue writes an incredible story where everything is all tied up, but you're yearning for more, your heart hurts. You would give anything for more. And that's one of the best things about her writing.

In closing.

This book is electric, enchanting and a delightful read that will leave your heart happy and hurt all at the same time

Look, this is what romantasy should be!! A beautiful tale woven with threads of mythology and magic.

Sue Lynn Tan's writing is so evocative, lush, and full of passion. Her characters are so bravely determined and you can't help but root for them. A wonderful addition to her works, and if you loved Daughter of the Moon Goddess - this won't disappoint! Plus, who doesn't love a concise, amazing fantasy standalone?!

Immortals was a pretty solid standalone novel. Though typical for me to always want a little bit more from a standalone, I think the author did a good job developing the story, the characters and ended with openings to potentially addition books with this characters but wrapping up the story. The audiobook was fantastic and the narrator did a great job portraying the characters.

Like Sue Lynn Tan's other books, this one hooked me from the beginning. Her ability to beautifillusyrate the world makes it such an immersive experience. Liyen is a wonderful protagonist that learns not everything is what it appears to be. Her strength of character and depth of love was heart-wrenching at times. I also loved this book for it's ability to portray m/f platonic relationships in a positive light. Great read.

4.5 stars! ✨ Big thanks to Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC of Immortal by Sue Lynn Tan, and to HarperAudio for the audiobook ARC! 💖 Huge shoutout to NetGalley for making this magic happen! 🌟

Okay, guys, this book was EVERYTHING! 😍 Immortal was like diving headfirst into a world of magic and mystery and not wanting to come up for air! 🌬️ It’s the perfect mix of fantasy, romance, and political intrigue. The writing is SO beautiful, the world-building is next level, and let me just say, the chemistry between Liyen and Zhangwei? Scorching 🔥 I couldn’t stop flipping the pages (or hitting play on the audiobook)! 📖💥

✨ Tropes that gave me life ✨
✧ Enemies-to-lovers 💘
✧ Forbidden romance 💋
✧ Morally grey MMC 🖤
✧ Political intrigue 🏰
✧ Betrayal and vengeance 💔
✧ Forced proximity 🏠
✧ Impulsive, bold FMC ⚡
✧ Slow burn 🔥
✧ Fated mates 💫
✧ "Touch her and die" 😤

Where do I even begin?! 😅 Liyen’s journey from unsure heir to fierce ruler is SO captivating. She’s bold, impulsive, and makes decisions that will have you rooting for her even when she’s messing up (lol, same). 🙈 And Zhangwei, the God of War?! WOW. He’s ruthless, calculating, and SO magnetic. The tension between them? Literal fire. 🔥🔥

The romance? Deliciously slow-burn (my fave!). Every “will they or won’t they” moment kept me on the edge of my seat. And when they finally give in?! SWOON-WORTHY. 😍 The back and forth between Zhangwei’s cold exterior and Liyen’s fiery determination was EVERYTHING. The “touch her and die” energy? Can’t get enough. 😤💥

The world-building? Chef’s kiss 💋 The magic, gods, betrayal—it’s all so lush and atmospheric, and I was 100% here for it. Buttttt, I gotta admit, the first part was a tad slow for me. 😬 The political drama took over for a bit, and I was just waiting for things to get exciting. BUT, once the action picked up around 30%, I was hooked. The tension, the stakes—it all had me gripped for the rest of the book. 🙌

And the climax?! OMG. I was literally gasping, crying, and had my heart in my throat the whole time. 😱❤️ It was everything I didn’t know I needed, and totally worth the build-up. The ending might not have been crazy wild, but it was deeply satisfying and made me smile through the tears. 😢

Also, let’s talk about the audiobook—Natalie Naudus did an AMAZING job narrating this story! Her voice really brought the characters to life, and the tension between Liyen and Zhangwei was even more intense with her narration. I loved how she captured all the emotional highs and lows, especially in the more dramatic moments. She absolutely nailed it! 🎧✨

Overall, I’m SO glad I got to read this early. Immortal has ALL the magic I love: betrayal, love, politics, and characters you can’t stop thinking about. If you’re into epic fantasy romances, this is your book! ⭐️

CW:
- Blood
- Death
- Violence
- Death of a loved one

I can’t wait to see what Sue Lynn Tan does next! If you’re a fan of epic fantasy romances, you NEED this one! 💖

Thank you Net Galley for providing the audioARC for an honest review!
Sue Lynn Tan has done it again and even better. This book has the perfect balance of romance and political struggle that you will leave you satisfied. The character's dynamic is perfection and I was choking on my tears at the end because the book was over. She is an autobuy author for me and if you have ever wanted to read anything by her or mythology fantasies. THIS IS IT!!

Absolutely loved it!!! As a fan of the author’s other works I was very excited about this book, and it definitely lived up to the hype! Beautifully written, the main character, Liyen goes through an intense journey in order to protect her kingdom. There is an intense romance as well that I did enjoy, my only drawback is that the twist was quite predictable as it’s a very common trope, but overall still enjoyable. Would definitely recommend giving it a read!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and HarperAudio for an ARC of this book! I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend. It has a bit of a slow start and I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about the book but the story developed into a very interesting read and was not what I was expecting. For those of you who like romance but don’t care for spice, you’ll be happy with this book. The author did a great job with building a very unique world and being able to imagine all the different places you go in the book. Great read overall!

𝙄𝙢𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝙗𝙮 𝙎𝙪𝙚 𝙇𝙮𝙣𝙣 𝙏𝙖𝙣 (audiobook ARC)
Read by Natalie Naudus

Sue Lynn Tan is always an auto-read for me. I love how she weaves a story and brings the settings and characters of her books to life. Natalie Naudus is a spectacular narrator, who's able to bring feeling into words and does a phenomenal job with differentiating the voices of the book's characters.

BOOK REVIEW:
I'm so glad the Celestial Kingdom lives on in Immortal. I was sad when we ended with Tales of the Celestial Kingdom because I loved every book so much. The way Tan writes is so captivating and the storylines are so intricately woven. As much as I loved the story of Xingyin, Leiwei and Wenzhi - I think I extra love the story of Liyen and Zhangwei.

Liyen is a strong, stubborn and compassionate FMC who inherits a kingdom after her grandfather dies. She is pulled from every direction by the court and her family, as she tries to navigate her new role as leader. In her attempts to end her kingdom’s obligations to the Immortals, she is summoned to the Immortal Realm, where she meets The God of War, and is kind of forced to work alongside him. In this book we get to grow with Liyen from a flawed human to becoming a fierce leader.

Zhangwei, The God of War, is known to be ruthless. But how ruthless is he? Is Liyen safe with Zhangwei or must she continue to risk her life to save her kingdom?

I was so drawn to this storyline, because I love a good enemies-to-lovers trope - especially one with twists. This one does not hold back. I don't want to give away too much beyond what is in the synopsis, but if you love complex characters, fantastical world building, forced proximity, and enemies-to-lovers, I think you will enjoy this book.

Thank you @NetGalley and @HarperAudio for the Advanced Audiobook of IMMORTAL. IMMORTAL releases on January 7, 2025.

#Immortal #SueLynnTan #NatalieNaudus #NetGalley #HarperAudio #AudiobookARC @harpercollins

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyager and Harper Audio for providing me with an Audio ARC of Immortal by Sue Lynn Tan in exchange for an honest review.

4/5 stars
0.5/5 spice level
5/5 narration

I have not had the pleasure of reading Sue Lynn Tan’s previous works yet, but I absolutely will be reading her Celestial Kingdom series now. That being said, I know a lot of people have been asking if Immortal can be read separately or it you need to read the Celestial Kingdom novels first, and I will repeat what the author herself has said, “While set in the same world as Daughter of the Moon Goddess, the story features new characters and can be read wholly independently of the Celestial Kingdom books, nor are there spoilers of the series within.” Having read only Immortal and not her other works, I completely agree that this book can be read independently without feeling confused or lost. I am, however, very excited to be able to stay in this wonderful world by going back and reading her other works.

Immortal is an enchanting and whimsical novel about Liyen, the ascending heir to the throne of Tianxia. Liyen is a strong protagonist that I really enjoyed being in the head of. She is witty, stubborn, and intelligent. I loved her quick thinking and had a fantastic time with her banter with the God of War, Zhangwei. Zhangwei had me giggling like a school girl and I was loving it. I also appreciated that there was a real depth to his character. Being the God of War, you can easily assume some things about him. Hot-headed, violent, bloodthirst, etc. But he was a completely unique character, and not a stereotype. This was actually a part of the storyline as Liyen also had many preconceived notions about him. Getting to unravel both their characters throughout the book was so interesting and enjoyable.

I do need to mention, however, that I had a really hard time rating this book. I gave myself a week after finishing it to come up with more concrete thoughts and I still feel like I don’t have them. The first 50% of the book was fantastic for me. It was an easy 4.75 star rating. The second half, on the other hand, kind of fell flat for me. It was more of a 3 to 3.5 star rating, as I lost a lot of my interest in the story. The two halves felt like two different storylines. Maybe I just wasn’t in the mood when I was reading the second half but I had to push myself to keep reading, which was the opposite of how it was with the first half. I do think I’ll need to re-read the story sometime in the future to give the second half another chance. I’ve glanced at a couple of other reviews since finishing this book and it seems like some other people also had problems with not really caring or being invested in some of the plot. It also seems to be a common consensus that the first 10% is a bit slow but then it really picks up and sucks you in. I definitely would agree with that.

In regard to the narration, as I did consume this book in an audio format, I absolutely loved the narrator. I have enjoyed previous narrations by her and am very glad they chose her for this audiobook. I think she does a fantastic job bringing the characters to life and giving them an almost tangible personality. It truly felt like a movie in my mind, and that’s a compliment to both the author, Sue Lynn Tan, for her vivid imagery, as well as the narrator, Natalie Naudus, for bringing the story to life.

Overall, I think Immortal will be a hit, especially with Sue Lynn Tan’s already established audience. I also think that new readers of hers will have a great time with Immortal and, like myself, pick up her other works to continue to get their fill of this world.