Set in a vibrant fantasy world inspired by Chinese mythology, Immortal immerses readers in a realm where mortals guard the path to the immortal realm and protect the long-held secret of the immortals' existence.

The story centers on Liyen, a woman who, after the devastating loss of her grandfather, becomes the ruler of her mortal lands. Desperate to keep a powerful secret from the immortal realm, she struggles to balance her growing attraction to the God of War, who takes a keen interest in her, while protecting her people and keeping dangerous secrets.

The novel is broken up into several sections, each marking a shift in Liyen's journey, but unfortunately, the structure leaves much to be desired. While the book does feature some amazing twists and complex themes, its pacing and character development fall short.

Liyen's character is a significant barrier to enjoying the story. In the first couple sections, she comes off as brash, self-righteous, and at times downright cruel, especially in her interactions with the God of War. Her stubbornness and harsh demeanor made it difficult to empathize with her, and, quite frankly, I found myself continuously frustrated with her. The tension between Liyen's tough exterior and her inner struggles could have been an excellent opportunity for rich character development, but unfortunately, it felt like she was stuck in her ways for too long, making it hard to root for her.

The God of War’s insta-love, and his attraction to Liyen felt unwarranted in comparison to her cold and antagonistic behavior. This juxtaposition between the two felt jarring, and while things do eventually have solid explanations, it felt frustrating in the meantime and left me feeling turned off from the story. And ultimately, wanting to DNF multiple times.

There was so much potential with this story but the execution left me so frustrated because there was SO MUCH potential! The twists were great but (without saying any spoilers) I think that if we knew the twist earlier on. Maybe having it integrated throughout the story, it would’ve been so much more rewarding when certain things did come to light. I also really wish that we got more story with the big reveal. Things went from 0-100 and then just moved on past it.

One aspect of the book I did really like was its exploration of prejudice and generalization of different groups. It touches on the importance of not judging a whole group based on the actions of a few. However, this gets muddled by the childish behavior of the supposed "big bad" of the story. The antagonist, instead of being a menacing character, instead, acts like a petulant child, undermining the threat they were supposedly posing on the main characters.

In terms of world-building, the setting—a world steeped in Chinese mythology—is rich with potential, but I felt that the story didn't fully deliver on this. The dynamics between mortals and immortals, the hidden realms, and the significance of the lotus all had so much promise. Yet, much of this potential was lost in the execution. I found myself wanting to know so much more about the world, its magic, the landscape and mystical creatures, the lives of the immortals. There just felt like there was so much more to explore in these realms

Ultimately, Immortal felt like a story that had all the right ingredients for something truly captivating, but the execution left me wanting more.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Audio for this audio ARC in exchange for an honest review

I really love this narrator, she did an incredible job voicing the multiple characters! I really liked reading this story in such a format because I learned the correct pronunciation of different names and locations that I would've butchered on my own.
As for the story itself, it eventually eased itself into a Tan speciality, albeit the first 30% or so was tedious. Mainly because of my personal frustrations with the main character. What is it with NA Romantasy FMCs and their lack of ability to back up their brash, obstinate ways?
A lot of the key plot points were obvious to me, so no twist felt especially shocking. However, because it hits all the familiar beats with style, I'd say this was successful addition to the genre.

3.5 stars, maybe 3.75 stars. Daughter of the Moon Goddess is one of my favorite books of all time, but Heart of the Sun Warrior was a DNF for me, so I honestly wasn’t sure how this book would go. Fortunately, I enjoyed this more than Heart of the Sun Warrior, if less than Daughter of the Moon Goddess.

I wasn’t really on board with the supposed enemies-to-lovers dynamic in the first 30% of the book; Liyen hated Zhangwei but Zhangwei clearly liked Liyen, so the dynamic was slightly frustrating to read. It also made Liyen’s sudden attraction to Zhangwei just before the 30% mark feel like an abrupt swing. After the 30% point, though, I felt that Liyen’s hostility was more deserved, and the caustic banter between her and Zhangwei was much more enjoyable to read. I think it would have made more sense if the book had started with Liyen being wary of Zhangwei, but not quite so openly hostile. It would have also created more contrast with her behavior in the second third of the book.

I did like Liyen as a character; I liked how proactive she was in achieving her goals and how confident she was in her own self-worth. We stan a woman who knows what she wants and acts on that, instead of only passively reacting to her surroundings. I loved, too, her platonic relationship with her male best friend, Chengyin. I also appreciated the LGBTQ+ rep in this book in the form of bisexual king Chengyin and Lin, the sapphic Wuxin.

I really liked the action/adventure portions of the plot; they felt like something right out of a C-drama. I also thought the worldbuilding with the Wuxin was well done. In terms of the romance, while I enjoyed Zhangwei’s banter with Liyen, I’m a bit lukewarm on him as a love interest. Something I noticed in both Heart of the Sun Warrior and this book (and even Daughter of the Moon Goddess to a lesser extent) is that the male love interest is written to be perfectly adoring of the female protagonist, but in a way that almost feels bland and generic. Sure, Liyen has many good qualities, but I don’t have a sense of why specifically Zhangwei loves her so much that he’s willing to die for her, what their romantic chemistry is rooted in. Because of all that, I find the romance aspect of this book a bit weak.

So, in sum: I found this an enjoyable fantasy novel, with a romance that doesn’t quite stand on its own but does feature enjoyable banter between the romantic leads.

⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Immortal is an interesting, romantic fantasy novel with entertaining characters and a magical world.

Sue Lynn Tan’s prose is beautiful, and she always succeeds in writing addictive romances, but unfortunately, Immortal underwhelmed me—multiple scenes, whether action or romance, felt thrown in and out of place. The character development felt unnatural sometimes, and I felt like the romance did not develop as smoothly as it did in Daughter of the Moon Goddess. The plot did not hook me as DotMG did, though I did enjoy the magical world and banter. The ending was sweet, although the conclusion of the story felt fast. Although it was not for me, I would still recommend that readers who’ve had their eye on Immortal try it.

Natalie Naudus is a brilliant narrator, and I enjoyed her performance of Immortal. She nailed the characters’ voices and presented the story with her signature depth and emotion, delivering an immersive experience.

Thank you to the publisher for the free ALC!

Each time I read a Sue Lynn Tan book I'm memorized that written text can be so colorful, rich, and saturated with beauty. I'm audio it's just as poetic. Just from the descriptions of the settings, the clothing, the food. Everything pops off the page. Immortal is no exception. Set in both the human world and the Celestial Kingdom the story is about a mortal, Liyen who is ruler of the Tianxia kingdom. All she wants is freedom from the gods who once protected her kingdom from a threat that is no more. Unlike the rulers before her, Liyen's grandfather has given her a bargaining chip. Something that the immortal queen desperately wants. After the death of her grandfather Liyen must pledge her kingdoms loyalty to the immortals. However she has a different plan.


From the publisher
A stunning, standalone romantic fantasy filled with dangerous secrets, forbidden magic, and passion, of a young ruler who fights to protect her kingdom, from bestselling author Sue Lynn Tan and set in the breathtaking world of Daughter of the Moon Goddess.

What the gods did not give us, I would take

As the heir to Tianxia, Liyen knows she must ascend the throne and renew her kingdom’s pledge to serve the immortals who once protected them from a vicious enemy. But when she is poisoned, Liyen’s grandfather steals an enchanted lotus to save her life. Enraged at his betrayal, the immortal queen commands the powerful God of War to attack Tianxia.

Upon her grandfather’s death, Liyen ascends a precarious throne, vowing to end her kingdom’s obligation to the immortals. When she is summoned to the Immortal Realm, she seizes the opportunity to learn their secrets and to form a tenuous alliance to safeguard her people, all with the one she should fear and mistrust the most: the ruthless God of War. As they are drawn together, a treacherous attraction ignites between them—one she has to resist, to not endanger all she is fighting for.

But with darker forces closing in around them, and her kingdom plunged into peril, Liyen must risk everything to save her people from an unspeakable fate, even if it means forging a dangerous bond with the immortal… even if it means losing her heart.

I highly recommend this book. It's beautifully written. Thank you NetGalley and Avon Harper Voyager for this e galley. All opinions are my own

Thank yo NetGalley for a copy of Immortal in exchange of my honest opinion.

Sue Lynn Tan does it again with another romantic fantasy that will take you away to a lush world with complex politics, tridimensional characters and yearning - SO MUCH YEARNING.

This standalone story follows Liyen, the grandaughter and only heir of the human kingdom, who has to ascend to the throne after her grandfather's sacrifice triggered the wrath of the Immortal Queen. To defend her people, she confronts the immortals, including the God of War. Of course, their sizzling chemistry but opposite goals make this forbidden attraction one of the best parts of the story. In fact, Sue Lynn Tan writes anti-heroes love interest like no one (I'm looking at you as well, Wenzhi).

The audiobook was narrated by Natalie Naudus that did a great job in immersing you in this gut-wrenching and fast pasced story.

With beautiful writing, full of plot twists, this is an easy page-turner!

I was already familiar with Sue Lynn Tan's work having read Daughter of the Moon Goddess (but not its sequel) so I already had an idea of the sort of vibes her story would deliver and it did not disappoint!

Immortal tells the story of Liyen who is summoned to the Immortal Realm and meets Zhangwei who is the God of War. Sue Lynn Tan has such a say with creating a fantastical atmosphere that also draws from mythology I know of from, embarrassingly enough, Chinese dramas. I think this was such a fun read. It was a bit slow but picks up after the quarter mark.

Only gripe is that this is marketed as enemies to lovers. Zhangwei was a very good host from the start and the more you learn, the more you're aware as to why! But I can get past that as the story itself was a fun adventure.

FIVE⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Immortal is an epic stand-alone fantasy romance with strong characters and high stakes set in the same lush world as The Celestial Kingdom series.

This was my first book from Sue Lynn Tan and it's truly a masterpiece. I was hooked from the start - I love how the author weaves twists and discoveries in with the romance. But this beautiful story becomes so much more than a romance, it has real depth. There's mystery, heartbreak, magic, sacrifice and humor. I couldn't put it down. It's extremely well thought out and beautifully written. I wish I could share every single one of the exquisite quotes I underlined while reading this. It truly is a perfect book and was a pleasure to read. I am usually pretty good at predicting storylines and it was very refreshing to be proven wrong with every guess.

P.S. THE GOD OF WAR……without spoiling anything just know that the romance in this HITS! The banter is top notch - it will be your next obsession. I will be re-reading this ASAP.

Make sure to check out all the special editions they are coming out with too!

First re-read: I listened to the audio and had an absolute BLAST. Great, quality audio performance! 5/5.

Thank you SO much to Harper Collins Publishers and NetGalley for a copy of this ARC! I am honored to have been chosen as an ARC reader. As always, all opinions are my own.

Thanks to NetGalley for the Audio ARC!

3.5/5 stars

Natalie Naudus is one of the best narrators out there - you can't change my mind!

I have loved everything I've read for Sue Lynn Tan, so it hurts me to say that this wasn't exactly a let down....but it definitely didn't hit my expectations. It wasn't bad, but it starts super slow and while some of the insta-love and such is explained later....it was a major turn off for me through the first 40% or so of the book.

Once some of the background started getting explained it felt a lot more like her previous books and I was far more engaged - but getting there was a slog and it was only the good quality writing (in general) and my love of her previous books that kept me from DNFing.

I do still recommend this book and everything in this world...but know this one starts much slower and if insta-love isn't your thing, the beginning may be a turnoff.

This was so good, I loved the story and the main character and her attitude. I loved the romance and the world building. Trully a beautiful read.

Rating: 4.5

Revisit the world of Daughter of the Moon Goddess with political intrigue, romance and magic.

As a child, Liyen is poisoned. To save her life, her grandfather gives her an enchanted lotus that was promised to the immortal queen. Now ascended to the throne after her grandfather’s death, she is summoned to the Immortal Realm to swear fealty to the Immortal Queen. However she has every intention of freeing her people from their obligations to the immortals.

This audiobook was enjoyable. If you liked Daughter of the Moon Goddess, you’ll want to give this one a read too.

After her family and relatives die, Linyen is left with the heavy responsibility of protecting the Empire and her people. She must escape the grasp of the immortal Queen Caihong of the Golden Desert, while also contending with threats from the Wuxin (banished people of the immortal realm) and the Winged Devils (monsters).

Although Kunlun’s walls and the mists erected by the immortals protect her, betrayals and dangerous plots are always near. Poisoned and betrayed by those around her, Linyen takes a divine lotus pearl given to her by her grandfather to heal herself and to keep it hidden from the queen, who desires it. In order to protect those dear to her, she has pledge loyalty to Queen Caihong—but only after setting terms of her own.

As she navigates this treacherous world, Zhangwei, the God of War, comes to her aid. While she’s cautious around most people, Linyen trusts only Chengyin and Aunt Shuo, and she begins planning to use Zhangwei to negotiate conditions that could free her people from servitude. Unbeknownst to her, Zhangwei has similar intentions. Over time, however, their alliance blossoms into something more than trust. Their relationship could be described as “enemies to lovers,” though not in the strictest sense, and I don’t want to spoil too much—but they do eventually find happiness together.

The book has the potential to become a duology. Some sections could be expanded to give greater depth, particularly the twists in the characters’ relationships. Adding hints along the way would add more impact to these developments. I also wish we could have explored more about the politics and hierarchy of the immortal realm. When reading the immortal realm arc, it felt somewhat rushed, especially in terms of introducing the realm’s various powers. The ARC I received had a blank page where the map would be, so I couldn’t see the layout of the eight kingdoms, including Cloud Wall, Phoenix Kingdom, and the Four Kingdoms of the Seas. While it seems the Celestial Kingdom is the most powerful, this isn’t made clear, as Queen Caihong only briefly references the Celestial King without detailing the realm’s structure.


“Immortal” shares some elements with the author’s previous books, such as exile from the immortal realm and the Elixir of Immortality

Overall, I was satisfied with the book, especially the part where Linyen discovers why she was brought to the immortal realm. I was looking forward to a more extended chase arc, but perhaps that will come in future installments.

I received a physical copy of the book for review.

I have not read the other installments of Sue Lynn Tan's Celestial Kingdom series, but this one seemed to stand alone well enough. I didn't feel like I was missing out on any knowledge that I needed to appreciate the story. This was a solid 4 star read for me. Was it perfect? No, but it was enjoyable. I liked Liyen a lot as a main character. She was flawed, but she recognized her flaws and tried to do the best she could for her people despite them. At first glance, this is an enemies to lovers book (though, it is very fade to black), but there are some intricacies to that trope that you might not expect. I liked the twist, and I definitely didn't see it coming, though it does happen fairly early in relation to the book's end. The setting is really lush and beautiful, and Tan's writing feels very transportative. It definitely felt like I was in a fairytale while reading this. There's lots of political intrigue here, so if you like your fantasy with a side of political machinations, then this one is a solid pick for you. Overall, very enjoyable reading experience.