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.

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!

Thank you to Net Galley and Harper Voyager for the ARC. I'm so lucky I got to read 2025's greatest book in 2024. This was an amazing read, from the first page we are launched into the story and it was exciting! This book really fits into the kind of romantasy I like which has a good balance between fantasy, plot, and romance. I loved the way all the threads of the story were intertwined together. I also loved Liyen's character! I really enjoyed the scenes where Liyen schemes, plots, and shows us her determination to do right for her people. World building was magnificent as always. The prose is lush. The plot was fast and thrilling and twisty. And the romance was everything, it was so good, I love the journey Sue Lynn Tan takes us on, this book is a beautiful rollercoaster ride of emotion.

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.

✨ R E V I E W ✨

Immortal by Sue Lynn Tan
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PUT 👏🏼 THIS 👏🏼 BOOK 👏🏼 ON 👏🏼 YOUR 👏🏼 TBR 👏🏼 RIGHT 👏🏼 THIS 👏🏼 INSTANT 👏🏼

Holy cow. I just knew I would love Sue Lynn Tan’s Immortal because I love The Celestial Kingdom books so freaking much, but wow. Just wow. I am still thinking about it, more than a week later.

Tan is an absolute MASTER of the enemies to lovers trope and a sweet, sweet slow burn. 🔥 Her characters have so much depth and are downright INSPIRATIONAL. I can’t get over it.

Tan’s writing is absolutely beautiful and gives me chills. I can’t tell y’all how many times I had to just put my kindle down and smile the goofiest smiles. It’s that good. 👏🏼 I cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy and pour over the pages once again.

Phenomenal.

Spectacular.

Give me 14 of them right now. 🤌🏼

Thank you so, so much to @harpervoyagerus for sending me an advance digital copy! Immortal is available January 7th!