Immortal is a standalone novel set in the universe of the Celestial Kingdom duology. The story follows Liyen, the mortal princess of Tianxia, who is saved by an enchanted lotus after becoming poisoned. The Immortal Realm becomes upset and Zhangwei, the God of War, forms an alliance with her to help her kingdom. The two journey together to the Immortal Realm where Liyen discovers secrets along the way. The story starts off decently and then slows down in the middle before speeding up a lot towards the end. As the last part seemed to fly by, I do wish that it was spread out a little more.
There is a lot of information to absorb in this novel, especially towards the beginning. I think the exposition needed to be spread out a little more as it felt a little overwhelming at times. The actual ending did work out well, so even though it took a bit to get into the story, I ended up enjoying it. Liyen is a complex character where she makes a lot of mistakes and attempts to learn from them. I wasn’t sure about her at first, but she did grow on me by the end. Her interactions with Zhangwei were great and they had decent chemistry. Overall, this novel could have been a duology just to spread out the events, but it was still a great story.

Sue Lynn Tan is a beautiful writer. Her stories are just as lush as her words. This fantasy novel is a delightful new book with characters you automatically root for. The plot is well thought out and unique, with enough familiarity to make it comfortable. I really enjoyed this.

Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for this early copy of The Immortal.

After reading Daughter of the Moon Goddess, I absolutely fell in love with Sue Lynn Tan's writing. It's beautiful, lyrical and paints a wonderful picture of the world she is introducing us to. She became an autobuy author for me and she still will continue to be one moving forward. The narrator that has done all three books in the Daughter of the Moon Goddess series was phenomenal as well.

With Immortal...was I supposed to dislike the FMC? Because I did. It took almost 60% of the book for me to sort of like her. But the God of War <dramatic sigh>. I think he is my new book boyfriend, moving up above both Liwei and Wenzhi. The things and promises he told Liyen <again dramatic sigh>. Absolutely beautiful. The story had a bit of Instalove (which made sense as you got deeper into the boo) but it is something I typically do not enjoy. Which is why I think I had a hard time really getting into this book. It's still a wonderful love story and beautifully written. But unfortunately, the Daughter of the Moon Goddess duology still has all of my heart.

I loved Sue Lynn Tan's Daughter of the Moon Goddess duology and the short story collection released last year, so as soon as I saw this book, a stand alone romantasy set in the same in the same world, I knew I wanted to read it. The story has all of the things you would expect; a lush atmosphere, immortal Gods and other beings in conflict over power, human characters caught in the middle, and a young princess turned queen trying to protect her realm as best she can. When Liyen's grandfather defies the immortal queen to save her life, he risks the fate of their kingdom and does not survive, leaving Liyen to protect the secret and her people from the queen and The God of War who serves her.

While the book starts out as with what looks like a forbidden love slow burn formula between Liyen and The God of War (Zhangwei), there are many twists to the plot that add to the story and that I did not see coming. Liyen's journey is not as straightforward as it seems and she must navigate who to trust and her own feelings while carrying the responsibility of doing what is right for her people. I enjoyed watching her grow and returning to this mythological setting.

Even so, there were things that kept me from fully getting into the story. The romance was a bit insta-love for me, though that too is made more complex as the story unfolds, and Liyen is constantly in positions where she has to lie to everyone, ALL THE TIME, and that gets old after a while. I did love her relationship with her friend and loyal number one man Chengyin, who is her only real constant through the story, and the chemistry between Liyen and Zhangwei is well done. However, with each revelation of the mystery what we think we know changes rather drastically, It made things more interesting, but I found it ultimately took me out of the story as opposed to investing me further.

That said, this is still a very good read and a fun romantic fantasy. I love that it is a standalone and that Tan takes us through the twists and turns in one volume and provides a satisfying resolution at the end.

Book 007 of 350 ~ 2025

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I was so lucky to score not just the ebook but the audiobook as well.

For those who have followed me long enough, you will know I tend to do either one, then when it gets even more intense, I love listening and reading together.

@suelynntan - firstly, congratulations on your pub day. Second, this book is an absolute masterpiece.

I was so sucked in this entire mythical world and I just couldn't find enough pockets of time to either read it or listen to it.

Admittedly, I love reading the ebook. But the audiobook was so brilliantly narrated I couldn't stop myself from listening to it either. Kudos to the brilliant @natalienaudus - you brought these words to life.

I spent the last 10 chapters reading and listening. Absolutely glorious read and definitely one of my faves not just for the year but in my list officially.

Bravo!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book and audiobook. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Thank you so much to Netgalley and the Publisher for allowing me to have an eARC of this book!
I did also get the audio through Book of The Month because I was so excited that it was offered as a choice. I tandem read her Celestial Kingdom duology that way, so it was great to have that experience again.
I was unsure at the start if I was going to enjoy this, like I did the Celestial Kingdom duology, because it had so much to live up to with them being 5 star favorites. Immortal does throw you into the world without much pretense, and heavily focuses on the pining of the romance for the first half. I also didn't really like Liyen as a character for the first half. I was annoyed with her constant anger and broodiness at the God of War. There was great representation of grief at the beginning, but also I felt the anger was slightly misplaced.
Though I had some instances I didn't like, I still did want to keep picking this book up. It does have 400 plus pages, but it was a breeze to get through.
By about 50% we got the worldbuilding aspects that I LOVE about the Celestial Kingdom duo. So, by that point I was all in, plus Liyen's character arc seemed to have finally gotten to a place where she was more enjoyable to read.
This one does get very mildly spicy, very tasteful and tame, but does lean into Romantasy. Though, it's the Romantasy that I can handle.
Other writing aspects that I love about Tan's writing is her vivid descriptions of clothing and architecture. As a reader that can see images, I really enjoy this extra emphasis.
For the audiobook, if you have trouble with the names and want help with pronunciation, this is a great route. I am more of a veteran reader of Asian fantasy and I still don't have all the vowel sounds correct when looking at the names. The narrator is also fantastic and reads in almost a calming and smooth manner.
Final thoughts, if you enjoyed Tan's previous duology, you should also enjoy this standalone. Go into it with the pretense's I gave and I think you will enjoy it as much as I did.

This was so, so phenomenal. And I knew it would be, but it STILL somehow took me by surprise.

Sue Lynn Tan’s Celestial Kingdoms duology and short story collection hold such an incredibly special place in my heart, and this standalone took us back to that world, only in a whole new corner that we hadn’t explored yet. This follows the Princess of Tianxia, who lives under the rule of the Immortals of the Golden Desert. It starts off with a BANG, diving right into action and world-building and tension, and the pacing remains immaculate from there. Sue Lynn Tan has a way of making her stories feel like multiple distinct acts of a play, but still manages to make them flow seamlessly into one another. Looking back on it, I can’t believe this entire story happened in just one book. It feels like this world lived in my mind for much, much longer, even though it didn’t take me long to read it. It’s an absolute master class in storytelling, and it scratches literally every itch I ever have when going into a sweeping fantasy like this one.

This is a story about gods and mortals, impossible things becoming possible, romance that spans across the ages. It’s about war and heartache and the lengths we will go to achieve the peace we know our loved ones deserve. It somehow does all of these things while also infusing a swoon-worthy romantic feel that will have you clutching your chest in some moments and giggling uncontrollably in others. I loved every moment of it, and it reminded me of why the Celestial Kingdoms series holds the place in my heart that it always has. I’ll be relentlessly on the edge of my seat for more Sue Lynn Tan releases til the end of time, and I’m so grateful to Avon & Harper Voyager and Netgalley for this eArc!

I finished this book not even 30 seconds ago and I miss it. the world and the magic are so well done and descriptive that it paints a full picture as your reading. Now, I am by no means a romance reader but I would die and sell my soul for more of the romance in this book. the yearning was amazing. the banter was impeccable. the god of war is a dream. I absolutely loved this book and I already need more from SLT

Sue Lynn Tan’s most recent release Immortal is full of her signature lush writing and multilayered FMCs.

We follow Liyen as she begins her rule in a mortal realm caught in the middle of a war between two immortal realms. While this takes place in the same world as the Celestial Kingdom Duology (Daughter of the Moon Goddess and Heart of the Sun Warrior), there is little reference to the world at large and is not necessary to read the Duology first.

Liyens character growth is wonderfully done and tackles large questions about the worthiness of immortal vs mortal lives.

I was less impressed with our MMC Zhangwei, who feels less developed, and less of a person individually to Liyen. While the Celestial Kingdom Duology felt more fresh and original, Immortal plays into popular romantasy tropes, that while well executed, left me underwhelmed. I kept longing to return to the Celestial Kingdom and felt frustrated that this story only lived in a small corner of the unique and interesting world developed in the Duology.

This is Tan’s spiciest novel, with one short more “open door” scene, but I would still classify this as pretty mild spice. Ultimately I would recommend this to romantasy lovers, and would be a wonderful entry point to Sue Lynn Tan’s beautifully lush world.

The premise of this book was so interesting, but the middle 50% drug so much for me. It felt very repetitive and formulaic for basically all of part two, which makes up a bulk of the book. I enjoyed the overall story and plot but I never found myself actually wanting to reach for this book.

The mythology behind everything and the world building was very well done. I also really did like that actual bond between each character, even if their interactions felt repetitive. Overall, I think the idea itself was interesting but the way it was done was not my personal favorite.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Voyager for the advanced copy!

This was a great read. I have liked everything I have read by Sue Lynn Tan. Liyen was a character you can really get behind and root for. I love the world Sue Lynn took us to. She creates such beautiful places for us. This keeps you guessing through so much of it, I never did figure any of it out until it was revealed to us. I would love to be in Zhangwei's head. I'm hoping we get a novella or full book from his perspective. He was such an enigma throughout so much of this book. I loved his and Liyen's banter. I highly recommend this book.

Immortal by Sue Lynn Tan is a standalone romantic fantasy. Liyen, our heroine, is the heir to the throne of Tianxia (Mortal Realm); she suffers from a near-fatal poisoning. Her grandfather, who runs Tianxia, gives Liyen something he holds for the Immortal Queen; as he gives her the Divine Pearl Lotus, which will save her life, healing her of the poison. Liyen is now at full health; but her grandfather dies, and now Liyan ascends to the Tianxia throne. Liyan knows that she needs to renew her kingdom’s pledge to serve the immortals, who always protected them from vicious enemies.

The Immortal Queen is angry, with the Pearl Lotus is missing; she sends the God of War to find the Lotus. Zhangwei, our hero, who is known as the God of War, has a reputation of being a bloodthirsty warrior. He is the strongest immortal, bred and raised for war. He also has his own motivations regarding the Lotus pearl for himself.

Liyan is summoned to the Immortal Realm, where she is determined to learn the secrets of the Immortal Realm; in order to safeguard her people. Liyan finds herself spending time with the God of War, a man she was meant to fear, which slowly changes. They are drawn together, igniting their attraction, with their chemistry rising; the banter between them was amazing.

Zhangwei was devoted, witty and truly in love with Liyan; especially when she saw her past life and learned the truths. Liyan was a terrific heroine, a bit stubborn, difficult, flawed, and a brave leader; but once she learned the secret truths that allowed her to know Zhangwei, as well as the Queen. I liked a few of other characters, but I really loved Zhangwei and Liyan together. The last quarter of the book was mindboggling.

Immortal was a great romantic fantasy, with lots of twists, exciting action, captivating, emotional, danger and magical throughout. Immortal was so very well written by Sue Lynn Tan. I was unable to put the book down, and I suggest you read this wonderful story.

Thank you to Avon, Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for the eARC!

4.5 stars. This was such an enchanting novel that thoroughly gripped me from the start. I will say that Part 3 had some pacing problems, in my opinion, and I'm not completely satisfied with the way the final battle was dealt with, but the rest of the book was phenomenal. Sue Lynn Tan's writing is so descriptive and lush, and the romance she built between our two characters was the perfect slow burn. This book had some plot twists that I was not expecting but it was amazing. All in all, if you are a newbie when it comes to the romantasy genre like me, or a seasoned veteran, I think you will absolutely love this novel.

Immortal was not a successful romantasy for me. The fantasy elements were uninspired and underdeveloped leaving the book to rely on its romance plot. Unfortunately, I found the "enemies to lovers" romance plot unbelievable and borderline cringe at times. The insta-lust was disguised with immature banter and I honestly didn't feel any chemistry between the characters. The characters were annoying with incredibly shallow and abrupt character growth. The plot was repetitive and predictable with preachy moments that shoved the "meaning" of the story in the reader's face.

4.25⭐️this was one of my most anticipated Q1 book releases and it did not disappoint. what a great read! the perfect balance of fantasy and romance with so many twists and turns that i did not see coming (can’t wait to reread this later knowing what i know now hehe). I really love when books have complex conflict that goes deeper than black and white good vs. evil. such a beautiful, intricate world that sue lynn tan has crafted. you definitely don’t need to have read the related duology to enjoy this book, but I’ll definitely be moving them up my TBR after this one!

Thank you so much to HarperCollins for the ARC in exchange for an unbiased review!

WARNING: Spoiler Alert

This book was not what I expected. It is a three-part Asian fantasy standalone story. I started off really enjoying it, but as the story progressed it kind of fall apart for me.

I liked Part 1 of the story. It was action packed and emotional. Although pacing eventually slow down, it did set up a good foundation for the characters, as well as the tension between the mortals and the immortals. I thought the character development was well done. Our heroine, Liyen, is the new ruler of Tianxia. However, since she was sheltered most of her life, it has been a challenge for her to navigate court politics. At times she can be reckless and judgmental, but her heart is always in the right place. I loved her loyalty and determination of being a good leader, and ending her kingdom’s obligation to the immortals. I also enjoyed her relationship with Zhangwei, the God of War. I liked how they challenged each other, in particularly their prejudice views of one another. I was invested in their romance so when the plot twist in Part 1 happened I was shocked. I was excited and curious to see where the story was heading, but I guess I should have tempered my expectations.

In Part 2 and 3, there was just so much going on and the pacing was just very inconsistent. Although I appreciated the multiple twists and secret reveals, it also left a lot of plot holes along the way (i.e., <spoiler> Why can the Lotus only be shared between a mortal and immortal? If the Lotus can only be gifted to another, why did Zhangwei try to take the Lotus by stabbing Liyen? How did Aunt Shou survive in the mortal realm if she is Wuxian? Why is the Wangchuan River so important to the Wuxian people? </spoiler>). I also felt the characters became pretty stagnant, and the way the villain was written was very one dimensional. There also weren’t any high stakes in the final battle. Everything just kind of worked itself out. As for the romance, I have mixed feelings about it. After what happened in Part 1, I felt like there should have been a major atonement arc. Instead, I felt like the incident was kind of explained away due to a reveal later on in the story.

Overall, the story wasn’t bad. It had its moments. I enjoyed the author’s writing and I can see where the story was going. She had some really good ideas, but unfortunately, there was just so much happening, that it kind of took away from the character development and depth of the plot. Honestly, it kind of makes me wonder if it would have been better as a duology.

Thank you Netgalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC. All opinions are my own.

Immortal
By Sue Lynn Tan

Sue Lynn Tan is a magical writer. Immortal is set in a mortal realm that is now guarded by Immortals. In Tianxia there is an invisible barrier that keeps them from the rest of the mortals. The mortals promise to protect the Immortals by guarding the mountain from the enemy that weakened them both so long ago. The Ruler of Tianxia was tasked by the Queen of the Immortals to find the enchanted Lotus.
But when his Granddaughter is poisoned by the waters of the netherworld, her Grandfather uses the lotus to save his Granddaughter, as his last act before he dies in front of the Queen due to a weak heart. The heir to the throne of Tianxia, Lieyen, must go to the Immortals to swear her allegiance to the immortal Queen. But Tianxia is attacked by winged creatures and the god of War comes down to help. Lieyen now must find the courage to ask the Queen to take down the walls around Tianxia and return to live among the rest of the mortals, while hiding the fact that she contains the lotus the Queen is searching for.

Immortal is a standalone novel, and has a satisfying finish. I would give this book 4.5 stars out of 5. I love the slow burn of the story, the pacing is just right. I recommend this book to adults who love fantasy/romantasy !

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read Immortal. #netgalley

Sue Lynn Tan has done it again! What a phenomenal story!

What a great way to start my 2025 reading season! An absolute stunning masterpiece. It was so magical to return to this world and meet new characters. I was obsessed with every moment.

This book started off very fast-paced, and I found myself easily swept up into the story. The FMC was such a dynamic character, and it was easy to follow her journey. I loved the magic and the way we were introduced to the problems of this world. The MMC was also a 10 out of 10. Definitely a new book boyfriend! There were a lot of twists and turns, but it was gripping, and there was never a dull moment for me. I found being back in this world as enchanting as it was the first time around. The love between the two main characters was so infinite I wanted the world for them and more. Their love story was very beautifully written.

Overall, this book was everything I could've hoped for. It was beautiful and whimsical, and this book is another victory for Sue Lynn Tan. An absolute stunner of a novel! Would 100% recommend!

I would like to extend a very big thank you to Sue Lynn Tan, the publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rating: 4.7/5

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for this eARC.

This is my first book by Sue Lynn Tan. I have Daughter of the Moon Goddess and its sequel, and now I really need to read them. This was overall great!

In the beginning, I struggled with the instalove, but that evolves in a satisfying way. The pacing was great. The characters were great.

It did feel like there could’ve been three full books that were smushed into this one standalone…each part could have been expanded into its own book with the amount of time the story line changed…but it was still entertaining the whole time.

"We each shone brightest in our own lives, unless we allowed out light to be dimmed. Our differences did not make us weaker; we were strong in our own ways."

Liyen is weak and has been poisoned by those that do not want her to ascend to her grandfather's throne. When they are attacked by the immortals, her grandfather gives her a cure, the very cure that the Immortal queen is attacking them for. Liyen vows vengeance, hoping to free her mortal land from the isolation that keeps them from the rest of the mortals. However, as she travels to the immortal realm to try and plead her case, she finds herself drawn to the handsome God of War. There is more to the situation than she understands.

This book felt like it was several books in one, making for one long book with several related plot points throughout. It was long but well written. The scenery felt lush and realistic.


The romance was well done and added to the story. There was a lot of slow burn to it.

Thank you to Net Galley, Avon, and Harper Voyager for the DRC. All opinions are my own