4.5 Stars 🌟


Thank you so much to Netgalley and HarperColllins for giving me an ARC of this amazing, beautiful and breathtaking book! Sue Lynn Tan knows how to write a beautiful romantasy that sweeps you in and won't let you go. I was captivated by the beautfully written world buidling and the amazing detail. Immortal is an amazing story between an mortal women and the God of War, and the have to come together to work against a common enemy. Let me tell you, this book had be going crazy with not one plot twist but like 3!! Immortal had me wanting more and I definitely got what I wanted. I would love to have more to their story but from the ending it tells me all that I needed to know and I loved it. You should preorder this amazing book that comes out January 7th.

Sue Lynn Tan's "Immortal" is truly a masterpiece! As my first experience with this author, I was amazed by her exceptional world-building, memorable characters, and poignant storytelling. Set in the Celestial Kingdom universe (Daughter of the Moon Goddess), this standalone novel captivated me from the very beginning.

The narrative centers on Liyen, the mortal heir to Tianxia, who is gradually succumbing to poison. When her kingdom faces an attack, her grandfather sacrifices himself to provide her with a cure—the Divine Pearl Lotus. Now the ruler of Tianxia, Liyen is resolute in her quest to end the mortals’ subjugation to the immortals. Her adventure leads her to the immortal realm, where she discovers perilous secrets and forges alliances, including an unexpected partnership with Zhangwei, the fearsome yet misunderstood God of War. Their witty exchanges are sharp, their chemistry is electric, and every interaction between them made me smile.

The story's twists left me breathless, and Liyen’s character development was truly inspiring. Zhangwei’s depth added significant richness, and the supporting characters brought this world to life. Although the pacing was somewhat inconsistent at times, it did not diminish my enthusiasm.

I am now a devoted fan of Sue Lynn Tan—what an incredible introduction to her work!

Gratitude to Avon, Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for the e-ARC.

First of all, this book is going to be beautiful when it releases. I can't wait to get my hands on this deluxe limited addition. The story was really good. When her grandfather dies and she has to take the crown, she really has to grow up. It was very enjoyable and a great fantasy.

This is a beautiful standalone fantasy centered around Liyen, a mortal who is fighting for her people against the immortals who control their lives. Sue Lynn Tan has such a beautiful writing style and every book I read by her is absolutely amazing! If you haven't read her Celestial Kingdom duology, please go and do that! It's my second favorite duology and both books were absolutely stunning. She is one of my auto buy authors! I'm looking forward to going to the bookstore to get a physical copy of this book in the new year!

Thanks @netgalley, @avonbooks, and @harpervoyagerus for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

This was my first book by Sue Lynn Tan. I thought this book had a lot of promise and I did enjoy it quite a bit. The plot was unique and the plot twist I didn’t see coming. I thought the love story was very strong as well. I wish I connected a bit more with the characters themselves but I enjoyed the story as a whole. I’m excited to explore more of this world when I read daughter of the moon goddess as well!

Thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the early arc 🫶🏼🫶🏼

DNF @10%

Unfortunately, I did not like the writing. I can't even explain what it was about it, but I actively disliked it and couldn't read any more. I can't say much to the story other than that it didn't captivate me enough to try to trudge on.

Thank you to Netgalley for the eARC of this book. My thoughts are entirely my own.

4.5/5. Part one was a bit difficult for me to get into but once I got further into it I could not out it down. And while there were times I wanted to strangle Liyen, I grew to adore her and Zhangwei and their journey. Another great one from Sue Lynn Tan. Thanks to Harper Collins and NetGalley for the arc.

This delivered romance, action, political intrigue and war commentary all in one beautifully written book.

There's enough world building to make it a compelling story, and while it's set in the same universe of Sue Lynn Tan's previous books, it works on its own (I haven't read the other books, and didn't feel lost at all).

The slow burn romance is so sweet, and it's not the whole plot (which is why I'm reticent to call it romantasy). I'm also really glad it never became a love triangle.

The first act is a bit slow, and it felt somewhat repetitive, but it definitely picks up after the 30% mark.

Overall, this was an excellent book, and now I'm excited to dive into Sue Lynn Tan's other works.


*ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This will be the third book I have read by Sue Lynn Tan and it very much falls within her similar writing style. I felt the book was very slow to start and it took me a while to really connect with the characters. There was a lack of world building/development, and most of what I understood about the world was pulled from my readings of her other books set in the same world. However, about half way through the book there was a shift and I started to really feel connected and invested in the characters and their stories. The slow-burn romance and witty banter from the two main characters was done really well and my favorite moments were when they were talking back and forth to one another. There were also unexpected twists and mystery that were very enjoyable to slowly unwind and discover while reading. Though this book ended up probably not being one I would read again, I think this might be more due to the fact that I struggled to feel as invested in the characters as I would have wanted and though the book redeemed itself by the end, it just isn't one I would want to do a re-read on.

If you have liked her other books, I think you will really enjoy this book. It does have a lot of similar elements and writing style. The character banter and the surprise twists were enjoyable and helped keep me engaged.

Suggestions wise, I would recommend having further world building added to this book. Since it is not one that is marketed as an extension of her previous works, I would want to be able to dive into this book without knowledge of the world and understand more what is happening beyond the bubble the story takes place in. I also felt like there was a lack of character development in the main character, making it harder for me to connect with her and her story. The reason I ended up liking her in the end was after I saw her interact with others, especially the God of War.

I had a great time here! This is as close to wuxia as I’ve ever seen in a book, and I really like wuxia so it worked out well! I absolutely loved “Daughter of the Moon Goddess” and was worried that this wouldn’t live up to that - but I think it is actually better! Tan’s writing style has smoothed out, and the characters ended up with a lot of depth.

I finished this ARC (thanks netgalley) and immediately
pre-ordered it, which is as high a compliment as I can give!

I rarely fly through fantasy books the way I flew through Immortal by Sue Lynn Tan - it was captivating! I have to commend the author on their world-building; I was truly immersed in the world they created. I am very fond of the way the romance between our FL and ML was framed; although it was slower-paced, it felt realistic and made sense considering the nature of their relationship (which I won't spoil!), and I thought it was well thought-out and quite lovely! Zhangwei and Liyen were definitely characters that you root for, both individually and together.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for the ARC - it was a wonderful read!

WOW! My mind is blown.

This is my first Sue Lynn Tan book and it did not disappoint. The world building, the character development, the plot, the immersive storytelling!! All accumulates into a book that is truly *chef’s kiss.*

Her writing is just so stunning and I’m so excited to dive more into her books in 2025.

Thank you so much NetGalley for this ARC!!

Immortal had stunning world-building, epic twists, and characters that felt so real and were very likeable. It started off a bit slow, but once you hit part 2 (30% in), it really picks up. Liyen shows amazing character growth, quickly becoming a badass FMC who’s fighting to protect her people while dealing with secrets, betrayals, and a super tense enemies-to-lovers dynamic with the God of War, Zhangwei. Their chemistry was great, and I couldn’t get enough of their interactions.

Sue Lynn Tan created such a vivid world with mortals, immortals, and the Nether realms all woven together perfectly. Every character brought something special to the story. If you’re into romantic fantasy with a good mix of action and heart, you’ll definitely enjoy this one!

Sue Lynn Tan's standalone adult fantasy did not disappoint! With rich characters, wonderful prose, and a descriptive narrative, this book is sure to delight fans of her Celestial Kingdom Duology. An absolute must read. Liyen is a strong protagonist who readers will empathize with as she becomes a formidable force, despite her tattered past.

Sue Lynn Tan has such a beautiful and captivating writing style that draws the reader in and Immortal is no exception! Liyen, the FMC, has a story twisted with secrets, betrayals, secret identities and so much more! I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this book and there is no shortage of shocking surprises.

The world building of the immortal, mortal, and the Nether realms are superb and there isn't a dull character in the book. Tan has crafted a masterpiece filled with lore, heart break, and finding one's self that will pull on anyone's heart strings and want more.

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

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!


Wow what a great extension to the Celestial Kingdom universe/series! I might have even liked this one more than the original series.

This book followed Liyen, a mortal and heir to the throne in Tianxia, as she navigated her new role as their leader. She takes on the Immortals and the God of War to break the mortals obligation to serve the Immortals and finally gain their freedom.

The enemies to lovers in this was set up really well. I was eating up the dynamic the author set up between Liyen and the God of War. It made for great tension and yearning.

To go along with this the world building and the story was amazing. The pacing was done immensely well and made the pages fly. I’m honestly a little sad it’s a standalone. I wanted more time with Liyen and the God of War.

3.5 - I adored Daughter of the Moon Goddess. I was a little mad at Heart of the Sun Warrior. Immortal falls somewhere in between.

The main critique I have is that most of the tension and driving force in the first half of the book is centered around the tumultuous relationship between the main character and the love interest. I’ll devour an enemies to lovers, but in this case, the “I trust him” / “I hate him” of it all changed a bit too easily and a bit too often. It got tedious.

I did enjoy where the story ended up, and the world Sue Lynn Tan has created in her books is so vibrant and beautiful and rich. I can’t always visualize what I’m reading, but I can absolutely see these. It’s what will keep me coming back.

Thanks to Harper Voyager for providing an advanced digital copy through NetGalley for me to review!

a standalone fantasy set in the same world as Daughter of the Moon Goddess, Immortal shows some improvement in the authors writing style as she tells a love story that transcends the past, present and future. Liyen of Tianxia has been poisoned, causing her grandfather to steal the enchanted lotus pearl to save her life. this angers the immortal queen and in turn she sends the god of war Zhangwei, to attack Tianxia. after Liyen’s grandfather’s death, she reluctantly ascends the throne and vows to do anything to protect her people and their way of life. Zhangwei’s reputation as a bloodthirsty warrior has Liyen unwilling to trust him, as Zhangwei has his own motivations for wanting the lotus pearl for himself. not all is as it seems though and as they spend more time together, they’ll start to question what’s more important to them: duty or love.

I loved the romance in this book and while I don’t think the storyline is the most original, the characters chemistry and banter still carried it through. there were some twists and turns that I wasn’t expecting and the yearning between Zhangwei and Liyen was killing me in the best way. I’m glad I had the opportunity to read this book, definitely recommend!

"What is this about?"
Liyen, heiress to the throne of Tianxia must navigate a world of politics, immortal beings, and dark forces. When Liyen is set to take the throne and renew her vow to serve the Immortals, she is given the chance to visit their realm and learn the secrets of the beings she bears much hatred toward. Navigating this world, Liyen must strike an alliance with the God of War if she is to find a way to provide her kingdom the future she desires. Not only is Liyen’s kingdom at stake, her heart just might be as well.

"What did I like?"
Sue Lynn Tan excels at creating an immersive world complete with gorgeous descriptions, intricate world-building, and charming characters. I enjoyed returning to the Celestial Kingdom that I missed from Daughter of the Moon Goddess, but liked that this story was centered on Liyen and Zhangwei.

Being a standalone entry, there was a lot to cover, especially being a mix of enemies to lovers and star-crossed lovers. Add in the stakes of the impending danger, there is a good bit happening. Immortal was well written in balancing the action and romance aspects. Plenty of political intrigue, battles, and intimate moments, and all are given proper time throughout.

Tan writes fascinating characters, and it is nice to see a protagonist who wants to make changes and take charge, but still learn and grow. I enjoy characters who do not begin the story as the badass, know-it-all, good-at-everything type. Seeing a character’s growth in stories is crucial and Tan once again knocks it out of the park.

Also, I could not forget our snarky and charming God of War, Zhangwei. Initially thought of heartless and blood-thirsty, there is so much more to this man. He definitely gives of some vibes of a certain character from Heart of the Sun Warrior, and I am living for it.

Tan’s ability to give us those mundane scenes reminds me of Studio Ghibli in taking the time to enjoy a moment of peace in a world of strife. There are a few moments in this story and I am in awe every time an author can make such an atmospheric scene that really sticks with me. It makes me appreciate their writing craft so much more.

"What could have been improved?"
One of my biggest complaints of this book is about the pacing. Due to the nature of standalones, a lot of world-building and establishment is at the beginning of the book. To me, until the 10-15% mark the book does drag. However, part two and three helped make up for this, albeit a couple other moments that either go on for too long, or happen quickly.

I wanted more action! Compared to The Celestial Kingdom series, this book did have less action and was focused more on the romance. While I still enjoyed both aspects, I personally wanted a bit more of the battle scenes given a character’s title is the God of War and the danger faced throughout the book.

A bit of a spoiler so read this last bit with some caution
Since Immortal is part of the Celestial universe, I expected there to be some sort of cameo from The Celestial Kingdom. I hoped there would have been, but it wasn’t a major issue.

"Final thoughts"
I am not one for romantic fantasy, but I have grown fond of Tan’s ability to write a charming and intricate relationship. The dynamic of Liyen and Zhangwei captured my heart and there is a lot I want to say, though it would enter spoiler territory, but it was a favorite of mine! (I am also just a sucker for Star-Crossed Lovers trope, which is a tad ironic, right?)

A fascinating tale with lush writing and the way the themes of this book can relate to real life? Simply amazing. Despite a tale of love, loss, and discovery, it maintained a measure of light-heartedness and hope that made me enjoy this book even more. Overall a great book and one I look forward to owning and reading again.

Bonus points for this book capturing so much emotion and detail in what some books fail to do in duologies or even trilogies! For 2025 being the year for hopeful standalones, it is off to a great start.

Thank you, Netgalley and Harper Voyager, for the opportunity to read this book early!

This young adult romantasy is very heavily inspired by Asian mythology and culture, and is absolutely beautifully written! Liyen is strong, brave, and willing to do whatever she needs to in order to protect her people - including forming an alliance with the fierce yet cold-natured God of War.

She just didn't expect the attraction - or the overwhelming feeling of familiarity...

This story is so descriptive and evocative, it pulls you in until you feel as though you are there. The twists and turns as Liyen begins to discover the truth will have you on the edge of your seat!