I almost wrote this review when I was about to DNF before I got to the good part! YES, this book is long and SLOW in the beginning but the last 25% is a frickin fire hose. I haven’t read SLTs other books so I’m not sure if that’s her style of writing, but I’d say the pickup at the end was just about worth the slow pace in the beginning….almost!

I picked this book because it honestly reminded me of Hurricane wars, which I adore. I got enemies to lovers vibes from the description and cover. Surprise surprise, it was….BUT with a twist that made my heart grow three sizes 💕

Set in a world of humans, immortals, and other insidious creatures of the realm. We encounter a village trained by immortals for “protection”. In an effort to free her people, Liyen confronts the most power god, the god of War. From there the plot just splinters and we have a chain of events that has you question a lot about where the story is going (which is on purpose). It’s the ending that things go crazy and pieces fall into place and you get the warm and fuzzies. I think this book should have been condensed a bit and the love/hate between the two main characters should have been MUCH more clear. Also - please spice up the spice. Give me something more than kisses and really TIGHT hugs 🤦‍♀️

Tropes: enemies to lovers, fantasy romance, memory loss, touch her you die, love/hate relationships, power dynamics,

This novel is an absolute gem—an enchanting standalone that bursts with beautifully crafted imagery. I’ll admit, there were moments when I found Liyen, our main character, a bit frustrating. But honestly, the author’s unwavering commitment to keeping her true to herself, even through the wildest twists and turns, completely won me over.

If you’re like me and revel in flowery, colorful, and decadently descriptive writing, Sue Lynn Tan’s prose will sweep you off your feet. From the intricate world-building to the mouthwatering descriptions of clothing and food, every detail is a feast for the senses.

In short, this novel is a captivating experience that immerses you in its vivid world and rich storytelling. Don’t miss out on this delightful read!

Immortal by Sue Lynn Tan releases on January 7th, 2025 and I highly recommend it!

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Voyager!

Liyen, heir to the throne of Tianxia, has devoted her life to serving her people and honoring the Immortals who protect the realm from an ancient evil. When she is poisoned, her grandfather, the ruler of Tianxia, steals an enchanted lotus—meant to be safeguarded for the Immortals—to save her. He dies protecting this secret, leaving Liyen to ascend the throne.

Summoned by the ruthless God of War to pledge allegiance to the Immortal Queen, Liyen uses the opportunity to seek freedom for her people. However, she soon learns that the evil her ancestors vanquished has returned, forcing her to ally with the God of War to protect her realms from destruction.
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What to Expect:
- Enemies to lovers
- Fates
- Hidden Truths
- Slow burn

Review: Sue Lynn Tan’s Immortal is a visually stunning standalone romantasy, filled with lush world-building and prose immersing readers in a vibrant setting. The plot is filled with complex layers with unexpected twists that will keep you on edge of your seat and culminates to a reveal that will leave your jaw on the floor.

That said, while Tan sets out to cover a lot of ground in this 3-part standalone the story often felt uneven. Each section of the book had its own strengths, but certain aspects—particularly Liyen's relationship with Zhangwei, both past and present, as well as the backstories of the Immortals and their conflicts—felt underdeveloped or rushed. These gaps, among others, left me begging for more depth and clarity and took me out of the reading experience many times.

Overall, Immortal is a captivating read with plenty to enjoy, but the ambitious story may leave some readers longing for more.

Beautifully written fantasy story by one of my favorite authors. The story of a young mortal girl who inherits the throne left to her when her grandfather dies., and her fight against the immortal beings who are warring with each other. I loved the strong fmc and her romance with the immortal god of war. The setting is lush and gorgeously detailed and the plot is very well executed, leaving me surprised by the twists. Another beautiful Asian folklore/fantasy by sue lynn tan. I can’t wait to purchase this beautiful book for my library! Thank you NetGalley for the digital copy. 4 1/2 ⭐️

Romantasy done right! This was fantastic, intricate and expansive world building but still easy to grasp so it doesn't deter from the plot, the romance was *chefs kiss* honestly this author could write a shopping list and I'd still give it five stars, a perfect balance of political intrigue and forbidden magic, the prose is (as expected) beautiful and lush, easiest five stars!

if there’s one thing sue lynn tan can do, it’s outright everyone else in the romantic fantasy genre. a lush adventure with a fmc who i couldn’t get enough of— liyen was perfect to me. i enjoyed this a lot— tan has a talent for the craft, for putting together worlds and stories that feel so unique to HER. i will say it was a little too slow at some points for me, which is why i can’t give it 5 stars, but i expect this to be another hit from an accomplished author.

This book was one of my most anticipated reads. I absolutely love Daughter of the Moon Goddess and was thrilled to be back in that world. I was surprised by the beginning and the pace of the romance, but when the first twist came I was excited to see what was in store. Even with the great twist, I felt like I was still waiting.

It wasn’t until the second half of the book that I became invested and began to feel some connection to the romance. I never really ended up fully on board with the male love interest. He was too perfect. I felt like every thing that he said had to be profound and wise which came off as sanctimonious.

I enjoyed the twists and betrayals but wanted more build up of the romance and less platitudes. I loved this world and the Chinese inspiration. There was so much I liked about this book, but I was left wanting more.

This book contains no profanity and has vaguely described love scenes.

Holy moly!

This novel is AMAZING.
At the beginning the naivety is grating but there is a purpose for it!

Omg omg the PLOT TWIST!

Everything you want in a Romantasy!
Gods.
Reincarnation.
Soulmates.
DEVOTION

This book shows multiple sides of factions and how everything is gray.

Beautifully written and I highlighted so many life quotes!’

This was a fun, romantic read set in the Celestial Kingdom world. I was expecting some crossover, but this was completely its own story. Like Tan's other books, the story began right at the start of the action. There was very little exposition, which made things a little bit confusing. I wish Tan had set aside a chapter or two to provide some context for the world and the characters before jumping into the action. Other than that, though, I loved the pacing and the romance was really cute.

Daughter of the Moon Goddess was one of my favorite reads of 2022 and Immortal is now a contender for 2024! Tan weaves the most incredible worlds with characters that stick with you and this one is no different! This new adventure follows Liyen, heir to the throne of Tianxia. Before she can ascend to the throne she is mortally poisoned. In a bid to save her life, her grandfather steals an enchanted lotus which enrages the Immortal queen. I mean this isn't even a spoiler! Liyen’s life is spared, but now her kingdom is under threat, and it is up to Liyen to fix things. She forms an alliance with the God of War--who should be her most fearsome adversary, but would it be an epic romantic fantasy if there wasn't crackling chemistry between them? I THINK NOT! Ugh. Just read it. No regrets will be had.

Immortal by Sue Lynn Tan was a fun read. The world building was done so well and I was able to grasp how everything worked despite the fact that I hadn't read any of her previous works and I believe they're also set in the same world. The pacing felt a little off to me but besides that I had a fun time while reading this.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

When Liyen is poisoned, her grandfather is murdered, and her community is attacked by dark magic and strange creatures, she must team up with the daunting God of War to save her kingdom. With dangerous immortals, whimsical worldbuilding, and a fight between love and loss, Sue Lynn Tan's Immortal becomes one of the most exciting romantasy novels of 2025.

I have not stopped thinking about this world and magic in this book since I read it. Sue Lynn Tan's ability to create and describe such a deep, bewitching environment in this novel is unbelievable. The gods specifically are one of my favorite things about this book. Their personalities and the roles they play in the story are so well thought out that it's impossible not to go on and on about how what an incredible job Tan did with creating them. Both Tianxia and the Immortal Realm are lush, magical settings that I just can't get enough of. The amount of development that went on in this standalone novel is astounding.

Immortal is set in the same world as Tan's Celestial Kingdom series, but it is a separate story. As someone who read Immortal first, I appreciate how well this book stands on its own despite being in the same universe. Nothing is confusing, and there are no spoilers for any of the other books. So for anyone who would prefer to start with a standalone, this is the perfect option for you.

One thing I've been paying more attention to in books recently is side characters. This book has given me one of my new favorite side characters. In less than 500 pages, Tan manages to not only develop strong main characters, but also create characters who play a smaller role, but are just as loveable and important to the story. Every little detail in this book has had so much thought put into it. Nothing is left underdeveloped.

Liyen is a fascinating main character. She's angry and she's grieving, but she's always focused on doing what is best for everyone. A fantasy heroine who is strong and passionate, but still vulnerable and imperfect is always fun to follow. Her story was so amazing to go along with. Readers will love watching her develop throughout the book.

Of course with a romantasy, the romance plot has to be strong. The love story in this book is one readers will never forget. It's the type of romance that will have you holding your breath and begging for a happy ending. It's a love story that will warm your heart and consume you with a fiery passion you won't be able to turn away from.

Immortal is the perfect title for this book because it will exist in your memories and your heart forever. The brutal twists, wicked love, and enchanting world will grab your attention and never let it go. You will not want to miss out on this 2025 romantasy.

Review on Goodreads (sophreadingbooks https://www.goodreads.com/sophreadingbooks) as of 10/14/2024
Review on Instagram (sophiesreading https://www.instagram.com/sophiesreading/) expected 10/16/2025

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Avon and HarperVoyager for the early review copy.

A welcome return to Tan's Celestial Kingdom series with a new cast of characters. This book is a stand alone, so you don't need to read the original books to get the story, but you'll want to when you're done.

This tale follows Liyen, lady of Tianxia, beginning with her poisoning and being saved at the beginning, ascending the throne of Tianxia, and learning more about the Celestial Kingdom.

And Liyen is remarkably similar to Xingyin, which is wonderful. Both are go getters, both want what's best for their loved ones.

Tan's writing is always beautiful, descriptive, and evocative, a real joy to read, and Immortal is no different. Her world building shines, but it's the fairy tale quality that appeals the most to me. When you're reading this, you genuinely feel like you're witnessing something theatrical in scale, grandiose settings, humanized but otherworldly heroes, and a quest to ultimately claim one's power and shape one's destiny.

I cannot wait to see what else Tan has in store.

Immortal is my first ever read from Sue Lynn Tan and it won’t be my last. Her writing is breathtaking as it launches you high speed into an epic fantasy world with an extraordinarily colorful and ethereal setting. The world building and character depth she offers right from the beginning is astounding. You will witness a journey through the FMC and MMC hearts and minds. How trust is tested and if it’s worth fighting for. What a beautiful standalone. One of the most romantic reads of the year for me.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Voyager for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Loved this book and can’t wait to get a physical copy for my collection. The atmosphere was expertly created and I felt transported into this world. I loved the heroine, she was inspiring and unique. Pacing was perfect - it was action packed and full of twists. I couldn’t put it down. Thank you so much for the review copy!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc.

I am convinced Sue Lynn Tan can do no wrong when it comes to writing. This is the fourth book of hers I’ve read, and they’re all magnificent. The characters have depth and growth. Even the side characters keep you interested. The atmosphere is gorgeously written. Half the time I feel as if I’m watching the movie for the book instead of writing it. The plot is fleshed out and intriguing. It has its perfect highs and lows, taking you on a roller coaster ride of emotions. This book was just lovely with a fantastic ending.

Sue Lynn Tan became an overnight legend after her lush writing in daughter of the moon goddess. Sadly this is a fake enemies to lovers romantasy with none of that lush prose or creative spirit. The concept isn’t bad, but the execution isn’t great. A plucky and confident defiant main character
whose just so darn “real” that the overpowered boyfriend character instantly is weak for her. The miserable dark handsome misunderstood leading man who’s actually a super great guy that the MC had wrong all along. We have read it before. This is so boring.

SYT please go back to writing good books girl!

I'm not sure how to write a coherent review for Immortal. Partly because it deserves better than I can provide, and partly because I loved it so much that I can't think of words to describe it.
It's a beautiful story about the different forms of love, but it's also an excellent adventure through a fantastical world. The world-building was some of the most enjoyable I've read, and the pacing was immaculate. The action was expertly interspersed with quiet, emotional moments of reprieve, and the characters were given so much opportunity to grow. Overall, this book was a joy to read. It was exciting, romantic, emotional, and beautifully written. I consider it one of my top reads this year and I highly recommend it.

Thank you to Harper Voyager and Netgalley for the ARC.

5/5! ★★★★★

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Okay. This cover was too beautiful to pass up.

♡ I have been meaning to dive into the world of Sue Lynn Tan, I might be committing a crime by reading this before DOTMG, but hear me out. This was SO good. Mythology, lovers to enemies to lovers, political war and conflict, a dreamy atmosphere, wild plot twists....this was sooooo so so so good.

♡ Liyen and Zhangweis story was one for the books. I loved both characters, and the romance was filled with tension, banter and pure bliss. Liyen is headstrong and determined, but still longing for something to fill the void after her grandfathers passing. Who better than the powerful, immortal, God of War? He is not the killer everyone made him out to be, and Liyen struggles with her conflicting feelings for him. Watching this love story unfold was magical. The plot twists. ”My beloved”. Iykyk. This is the power couple we've been waiting for.

♡ The world building was perfect, and the descriptions of the whimsical places we get to visit were absolutely dreamy. Send me there, immediately.

♡ I will most certainly be diving into DOTMG asap and looking out for anything else Sue Lynn Tan writes.

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Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this arc in exchange for an honest review!

"You are all I need, whether we are together a year or a hundred." He stroked the hair from my face, looking into my eyes. "Never doubt my heart. I have loved you since we met--as I will for the rest of our days."

I'll start by saying the beginning of this book was lit. Starts off with a bang and then the God of War's entrance was 🤌

But then the problems started. I think my biggest issue was the pacing. It was just weird, and some things just happened really quickly or like too easily and then we're moving on to the next thing. Seemed like there were some plot holes too, a couple of things that weren't explained very well or resolved very well. I just wasn't detecting a lot of logic that was happening. Also some questionable decisions being made, like poontang at a very dangerous and awkward time 👀

But there were a lot of really enjoyable parts. Anything with the MMC was great, especially when he leaned more into his God of War persona. A handful of laugh out loud moments with some of their dialogue and some pretty cool action sequences, but this one ended up falling short for me 😩