In this standalone romantic fantasy, we follow mortal Liyen, who ascends to the throne of Tianxia after being saved from poisoning. With her kingdom under threat, Liyen is forced to confront the immortals, bringing her face-to-face with the fearsome God of War. As they draw closer to each other, darker forces loom, not only threatening their precarious relationship but also the fate of the entire realm ✨

WOW! As I’m sure you all already know, I’m a very big fan of the Celestial Kingdom series which is one of my all-time favourites! Immortal is my most anticipated read for 2025 and it was everything I could’ve hoped for and more 🥰

I loved returning to the captivating world of the Celestial Kingdom. Sue Lynn Tan’s writing is lyrical, bringing to life the magic of this world. While this was set in the same world, Immortal is completely independent to the Celestial Kingdom Series, and we got to venture to parts of the realm that haven’t been explored previously. This work truly is breath-taking in its own right.

Going in, I thought this was a seemingly simple story that would unfold predictably. However, I’m thrilled to share that I was proven wrong! With the unravelling of secrets and betrayal, many unexpected twists and turns had me screaming at times 😅

The story was intricately woven together to create a profound tale of the power of love. I appreciated how Sue Lynn Tan explored not only romantic love, but platonic love and the love that accompanies grief. I particularly resonated with the passages relating to grief, and some moments moved me to tears 😭

Even if you’re not a big fan of romantasy, I highly recommend checking this 5⭐️ read out, as it’s so much more 🤍

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins UK and HarperFiction for my digital ARC 💌

"Immortal" by Sue Lynn Tan is an Asian romantasy that immerses us in the world of Daughter of the Moon Goddess, where forbidden magic, dangerous secrets, passion, and intertwined destinies come together. The book will be released on January 16th in its original language, and I thank NetGalley for allowing me to read it in advance.

Being a fan of this type of novel, I was not disappointed. The author once again takes us into a rich and sometimes complex mythological world, where characters travel on clouds, ride magical creatures, engage in battles that resemble graceful dances, and experience passionate love.

I must say it felt like I read two books in one. The first part seemed too simple and fast-paced, but around 40%, an event shifts everything into perspective, plunging us deeper into the main plot. Liyen is a young mortal queen seeking to free her kingdom from the control and servitude imposed by the Immortals. She encounters one of them, and not just any Immortal—it’s Zhangwei, the God of War.

Their enemies-to-lovers relationship is fantastic. Their interactions are sharp, filled with tension, and I loved every bit of it, giggling by myself in my chair, haha.

The plot and world-building are quite dense, and that’s the only mixed point for me. Around 70%, it felt really heavy and a bit stagnant. However, this richness is also its strength. The abundance of locations, landscapes, characters, their emotions, the magic, and beliefs—it’s all impressive. But after all, I think that’s also the essence of these Asian fantasy novels.

In the end, it remains a wonderful read, worthy of an excellent C-drama. If you love this type of universe, don’t hesitate to dive in!

The opening of this book, especially the first two chapters, brings the reader immediately to the heart of the story. It reminds me how much I enjoyed another of the author's books "Daughter of the Moon Goddess". Straightaway, I am engrossed, and eager to read on.
Her descriptive prose evokes picturesque scenes in my mind and I am transported to her wonderful world of imagination. How some writers have the ability to do this is, in my mind, genius. I am in awe of such talent.
This Romantasy is exciting, and full of adventure. Their is sorrow and joy, fighting and playing, hidden attractions, and subterfuge. Every emotion is wrapped up in a message or lesson.
Excellent writing, and a beautiful ending, deserved of a 5 star review.

I enjoyed this for the most part, the writing style was pretty, maybe a little too poeticly descriptive for me personally. The story itself was good, the flow was interupted for me due to MANY parts being repeated 2 or 3 times, so trying to figure out where the next part continued was really annoying. The world was interesting, and easy enough to understand when you got into the story, I felt like there were a few things that weren't really explained, like the becoming human part, was she immediately an adult? If so how did she have a family? Was she reborn? Did her appearance change, so nobody could recognise her?

5/5
I LOVED this! As usual, Sue Lynn Tan's writing is beautiful. The plot development was smooth and well-thought-out. In the beginning, I didn't quite understand Liyen and Zhangwei's attraction to each other—it felt sudden, with no clear reasoning or buildup (hello? you're enemies, you just met!). I was worried it might become a plot hole, but it was explained later. There were other confusing moments like this, but they all became clear as the story progressed. I was also concerned about Liyen's development after the big reveal, but I liked how it was handled. The story's just well-planned IMO. I also loved their bickering—especially when Zhangwei showed up in his war attire after her letter lol. Overall, a 5-star read, and I've already secured three special editions (the UK spine is gorgeous!).

I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read and honestly review an advanced reader’s copy of this book.

It’s been a long time since I read the Daughter of the Moon Goddess and it’s sequel, but thankfully this book set in the same world still made sense to me. This book follows Liyen and the God of War; as they bicker their way through. I won’t spoil the actual plot; but I really enjoyed the twist in this. There was enough foreshadowing for it, yet it never felt completely obvious.

I really love Sue Lynn Tan’s writing style; the lyrical prose transports you so easily to this world of Immortals and magic.
I really liked the two characters and how their relationship grows, and the themes of broken trust and rebuilding.

If you want to try Chinese mythology inspired fantasy, this is a fantastic entry point. You need no prior knowledge to enjoy this book, and it’s a standalone!

*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

Oh my god What a beautiful read! This is the first book to me by thus author and oh my god have I been living under a rock. Loved the beautiful wiring and compelling story telling. The Immaculate world building and character development! Love! Love! Love! 10 stars!
It's a must read! Can't wait to get this beautiful special edition for my bookshelf!

This one unfortunately wasn't for me. The characters didn't come across as well formed and the world building wasn't as good as I would have liked. I didn't feel connected to the characters or the storyline.

I loved this book from the moment I saw it. The cover is gorgeous, the summary makes you want to pick it up and read it. And the book itself, well I was hooked from the first page. I loved the characters and world building. I would highly recommend this. A lovely Christmas present for the book lovers in your life x

This was such a captivating read from the first page. I loved the pace and was constantly curious to know more about the gods and the world around them. It was such a welcome change to read more fantasy inspired from a different history/background to what is usually represented. The writing was engaging and entertaining, with a fantastic page and stunning imagery. I couldn’t put it down.

3.5⭐️ 1🌶️
- Enemies to lovers
- Slow burn romance
- Touch-her-and-💀
- Found Family

When Liyan inherits the throne of Tianxia from her grandfather, she is determined to break the bonds binding her mortal people in service to Queen Caihong and the rest of the Immortals. She makes an unlikely ally in Zhangwei, God of War, and finds herself increasingly drawn to the Immortal who should be her enemy. But when Liyen’s kingdom faces a dark peril she must uncover secrets in her past, face her destiny, and ultimately risk everything to save her people.

With thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC!

Immortal is a magical and enchanting stand-alone fantasy. The writing style is immersive and engaging from the start, and the world building is beautiful and evocative.

At first I struggled with the MCs. I felt the chemistry between Liyan and Zhangwei was lacking, Liyan came across as petulant and some bits were just plain puzzling. BUT, give it time! There are many twists and turns in the plot and once all becomes clear it casts the first half of the book in a new light. I definitely enjoyed the second half more.

The story is romantic, and I liked how the relationship between Liyan and Zhangwei evolves. 🌶️ is limited as it is predominantly a closed door romantasy - so that’s either a pro or a con depending on personal preference!

Overall I enjoyed it, the world building is beautiful and steeped in mythology. It was easy to be swept way by Sue Lynn Tan’s writing. After reading Immortal I’m looking forward to reading the Celestial Kingdom at some point in the future!

i wld read sue lynn tan's grocery list if i could honestly.

this was so well written. i loved the world building and the relationship developments but i did get a bit bored the longer the book dragged on i liked it the most in the first 100 pages or so

the main chara, liyen, was amazing. always stood up for herself and fought for what she believed in. love interest, zhangwei, was also likeable i loved him i need a man that wld go thru every world to look for me🤷‍♀️

i honestly didnt expect the reveals and betrayals like i was stunned but it made sense later on. i always enjoy a good well written standalone and this was it!!!

big thank you to netgalley, harpercollins uk, and sue lynn tan for this arc.

4 stars.

as i was reading this book, i wondered at the amount of stars i would give it. i find rating books so difficult sometimes, especially when, as this one, it excelled in certain parts while it lacked in others. so, i just went with my gut and went with four. (though on a different day, i might have gone with less.)

the author certainly has a way with words. she writes beautifully, there is no doubt about that, and i will for sure read her other books (which, i am ashamed to admit, i have not read yet. even though i own the beautiful fairyloot editions, and i should definitely elevate them on my tbr). i also loved this world and its characters. the almost claustrophobic feeling of being in a walled-in city with no escape grasped me as if i were there.

one of the weaker points of this book, to me, was the romance. the dialogue between our fmc and mmc felt forced throughout most of the book, and i just didn't feel it. this should have been a series, so that these characters could have thrived together instead of being thrown at each other. and i *get* that's the whole thing of this book, but it didn't work for me personally. it's the standalone curse, and my love for slowburns, and it's definitely a me-problem, but i can't help but remark on it regardless.

anyways, still a very good book. would i recommend it? absolutely. for its scenery, the writing, the characters. would i read it again? probably not. but i will definitely read the celestial kingdom series.

"To win the God of War's support was wise - to fall in love with him would ruin him"

Oh my, Sue Lynn Tan's books just keep getting better and better. Expect forbidden love, courtly intrigue and a dark and mysterious force about to befall the realm.

Long along Liyen's kingdom pledged to serve the immortals and since then have been cut off from the rest of the world. The alliance with the immortals should safe guard her people, but everything is thrown into the air when her grandfather takes what the immortals queen wants in order to save the life of the his granddaughter. Can Liyen save her people? And will the God of War help her in her quest?

The twists and turns will have you on the edge of your seat. The romance WELL, oh my. Is perfection.