*Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction | HarperVoyager for providing me this book in exchange for an honest review*

I adored The Celestial Kingdom duology by Lynn Tan and Immortal was an insta buy for me. Unfortunately, the insta love between Liyen and the God of War wasn't for me. I mean, he's the god of War. He should be at least...angry? vindictive? Something. Immortal would be benefited more from an Adult aspect rather than YA. But then again, it was a solid read. Not great, but solid.

A thoroughly enjoyable story with a few twists and turns to keep it engaging. It sometimes felt episodic rather than one flowing story, but the cast of characters and vibrant world-building made up for it. The love story didn't quite grip me as much as I wanted, but overall it was a moving tale of romance and family.

"To win the God of War’s favour was wise – to fall in love with him would ruin me"
Immortal - Sue Lynn Tan

This is the second book that I read from the author and I really enjoy her writing. I love her storylines, the world building and her characters. Immortal was not an exception . It is a fantasy romance standalone that is set in the world of The Celestial Kingdom but can be read without reading her previous duology.

Immortal is a romantic and enchanting book that I couldn't put down. There is no particular action in it but the plot and the world are incredible. I must not forget the plot twists that made it even better. I really liked the characters and the relationships between them. My favourite character has to be the God of War!

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins UK for the advance reader copy of Immortal by Sue Lynn Tan for an honest review.

I have to say following the Daughter of the Moon Goddess series I really anticipated this book and it didn't quite live up to my expectations. It started off incredibly strong and was giving enemies to lovers vibes but then seemed to taper off somewhere in the middle it became fully about their romance but we find that the God of war just loved her instantly which is explained later with a few twists but I found this a bit difficult to believe prior to the twist as it seemed very instant love which wasn't what I was anticipating.

Such pretty art work but I struggled with the substance of the story and found it to be lacking which was a shame as I was really excited to get this to read to review.

This had 5 star moments and 3 star moments. It had moments were it kept me reading until late at night and other moments that felt like I was just waiting for Zhangwei to show up again.

We follow Liyen, who ascends the throne of Tianxia after the death of her beloved grandfather. As she does, she vows to end her kingdom's obligation to the immortals of the Golden Desert who say Tianxia is under their protection but don't care much about mortals. When Liyen is summoned by the Queen of the Golden Desert to renew her kingdom’s pledge to the immortals she gets to know the God of War, an enemy she intends to turn into an ally. But not everything is as simple as it seems and the God of War might be trying to get something from her too.

I liked the plot, the characters and the romance but I wasn't 100% in, not in the way books sometimes make you feel like you are there with the characters suffering alongside them. This felt like I was watching from afar, if that makes any sense. I liked the romance but it was too instalovey and cheesy for my liking, though the instalove part is explained.

As I said, I liked this story, but I think I would be more interested in what happened before.

I also thought this was going to be more related to Daughter of the Moon Goddess than it is. Yes, it is set in the same world but, in the way Sweden and Australia are also in the same world. They are completely separate stories.

Unfortunately, this was very disappointing. I didn't enjoy this at all. It was supposed to be enemies to lovers romance which it wasn't. It was insta-lust if I ever saw one. It doesn't matter how often the main character tries to tell me she hates him when her actions show a different story. They were never enemies. On top of that, the story was bland and the characters flat. I honestly, couldn't care less about anything happening.
I should also mention that it was very hard to read the arc I had received from you as there were many errors in it. Constantly repeated sentences or paragraphs that made for a disjointed reading experience.

Immortal by Sue Lynn Tan is a captivating standalone fantasy set in the rich, mythical world of the Daughter of the Moon Goddess duology. Once again, Tan’s lyrical prose shines, weaving breathtaking imagery that immerses you in celestial palaces, enchanted pearls, and starry skies.

The story follows Liyen, a devoted ruler desperate to protect her people, and Zhangwei, the feared God of War with hidden depths. Their dynamic—riddled with tension, mistrust, and eventual longing—kept me invested throughout. The romance is slow-burning yet emotionally charged, blending moments of tenderness with sharp banter. Zhangwei’s character arc, revealing a man burdened by his bloody reputation, was especially well done.

While the plot is fast-paced with plenty of action and twists, it occasionally felt overwhelming—some events pass too quickly to fully explore their emotional impact. Still, the balance of romance, duty, and sacrifice makes for a compelling read.

If you love lush world-building, star-crossed romance, and stories of love overcoming fate, Immortal is well worth picking up.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an eARC of this book.

If Sue Lynn Tan writes it, I’m going to read it! This was absolutely beautiful - the world building was perfect, the characters were complex and compelling and the plot was *chefs kiss* perfect.

You can definitely read this if you haven’t read The Celestial Kingdom duology first (although you should 100% read those too!), it is a perfect stand alone novel if you are looking for a romantasy with political intrigue and some mythological lore.

4 🌟🌟🌟🌟 This was such a beautiful and captivating story! ❤️ The world-building was absolutely stunning; I could see it so clearly in my mind. So many unexpected twists and turns! While not spicy, the tension and romance were perfect—a warm, happy feeling. The devotion is real! If you love beautiful worlds, tension, betrayal, past lives, gods, mythical creatures, monsters, heartbreak, and tearjerker moments, you NEED this book!

This was an incredible read from start to finish, and perfect for fans of the romantasy genre.

I will be honest, at first this book took me a little bit to get into but as soon as the story truly began I couldn’t tear my eyes away from it. The mythological elements weaved into the story in a new and unique way are an incredible foundation to this book and created an intrigue that drew you in.

The world building is incredible, the characters are so well fleshed out that the romance comes so naturally. The chemistry was there between Liyen and Zhangwei, and the dialogue perfectly encapsulates the banter and chemistry between them.

I had no experience with Sue Lynn Tan’s books before this one, and particularly loved that this was a standalone. I would highly recommend this book to fans of romantasy and mythology.

DNF at 35 % of this book.

Thank you to NetGalley for this arc in return of an honest review.

Sadly this book just was not for me. I started it with high hopes but found that the writing style was not too my liking, and did not find the dialogue between characters that interesting. My main problem was the insta-love which personally I am not a fan of. I didn't understand the attraction between the two main characters, and didn't feel like there was any chemistry between them.

I tried to keep reading but found I was just skimming conversations so stopped 35 % through the book.

🏹🗡🪷🤎

another absolute smash hit from Sue Lynn Tan - i must say, she's a complete genius, and I'll read everything she writes 🥰🫶

I absolutely loved loved loved this book - the rich description, complex characters, the deep and intricate worldbuilding 🩵🩷🧡💛💖
returning to a Sue Lynn Tan book feels like sinking into a hot bath after a long day; it's always a wonderful experience, and one I'll always look forward too 🥰
we follow Liyen on her ascension to the throne of Tianxia following her grandfather's tragic and untimely death and how she navigates the treacherous world of the court and of the immortals who hold immense power over her kingdom. she must form a tenuous alliance with the God of War, a perfidious man who has done nothing to gain the trust she must place in him

I loved how the plot unfolded and showed itself the further into the book I got, and how all the pieces fell into place as all was revealed - it was just incredible. it was also so great to read little anecdotes as to how it linked subtly to the Celestial Kingdom series; it felt like a fun little easter egg for me to spot and get excited about!

if you love a book with intense pining, touch her and die and a badass FMC, this is without a doubt the book for you (also go read everything else Sue Lynn Tan has written I promise you won't regret it!)

thank you to netgalley for graciously providing me with an e-arc 🤎

I kind of sort of wish she wasn’t an immortal but i still loved this so bad sue lynn tan you are a star. Like actually the queen of atmospheric writing.

Thank you Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC!

"Immortal" by Sue Lynn Tan is a standalone fantasy romance inspired by Chinese mythology. It follows the heartwarming love story of Liyen, a mortal ruler determined to protect her kingdom, and Zhangwei, an Immortal and the God of War. Tension, self-discovery, and compassion characterise this novel, which also features an action-packed plot.

The world-building is the most fascinating aspect of this book. I loved how the author depicted the Celestial Kingdom; her writing style perfectly portrayed this charming and magical realm and how it differed from Liyen's kingdom. An ancient pact binds the two places together, and even though it was convenient for the author, I still can't grasp how the mortals' aid could enforce the immortals' strength. However, there are a lot of choices I couldn't fully understand, and one of them relates to the plot twist.
Still, the atmosphere seeping through the author's prose wasn't enough to capture my attention. The novel was a bit patchy; the events unfolding before our eyes are sometimes devoid of pathos, even when scenes need to be more impactful. And yet, I barely felt involved in Liyen's growth or Zhangwei's suffering. Even though there are many plot twists scattered throughout the novel, I wasn't enthusiastic about my reading.

The romance led me astray. I expected a poignant love story, something that would make me flood with tears at the end. But this romance could be considered as insta-love, and I couldn't be more disappointed since they're far from being enemies. This premise wasn't met at all. Their relationship could be considered a star-crossed love, and I would have appreciated it a lot more if the lack of intensity was so striking. Even when the most crucial revelation was made, the scene sounded flat and emotionless.

Liyen's growth is significant, and I enjoyed reading about her dispassionate love for her grandfather. The author did a great job depicting Liyen's mourning and grief. She's a multifaceted character, changing from weak and self-conscious to confident and merciful.
On the other hand, the God of War didn't quite impress me. He wasn't as deepened as Liyen, and his character suffered a lot from the absence of his point of view, which would have given him a more in-depth insight.

All in all, what didn't convince me was the ending. A lot of information was served up to the reader, shifting the emphasis from the emotional impact they had on Liyen to the narration of her past. Unfortunately, my attention wavered, and I couldn't appreciate the resolution as much as I had hoped to.
I recommend this book if you're searching for an unpretentious romantasy and if you liked Jade Fire Gold and A Crane Among Wolves!

Deeply romantic and endlessly enchanting. A fable like tale that combines elements of whimsical prose, epic mastery of folklore and a sweeping adventure that will leave readers breathless. Filled with dangerous secrets, forbidden magic and passion. A young ruler will do anything in her power to protect her kingdom.

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐅𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 | 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐕𝐨𝐲𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲 𝐯𝐢𝐚 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐆𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐛𝐲 𝐒𝐮𝐞 𝐋𝐲𝐧𝐧 𝐓𝐚𝐧

"Immortal" by Sue Lynn Tan is a captivating blend of myth, magic, and modern-day Singapore. Tan weaves a rich tapestry of folklore and contemporary life, immersing readers in a world where gods walk among us and ancient legends shape present destinies.

The story follows Ji Lin, a talented dancer caught in a web of family secrets and supernatural intrigue. Her journey intertwines with that of Siew Tsin, a mysterious woman trapped in a century-old curse. As their paths converge, Tan masterfully explores themes of identity, sacrifice, and the timeless quest for freedom.

From the very first chapter, I found myself drawn into Tan’s lush prose and intricate worldbuilding. The way she paints Singapore’s vibrant streets while layering in folklore makes the setting feel alive. The characters are deeply nuanced, each carrying emotional weight that lingers beyond the pages. Ji Lin and Siew Tsin’s stories unfold with suspense and poignancy, making it impossible to put the book down.

Beyond the magic and mythology, Immortal resonates on a deeper level—it's a story about heritage, destiny, and the unbreakable threads that connect us to the past. The blend of folklore with contemporary storytelling feels seamless, creating a reading experience that is both enchanting and thought-provoking. Fans of mythic fiction, especially those who love stories rich with atmosphere and heart, will find Immortal a truly rewarding and immersive read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sue Lynn Tan for providing me with an e-ARC of Immortal.

Sue Lynn Tan once again delivers an enchanting world, rich with descriptions that bring the scene to life. Her ability to paint a world with colour, texture and emotion remains as enjoyable as ever. The atmosphere is immersive, drawing the reader in with poetic prose and evocative imagery.

I particularly enjoyed the beginning, where you are still piecing together what is happening. That sense of intrigue and the slow unravelling of the story’s mysteries. However, compared to her other books set in the Celestial Kingdom, the pacing in Immortal felt noticeably different. This was much more hurried, perhaps due to the constraints of being a standalone. While this didn’t detract too much from my overall enjoyment, I did find myself wishing for more room for the story to breathe, especially in the final third.

Immortal remains a beautifully crafted tale, but I personally prefer Daughter of the Moon Goddess and will probably go back to read Heart of the Sun Warrior to complete the duology in the near future.

<i>I received this ARC thanks to the Publisher and NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.</i>

This was my 4th book by Sue, and so far there were some ups and downs (yes I'm still salty about my ship not winning the OG duology too lol), I can admit her writings have improved, but she still makes the same mistakes, so I guess there's still a long way ahead of us
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<b>"What use was a gift if it wasn’t treasured?"</b>
Liyen did have a lot of similarities compared to the heroine from the OG series (keep in mind this book is set in the same universe), but some new features have been added, for better or worse. She did give me annoying vibes every time she questioned, well, anything. Starting like a rapunzel story, moving on to beauty and the beast to finish it off as The Last Immortal-like. Which was actually FUN, yay to that. As a person who did read Heart of the Sun Warrior I did know how the things are gonna unravel from the very start, too obvious to miss that, so knowing that this book does feel like genderbent book 3 set after the HOTSW. Which is also okay, because I guess it wouldn't be as interesting if we were as knowledgeable by having the mystery unveiled from day 1, and reusing the same characters over-and-over again would feel boring (tho I was really hoping for the princeling cameo, especially that they did have some business with the celestial imperials to talk through... now I'm really hoping for another spin-off book where my boy finally gets his justice :/)

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<b>"Anything can be broken. The question is whether it can be remade."</b>
What truly annoyed me? The heroine is acting super stupid. You can't go in there? Omg, let's rush there to see why, #YOLO! He's kind to me without any good reason? Ugh, I hate him. Oh no, someone betrayed me, still having legitimate feelings toward me, maybe there's a bigger scheme going on? Nah, it was all for the game.

It was just out of character, because she was described as that super smartass ready to be Daenerys without her dragons putting her male-dominated court to order, but in the same time making the most ridiculous decisions out there. But she wasn't the only one losing brain cells out and about - I really can't understand the whole 'we gotta act cold so she wouldn't realize too soon' it was just <elongation tool> for the story which I hate. The plot was fine, simply like the author's other books, it could've been written a bit better and more reasonable considering all the books fall under the ADULT category, not YA, I would love for the author to expect her readers to a bit smarter at this point, making things more cunning rather than straightforward

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<b>"I will reveal my secrets only once. Will you learn your destiny and claim your fate—or remain in endless ignorance?"</b>
This whole destiny motive was kinda random, like on one hand we were kept in the dark along the heroine, suddenly given the chosen one wild card, in the same time keeping in mind the HOTSW shenanigans so clearly knowing who's the Immortal from the book title, making it into a strange soup of 'I knew that' and 'It doesn't make any sense'.
Idk if my review gives you some 'nah' vibes, but as I said this book was enjoyable, but mostly because I already know Sue Lynn Tan's book formula for her characters, dialogues and plot twists. For me this was much better than whatever stockholm syndrome took place in HOTSW (We don't talk about Bruno), I simply wish with the 4th book in store it would get a bit more innovative writing, age appropriate for both me and the characters.

To sum it up - fun addition to the universe, read it without thinking much and simply enjoy the chivalriness of the God of War, accepting anything Liyen throws at him renouncing any sense to attachment. Solid 4 stars

Immortal by Sue Lynn Tan is a beautifully woven tale that completely swept me away. The world is rich and immersive, the kind of setting that lingers in your mind long after you turn the last page. Tan’s prose is lush and poetic, making even the smallest moments feel magical. The characters are layered and compelling, with relationships that tug at the heart in unexpected ways. While the story is filled with twists and grand stakes, there’s also an intimacy to it—a quiet emotional depth that makes it all the more powerful. This is the kind of book that leaves you spellbound, the kind you want to savor.

Immortal by Sue Lynn Tan is a breathtaking standalone romantic fantasy that seamlessly blends forbidden magic, political intrigue, and a captivating enemies-to-lovers romance. Set in the same enchanting universe as Daughter of the Moon Goddess, this novel introduces readers to a fresh cast of characters, making it accessible to both new and returning fans.

The story centers on Liyen, a determined young ruler whose ambition and resilience drive her to protect her kingdom at all costs. Her path crosses with Zhangwei, the formidable God of War, leading to a partnership fraught with tension and undeniable chemistry. Their dynamic relationship evolves amidst a backdrop of dangerous secrets and looming threats, keeping readers engaged from start to finish.

Sue Lynn Tan's lyrical prose and rich world-building transport readers into a realm teeming with vivid imagery and intricate details. The plot is expertly woven with unexpected twists and heart-wrenching stakes, ensuring an emotional and immersive reading experience. Themes of ambition, self-discovery, and the complexities of love are explored with depth and nuance, resonating long after the final page.

Immortal is a must-read for enthusiasts of epic fantasy and romance. Its compelling characters, intricate plot, and lush setting solidify Sue Lynn Tan's reputation as a masterful storyteller.