1.5 ⭐️
DNF’d at 40%

I’m sorry. I tried really hard to push through but I was rage reading the whole time and realised that there were many books out there with so little time to try and finish a book that was not making me feel good.

Initially, the writing threw me off but no big deal. I have had worse. There were notably a lot of dialogues. But the writing was dry and awkward.

Now we talk about Liyen, the female main character. She was the main reason for my rage. This character was annoying, entitled, foolish, arrogant and a hypocrite.
How could you talk about someone hurting your feelings when you were doing the same thing? How did you not think about how that would make them feel? Of course, because you only cared about yourself.
The story repeatedly talked about her grandfather, like we know! We read about his death, we didn’t need a remainder every few paragraphs.
“This was wrong, foolish, and above all, dangerous”
You knew it yourself Liyen, yet your actions didn’t reflect it. You knew you had to secure his support but all you spewed out was venom.
You were told not to enter the South Courtyard, yet you entered it then had the audacity to say it wasn’t a big deal though you didn’t know what significance it had. (On that note, why was it off-limit? Guess we’ll never know because that was another extra detail that was added as a filler to help the plot)
“You stole from me first” - No they did not, you stole their Lotus, one that did not belong to you or your grandfather. Yet here you were, saying that when they tried to take it back
“If I’m a thief, what are you?” - An immortal who was claiming back what was rightly theirs?? Using the same tactic that YOU were using???

Zhangwei, the God of War, were so so flat and so typical of a male character.

I had such high hopes for this because the author’s previous work was praised highly.
This was flat.
The instant attraction and affection were also a turn-off.

Being new to the world I was slow to understand and fully sink into the story, but once I did it was worth it. The scenery and setting were so beautiful and vibrantly crafted, from the surroundings, to the clothing to the food everything was so vivid.

Liyen is such an interesting character. She is stubborn to the core, loyal and fantastically angry— slow to forgive. But she’s also vulnerable and compassionate even when faced with those who have opposed her. She isn’t afraid to forge her own path and make her own decisions.

The chemistry between herself and Zhangwei, the God of War, seems quick to begin and develop, but that does make more sense the further into the story you get.
It’s almost enemies to lovers but isn’t at the same time(?). I wish we got more development and context in their relationship when you reach certain (specific) parts of the plot. Saying this, they did make me smile more often than not. The romance was very sweet, and had a “touch her and die” moment.

The pacing threw me at times, it was very quick in some parts but does slow down in others, and repeats that pattern. But! This was a really good time. I really enjoyed the side characters and their relationships with Liyen, some of their jokes and interactions really gave the story life. The plot was fun, and the world was beautiful.

Thank you to HarperCollins UK and NetGalley for providing me the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review! ⭐️

ʏᴏᴜ ᴘʟᴏᴛᴛᴇᴅ ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴛʜɪɴɢ sᴏ ᴇʟᴀʙᴏʀᴀᴛᴇʟʏ, ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘʀᴇᴄɪsɪᴏɴ ᴏғ sᴇᴛᴛɪɴɢ ᴏᴜᴛ ᴛᴏ ᴡᴀʀ
ᴛʜɪs ᴡᴀs ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴏsᴛ ɪᴍᴘᴏʀᴛᴀɴᴛ ʙᴀᴛᴛʟᴇ ɪ’ᴅ ᴇᴠᴇʀ ғᴏᴜɢʜᴛ.
ᴛʜᴇ ᴏɴᴇ ғᴏʀ ʏᴏᴜʀ ʜᴇᴀʀᴛ, ᴏᴜʀ ʟɪᴠᴇs, ᴏᴜʀ ғᴜᴛᴜʀᴇ

If you love Chinese mythology, adventure, romance and an enchanting world this is your book.

To win the God of War’s favour was wise.
To fall in love with him would ruin me

This was such a magical book. I loved exploring more of the world of “Daughter of the Moon Goddess” but with new characters.

The Chinese mythology was very present in the book and I love it as well as a personal twist from the author.

[A deadly betrayal…
When Liyen ascends the throne of Tianxia she vows to end her kingdom's obligation to the fickle immortals who once protected them.
A dangerous alliance…
She must learn their secrets to protect her people, but to do this she will have to forge a tenuous alliance with the one she should fear and mistrust the most: the ruthless God of War.]

I am down bad for the God of War and I regret nothing.
Liyen is such a strong character. Since she’s been very weak since a kid all her strength is in her knowledge. She was never be able to train but she’s always use what she knows to her best advantage. And that’s how she gets an alliance with the god of war.

After her grandpa death she meets the god of war and as a new heir she’s forced to go the queen to pledge her mandate.
Because of this, she will spent lot of time with the god of war whose she’s not very found of.
Only problem is she is not sure what to trust and if they are really starting to get closer or if he has other reasons (like she does at the begging)

The romance in the book with the slow burn and the forced proximity was perfection. They way they are attracted to each other and they put themselves in danger to safe the other when they are not even friends.
Also the attentions to details. Like everytime he looked at her and knows her deeply.

Also the plot twist I didn’t set it coming at all. And I’m obsessed but it.
As well as everything he does to regain her trust again.

First I was worried as I hadn’t read any of the other books from this author but this is a stand alone book so it was perfect. The characters develop at a good pace as you read. I really enjoyed the world building and character interactions .

I do need all the C-drama and silk punk in my life. And I was eager to dive back into the Celestial Kingdom.

Immortal is a standalone in this world, so don't worry if you have not yet read the other books by the author.

The writing style is so very engaging, and it takes about a page or two to get immersed into this lush worldbuilding.

There's insta-lust which usually bores me. But in this case I can assure you that it will pay back if you hang on and just let it develop.

As with the other books by Sue Lynn Tan, I love the story and everything about it, even though the last emotional kick is missing to make it a highlight.

4/5 stars

Thank you @netgalley and @hapercollins @harpervoyager_uk for the eARC!

#Immortal #CelestialKingdoms #Netgalley #Bookstagram

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.

Thank you Harper Voyager, Sue Lynn Tan and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Immortal by Sue Lynn Tan is a standalone novel inspired by Chinese Mythology. This book happened to be my first book by the author and a perfect introduction to Chinese Mythology inspired books! Tan's writing is whimsical and lyrical yet simple at the same time. The way she paces the book was brilliantly as it never felt too slow or too fast and everything seemed to go in a flow. The characters were very well developed and had personalities and backstories of their own --- including the side characters. The plot pacing was perfect and I enjoyed the way it unfolded. The plot twists were unexpected and unpredictable but some of them I had expected. The romance between Zhangwei and Liyen was perfect with the right amount of slow burn and banter.

Overall, this book was a very refreshing and enjoyable read with lyrical and whimsical writing churned in Chinese Mythology!

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Voyager UK for the ARC! Immortal is a standalone novel with fantasy elements from Chinese Mythology inspired setting which will blow your mind. The characters were so well developed with unique identities of their own and the pacing of the plot was perfect, neither to fast nor slow. Most of the plot twists were unexpected but had me grappling and losing my mind over it. Overall, it was a really captivating and refreshing read after a long time!

5⭐

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Voyager UK for the ARC!

“𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙙𝙨 𝙙𝙞𝙙 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙪𝙨, 𝙄 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚.”

Immortal, is a stunning standalone romantic fantasy novel with forbidden secrets, mystery and magic where a young ruler fights to protect her kingdom by Sue Lynn Tan.

I started reading Immortal with very absurdly high expectations and it did not fail me. Whether it was from the whimsical prose, the well developed characters or lush world-building, it allured my attention and had me hooked from the very first chapter.

Set against a lush and vividly drawn backdrop with elements from Chinese Mythology to create a mysterious blend of a romantic fantasy intertwined with political intrigue and forbidden magic.

Zhangwei is stoic and somewhat aloof, alluring, mysterious, dynamic, and a charmingly enigmatic character.
He’s initially a very quiet character, yet somehow he never feels out of reach or underdeveloped. He’s present and that presence is essential to the plot. When he’s on page, all eyes are on him. There is so much mystery surrounding him that was unravelled so beautifully and the way his cunning mind intricately plotted showed how well he was developed as a character. His intentions and thoughts are unclear which brings a sense of distrust in him while the romantic plot blooms between the God of War and Liyen.

Liyen was an interesting protagonist. She looked mysterious to an onlooker with a brash and stubborn attitude.As the story progressed we see a different side of her -- how she became the person she was. She is soft yet sharp, brash yet resolved, she is a character with evolution. She was never playing the rule of Mary Sue being super strong and perfect. She had flaws of her own and frail as any mortal but without a filter when it came to get opinions. Liyen was honestly a menace in the best way possible.

The banter and romance between Liyen and the God of War was perfect. The progression, the banter, the struggle, the betrayal and the heart were perfectly paced.

The world-building was so intricately constructee and very vivid to imagine. The lush setting and backdrop with vivid descriptions were perfectly to enact the scenes in mind. The plot is perfect paced, not fast or slow. The twists however had me grappling because they were foreshadowed so many times but so subtly that you would have never guessed it. Most of them were unexpected and took a different direction than I had expected and some had caught my eness excitement when I was proved right!

Immortal is truly an immortally thrilling read with heartbreak and angst. The stakes were high with everything going on. The side characters were as fun and developed as the main characters. It is enchanting and wholly enjoyable from every part of the book. Nothing is as it seems, as the story unfolds into a tale of its own.

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!!!