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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
slow-paced
The writing was beautiful, and the physical book itself was STUNNING. I enjoyed this, but I definitely feel like there could have been more depth and character development- the vibes were good and honestly it's a 4 star for that reason!
The ultimate “beautiful gowns” book right down to the actual gowns.
Let’s talk about what I did enjoy
1. Cute Banter
I thought Liyen and Zhangwei had fun banter. They tease each other in the most hilarious and affectionate way.
2. True enemies-to-lovers!?
I love the enemies-to-lovers trope so much. I have yet to read a book that has proper enemies to lovers and this book made me excited because I thought I found it.
I swore this was going to be the beginning of hatred between Liyen and Zhangwei with attraction and affection simmering beneath the surface. I knew they were going to end up together, so I was excited to see them overcome their conflicting desires.
3. I like the writing
I like writing that strikes a good balance between simple and embellished with some fresh metaphors and pretty descriptions thrown in. “It was a delicate balance, weaving one’s influence over a reluctant court but not yanking the threads had enough to tempt rebellion,” I really liked that!
I enjoyed learning about how the Divine Pearl Lotus was formed from the blood of a dragon and phoenix fighting over a pearl and creating this gorgeous hidden landscape described in chapter 26. Tan does a great job of weaving mythology into her work.
What I didn’t enjoy?
1. The foundation of their love was flimsy
Days ago!? I’m someone who develops crushes quickly and for stupid reasons, but measuring love in DAYS just added to my feeling that Liyen and Zhangwei were falling in love too quickly for no reason.
2. Squandered enemies-to-lovers trope and a needlessly confusing plot
I was pretty bored through part 1 until we got to chapter 14. Instead of showing us Liyen and Zhangwei going from enemies to acquaintances or allies to lovers, Tan gave us a convoluted excuse; Liyen actually used to be an immortal who was engaged to Zhangwei which is why they love each other but the Wuxin poisoned her AND cursed her AND her memory got wiped but now her memory is back and they’re in love again.
WHAT.
When that was revealed towards the end of the novel, I completely lost interest in continuing. I ended up skimming the end. That confusion paired with the slow-paced plot dampened my enjoyment of the novel.
Overall, it Immortal is certainly pretty and had potential, but I’m sad to say I didn’t enjoy it as much as I hoped.
Initial Jan 19 Review: I wish I loved this book as much as I loved the beauty of the cover!! It’s even prettier with the glossy finish and hot pink sprayed edges.
I didn’t love it, but I didn’t hate it either.
Let’s talk about what I did enjoy
1. Cute Banter
“He was still staring at me, a slow smile spreading across his lips. ‘Have you looked your fill?’
‘Don’t flatter yourself,’ I scoffed.”
I thought Liyen and Zhangwei had fun banter. They tease each other in the most hilarious and affectionate way.
2. True enemies-to-lovers!?
“With you, I am warm.
When he’d said this, I thought it meant something more, the glimpse of a declaration – but it was the stark truth. He didn’t want me, but the power of the Divine Parl Lotus. And he would stop at nothing to claim it.”
I love the enemies-to-lovers trope so much. I have yet to read a book that has proper enemies to lovers and this book made me excited because I thought I found it.
I swore this was going to be the beginning of hatred between Liyen and Zhangwei with attraction and affection simmering beneath the surface. I knew they were going to end up together, so I was excited to see them overcome their conflicting desires.
3. I like the writing
I like writing that strikes a good balance between simple and embellished with some fresh metaphors and pretty descriptions thrown in. “It was a delicate balance, weaving one’s influence over a reluctant court but not yanking the threads had enough to tempt rebellion,” I really liked that!
I enjoyed learning about how the Divine Pearl Lotus was formed from the blood of a dragon and phoenix fighting over a pearl and creating this gorgeous hidden landscape described in chapter 26. Tan does a great job of weaving mythology into her work.
What I didn’t enjoy?
1. The foundation of their love was flimsy
“The space between us seemed to tighten. A flutter stirred in my chest, so different from just days ago, when he’d evoked dread.”
Days ago!? I’m someone who develops crushes quickly and for stupid reasons, but measuring love in DAYS just added to my feeling that Liyen and Zhangwei were falling in love too quickly for no reason.
2. Squandered enemies-to-lovers trope and a needlessly confusing plot
I was pretty bored through part 1 until we got to chapter 14. Instead of showing us Liyen and Zhangwei going from enemies to acquaintances or allies to lovers, Tan gave us a convoluted excuse; Liyen actually used to be an immortal who was engaged to Zhangwei which is why they love each other but the Wuxin poisoned her AND cursed her AND her memory got wiped but now her memory is back and they’re in love again.
WHAT.
When that was revealed towards the end of the novel, I completely lost interest in continuing. I ended up skimming the end. That confusion paired with the slow-paced plot dampened my enjoyment of the novel.
Overall, it Immortal is certainly pretty and had potential, but I’m sad to say I didn’t enjoy it as much as I hoped.
Initial Jan 19 Review: I wish I loved this book as much as I loved the beauty of the cover!! It’s even prettier with the glossy finish and hot pink sprayed edges.
I didn’t love it, but I didn’t hate it either.
Immortal is a beautiful story that follows Liyen, a young woman, who’s life is spared by the sacrifice of her grandfather, ascends the throne of Tianxia. This sacrifice enrages the Immortals, and Liyen must travel to their land to receive the blessing to rule her land. With her kingdom under threat, Liyen must confront the Immortals and unravel their secrets.
This story has beautiful world building, and a an incredible romance any reader will fall for. Liyen is stubborn and hot headed and beautifully human as she navigates the world of the Immortals. The chemistry between Liyen and the God of War is warming and hopeful, leaving me aching for more.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for providing me this ARC in exchange of my honest opinions!
This story has beautiful world building, and a an incredible romance any reader will fall for. Liyen is stubborn and hot headed and beautifully human as she navigates the world of the Immortals. The chemistry between Liyen and the God of War is warming and hopeful, leaving me aching for more.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for providing me this ARC in exchange of my honest opinions!
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
emotional
adventurous
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3.5??? Immortal is not what I was expecting!! I mean that in both a positive and negative sense. This book had me up until around the middle part…after that my interest tanked significantly. I feel like the best way I can describe it is that the highs were high and the lows were in hell
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes