A review by sundazebookcafe
Immortal by Sue Lynn Tan

adventurous 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? Yes

4.5

Sue Lynn Tan has quickly become one of my favourite authors. Ever since reading her Daughter of the Moon Goddess duology and discovering her background is so similar to my own, I’ve been besotted with her gorgeously evocative writing style that interlinks with the Chinese mythology I grew up with. Immortal is her first standalone romantic fantasy novel and, although I’m not a romance reader, I thoroughly enjoyed this.

Liyen is next in line to the throne and, saved by her beloved grandfather after her near-fatal poisoning, has sparked the wrath of the Immortal Queen. Her first task? To confront the immortals and discover their secrets to protect her queendom and people. But when she meets the God of War, soon she must navigate the tightrope between duty and desire. Their chemistry is undeniable, their fates entwined.

As with all of Tan’s stories, the world-building is impeccable and it is stunning, too. We return to the Celestial Kingdom, exploring Tianxia and its surrounding lands, enchanting forests and landscapes lushly realised through surprising, spellbinding prose. I loved the introduction of even more magical creatures, building on the world and moving the plot forwards rapidly. It’s a really special, perfectly wrought antithesis to the slow-burn romance between Liyen and the ruthless God of War. Plus, there’s plenty of room for growth: we watch Liyen flourish in her new role as she wades through grief, stumbles through becoming a ruler, to toughening into a brave woman.