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Title: Immortal
Author: Sue Lynn Tan
Source: DRC via NetGalley (Avon and Harper Voyager| Harper Voyager) in exchange for an honest review
Publication Date: January 7, 2025
Synopsis: Goodreads
Purchase Link: Amazon

Other books by this author:
Daughter of the Moon Goddess
Heart of the Sun Warrior
Tales from the Celestial Kingdom

Why did I choose to read this book?

Sue Lynn Tan won my heart with Daughter of the Moon Goddess and I haven’t forced her to give it back to me yet. I chose to read this book because being inside of one of Tan’s stories is like eating the most decadent meal or being inside the most beautiful painting you can think of. You’re immersing yourself in emotion and color and feeling and I don’t think I would want to be without stories like that.

What is this book about?

Without spoiling too much of this story (because there is a CRAZY twist you will NOT see coming) I would say that this book will speak to people who wish that the all-powerful would just take a goddamn second and consider the little guy, especially when their choices tend to have consequences that affect the little guy and not themselves. I know that was worded weird, but if you know, you know, you know?

What is notable about this story?

I love a story where the main characters just have an instant attraction. Liyen knows she should hate the God of War, but isn’t he FINE??? wait she can’t have those feelings…unless? That kind of vibe is amazing. The God of War doesn’t act negatively toward her, mostly neutral, but she has the inner turmoil about how he makes her feel. Not exactly an enemies to lovers story, but close enough that it’s satisfying in a similar way.

I also enjoyed the exploration of the idea that just because a leader is questionable or evil or corrupt doesn’t mean that the entire people they lord over/govern are also that way. That separation is essential; individuals can’t choose where they are born or who they are born to, they can only do the best they can with what they have. It’s easy to hate, it takes kindness and thoughtfulness to have understanding and mercy.

Was anything not so great?

Again, I do not want to spoil what makes this book so special, but I will say that I am learning that if you have read all of Sue Lynn Tan’s work up to this point, you will kick yourself for NOT seeing the twist coming. After it happened to me I felt kind of dumb, like she got me, you know? It was a momentary bad feeling that melted into continued enjoyment of the story. So prepare to “get got” as it were, Tan is an excellent writer.

What’s the verdict?

5 stars on Goodreads and all I can say is if you aren’t already reading anything Sue Lynn Tan writes, what are you waiting for? GO DO IT.