Review: Immortal by Sue Lynn Tan
- Tom Odlin
- Jun 18
- 2 min read
A sweeping, romantic fantasy about sacrifice, love, and the weight of destiny, Immortal builds on the mythic beauty of Daughter of the Moon Goddess while standing powerfully on its own.
If you enjoyed The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea or The Priory of the Orange Tree, Immortal offers that same blend of lyrical prose, star-crossed longing, and mythic adventure.
Sue Lynn Tan returns with a new standalone set in the Celestial Kingdom universe, rich with magic, ancient grudges, and impossible choices.
🚀 The Setup
Wen, an apprentice healer in a quiet village, is drawn into a divine conflict after saving a stranger wounded by stardust and shadow. She soon learns that he is no mortal man but an immortal bound to an ancient oath.
Thrust into a realm of gods and monsters, Wen must navigate celestial courts and forbidden magics while guarding her heart against the powerful bond growing between them.
As war brews between realms and secrets from Wen’s own past surface, she is forced to ask what it means to truly heal and what she is willing to lose to protect what she loves.
✨ What’s Good
Tan’s writing remains lush and evocative, steeped in poetic imagery that captures both wonder and sorrow. Every scene feels painted with starlight but grounded in deep human emotion.
Wen is a strong, empathetic protagonist. Her healing magic is not just a skill but a metaphor for her outlook on the world — one that is tested with increasing emotional stakes as the story unfolds.
The romantic tension simmers rather than burns, making each moment of connection between the leads feel earned. Their bond is rooted in quiet trust, sacrifice, and shared vulnerability.
The worldbuilding is expansive without being overwhelming. From sacred groves to celestial battlefields, the novel moves through its realms with elegance and confidence, always prioritising mood and meaning.
⚠️ What’s Slightly Less Good
The pacing occasionally lingers in the middle section. Readers looking for non-stop action may find themselves wishing for more urgency as Wen explores the celestial realms.
A few of the side characters, while intriguing, are underused. There are hints of complex stories and rivalries that don’t get as much space as they deserve.
🧹 Final Thoughts
Immortal is a graceful, emotionally rich fantasy about love, fate, and choosing your path in a world shaped by ancient stories. Sue Lynn Tan continues to prove herself a master of mythic storytelling that feels both timeless and intimate.
This is a book for readers who enjoy their fantasy romantic, their stakes emotionally charged, and their worlds infused with the divine.
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