Review of Immortal by Sue Lynn Tan
From the moment I stumbled upon Immortal by Sue Lynn Tan on NetGalley, I felt an irresistible pull—not just because of the mesmerizing cover, but also the compelling premise that promised a blend of romance, mythology, and emotional depth. As a book lover, I thrive on stories that transport me to different realms, especially those steeped in rich cultural detail. Little did I know that this enchanting novel would soon become a hallmark in my reading journey.
At its core, Immortal invites readers into the Mortal Realm of Tianxia, where we meet Liyen, a headstrong and determined princess whose life transforms with the miraculous Divine Pearl Lotus. This character stole my heart almost instantly; her transformation from a sickly royal into a vigorous leader is nothing short of inspiring. Liyen is fiercely intelligent, sarcastically witty, and unyielding in her dedication to her people, making her one of the most admirable protagonists I’ve encountered in recent literature. And then there’s Zhangwei, the God of War, whose misunderstood aura and inner turmoil add layers of complexity to their relationship. Their journey through rivalry and love is beautifully encapsulated in Liyen’s words: "I was my past and my present—and I would forge my own future."
While the beginning of the book had a slow start that felt slightly laborious, it quickly picked up pace once we delved deeper into the characters. The nuanced writing style, steeped in vivid imagery and emotional resonance, swept me into a world where each turn of the page was met with anticipation. The banter between Liyen and Zhangwei, as well as their interactions with supporting characters like Aunt Shou and Chengyin, added a delightful flair to the narrative, effortlessly balancing moments of levity with the weight of political intrigue and war that saturate the book.
What I truly adored were the plot twists—oh, the plot twists! They caught me completely off guard, revealing intricacies that had been woven subtly into the fabric of the story. As quotes like “But I’ll take a curse from you any day, over the praise from any other” illustrate, Tan’s ability to weave complex emotional threads into her narrative left me utterly captivated. I found myself reflecting on the nature of war and peace, and the gray area between heroism and villainy that she navigates so deftly.
With Immortal, Tan has crafted a narrative that shines as brightly as its titular subject. Though it’s rooted in fantasy, the novel elegantly raises questions about morality, duty, and the often tangled web of human emotions. Readers who appreciate intricate world-building merged with heartfelt romance will find a treasure trove in this book.
In conclusion, Immortal is more than just a novel; it’s an experience—a chance to connect with characters who feel vividly real and a story that resonates on multiple levels. As I add this stunning morsel to my physical library, I can’t help but cherish how it deepens my understanding of narratives that are both beautiful and tumultuous. I highly encourage anyone on the fence to dive into this masterpiece when it releases on January 7, 2025. You won’t regret giving Liyen and Zhangwei your heart.