The Celestial Kingdom world has apparently become my go-to escape when off work for a few days due to illness as I have just flown through Immortal over two days between naps. 

Whether you’re familiar with this world or not (and you absolutely do not have to be – this book stands alone), Sue Lynn Tan’s beautiful writing draws you in. The descriptions are vivid and rich, fully immersing you in this world. 

The characters are fantastic. I loved Liyen our FMC – determined and strong, yet flawed and vulnerable. I truly felt every emotion with her – there was just something so real about her. Then we have Zhangwei, the God of War, our MMC. So much more than we see at the initial surface level. As much as he frustrated me at times, it was so nice to see the care he had for Liyen. And I truly loved seeing their relationship develop. Yes, there were miscommunications and frustrations but there was such a solid bon developed between the two. 

The book displays a brilliant combination of political intrigue and manoeuvring, fantastical elements and a well-crafted romantic plotline. There is truly something magical in Sue Lynn Tan’s writing and world-building, and I am so glad I picked this up.