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a standalone fantasy set in the same world as Daughter of the Moon Goddess, Immortal shows some improvement in the authors writing style as she tells a love story that transcends the past, present and future. Liyen of Tianxia has been poisoned, causing her grandfather to steal the enchanted lotus pearl to save her life. this angers the immortal queen and in turn she sends the god of war Zhangwei, to attack Tianxia. after Liyen’s grandfather’s death, she reluctantly ascends the throne and vows to do anything to protect her people and their way of life. Zhangwei’s reputation as a bloodthirsty warrior has Liyen unwilling to trust him, as Zhangwei has his own motivations for wanting the lotus pearl for himself. not all is as it seems though and as they spend more time together, they’ll start to question what’s more important to them: duty or love.

“No trade is bad between us.�� He tucked a lock of hair behind my ear. “With you, it doesn’t matter whether I win or lose.��

i’ve read two other books recently with this exact kind of “fated love�� type of story but i still really enjoyed this one. the characters have great banter and chemistry, Zhangwei especially is mostly misunderstood and it was nice to see his true personality start to come out. he’s seen as someone who thrives in bloodshed and war, when really he does what he’s forced to and would rather people see him for who he really is and not what his blades can do. Liyen is stubborn but devoted to the people who are close to her heart and the journey her character arc goes through in this was beautiful. while i don’t think this book is the most original.. it’s themes are executed well and the eventual romance with all it’s yearning was actually so sweet, they’re a perfect match.

“I’ve chased you across the skies and earth, to the Netherwold itself. I will never let you go again.��

�� many thanks to NetGalley, the author and Avon/Harper Voyager for the arc, all opinions are my own.