Immortal

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Reflect on your emotions during the scene revealing Aunt Shou as a Wuxin and Lord Dalian’s biological mother. How did these feelings affect your opinion of Aunt Shou’s character? Taking into account everything Aunt Shou has done by the novel’s end, what is your opinion of Aunt Shou’s moral character?

2. The novel has brief moments where it emphasizes the emotional and character-forming importance of memories. Consider the role your own memories play in your development, emotions, or other areas of your life. In what ways have they shaped you as a person? In what ways would you be different without their influence?

3. Throughout the novel, Liyen is uncertain whether Zhangwei’s feelings for her are real or feigned because he desperately needs something from her. Have you ever been in a situation where you doubted someone’s intentions because they might want something from you? Given your own experiences, are Liyen’s reactions and her overall guarded nature during her interactions with Zhangwei realistically portrayed?

4. The story shows many instances of grief: Liyen mourns her grandfather, Aunt Shou mourns her late daughter, Queen Caihong mourns her consort. In what ways does each character exhibit different manifestations of grief? Can you relate to any of their coping mechanisms?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. The kingdom of Tianxia remains trapped in servitude to the immortals due to a long-standing treaty that was meant to protect them but ultimately restricts their autonomy. How does this dynamic reflect real-world histories of colonial rule, imperialism, or political control? In what ways does Liyen’s resistance mirror historical or contemporary struggles for independence and self-governance?

2. Immortals demand loyalty from mortals, yet they do little to earn it, believing their status alone justifies their authority. How does this reflect societal and political structures in history or modern governance? Do you see parallels to real-world leaders who rule through fear or tradition rather than merit?

3. The immortals in the novel enjoy endless life, but at what cost? Zhangwei, despite his strength, is still vulnerable to suffering and desperation, while Liyen sees the fleeting nature of human life as valuable. How does the novel’s exploration of mortality and immortality reflect real-world discussions on aging, legacy, and the pursuit of longevity (e.g., advancements in medicine, fears of obsolescence, or cultural attitudes toward death)?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. Immortal balances court intrigue, action, and slow-burning character relationships. How does the novel’s structure impact its tension and emotional weight? Does the pacing effectively build suspense, particularly in Liyen and Zhangwei’s evolving dynamic?

2. Both Liyen and Zhangwei use manipulation to achieve their goals—Liyen for Tianxia’s freedom, Zhangwei for his survival. How do their arcs challenge traditional hero and villain roles? How does the novel make both characters sympathetic despite their betrayals?

3. The Immortal Realm is depicted as opulent and powerful, while Tianxia is trapped behind magical walls, reinforcing the mortals’ subjugation. How does the contrast between these settings shape the novel’s themes of freedom, control, and inequality?

4. One of the novel’s central themes is Earning Rather than Demanding Devotion. How is this theme explored through Liyen’s rejection of Queen Caihong’s authority and Zhangwei’s failed attempt to claim the Divine Pearl Lotus? How does the novel suggest that power must be legitimized through trust rather than force?

5. Sue Lynn Tan’s works often incorporate Chinese mythology and folklore. How does Immortal weave mythological elements into the fabric of the story? How do these elements reinforce the novel’s themes or worldbuilding?