Immortal

Spin-off novels set in the same world as previous books from a specific author enhance the experience of an already beloved world. Primarily, what these types of novels offer is immersion, nostalgia, and continuity for readers. Returning to familiar settings and expanding upon worlds that are already well-loved allows for the author, too, to explore new stories without having to build out entirely new rules, cultures, or magic systems. This is a strategic rather than lackadaisical approach because it enhances the reading experience. Strong attachments to characters, places, and histories already exist before reading, which allows for a deeper immersion and emotional connection to the story.

Sue Lynn Tan returned to the world she built in the Celestial Kingdom Duology, choosing to explore new characters and stories within the same world while incorporating the rules and histories she previously established. While the Celestial Kingdom Duology follows the Immortal Realm, Immortal focuses on the Mortal Realm. Immortal is a stand-alone novel that does not require prior knowledge of the Celestial Kingdom Duology, but Tan has noted that reading the texts together can provide different perspectives on how immortals and mortals view themselves and each other (Jones, Iyana, “Sue Lynn Tan Returns to World of Celestial Kingdom in ‘Immortal’: Inside Her Forbidden Love Romance,” Swooon, 13 Jan.