Paris Celestial

Shanghai Immortal #2

by A.Y. Chao

All aboard the Immortal Express - Lady Jing is off to Paris where she will encounter romance, danger and vampires in the sequel to the Sunday Times bestselling Shanghai Immortal.


Now a Minister of Hell, Lady Jing is mind-numbingly bored. All she wants is plain talk and time with her beau Tony Lee, who has been distracted with mortal matters of late (impending war is such a drag).

But then Aengus, a visiting Celtic deity, turns up boneless and drained of yin qi. The only way to help him is to return him to his pantheon's healer, in residence in Paris. Ready for a new adventure, Jing immediately volunteers for the task.

Accompanied by Tony Lee, the group settle into the Immortal Express for what should be a run-of-the mill journey . . . until the train is hijacked by the Vampire Republic, who are seeking hostages in their bid to demand recognition by the international pantheons.

Jing fears the worst, but when she unwittingly reveals her heritage, the vampires embrace her as one of their own . . . if she abandons her friends. Caught in an impossible situation, can Jing use her wit and spark to save them all?

Genres: Fantasy, Adult, Vampires, Fiction, Mythology

Kindle Edition

Expected publication June 9, 2026

About the author

Alice is a Chinese Canadian fantasy author. She's fascinated by the interplay between self-perceived versus imposed identity and how this intersects with belonging and explores these spaces in her stories.

Pre-order her debut SHANGHAI IMMORTAL (1 June 2023, Hodderscape) here.

Reviews

[Genevieve]

So excited for this book!
The publisher hasn't released a blurb yet but I did get a sneak peak from AY Chao about what book 2 is going to be about...
https://www.tiktok.com/@genevieve.rea...

[Ambers Book Nest · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven’t been this excited for a sequel in years. I always get nervous for sequels, especially when the first book was a 5-star read, as they don’t always live up to the expectations the first book put in place. But Paris Celestial exceeded all expectations. None of the magic, chaos and fun was lost from Shanghai Immortal, and there was more drama, more stakes and way more emotional moments. Lady Jing was an absolute delight to read, and I absolutely loved witnessing her antics once again. Lady Jing's growth from immaturity in the first book to maturity in this one is remarkable. She’s dealing with way more responsibility this time whilst also (without spoiling anything) trying to figure out where she belongs. The plot is honestly kind of insane—in a good way. You’ve got immortal train rides, vampires causing chaos, and a trip to Paris that obviously doesn’t go to plan. The chaos in the plot is well-executed and adds to the story's appeal. The world-building builds even more on the first book without feeling like anything was left behind. The world A.Y. Chao has created is really vivid and creative, mixing mainly Asian mythology with a fun, slightly chaotic vibe. The only reason it’s not a full 5 stars is because sometimes it felt a bit all over the place, like there was so much happening that some things didn’t have time to fully settle. But overall, it was such a fun read and definitely one of those sequels that keeps you hooked on the series. Here’s to hoping for more of these books, because I could honestly read 100 books set in this world.

‘Year by year, the tea slowly revealed itself. Its layers, its sweetness and bitterness, its colour, changing with time. Just as you did. The tea taught me patience; that initial astringency bloomed into a sweet complexity. You were the same.’

Book 1 - Shanghai Immortal Review

[Munch]

3.75

[Athena Freya Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. - Freya, arc & monthly book box pick reviewer (on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/athenafreya... )

Initial thoughts: Oh how I loved this world and these characters!! I missed them a lot so I was ecstatic that I got approved of this earc!

About the book: Little Jing is a Minister of Hell and is quite responsible in this book. She cares about her duty and does her best to control her temper and not cause a diplomatic disaster. However, a guest, Lord Aengus, is found drained of yin qi and they end up putting him in a vase. (haha) Little Jing is tasked with taking him to his healer in Paris. Her friends and Tony are to escort her, and well, they end up meeting lots of vampires in Paris, and since Little Jing is half vampire, things get very interesting.

What I liked 🤩: I love this world and these characters so much! I would read ten books set in this universe following Little Jing's adventures and others'. I love how the author chose an almost whimsical, quirky narrating style. It reminded me of the irreverent style of some danmei novels. I think that is why some people have had a hard time with it because it breaks the norms and is different from almost all fantasy books I've read. If you have read danmei novels like A Thousand Autumns and any MXTX novel, you will LOVE this book! This quirky book is perfect for us!!

What a character development Little Jing has shown us here! She was unable and unwilling to control her temper, taking risks without thinking of consequences much, but here, she embraces her role as a Minister of Hell, is responsible, and thinks a lot before acting. She really grows and I loved it.

The rest of the cast was fabulous, as usual. I feel like I've known these characters for a long time, and like I would be able to have full conversations with them. The plot had both unexpected twists and predictable twists, and featured many tropes found in danmei novels, which only made this book even more authentic and true to its nature. I love and respect the author's choice to utilize storytelling tropes and narrative devices found in Chinese storytelling and not adhere to Western storytelling norms.

What I didn’t like 🙃: Nothing. I had a great time with this book and made me love this story (books 1+2) even more.

Overall: This story is perfect for fans of c-dramas and danmei novels. The characterization, the worldbuilding, the almost whimsical vibes have all made this series a strong favourite of mine. I already miss them!! I will def keep my eye on this author. It feels like her books and taste match mine perfectly.

SE info: Goldsboro and Fairyloot have a SE of this to match Shanghai Immortal. I own the Goldsboro editions as I find them prettier.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is developing into a solid series, even if it has some rough edges here and there, and by that I refer to some of the over-the-top threats that Lady Jing utters to get the vampires to help her in something I won’t say any more about because of spoilers. Also, Tony Lee comes across as less likable than necessary through most of the book. Other than that, I’m enjoying this series very much.

I don’t know whether to be sad about the small number of readers who reviewed this one compared to others on Goodreads, or happy that I’m one of the select few (the chosen ones) who’ve discovered this wonderful urban fantasy. A.Y. Chao may never wind up among the superstars of the genre, but she deserves a solid audience for this.

I hope you are well and can write more, A.Y., because I’m expecting more of Lady Jing’s continued adventures.

[Rachelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely better than the first book!

I loved seeing Jing mature in this book compared to the whiny brat she started out as in the first book 😂
I also enjoyed reading more of the various cultural nuances Chao introduces us to.

Although this was a roundabout way, it was nice to see Jing get to meet her extended family and get to know what happened with her parents. By the end it feels like Jing has really settled into herself and is ready for the next chapter in her life.

What I didn't like is the ending with Tony. It felt rushed and a complete cop out to delving into his feelings about everything that has happened to him. I hope that in the next book we really see him develop and become more assertive.

Bring on book 3, I'm ready for cabaret, blood and debauchery!

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again Goodreads is insisting that this book isn't published yet and demanding to know how I've read it. Answer: it's published in the UK, and I pre-ordered it so I got it as soon as it came out - which I'm very glad about! I've been excited to read this ever since I picked up the first one, shortly after it was released, and this sequel has certainly made the wait worthwhile.

Jing's feisty nature remains as fun to read as ever, though continues to learn to temper her outbursts. The other characters are as fun as ever, and there's a new setting to explore. The stakes felt a little lower this time, so it didn't feel as tense, but the action wasn't what I loved in the first book anyway, so it didn't feel like a great loss.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adored the first book in this series "Shanghai Immortal". The second book does not disappoint! I'm loving the returning characters - especially Lady Jing and Big Wang - but the new characters are also well-drawn and engaging. The author has crafted a dramatic travelogue of love, loss and adventure, with deepening character history, whilst also enhancing the beautiful and vibrant fantasy world of yin Shanghai. The colours, scents, and scenic imagery leap from the page - and there's more delicious food than ever! Highly recommended.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I alternated reading the ebook and listening to the audiobook which is fantastically narrated by Mei Mei. She is such a vivid and great narrator, and really brings the story to life.
Another great book in the Shanghai Immortal world. I would read ten more. All of the great characters from book 1 are back, while adding some fun fresh new ones. The pacing is so good in this book, the world building is so lush and immersive.
I love this book as much as Lady Jing loves tootsie-rolls.
Also would love two Pixiu pets. They are so cute.

[mo • lesmotsdemo · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a quick and enjoyable read. I liked the plot and the universe a lot, the author did not waste time with long and unnecessary descriptions. I also liked to read about the main character’s family. However, I did not connect with the characters very much and I did not like Tony at all. Though I can understand his thoughts sometimes, he was so ungrateful, rude and close-minded.

Thank you to Netgalley for an e-ARC in exchange for a honest review.

[Bookish Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

More madcap fun with Lady Jing, this time in the Parisian streets. I love this series so much, it is funny, emotional and I love all the characters so much. It made me laugh out loud a lot and Lady Jing is golden - I love her so much. More please! Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.

[Zoe Radley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn I absolutely adored this book
, I have no idea how I held onto the first without reading it for so long. I flew through these pages like a bat out of hell…. Well maybe not quite so dramatic but honestly I loved this book, its varied characters and plot just made this feel so vibrant and fun.

[Gemma F.]

June 13. 2024

2025 can’t come sooner! The cover is gorgeous and so is the title!! 💙😍📚💕

[Vanessa Dunning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for NetGalley for providing me with this book for review. Apologies for the late review. This book so cute and quirky, absolutely loved the characters. Read over one weekend.

[Nataly Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way I was sobbing at the end of this book!! 😭 I absolutely adore Lady Jing and her found family. This is the perfect blend of fantasy and drama that I needed.