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Celestial Cataclysms #1
Immortal Connections
A new Immortal has risen... and with him, the fate of all the realms hangs in the balance.
Long Wu Ying has ascended to the Heavens, fulfilling the ultimate dream of all cultivators. However, the heavens are not all that it seems, and his vow to raise his lover to the realms of immortality conflicts with the Jade Palace’s rules.
In the Middle Kingdom, the fracturing of an empire echoes across the kingdoms. As states rush to fill the power vacuum, war-weary armies march with little food, weakened by years of drought. Wu Ying’s mortal friends are caught in the middle of the conflict. As leaders among cultivators and within their sect, they must do what they can to hold the world together and carry on without their closest ally.
When chaos consumes the realms above and below, even the greatest cultivators must surrender to the winds of fate.
Immortal Connections is the first book in Celestial Cataclysms, the new epic xianxia fantasy series by Tao Wong. Taking place in the same world as A Thousand Li, it delves into realms old and new, making it perfect for longtime fans and first-time readers alike.
Long Wu Ying has ascended to the Heavens, fulfilling the ultimate dream of all cultivators. However, the heavens are not all that it seems, and his vow to raise his lover to the realms of immortality conflicts with the Jade Palace’s rules.
In the Middle Kingdom, the fracturing of an empire echoes across the kingdoms. As states rush to fill the power vacuum, war-weary armies march with little food, weakened by years of drought. Wu Ying’s mortal friends are caught in the middle of the conflict. As leaders among cultivators and within their sect, they must do what they can to hold the world together and carry on without their closest ally.
When chaos consumes the realms above and below, even the greatest cultivators must surrender to the winds of fate.
Immortal Connections is the first book in Celestial Cataclysms, the new epic xianxia fantasy series by Tao Wong. Taking place in the same world as A Thousand Li, it delves into realms old and new, making it perfect for longtime fans and first-time readers alike.
- GenresFantasy
1137 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2026
About the author
Tao Wong
153 books996 followersTao Wong is the author of the A Thousand Li progression fantasy series and the System Apocalypse LitRPG series, among others. His work has been released in audio, paperback, hardcover, and ebook formats, and translated into German, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, and several other languages. He was shortlisted for the UK Kindle Storyteller Award in 2021 for A Thousand Li: The Second Sect. In 2026, the first three books in the A Thousand Li series will be republished in hardcover by Ace Books.
When he’s not writing or working, he enjoys practicing martial arts, reading, and dreaming up new worlds. He lives in Toronto, Canada.
When he’s not writing or working, he enjoys practicing martial arts, reading, and dreaming up new worlds. He lives in Toronto, Canada.
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April 29, 2026Welcome to the Celestial Cataclysms universe, which really is just an extension of my A Thousand Li series. Those of you coming from A Thousand Li might realize there's less discussion about power progression, even if there is some aspects of it. Part of that is because this is really an epic fantasy, told over nine books and what looks like a few million words.
I've never written an epic fantasy before, so I had a lot of help from editors to get it right. There's a lot of POVs to keep track of, but they're all going to be rather important as things go along.
I'm also going to try to be more intentional about who shows up, their place in the story and try not to leave as many characters behind. I'll still do that, to some extent, as characters introduced in one section might not follow; but I'll do my best to draw many back.
For those who know me, I'm writing this in a series of trilogy arc, with a massive storyline arc over it all. I'm hoping, for those new to the world, you'll be just as invested as my older fans. There's a giant story to be told, and a lot of words to write; but I'm committed to finishing it - no matter what.
Thank you all for joining me on this journey and I look forward to seeing you in the next book.
Want to read a bonus epilogue and see art for the series? Find them all here: https://www.mylifemytao.com/ccbonus/
I've never written an epic fantasy before, so I had a lot of help from editors to get it right. There's a lot of POVs to keep track of, but they're all going to be rather important as things go along.
I'm also going to try to be more intentional about who shows up, their place in the story and try not to leave as many characters behind. I'll still do that, to some extent, as characters introduced in one section might not follow; but I'll do my best to draw many back.
For those who know me, I'm writing this in a series of trilogy arc, with a massive storyline arc over it all. I'm hoping, for those new to the world, you'll be just as invested as my older fans. There's a giant story to be told, and a lot of words to write; but I'm committed to finishing it - no matter what.
Thank you all for joining me on this journey and I look forward to seeing you in the next book.
Want to read a bonus epilogue and see art for the series? Find them all here: https://www.mylifemytao.com/ccbonus/
May 4, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ALC/ARC.
DNF at 34% (which, don't be fooled, I listened to more than 10 hours - not sure how much that is in pages as the NetGalley reader doesn't have page numbers - of this. This book is just endlessly long.)
"But why does this get 3 stars if you DNF'ed it?" Because it didn't, like, suck. It was just marketed badly as the first part of a series when it is very clearly the first part of a SPINOFF of ANOTHER series. There's context, worldbuilding, character introductions etc. that you can tell the reader is supposed to already be familiar with but they really aren't unless they've read the previous series, which has TWELVE MAIN BOOKS plus a bunch of sub-books?? Idk what to call them, but the ones that get numbered 0.1, 0.4, 2.5 etc on Goodreads, each of which is also like. long. 500+ pages from what I've gathered. There is NO summary, introduction or anything of the sort in this book. You are just thrown into a world that the author has fleshed out, again, in TWELVE PREVIOUS MASSIVE FANTASY TOMES, and you aren't given any pointer. There's concepts discussed that are familiar to people familiar with Chinese philosophy, such as the Dao, but still, you can't really tell how the author uses them in this specific novel.
There's also a bunch of different characters and POVs and again, you have no idea who any of these people are, but they know who they are. There's dynamics happening that leave you bamboozled. There's also rules to the world that leave you bamboozled. A lot of stuff that leaves you bamboozled. And I think this missing context is why it felt like nothing important happened in the first TEN!!!!!!!! hours of this book - there are some tests and stuff, but you don't really understand their significance because you don't know how this world works!
Specific to the audio, the fact that this book had so many perspectives but only one narrator made it even more difficult to follow. There's only so many girl voices a male narrator can do before the characters start all sounding the same, and while the number of possible boy voices is slightly higher, there is also a finite number of boy voices a narrator can do. This narrator ran out of distinct voices pretty quickly, because there's just so. many. characters. However, the same issue persists in writing, because while you do see the characters' names, you kind of lose track of who's who as the author doesn't go and introduce the characters anew, as the assumption is that we, the readers, already know them.
This still gets 3 stars because it has potential and I can imagine that reading it is a lot more enjoyable if you've read the previous series. Usually, when I request a book and notice it's part of a series, I then go and try to also read the rest of the series first to be fair in my review, but that simply wasn't happening this time. I have a life, too, and no time for 10000 pages of epic fantasy just to read another 900 pages of epic fantasy. I am begging the publisher to please not market this as a new, separate series. Please. The reader will be so confused about everything.
DNF at 34% (which, don't be fooled, I listened to more than 10 hours - not sure how much that is in pages as the NetGalley reader doesn't have page numbers - of this. This book is just endlessly long.)
"But why does this get 3 stars if you DNF'ed it?" Because it didn't, like, suck. It was just marketed badly as the first part of a series when it is very clearly the first part of a SPINOFF of ANOTHER series. There's context, worldbuilding, character introductions etc. that you can tell the reader is supposed to already be familiar with but they really aren't unless they've read the previous series, which has TWELVE MAIN BOOKS plus a bunch of sub-books?? Idk what to call them, but the ones that get numbered 0.1, 0.4, 2.5 etc on Goodreads, each of which is also like. long. 500+ pages from what I've gathered. There is NO summary, introduction or anything of the sort in this book. You are just thrown into a world that the author has fleshed out, again, in TWELVE PREVIOUS MASSIVE FANTASY TOMES, and you aren't given any pointer. There's concepts discussed that are familiar to people familiar with Chinese philosophy, such as the Dao, but still, you can't really tell how the author uses them in this specific novel.
There's also a bunch of different characters and POVs and again, you have no idea who any of these people are, but they know who they are. There's dynamics happening that leave you bamboozled. There's also rules to the world that leave you bamboozled. A lot of stuff that leaves you bamboozled. And I think this missing context is why it felt like nothing important happened in the first TEN!!!!!!!! hours of this book - there are some tests and stuff, but you don't really understand their significance because you don't know how this world works!
Specific to the audio, the fact that this book had so many perspectives but only one narrator made it even more difficult to follow. There's only so many girl voices a male narrator can do before the characters start all sounding the same, and while the number of possible boy voices is slightly higher, there is also a finite number of boy voices a narrator can do. This narrator ran out of distinct voices pretty quickly, because there's just so. many. characters. However, the same issue persists in writing, because while you do see the characters' names, you kind of lose track of who's who as the author doesn't go and introduce the characters anew, as the assumption is that we, the readers, already know them.
This still gets 3 stars because it has potential and I can imagine that reading it is a lot more enjoyable if you've read the previous series. Usually, when I request a book and notice it's part of a series, I then go and try to also read the rest of the series first to be fair in my review, but that simply wasn't happening this time. I have a life, too, and no time for 10000 pages of epic fantasy just to read another 900 pages of epic fantasy. I am begging the publisher to please not market this as a new, separate series. Please. The reader will be so confused about everything.
May 2, 2026
Immortal Connections by Tao Wong is a compelling and richly layered entry in the xianxia fantasy genre, particularly rewarding for someone like me who enjoys the tone and themes of wuxia dramas.
The novel follows Wu Ying after his ascension to immortality, where he quickly discovers that the Heavens are governed by rigid laws and complex politics rather than freedom. As the mortal world descends into conflict in his absence, he is forced to confront a central tension: uphold celestial law or protect those he left behind.
Wong effectively balances expansive worldbuilding of spanning celestial hierarchies, cultivation systems, and political structures with a grounded emotional core. The contrast between immortal duty and personal loyalty adds depth and resonance throughout.
While the pacing can be dense at times (expected for the first novel of a story of this scope), attentive readers are reward with a thoughtful, immersive experience. Overall, Immortal Connections is an excellent start to a larger saga, well suited to fans of introspective, character-driven epic fantasy and wuxia-inspired storytelling.
Thank you Tao Wong, Starlit Publishing, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.
The novel follows Wu Ying after his ascension to immortality, where he quickly discovers that the Heavens are governed by rigid laws and complex politics rather than freedom. As the mortal world descends into conflict in his absence, he is forced to confront a central tension: uphold celestial law or protect those he left behind.
Wong effectively balances expansive worldbuilding of spanning celestial hierarchies, cultivation systems, and political structures with a grounded emotional core. The contrast between immortal duty and personal loyalty adds depth and resonance throughout.
While the pacing can be dense at times (expected for the first novel of a story of this scope), attentive readers are reward with a thoughtful, immersive experience. Overall, Immortal Connections is an excellent start to a larger saga, well suited to fans of introspective, character-driven epic fantasy and wuxia-inspired storytelling.
Thank you Tao Wong, Starlit Publishing, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.
May 10, 2026
Honestly, this should have been the style from the start. A bit slow, still kinda lacking a real villain, but it does have a clear goal. Story was strong, characters better developed, action was great. It actually made me excited for the series again.
May 10, 2026
Wow. This is a major epic fantasy in every single sense. Multiple character POVs, different realms, celestial politics, and a scope that just keeps expanding the further you get into it. The world-building is incredible and the ambition behind this first book is genuinely impressive.
That said, I have to be honest, it is very slow and very long and it asked a lot of me as a reader. Incredibly rich, insanely layered, and I couldn't always keep my attention anchored to it. This is the kind of book that rewards patience but also requires a pretty significant investment upfront, and not every reader is going to have that in them.
If you enjoy introspective cultivation fantasy and slow burning character arcs, this is absolutely for you. It's fascinating and nuanced and the audiobook narrator is a perfect match for the material. Seriously, he elevated the whole experience.
Just go in knowing what you're signing up for.
Thanks so much to the author and R&R Booktours for the complimentary ALC. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
That said, I have to be honest, it is very slow and very long and it asked a lot of me as a reader. Incredibly rich, insanely layered, and I couldn't always keep my attention anchored to it. This is the kind of book that rewards patience but also requires a pretty significant investment upfront, and not every reader is going to have that in them.
If you enjoy introspective cultivation fantasy and slow burning character arcs, this is absolutely for you. It's fascinating and nuanced and the audiobook narrator is a perfect match for the material. Seriously, he elevated the whole experience.
Just go in knowing what you're signing up for.
Thanks so much to the author and R&R Booktours for the complimentary ALC. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
May 3, 2026
I had a really good time with Immortal Connections. This is one of those epic fantasy reads that pulls you in fast and makes it very clear the story is about to get BIG.
The worldbuilding is honestly the standout here. You’ve got celestial hierarchies, multiple dimensions, cultivation systems, and a growing conflict across realms and it all feels expansive without being overwhelming. I especially loved how the story balances what’s happening in the heavens with everything falling apart in the mortal world. It makes every choice feel like it actually matters.
Wu Ying is such a solid main character. He’s caught between duty and the people he loves, and that tension really drives the story. The reunited lovers element adds another layer to that, especially with the rules of the heavens working against him.
The multiple POVs worked really well for me too. They give you a wider view of the chaos and make the multi-realm war feel much bigger than just one storyline.
There are moments where the pacing feels a little dense with lore, but it also makes sense for a story of this scale. You can tell this is setting up something much larger.
Overall, this is a really strong start to the series. If you like xianxia fantasy with layered worldbuilding, high stakes, and multiple perspectives, this is definitely worth picking up.
The worldbuilding is honestly the standout here. You’ve got celestial hierarchies, multiple dimensions, cultivation systems, and a growing conflict across realms and it all feels expansive without being overwhelming. I especially loved how the story balances what’s happening in the heavens with everything falling apart in the mortal world. It makes every choice feel like it actually matters.
Wu Ying is such a solid main character. He’s caught between duty and the people he loves, and that tension really drives the story. The reunited lovers element adds another layer to that, especially with the rules of the heavens working against him.
The multiple POVs worked really well for me too. They give you a wider view of the chaos and make the multi-realm war feel much bigger than just one storyline.
There are moments where the pacing feels a little dense with lore, but it also makes sense for a story of this scale. You can tell this is setting up something much larger.
Overall, this is a really strong start to the series. If you like xianxia fantasy with layered worldbuilding, high stakes, and multiple perspectives, this is definitely worth picking up.
Did Not Finish
May 18, 2026Thank you NetGalley and Starlit Publishing for the ARC of this book.
I wanted to like this book so much, but it wasn't for me. I felt like I was dropped into a world that already had the world building done and I was just going to try and put together the pieces. That, combined with the 30 hours that this audiobook was, made it a daunting task.
I can't say I retained a single thing, but also found the writing to be done well?
I'll definitely try another book by this author in the future
I wanted to like this book so much, but it wasn't for me. I felt like I was dropped into a world that already had the world building done and I was just going to try and put together the pieces. That, combined with the 30 hours that this audiobook was, made it a daunting task.
I can't say I retained a single thing, but also found the writing to be done well?
I'll definitely try another book by this author in the future
May 6, 2026
(Review copy courtesy of Starlit Publishing, Tao Wong, and NetGalley.)
4.5⭐
We start, in media res, with our MC having already ascended to the immortal realm. While this might seem like an odd choice, it's the perfect set-up for a refreshing twist on the hero story. Instead of “hero advances and leaves everyone behind by virtue of the fact that the camera is trained on his every move,” the story splits its focus.
The MC is in the heavens, dealing with corruption, bureaucracy, and a system that clearly doesn’t care about those below. But as he works outside of the system to find a way to bring others (especially his girl!) up to him, the narrative has room to breathe. In the space that’s left, we get to see side characters grow and advance. It’s really cool.
This dual structure works brilliantly…except in the ways it doesn’t. See, my least favorite parts of the novel were spent with the MC in his isolation in the immortal realm. Those sections dragged, even if they did serve the story’s purpose. But most frustrating of all?
Still, the good far outweighs the drag.
Immortal Connections has a fantastic cultivation system that is nuanced and individualized. Everyone seeking advancement follows their own dao, their own path, and their advancement depends on understanding that path. Progression feels deeply personal. This leads to some interesting discourse around the dominance of martial paths and how they’ve created an imbalance in the ascended realm.
Combat also feels personalized. It’s expressive instead of repetitive, with fights that reflect the personality of the fighter, rather than falling into Swing! Parry! Repeat!
The characters are strong, and I particularly enjoyed the romance between the MC and his partner. Despite being in an established relationship, there’s deep yearning that feels right given their separation. As mentioned before, with the MC sidelined, the other characters have a chance to grow, which is fun to read. Some of the villains’ POVs were okay as simple plot advancement, but others didn’t quite get there for me. (If you're going to include the antagonist's point of view, you need to either humanize them or add depth to justify the space.)
Audio-Specific 🎧: 29 hours, 4 minutes. Tim Lounibos gives a solid performance overall, with only a couple of bobbles along the way. (There are a few incorrect words, like “except” instead of “expect.”) It’s not enough to pull you out of the story, however. I ran the book at 1.5x and it was a comfortable speed with no tearing or other audio issues.
📌 TL;DR: A story that excels at its systems and gives agency to its characters, but pacing dips during the MC’s isolation. I will definitely be on the lookout for the next book in the series.
4.5⭐
We start, in media res, with our MC having already ascended to the immortal realm. While this might seem like an odd choice, it's the perfect set-up for a refreshing twist on the hero story. Instead of “hero advances and leaves everyone behind by virtue of the fact that the camera is trained on his every move,” the story splits its focus.
The MC is in the heavens, dealing with corruption, bureaucracy, and a system that clearly doesn’t care about those below. But as he works outside of the system to find a way to bring others (especially his girl!) up to him, the narrative has room to breathe. In the space that’s left, we get to see side characters grow and advance. It’s really cool.
This dual structure works brilliantly…except in the ways it doesn’t. See, my least favorite parts of the novel were spent with the MC in his isolation in the immortal realm. Those sections dragged, even if they did serve the story’s purpose. But most frustrating of all?
Still, the good far outweighs the drag.
Immortal Connections has a fantastic cultivation system that is nuanced and individualized. Everyone seeking advancement follows their own dao, their own path, and their advancement depends on understanding that path. Progression feels deeply personal. This leads to some interesting discourse around the dominance of martial paths and how they’ve created an imbalance in the ascended realm.
Combat also feels personalized. It’s expressive instead of repetitive, with fights that reflect the personality of the fighter, rather than falling into Swing! Parry! Repeat!
The characters are strong, and I particularly enjoyed the romance between the MC and his partner. Despite being in an established relationship, there’s deep yearning that feels right given their separation. As mentioned before, with the MC sidelined, the other characters have a chance to grow, which is fun to read. Some of the villains’ POVs were okay as simple plot advancement, but others didn’t quite get there for me. (If you're going to include the antagonist's point of view, you need to either humanize them or add depth to justify the space.)
Audio-Specific 🎧: 29 hours, 4 minutes. Tim Lounibos gives a solid performance overall, with only a couple of bobbles along the way. (There are a few incorrect words, like “except” instead of “expect.”) It’s not enough to pull you out of the story, however. I ran the book at 1.5x and it was a comfortable speed with no tearing or other audio issues.
📌 TL;DR: A story that excels at its systems and gives agency to its characters, but pacing dips during the MC’s isolation. I will definitely be on the lookout for the next book in the series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ambitious, thoughtful, and quietly compelling
Imagine achieving immortality at last, only to realize the Heavens are no freer than the mortal world you left behind, just more structured, more political, and even more bound by rigid laws. Meanwhile, the mortal realm begins to fracture in your absence, slipping into war and chaos. You are forced to act quickly to save the people you love, yet face a devastating restriction: it is forbidden to interfere with someone’s ascension to immortality. This sets the stage for constant conflict between celestial law and personal loyalty, where every decision comes at a cost. Do you obey Heaven’s rules, or risk everything to protect those who matter most?
This is not a love story in the traditional sense, though it is deeply emotional. Its core is more existential than romantic. Love is not spoken but revealed through choices, sacrifices, and the quiet understanding of what is lost when one becomes something beyond human.
The worldbuilding is exceptional. The mortal realm feels alive with tension, as kingdoms, sects, clans, and empires vie relentlessly for power. Bloodlines and inherited techniques shape destinies, while shifting alliances keep the political landscape unstable and unpredictable.
Above it all, the heavenly realm mirrors a vast bureaucratic empire, complete with ranks, titles, duties, and strict hierarchies. Immortality offers no true freedom but a different kind of obligation. Beyond both realms, something even more ancient and enigmatic stirs, hinting at cosmic imbalance and a looming catastrophe. It suggests that immortality is not the end, but only a threshold.
Immortal Connections is dense and richly layered, often diving into systems, philosophy, and long-form exposition. Wong asks for patience and attention, and readers looking for fast-paced, action-heavy fantasy may find the pacing challenging. Still, there is a quiet pull to it—an accumulating depth that lingers long after reading.
Overall, Immortal Connections is best suited for readers who enjoy introspective cultivation fantasy, intricate worldbuilding, and slow-burning character arcs. It serves as a strong opening to a larger saga, and one that stays with you after the final page.
Imagine achieving immortality at last, only to realize the Heavens are no freer than the mortal world you left behind, just more structured, more political, and even more bound by rigid laws. Meanwhile, the mortal realm begins to fracture in your absence, slipping into war and chaos. You are forced to act quickly to save the people you love, yet face a devastating restriction: it is forbidden to interfere with someone’s ascension to immortality. This sets the stage for constant conflict between celestial law and personal loyalty, where every decision comes at a cost. Do you obey Heaven’s rules, or risk everything to protect those who matter most?
This is not a love story in the traditional sense, though it is deeply emotional. Its core is more existential than romantic. Love is not spoken but revealed through choices, sacrifices, and the quiet understanding of what is lost when one becomes something beyond human.
The worldbuilding is exceptional. The mortal realm feels alive with tension, as kingdoms, sects, clans, and empires vie relentlessly for power. Bloodlines and inherited techniques shape destinies, while shifting alliances keep the political landscape unstable and unpredictable.
Above it all, the heavenly realm mirrors a vast bureaucratic empire, complete with ranks, titles, duties, and strict hierarchies. Immortality offers no true freedom but a different kind of obligation. Beyond both realms, something even more ancient and enigmatic stirs, hinting at cosmic imbalance and a looming catastrophe. It suggests that immortality is not the end, but only a threshold.
Immortal Connections is dense and richly layered, often diving into systems, philosophy, and long-form exposition. Wong asks for patience and attention, and readers looking for fast-paced, action-heavy fantasy may find the pacing challenging. Still, there is a quiet pull to it—an accumulating depth that lingers long after reading.
Overall, Immortal Connections is best suited for readers who enjoy introspective cultivation fantasy, intricate worldbuilding, and slow-burning character arcs. It serves as a strong opening to a larger saga, and one that stays with you after the final page.
May 4, 2026
This is a complex and sometimes dense (so much info) tale of a man, ascended to the Heavens after much tribulation and fighting in the Middle Kingdom, just to realize that the Heavens might be having its own issues, even among the immortals and lets not forget the demon realms! That would be quite a bummer and so it is quite understandable what Long Wu Ying does as he cannot stand by and follow the strict rules which keep everything the same.
This is a good start to what will be a complex Saga with all the realms in disarray and immortals and mortals battling. Not all of the fighting is for destruction, many group just want safety and peace. So you have lots of people fighting to protect, and help with their cultivations, even the demons which I thought was an interesting addition and got invested in that storyline. And though it took a bit to get into this, especially when the fighting pauses to discuss why someone's level is higher and so the attack is not effective, it was helpful to a point, though I still think a tiny bit of that could have been shortened to keep the story flowing smoother.
That being said, I did get invested in the characters (mostly the rebels, not the immortals tracking Wu Ying down because he is forging his own path, instead of following tradition) and I would definitely want to listen to the next book to see how Wu Ying, his companion, and others change all the realms.
This audiobook was well done, and I am impressed with Tim Lounibos, for all the different voices he used to bring this beast of a book to life. Many thanks to Starlit Publishing for giving me the chance to listen to this.
This is a good start to what will be a complex Saga with all the realms in disarray and immortals and mortals battling. Not all of the fighting is for destruction, many group just want safety and peace. So you have lots of people fighting to protect, and help with their cultivations, even the demons which I thought was an interesting addition and got invested in that storyline. And though it took a bit to get into this, especially when the fighting pauses to discuss why someone's level is higher and so the attack is not effective, it was helpful to a point, though I still think a tiny bit of that could have been shortened to keep the story flowing smoother.
That being said, I did get invested in the characters (mostly the rebels, not the immortals tracking Wu Ying down because he is forging his own path, instead of following tradition) and I would definitely want to listen to the next book to see how Wu Ying, his companion, and others change all the realms.
This audiobook was well done, and I am impressed with Tim Lounibos, for all the different voices he used to bring this beast of a book to life. Many thanks to Starlit Publishing for giving me the chance to listen to this.
May 15, 2026
Thank you Starlit Publishing for this ARC book and audiobook!
This book gives a new look into immortality and ascending into the heavens. As Wu Ying realizes it is not so different from the mortal world.
For me this was such an amazing introduction to Tao Wongs works. This book has only made me want to read his other works which happen to also tie into this world. Wong has a real back for building such a beautiful world and bringing it to life.
With Inmortal Connections in particular we get to see this world from multiple POV each with their own ambitions and goals.
I also received the audiobook along with the book which was an absolute treat. Tim Lounibos really brought life into these characters. Sometimes I can find it difficult to keep track of certain characters but Tim gives each character their own voice and makes it easy to differentiate who is speaking. I find this important for audiobooks specifically because I myself like multitasking while listening and this makes it easier especially with so many characters to keep track.
I absolutely cannot wait to keep reading this series and also dive into Wongs other books and see what they have in store.
Immortal Connections is perfect for fans of high fantasy who want a book that takes it time and really rewards for patience. If you want to see a different view of the immortal realm then this book will fulfill that in every way!
This book gives a new look into immortality and ascending into the heavens. As Wu Ying realizes it is not so different from the mortal world.
For me this was such an amazing introduction to Tao Wongs works. This book has only made me want to read his other works which happen to also tie into this world. Wong has a real back for building such a beautiful world and bringing it to life.
With Inmortal Connections in particular we get to see this world from multiple POV each with their own ambitions and goals.
I also received the audiobook along with the book which was an absolute treat. Tim Lounibos really brought life into these characters. Sometimes I can find it difficult to keep track of certain characters but Tim gives each character their own voice and makes it easy to differentiate who is speaking. I find this important for audiobooks specifically because I myself like multitasking while listening and this makes it easier especially with so many characters to keep track.
I absolutely cannot wait to keep reading this series and also dive into Wongs other books and see what they have in store.
Immortal Connections is perfect for fans of high fantasy who want a book that takes it time and really rewards for patience. If you want to see a different view of the immortal realm then this book will fulfill that in every way!
May 19, 2026
Rating 4.0 stars
Not sure how to feel about this one. The initial series followed Wu Ying and his progress of ascending to immortality. There were other characters that I really liked but it was mainly his story. This one is different. While it does start off pretty much the same with Wu Ting as the new ascendant immortal and his difficulties maneuvering through the heavenly bureaucracy, it stops being his story about 1/3 through the book. At that point it mainly deals with the people left back in the middle kingdom. Mainly Yang Mu, Tou He, and Fa Yaun. Out of those Yang Mu is the only one I really cared about (in this story). I understood her motivations and what she was doing. For the other two characters, Tou He and Fa Yaun, I was really bored with their story arc. I didn't really agree with their motivations and what they were doing which made me not really care what happened.
Overall, there were parts of the story I really liked (mainly Wu Ying, but also with Yang Mu), and other parts that I really didn't care about. Overall, I will continue with the series but will have to see how things progress. Next book doesn't come out for another year, so maybe I will change my mind by then.
Not sure how to feel about this one. The initial series followed Wu Ying and his progress of ascending to immortality. There were other characters that I really liked but it was mainly his story. This one is different. While it does start off pretty much the same with Wu Ting as the new ascendant immortal and his difficulties maneuvering through the heavenly bureaucracy, it stops being his story about 1/3 through the book. At that point it mainly deals with the people left back in the middle kingdom. Mainly Yang Mu, Tou He, and Fa Yaun. Out of those Yang Mu is the only one I really cared about (in this story). I understood her motivations and what she was doing. For the other two characters, Tou He and Fa Yaun, I was really bored with their story arc. I didn't really agree with their motivations and what they were doing which made me not really care what happened.
Overall, there were parts of the story I really liked (mainly Wu Ying, but also with Yang Mu), and other parts that I really didn't care about. Overall, I will continue with the series but will have to see how things progress. Next book doesn't come out for another year, so maybe I will change my mind by then.
May 1, 2026
This is an exciting and engaging epic fantasy that fully pulled me in. We follow Wu Ying after his ascension to the heavens, where his goal is to bring his partner to join him—but nothing comes easily. The story weaves through complex celestial politics while contrasting them with earthly ties, creating a compelling tension between duty, power, and personal connection. This contrast is one of the book's strongest elements. It adds emotional weight and depth, grounding the larger, high-stakes narrative in something personal and meaningful.
The audiobook is outstanding. The narrator adds real dimension to the story, giving each character a distinct and recognizable voice, no small feat given the large ensemble. The performance kept me fully engaged and significantly elevated the overall experience.
Overall, a dynamic and immersive fantasy with strong emotional stakes and exceptional narration. This book is for those who enjoy epic fantasy with detailed world-building and character arcs that are deep.
The audiobook is outstanding. The narrator adds real dimension to the story, giving each character a distinct and recognizable voice, no small feat given the large ensemble. The performance kept me fully engaged and significantly elevated the overall experience.
Overall, a dynamic and immersive fantasy with strong emotional stakes and exceptional narration. This book is for those who enjoy epic fantasy with detailed world-building and character arcs that are deep.
May 5, 2026
Awesome start to a new series
If this is your first Tao Wong book, STOP! You really must read the Thousand Li series before this one. Just trust me. You will get more enjoyment from the overall experience that way.
In this book, follow along with our intrepid hero as he causes all sorts of drama in the so-called Heavenly Realms. He meets new people, makes new friends (and possibly enemies), and learns about the new world he finds himself in. As usual, he treats others pretty much as they treat him. He has overcome most of his inborn prejudices long ago, and now sees how obnoxious they truly are when directed at him. :)
Nobody important dies (yet) although a couple are left in bad positions by the end of the book.
Highly recommend for all ages, male and female, to buy or borrow. One of my new favorites. Very few typos, unfamiliar terms are defined, characters advance and develop logically, world-building is most excellent!
9/10 dragons 🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉
Worth getting a hard copy.
If this is your first Tao Wong book, STOP! You really must read the Thousand Li series before this one. Just trust me. You will get more enjoyment from the overall experience that way.
In this book, follow along with our intrepid hero as he causes all sorts of drama in the so-called Heavenly Realms. He meets new people, makes new friends (and possibly enemies), and learns about the new world he finds himself in. As usual, he treats others pretty much as they treat him. He has overcome most of his inborn prejudices long ago, and now sees how obnoxious they truly are when directed at him. :)
Nobody important dies (yet) although a couple are left in bad positions by the end of the book.
Highly recommend for all ages, male and female, to buy or borrow. One of my new favorites. Very few typos, unfamiliar terms are defined, characters advance and develop logically, world-building is most excellent!
9/10 dragons 🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉
Worth getting a hard copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Immortal Connections delivers a strong start to an epic xianxia fantasy series, blending celestial politics, mortal struggles, and high-stakes destiny. The story follows Long Wu Ying after his ascension to immortality—but instead of peace, he’s pulled into conflict both in the heavens and the mortal world.
The dual perspective between immortal realms and the chaos below adds depth, especially as war, drought, and power struggles unfold without him. The world-building is rich, with layered cultivation systems, celestial hierarchies, and multiple realms that feel expansive and immersive.
At times, the pacing can feel a bit dense with lore, but the emotional core—Wu Ying’s ties to his past and his desire to protect those he left behind—keeps the story grounded.
Overall, it’s a compelling, ambitious opener that sets up a much larger conflict, perfect for fans of cultivation fantasy and epic, multi-realm storytelling.
The dual perspective between immortal realms and the chaos below adds depth, especially as war, drought, and power struggles unfold without him. The world-building is rich, with layered cultivation systems, celestial hierarchies, and multiple realms that feel expansive and immersive.
At times, the pacing can feel a bit dense with lore, but the emotional core—Wu Ying’s ties to his past and his desire to protect those he left behind—keeps the story grounded.
Overall, it’s a compelling, ambitious opener that sets up a much larger conflict, perfect for fans of cultivation fantasy and epic, multi-realm storytelling.
May 1, 2026
Many thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing for this advance copy!
Simply in terms of length (900+ pages) this is an epic fantasy novel. We follow Wu Ying who has recently ascended to heaven and whose mission it now is for his companion to join him. The writing, in particular the detailed world-building, was excellent and in terms of plot and pacing there was enough going on to keep me invested for the entirety of this book. That being said, this book would have benefited from being at least 200 pages shorter, as it did start to drag in the middle half. Additionally, there were multiple "action scenes" that were unnecessary for the story's development and the author could have focused more on the relationship between characters, especially Wu Ying and his companion.
Overall, a fun and engaging read, however a greater exploration of the characters themselves and a more edited plot would have been, in my opinion, required.
Simply in terms of length (900+ pages) this is an epic fantasy novel. We follow Wu Ying who has recently ascended to heaven and whose mission it now is for his companion to join him. The writing, in particular the detailed world-building, was excellent and in terms of plot and pacing there was enough going on to keep me invested for the entirety of this book. That being said, this book would have benefited from being at least 200 pages shorter, as it did start to drag in the middle half. Additionally, there were multiple "action scenes" that were unnecessary for the story's development and the author could have focused more on the relationship between characters, especially Wu Ying and his companion.
Overall, a fun and engaging read, however a greater exploration of the characters themselves and a more edited plot would have been, in my opinion, required.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I had the wonderful opportunity to arc read this. The first chapter immediately drew me in and could not—would not—put this book down. Immortal Connections offers readers a thrilling journey through a world of cultivation, power struggles, loyalty, and growth within a fantasy-action and character-driven narrative. The plot is beautifully paced; there was never a time when I felt it dragged on or had chapters that went on for longer than needed (which is hard to do with a lengthy book), with information and twists that will keep readers engaged and on the edge of their seats. The story is a wonderful book for those diving into this genre for the first time. I was rooting for Wu Ying from the very first page. Immortal Connections is an exciting start to a promising series, and the cover is ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ No Spoilers
Immortal Connections was Uniquely Captivating.
Immortal Connections follows Long Wu Ying who has finally ascended to immortality and now wants to bring his lover as well. However, the wold below has different plans because war has ravished the lands and now Long's friends and family are in danger. He must learn quick to work with the immortals to fight battles on two fronts.
This story is so intricate that you don't want to miss a thing. I love the immense amount of detail in the beginning. Although it is long it all comes together in the end. This is just book 1 I cannot wait for the next book.
Overall, I gave this book 4 stars. I would recommend it to anyone who loves fantasy.
Immortal Connections was Uniquely Captivating.
Immortal Connections follows Long Wu Ying who has finally ascended to immortality and now wants to bring his lover as well. However, the wold below has different plans because war has ravished the lands and now Long's friends and family are in danger. He must learn quick to work with the immortals to fight battles on two fronts.
This story is so intricate that you don't want to miss a thing. I love the immense amount of detail in the beginning. Although it is long it all comes together in the end. This is just book 1 I cannot wait for the next book.
Overall, I gave this book 4 stars. I would recommend it to anyone who loves fantasy.
Did Not Finish
May 18, 2026Thank you the author for providing this ARC.
Found it to be a very heavy and slow read. There was a lot of information without any explanation, and I struggled to understand what was going on and by whom. It felt like there was an expectation to know about the background mythology. I have read other books of a similar genre, which were much easier to follow and/or gave better details to help understand the hierarchy/social structure/titles/names.
*EDIT* - having now read some other reviews, I have learnt that this book is a spin-off from another series by this author. Nowhere (to me) was this made clear, and it explains why there were few explanations, as these would have been provided in the main series.
Found it to be a very heavy and slow read. There was a lot of information without any explanation, and I struggled to understand what was going on and by whom. It felt like there was an expectation to know about the background mythology. I have read other books of a similar genre, which were much easier to follow and/or gave better details to help understand the hierarchy/social structure/titles/names.
*EDIT* - having now read some other reviews, I have learnt that this book is a spin-off from another series by this author. Nowhere (to me) was this made clear, and it explains why there were few explanations, as these would have been provided in the main series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
**Review of ARC copy recieved from Netgalley - thank you!! Opinions are my own**
An epic tale that spans across immortal and human realms that marries great characters with an excellent story.
The book is quite lengthy and a challenge to get into at the start but I appreciate that the author took a lot of time to establish aspects of the immortal realm that makes the book more accessible for readers less familiar with that world.
A high fantasy tale inspired by the same Chinese Cultivation sects that got me back into reading years ago (Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation) - an easy recommended reads for fans of the series.
An epic tale that spans across immortal and human realms that marries great characters with an excellent story.
The book is quite lengthy and a challenge to get into at the start but I appreciate that the author took a lot of time to establish aspects of the immortal realm that makes the book more accessible for readers less familiar with that world.
A high fantasy tale inspired by the same Chinese Cultivation sects that got me back into reading years ago (Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation) - an easy recommended reads for fans of the series.
May 2, 2026
Tao Wong writes so well. Some may find his attention to detail, politics, and academia a hurdle to understanding the story, but I find they are important and necessary part of the world-building. I deeply connected with the main character and his feelings while maneuvering the bureaucracy of government and his struggles with his new world. The ending is very intense. I look forward to the second book.
Tim Lounibos did an excellent job of reading is epically long story with consistency and added intrigue and emotion to the story.
#ImmortalConnections #NetGalley #StarlitPublishing
Thank you to Starlit Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Tim Lounibos did an excellent job of reading is epically long story with consistency and added intrigue and emotion to the story.
#ImmortalConnections #NetGalley #StarlitPublishing
Thank you to Starlit Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 12, 2026
As someone who read A Thousand Li and loved the entire world, the writing, the characters.. I loved this just as much. Tao Wong is an amazing author, and continues to blow me out of the water in this book too. The world is expansive, and when you read A Thousand Li you find yourself wanting to know more about other parts of the universe... and well, this is it. It's written well, the worldbuilding is great, I feel everything is also explained well. I loved the pivot between POVs and you really get to see more of the story playing out in front of you. I can't wait to see more from this author!
May 17, 2026
This was very much worth the wait. It's basically a continuation of the thousand li series with multiple POVs of the main characters.
The journey of Long wu ying continues even after attaining immortality, he still faces a lot of trials to get to his beloved.
I so much enjoyed every chapter of this work, every POV was a joy to experience. While reading through the pages, i felt like a lot was happening, with every character facing their own problems but there was never a dull moment.
Tao Wong definitely put a lot of effort into making this book and dare I say it's his best work yet, it's much better than the finale of the final book of the thousand li series.
The journey of Long wu ying continues even after attaining immortality, he still faces a lot of trials to get to his beloved.
I so much enjoyed every chapter of this work, every POV was a joy to experience. While reading through the pages, i felt like a lot was happening, with every character facing their own problems but there was never a dull moment.
Tao Wong definitely put a lot of effort into making this book and dare I say it's his best work yet, it's much better than the finale of the final book of the thousand li series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Starlit Publishing for the ARC of this audiobook.
This one was tough to get through. It was such a slow burn that it really left me wanting to just get it over with because it could not keep my attention.
The narrator didn't help either. His voice was so monotone, it felt like everything was just a run on sentence. It almost felt like everything was extremely suspenseful which did not make it any easier to get through the slow progression.
Perhaps just not my style of book but I didn't enjoy it.
This one was tough to get through. It was such a slow burn that it really left me wanting to just get it over with because it could not keep my attention.
The narrator didn't help either. His voice was so monotone, it felt like everything was just a run on sentence. It almost felt like everything was extremely suspenseful which did not make it any easier to get through the slow progression.
Perhaps just not my style of book but I didn't enjoy it.
May 8, 2026
This narrator does a fantastic job reading this book! He uses different voices for the characters which I appreciate!
I love myself a long book, this audiobook is 29 hours long and I was locked in from the start! The world building is extensive and beautiful and I really can picture each location in this book!
The MC Wu Ying ascends into immortality where he quickly learns how corrupt the afterlife truly can be!
I enjoyed the intricate magic system and the celestial hierarchy in this book! If you are looking for an Epic Fantasy to read this is something you should add to your TBR
I love myself a long book, this audiobook is 29 hours long and I was locked in from the start! The world building is extensive and beautiful and I really can picture each location in this book!
The MC Wu Ying ascends into immortality where he quickly learns how corrupt the afterlife truly can be!
I enjoyed the intricate magic system and the celestial hierarchy in this book! If you are looking for an Epic Fantasy to read this is something you should add to your TBR
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of Advanced Reader Copy Recieved by Author
Immortal Connections is a little slow i almost wanted to stop but i wanted to give it my best it is a new genre for me as well, but i found it has a thoughtful cultivation story with strong worldbuilding, real emotional weight, and characters who actually feel human. But if you like smart, heartfelt xianxia (immortal heroes) with meaning behind the power, it’s a solid read.
Immortal Connections is a little slow i almost wanted to stop but i wanted to give it my best it is a new genre for me as well, but i found it has a thoughtful cultivation story with strong worldbuilding, real emotional weight, and characters who actually feel human. But if you like smart, heartfelt xianxia (immortal heroes) with meaning behind the power, it’s a solid read.
May 2, 2026
This was an epic fantasy at its finest. There was world building, different realms, life vs. death, politics, an unlikely hero, dragons, powers. It was beautiful but very long. My one issue with it was just the amount of information in the length. It was interesting, but almost hard to keep track of. I wanted more action. Took too long to get going.
Overall very well written. Attention to detail was definitely there and appreciated.
Thank you Netgalley for the arc.
Overall very well written. Attention to detail was definitely there and appreciated.
Thank you Netgalley for the arc.
May 5, 2026
This is an epic fantasy with detailed descriptions, vivid landscapes and world building, and intricate story details. All that to say this book is a commitment which isn’t bad but should be something your prepare for since it is not a book where you can really do anything else and focus on the story. This is a tale that people with want to dive deep and live in for a while.
I didn’t love the narrator but only because his voice sounded like a computer reading to me and was a little monotonous.
I didn’t love the narrator but only because his voice sounded like a computer reading to me and was a little monotonous.
May 5, 2026
It's the journey that matters
To those that finished the previous series 'A Thousand Li' it's more of the same. Long Wu Ying has ascended and we see how he gets on in the Heavens and whether he is able to fulfil his promise to his other half Yang Mu in the mortal realm.
The author paints a fascinating picture of the Heavens. Whilst the story was slow at the start once the pace picked up I found it hard to stop and finished it in 3 days.
To those that finished the previous series 'A Thousand Li' it's more of the same. Long Wu Ying has ascended and we see how he gets on in the Heavens and whether he is able to fulfil his promise to his other half Yang Mu in the mortal realm.
The author paints a fascinating picture of the Heavens. Whilst the story was slow at the start once the pace picked up I found it hard to stop and finished it in 3 days.
May 13, 2026
COSMIC INDEED
AN EXCELLENT START TO A NEW ADVENTURE. TAO Wong has crafted a wonderful extension of the previous arc into the immortal realms. The new trend in the genre of multiple character arcs is great, I really like Tou His demonic arc. Thank you Mr Wong for an enjoyable fantasy addition to literature.
AN EXCELLENT START TO A NEW ADVENTURE. TAO Wong has crafted a wonderful extension of the previous arc into the immortal realms. The new trend in the genre of multiple character arcs is great, I really like Tou His demonic arc. Thank you Mr Wong for an enjoyable fantasy addition to literature.
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