chloe gong has done it ONCE AGAINN. i truly believe she will never disappoint. I do not want to give any spoilers so just now that the pacing was fantastic, the characters were interesting and I physically could not put this book down. I am telling you, I fell asleep with it in my hands and everything.

I recently read Immortal Longings by Chloe Gong, and honestly, it didn't live up to my expectations. The premise, inspired by Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra, had potential, but the execution fell flat.

The world-building felt underdeveloped. The annual games, reminiscent of The Hunger Games, lacked clear rules and stakes, making it hard to stay engaged.

The characters didn't resonate with me, their motivations seemed weak, and the romance lacked chemistry. The pacing was slow, bogged down by excessive info-dumping, which made it a struggle to get through.

Overall, while I appreciate the ambition behind the novel, it didn't deliver the gripping story I was hoping for

Immortal Longings by Chloe Gong is an epic fantasy that’ll totally pull you in! The story is set in a world where a dangerous competition takes place every year, people fight to the death for a chance at immortality. Our main character, Kellen, is in the middle of this intense world, and she’s determined to win, not just for the power, but to get revenge for her family. But things get complicated when she gets caught up in political intrigue, complicated alliances, and maybe even some unexpected feelings.

What I really loved about this book is how intense and fast-paced it is. The competition is fierce, and there’s a lot of action and suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Kellen is a badass protagonist, she’s tough, smart, and isn’t afraid to do what it takes to survive. The romance part is there too, but it doesn’t take over the whole story. It adds a lot of tension and twists to Kellen’s journey.

The writing is super captivating, and the world-building is so well done. You can feel the stakes and the danger of the competition, and it’s easy to get lost in the world she’s created. The characters are complex, and there’s a lot of drama and betrayal, which makes the story even more exciting.

Another great epic from Chloe Gong. Her world building is very thorough, and she does such a great job building tension and laying the groundwork for the conflicts that occur down the line. I listened to the audiobook version, and I sometimes get a little bit lost in the number of characters/players in the story. I would definitely continue reading this series.

Hey everyone! 📚✨ Just finished "Immortal Longings" by Chloe Gong and it's absolutely stunning! This book is a perfect blend of romance, fantasy, and adventure that keeps you hooked from start to finish.

Chloe Gong's writing is so vivid and immersive, you’ll feel like you’re right there in the middle of all the action. The characters are incredibly well-crafted, each with their own unique charm and depth. One standout moment for me was when the protagonists face a breathtaking challenge in a magical, otherworldly setting—it's so gripping and beautifully written!

The plot is fast-paced and full of twists and turns that keep you on your toes. Gong does an amazing job of balancing heartfelt moments with epic fantasy elements, making it a truly unforgettable read.

If you’re looking for a book that’s packed with adventure, romance, and a touch of magic, "Immortal Longings" is a must-read. Trust me, you won’t be able to put it down. Happy reading! 🌟📖

#BookReview #MustRead #ChloeGong #FantasyReads 📚✨

This was my first Chloe Gong booked, and let me just say, I'm a fan! I was drawn in quickly and couldn't put the book down. The characters were amazing and I was fully invested.

I liked the world building and setting. I don't think it needed to be an Anthony and Cleopatra retelling but I get that that's the author's signature move now. I also don't particularly love that play or point in history. (History books are still pretty misogynistic about this historical event). I absolutely despise love triangles with the burning, fiery passion of 1000 suns.

My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars--

Immortal Longings was fine. The setting, the overcrowded city of San-Er, had a grungy cyberpunk vibe that I sort of dug. But the rest was pretty trite. Calla is a former princess intent on murdering her usurping uncle--King Kasa--and believes the only way to get close enough for her revenge is to win a yearly Hunger Games-style fight to the death. Her motivations didn't authentically extend beyond the personal, even though she occasionally criticized the monarch's neglect of poor San-Er citizens. The plot and love story (sort-of triangle) were run-of-the-mill levels of entertaining, but I wasn't sold enough on anything to convince me I want to read the second book.

Many thanks to Saga Press, Gallery Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

*eARC provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Immortal Longings was gripping. I enjoyed almost every second of it. These Violent Delights was well-written, but I felt that Gong was limited by the YA genre. IL proved me right. Hope she sticks to writing adult books.

Immortal Longings was a terrific adult debut from Chloe Gong. Gong creates a vicious and brutal world that is compulsively readable.

The cover of this book is amazing and draws the reader in.
The Shakespeare theme is unexpected and the characters are very well written.
I will recommend to both YA and New Adult readers who enjoy fantasy

Beginning was a little slow so it was hard to get into at first but then it got very interesting! Love the games aspect and can’t wait for the sequel.

Chloe Gong delivers violence, betrayal, and non-stop action in this adult debut. Needed the sequel immediately after that cliffhanger ending.

This book started off super slow until it wasn't. Even though things were happening, this book wasn't un-put-downable until after halfway. I liked the three main characters but I'm not sure if I'd call it "Antony and Cleopatra' retelling. The ending hooked me for the next book and I'm exciting for more complex world building.

I really liked this re-interpretation. I'm definitely going to pick up others in the series and follow the story. I think the Blade Runner + magic + Hunger Games mix was really appealing and added to what might have otherwise been a kind of flat premise. Really easy to recommend to a range of different interests for readers. Well-balanced throughtout.

A great book in my favorite genre. I was worried since this is the adult debut of a YA author, but I think this was beautifully done and missed the typical things I am wary of (YA tone, the characters acting super young/immature, or just being YA with more spice). This book hit the mark perfectly.

I was pulled into the world on the first page and I loved all the twists and turns that we go on from there. I think the worldbuilding and setting really made this book for me, and was a fun read that while reminding me of why I love these type of books was still unique and engrossing for me. The characters were all complex and compelling and have so much more potential.

I can't wait to read more!

dnf. might return to this one day but i make no promises. just wasn’t vibing with it and it didn’t seem like it was going to get better.

This was such a unique story and I really can't wait to see what happens next. Admittedly, I read it quite a while ago and I am very late to reviewing- but while so many books I read and forget details about immediately (even if I loved them!), I can still quite clearly envision in my brain several scenes from this book- so it's really stuck with me!

Again- very unique world-building and magic system, very gritty and propulsive. I enjoyed this a lot.

"Immortal Longings" is an electrifying epic fantasy that seamlessly blends Shakespearean inspiration with gripping intrigue and romance. Chloe Gong crafts a vivid world of deadly games and political machinations, where every move is fraught with tension and betrayal. With its smart narrative twists and rich character dynamics, this adult debut is a thrilling rollercoaster of power, passion, and peril that will leave readers spellbound until the very last page.

Immortal Longings is not quite the same level of fandom-inducing love as These Violent Delights for me, though there will be some who love the games and world. The suspense and ending will capture the attention of many readers, who will hunger for book two. It does still read as more YA than adult, though.