Thank you very much to Gallery Books for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review!

Chloe Gong has a gorgeously lush writing style that is instantly recognizable. It's easy to see that her stylistic choices made her previous duologies popular, and will continue to do so for Immortal Longings, an Anthony and Cleopatra variation in a television death battle.

Unfortunately, after the evocative set-up, the book lost me. Calla felt like an exact Juliette replica, Anton a copy-and-paste Roma. It was clear throughout the book that the two were supposed to have a grand relationship and it seemed to. . . just fall flat. He was intrigued because Pretty Girl With Sword (extremely relatable) and he didn't kill her right away, so that was interesting to her? This cumulates into a flip into sex scene while hiding out (maybe I'm too ace, but the appeal of that's always confused me) that felt as if it was main reason Immortal Longings was sold as an adult book.

Which generally, is fine! The twist was foreshadowed a little, and while it could have been a coincidence, I am interested into hearing of how it's not? Could be, but it seems a little too conveniently perfect to be so. I also assumed it would have had something to do with the murders, but so far that hasn't been revealed.
I also felt as if. . . .I'm not sure. Calla is Cleopatra and Anton is Mark Anthony, but there's no Julius Ceasar for a past love (which also means, understandably, no Ceasarion, as that's not relevant to the story Gong wanted to tell). This was something also similar to TVD, where Rosaline's past with Romeo had been changed to make it clear The Protagonists Are The Only Two For Each Other Ever.

Anton was allowed a former love interest here, but she'd been in a coma for years. The Hunger Games-esque situation they were in in which cameras (but not necessary microphones) are all over the city, tracking and using footage on them. There's no sponsors other than Calla's cousin helping her out, which I think is a pretty good decision to make as it raises the stakes even more-- only one winner, and anything that helps you is anything you've taken and have managed to keep from getting stolen.

Overall, this is absolutely a more morally grey series than the previous two, with discussions about consent, how much consent is willing, ownership of self, child murder (by protagonists), and more. While this is aroud a 3.5 stars for me, I am looking forward to reading the second book!

If I could describe this book with one word, I would choose "conflict". I mean, yes, we have the games where a lot of people are trying to win by killing each other (very heavy Hunger Games vibes), but we also have the pack of emotions the main characters carry with them, which make them fight with themselves in order to be able to express these feelings. Calla, for example, carries so many things within herself, and when she starts feeling an ounce of happiness, she doesn't know how to handle it because she doesn't really thinks she deserves it. And that same internal conflict happens with the other main characters we get to meet during the story. I really liked how, between the political setting and the first sparks of a revolution happening, the author gets to introduce us with these people who feel and suffer and loves in the midst of the chaos.

The games are really interesting too. As I said, I was feeling very heave HG vibes, but it's been a while since I read some type of competition happening in a book so I was hooked from beginning to end. The games are also a great representation of how the royalty sees the population: just as pawns, simple numbers, unless they get to win, in which case they finally realize these people have a face and a name too. The social critique is very heavy, and that's an element I'll always enjoy in Chloe's books.

That being said, for me, there were some things missing in this book. The first one is the chemistry between the two main characters. I tried, I really tried, but while I enjoyed it, I cannot stop thinking it felt a little rushed. It was suppose to feel like there was an obsessive relationship between them, but I didn't feel it, except in some moments when it felt too out of place. Since the romance is a big part of this story, I think this lack of emotions made me enjoy the story a little less.
The other thing is that there were so many good elements regarding the revolution that are presented as very powerful and very strong, but they get eliminated very easily? I really wish they would have been used for a longer time or had a better purpose.

In general, this is a great start of a new series that I'm really excited to continue reading. Chloe manages to introduce such great plot twists that, for me, were very unexpected! And I cannot wait to know what's going to happen next!

Chloe Gong can do no wrong. I’m obsessed with her Romeo and Juliet retelling and wasn’t sure anything could top that. Immortal Longings has done it. Everything I want in a fantasy. She does Antony and Cleopatra justice!

This. Book. Is. Incredible. I COULD NOT put this book down, and I loved preparing myself to read this by digging into the story of Antony and Cleopatra, and Gong's originality in the retelling was so well done. I am so excited to recommend this spellbinding book to my friends and students, who LOVE all of Chloe Gong's previous works. This book would be great for seniors in lit circles. The book is so fast paced, and the characters are seriously incredible. Cannot wait for Book 2 alreadyyyy!

I was hoping for more out of Chloe's adult fantasy-esque novel. Unfortunately, I found myself not being able to attach myself to the story. This may have been because it reminded me of a version of the Hunger Games.

I really struggled with "Immortal Longings" despite my best attempts. Take with a grain of salt as I'm not an avid sci-fi/fantasy reader so much of this is likely due to reader preference; however, I was intrigued by this novel given the author and the summary seemed intriguing.

Gong has crafted a unique world where the twin cities San-Er in the kingdom of Talin is the center for the games - a challenge that few are able to participate in and come with both immeasurable rewards and risk. The story focuses on three main characters - Princess Calla, Anton Makusa, and August - all of whom are linked to the others and are trying to achieve different goals. The recurrence of the games gives all three a chance to try and accomplish what they desire, but the costs are great. There is so much additional detail layered into the structure of the city and civilians, the complexity behind the "body jumping", and the backstory behind each of these characters... but arguably. there might be too much.

I found the pacing of the novel rushed and there are so many little rules and processes that keep on getting introduced well into the storyline that it's difficult to keep track. The characters as well aren't terribly well fleshed out, with their primary focus being destructive or power-hungry. The additional element of romance didn't seem necessary or contributory to the story as a whole either. While this novel was well written and the world-building is commendable, I just don't think this is the series for me.

I adored every aspect of this book, which was inspired by Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra and followed two individuals who will stop at nothing to achieve their goals - even if it means entering a deadly competition.

The story is in San-Er, a fantasy city based on Kowloon Walled City in Hong Kong. Gong expertly blends the dystopian sense of impending doom with the freshness of a society on the brink of a technological revolution. The result is a captivating setting that juxtaposes individuals fighting for their lives with pagers and broadcast news.

The magic system in this universe is one of the most unique I've ever read. Characters with magic have the ability to jump into other bodies at will, which adds an element of unpredictability and mystery to every interaction.

Calla and Anton, the main characters, are both ruthless in the pursuit of their goals, no matter who or what they need to betray. The supporting characters are just as intriguing, making for an exciting and unpredictable read.

The enemies-to-allies-to-lovers romance is done exceptionally well, and each interaction between Calla and Anton left me feeling giddy.

The writing style, pacing, and overall plot of Immortal Longings are all immersive and entrancing. I couldn't put the book down and was fully absorbed in its pages.

In her adult debut, Chloe Gong gives readers a sprawling dystopian fantasy that is part body jumping, part spilled blood, and part doomed romance that's set up - like a chessboard - inside a murderous game. It's The Hunger Games meets Ready Player One. It's Mistborn meets Shakespeare, with Antony and Cleopatra's passion-betrayal-passion vibe being the wheel the whole story turns around, giving everything and everyone in it, a Machiavellian edge that's difficult to parse let alone look away from. As a result of that, the plot is fast-moving and full of high stakes moments.

As a reader, I thought the setting was rich and immersive. The author made the twin cities of San-Er feel real, with its denizens doing what they could to survive, with the streets being flooded by competitors who are trying to win the cash prize to lift themselves out of poverty and the like, possibly slaying innocents in the crosshairs. Calla and Anton both had their own convoluted reasons for wanting to win the games, which was fun. Especially with their enemies to reluctant allies to lovers dynamic. I liked the urbanity of the atmosphere, too. It added a certain claustrophobic grit to the game. Made it feel more savage and desperate somehow.

Where I think the story lost me a little was in the POV. There was too much narrative input from tertiary characters who weren't all that important to the plot, and I would've preferred it had the story been told exclusively from Calla, Anton, and August's POV since they were main trio. And since things revolved around their conflicts and decisions.

Besides that, I thought the twist at the end was superb! So good! I will carry a hoard of questions around with me until I have book two in my hands.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the ARC in exchange for my review!

Excellent story and the concept behind the city is fascinating. The story and world-building are well done. There are so many twists and turns but none as big as the ending. I will be eagerly anticipating book two.

Chloe Gong has absolutely created an amazing novel that is sure to fly off of the shelves. Everything from the romance, to the plot and overall story was absolutely incredible. I cannot wait to see what she writes next!

Immortal Longings by Chloe Gong is book 1 in the Flesh and False Gods series.

I’m convinced that Chloe can’t write a bad book!
Everything she creates is pure magic.
And she has written a stunning adult debut retelling of Antony and Cleopatra.
I was sucked in from the very beginning. And lost a full day being nose deep in my Kindle.
This is a fast-paced read that’s full of action and angsty, it’s absolutely gorgeous and totally unputdownable.
Chloe Gong hooks you with her vivid descriptions and fast paced plot.
I was spellbound with her cast of unforgettable characters and her mind-blowing world-building which was creatively bought to life.
The writing was beautiful, the story was absolutely intriguing and I basically had to fight myself to put it down.

I’m excited to see where the second book is going to go.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

Thank You NetGalley and Gallery/Saga Press for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

I’m not sure if this author just isn’t for me or what, because I didn’t like her previous series and I didn’t like this either. I was interested in seeing what her adult debut would be like and I did expect that it would be much better, but for me this just didn’t work.

At first I was into the interesting dystopian world but that was about the only thing I liked. The magic system was super basic, the characters were blandly surface-level, the romance lacked conviction, the plot was just Hunger Games all over again (geez, enough already, this is so overdone at this point), and the tone feels very young adult. I just don’t think this book achieved what it was trying to. I needed more from every aspect of it.

All of the narrative elements of this story felt like they had the potential to really shine but just fell short. Maybe it was trying to do too many things and ended up being only a little of everything, instead of fully developed in any one area enough to be remarkable.

I wasn’t convinced to care about anyone or anything that was happening. I didn’t feel any sense of urgency or the high-stakes. There was no complexity or intensity to anything. I wasn’t immersed into the story like I wanted to be. It just wasn’t enough to hold my interest.

I know I’m in the minority here, but I just really don’t see what other people see. I’ll probably be ostracized by all the Gong fans out there but this was subjectively my experience with this book and possibly my last try for this author. I think that people who liked Gong’s other books will probably like this one too. But I don’t think that avid adult fantasy readers will - it won’t have the depth that they are looking for.

⭐️⭐️⭐️📱 Thank you NetGalley and Saga Press for the e-ARC!

The magical system in this book was very unique to anything I’ve ever read or seen before. I think the author did an amazing job creating the various elements of this system and the ins and outs were explained very well.

I enjoyed being thrown into the plot fairly quickly with this book, but I really struggled staying interested throughout. I think this might have been an issue with the pacing and lack of character background to make me feel invested in these characters.

The Hunger Games-esque game being played in the middle of a populated city with residents continuing on with life as usual made for a more thrilling experience, given the potential of civilians getting caught in the crosshairs of the game.

I feel the various POVs throughout made following the story a little confusing especially since some were of some side characters that needed more introduction or development in my opinion. I wish we had spent a little more time on the past/backstory of all 3 main characters to help increase the connection to them throughout the story.

The romance fell a little flat for me because it seemed to develop randomly without much tension or build up.

That ending though! 🤯 I was on the fence about continuing on with the series, but after that ending I think I’m going to need to read book 2 for an explanation and to see what happens next!

“Immortal Longings" by Chloe Gong is a retelling of Shakespeare's "Antony and Cleopatra" that takes place in a fantasy world filled with political intrigue, action-packed scenes, and a unique romance story. The book tells the story of Princess Calla Tuoleimi seeking revenge against the King of Talin while Anton Makusa, an exiled aristocrat, fights to save his dying childhood lover. The two characters meet and fight in a survival game set by the Palace, where the winner takes all.
The writing in "Immortal Longings" is enjoyable and serves as a unity between the different aspects of the story. However, the world-building can be hectic and challenging to grasp, with many things happening throughout the book, including the jump system, magic, game rules, violence, and an ever-changing point of view.
In my opinion, Prince August stands out as the most consistent character, with a well-proportioned balance between his good and bad sides.
Overall, "Immortal Longings" is a creative romantasy story that offers an interesting retelling of Shakespeare's classic play.

3.5 stars. While this series is advertised as adult I am finding it hard to categorize as an adult book. Think more upper YA possibly NA if we’re being honest. The makings of a great adult fantasy story are there but it felt too structured and too flat to fully make it in the adult category, for me at least. The gore isn’t very gory, the one sex scene in the entire book was very bland and felt forced among the characters, the language was tame.

I felt a big disconnect with the characters and the story which made this less enjoyable for me as a character driven reader. It was honestly a struggle to get through the first 50% of this book. Whenever you start a fantasy series info dumping is always going to make up a lot of the first part of the first book but sometimes the info dumping is too much and not spaced out enough. Between the multiple povs and third person perspective, the info dumping seemed never ending. It took a good while to find a rhythm and immerse myself into the story which I could never fully get in sync with.

The plot is amazing tho. Jumping from body to body is a very interesting plot point based magic system. I was intrigued watching how the games played out with the aspect of jumping and how the players used that to their advantage. The standard intrigue, betrayal, and fight scenes added to the entirety of the plot which made this the thing I enjoyed most which is rare as a character driven reader. The romance in the plot was lacking for me and I’m really hoping that disconnect will lessen with the next book.

The characters were fine. We have the bad ass female lead who can hold her own and doesn’t need anyone to come save her. A favorite of mine for sure. We have an exiled aristocrat who will do anything to win and a prince who will stop at nothing to get the crown that should be his. All in all a great if not cookie cut set of leading characters to follow along with.

I will definitely be continuing this series just to see how Gong progresses with her writing and jumping age categories. I have high hopes for the next book.

This book took me a little bit to get into but it got really action-packed sometime after the 20% mark!

The action scenes in this book were truly written so well. There were a few times where I wondered if some movements would truly be physically possible but otherwise they were very intense and bloody. I really loved how dark and gritty this world felt almost from the start. It set the whole tone for the book.

Our MC is very cold and gruff and I LOVED her character so much. She is so so fleshed out and I loved being in her POV a lot more than the others. However, Anton and August were interesting. It is very easy to see that Chloe took the time to fully flesh out all of her characters, the world, and the plot.

The whole idea of mind-jumping being something that happened so often and ruined so many lives was very intriguing to me and I think it was handled very well. It leaves you as the reader constantly wondering if someone is only a host for another.

My issue with this book began around the 50% mark. I was hoping for some really tense slow burn between Calla and Anton. However, it really quickly turned into them getting hot and heavy with each other. To me their 'romance' felt forced. As if it was only thrown into the story so that there could be spice which is truly disappointing because as someone who exclusively reads books with romance, I actually preferred this book not to have any.

Because of this, I was really sucked out of the story and couldn't seem to pick it back up so, unfortunately, I had to DNF. I am hoping to return to it in the future to see if this issue resolves itself.

Thank you so much for my ARC!

I can NOT stop thinking about this book. I love Chloe Gong's YA Secret Shanghai Universe books and her adult debut did not disappoint. Gong's seamless world-building and character development are absolutely impeccable and set up the next two books perfectly. This book follows Calla, Anton, and August through their kingdom's deadly annual competition. They have different, constantly changing roles and motivations when it comes to the games. This book is FULL of violence, blood, and gore so if that is not for you then this book probably isn't either. It also includes complex relationships and romance. One thing I love about Gong's writing has a way of highlighting the small moments in such high-stakes worlds. It makes the characters and the world in the book seem within reach like you can see their struggles and motivations even if can't relate to their decisions or actions.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC even though it just means I am forced to live with that cliffhanger ending just even longer.

You mean the queen Chloe Gong wrote an ADULT retelling of Antony and Cleopatra? Oh my goodness. I thought I was ready for this ride, but Mrs. Gong had something else on her mind that clearly just captured all of me and wouldn't let me put. it. down.

One of my most anticipated read for this year. The plot and writing had me grabbing for the next page! I can't wait to read the sequel.

It’s simple. Whatever Chloe Gong writes, I read. And always, consistently, irrevocably deeply adore. “Immortal Longings” is no exception.

*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.*