Chloe Gong is a master at her craft! Her ability to totally transport readers to a new world is absolutely breathtaking, and Vilest Things is no exception!

After rating Immortal Longings 2 stars, I thought there'd be no hope for me enjoying this story moving forward. However, this book pleasantly surprised me. It wasn't a perfect read--I still feel no emotions toward the characters or Calla and Anton's relationship--but the sequel kept me engaged and I loved all the twists.

I was on the fence about continuing this series last year but now I think I will definitely stick it out to the end.

Chlor Gong is so talented at weaving intricate storylines and layered characters that leave you wanting more and more! This book is no different. It picks up right where the first one ends and starts off with a bang. I liked that we got more world building and got to understand qi a lot more than we had before. Not to mention getting to know the Malissa!

What a fantastic follow up to Immortal Longings. This book is jam packed with court intrigue, mysterious scientific or perhaps spiritual events, angry gods, angry women, star crossed lovers, and notes on war and class that of course parallels real life. An absolutely incredible sequel. The pace was great, the twists knocked me off my feet, and the small amount of spice had me giggling and kicking my feet. The social commentary was not in your face but was done so well, and especially well in terms of having seemingly rational POVs that make you question your reality. And of course, some lovely Mao Mao moments.

This book was an amazing read, that took you places you didn't know you were going to go. I was fully absorbed in this book right off the bat and flew through it in one day. The author did an amazing job with the plot and making the characters unique but relatable. I will be recommending this book to all of my patrons, family, and friends. Great read!

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of this book!

This was an incredible follow up to Immortal Longings, and just like the first book, I could not put it down, and I am going to be DYING until the final book is released!!

This picks up immediately after the end of the games, with King Kasa dead and August declared the new ruler of San-Er… but we know it’s not really August. The sequel really dives more into how qi works and the history of Talin as a whole, as well as the background of our main characters.

Chloe Gong has quickly become one of my favorite authors and this series does not disappoint.

Blood, Betrayal, and Burning Empires: A Look at "Vilest Things"
This sequel to the acclaimed "Immortal Longings" dives headfirst into a world of political machinations, vengeance, and a love that could consume everything. Fans of the first book will find familiar themes inspired by Shakespeare's "Antony and Cleopatra" woven into a richly imagined, futuristic Asia.

Power Struggles Take Center Stage

Calla, having secured a precarious victory, now walks a tightrope as advisor to the seemingly docile new king. However, a shocking twist reveals a familiar face – or rather, a stolen one – beneath the crown. Anton, fueled by rage over Calla's betrayal, has seized control of the king's body, setting the stage for a complex dynamic between the former allies.

The Past Rises from the Ashes

The arrival of Otta, Anton's presumed-dead love, throws another wrench into the already volatile situation. Her awakening from a coma unveils a secret that could shatter the fragile peace. As tensions escalate, Calla and Anton are forced into an uneasy truce to quell a potential rebellion.

A Story with Room for Growth

While the core concept is intriguing, the world-building and character development don't quite reach the full potential established in the first book. The breakneck pacing left me wanting a deeper exploration of the characters' motivations and the intricate political landscape.

A Must-Read for Fans of the First Book

Despite its shortcomings, "Vilest Things" is sure to enthrall those who enjoyed "Immortal Longings." With its high stakes, complex relationships, and a dash of forbidden romance, it offers a thrilling continuation of the story. However, those new to the series might find themselves struggling to grasp the intricacies of the plot and characters.

Overall, "Vilest Things" is a worthy successor, delivering political intrigue, shocking revelations, and a love story teetering on the edge of a knife. Readers who enjoyed the first book will likely find themselves captivated, but newcomers might want to start with "Immortal Longings" for a richer experience.

"Vilest Things" by Chloe Gong is a gripping sequel to "Immortal Longings," weaving power struggles, romance, and intrigue into a narrative inspired by Shakespeare's "Antony and Cleopatra." Following her victory in San-Er’s deadly games, Calla Tuoleimi has taken on the role of royal advisor to August Shenzhi, the new ruler of Talin. However, only Calla knows that August is actually Anton Makusa, who has assumed August’s body after surviving the games.

The story's tension is heightened by the return of Anton’s first love, Otta Avia, whose awakening from a coma and revelation of a monarchy-threatening secret plunges Talin into chaos. As the empire teeters on the edge of anarchy, Calla and Anton must set aside their tumultuous past and navigate the treacherous political landscape to save their kingdom.

Gong’s storytelling is both immersive and intense, skillfully balancing action and emotional depth. The character development is particularly strong, with Calla and Anton’s complex relationship driving much of the plot. The blend of political intrigue, personal vendettas, and romantic tension makes for a compelling read.

The novel's pace keeps readers on edge, with each chapter revealing new layers of the characters’ motivations and the kingdom’s dark secrets. The richly crafted world of Talin, with its vivid imagery and complex power dynamics, serves as an excellent backdrop for the unfolding drama.

While some may find the intricacies of the plot a bit challenging to follow, the payoff is well worth the effort. "Vilest Things" is a standout sequel that will leave fans eager for more from Chloe Gong’s captivating universe.

I liked this book better than the first one because it went into more action sequences and politics which I liked. I also did like the weird romance plot line that didn't have much to do with romance.

a very building and transitional book of the series for sure. I definitely felt like this was built around events that we need to get to the actual stuff of the last book and fair enough. that is what a second book of duology is supposed to do. chloe gong's ability to subtly foreshadow things that just make sense after you've read the shocking plot twists should be studied, especially for this series.