Vilest Things is book two in the Flesh and False Gods series. I kind of struggled through this one a little bit. While I usually love books with lots of politics, it felt like there was just a lot of information to digest before I really was able to get into the plot of the story. The pacing was pretty off for most of the book, but definitely picked up towards the end where it felt like everything finally came together. The cliffhanger has me excited for book three in this series!

Thank you to Saga Press and Netgalley for the ARC!

Thanks to NetGalley and Saga Press for the eBook.

Calla Tuoleimi has won San-Er’s bloody games and eliminated King Kasa, her tyrant uncle and the former ruler of Talin. She serves now as royal advisor to Kasa’s adopted son, August Shenzhi, who has risen to the throne. Only Calla knows it isn’t really August. Anton Makusa is still furious about Calla’s betrayal in the final round of the games. In an impossible feat, he took over August’s body to survive, and has no intention of giving up this newfound power. But when his first love, the beautiful, explosive Otta Avia, awakens from a years-long coma and reveals a secret that threatens the monarchy’s authority over Talin, chaos erupts. As tensions come to a boiling point, Calla and Anton must set their conflicts aside and head to the kingdom’s far reaches to prevent anarchy… even if their empire might be better off burning. 

4.25* It wasn't perfect, but it was very entertaining, so I give it that. I liked the characters, even if they are insane. There were so many unexpected twists and turns that I obviously didn't see coming. There's a lot of politics and conspiracies, and we jump from place to place and situation to situation, which honestly left me confused at times, but let's ignore that. I still don't know what Otta's ultimate goal was, other than being a pain in the ass, but I guess we'll have to deal with that later. I'm excited to see where the series goes.

Anything that Chloe Gong writes I will absolutely eat up. The first book completely blew me out of the water, everything was fresh and new and I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. After it ended I was distraught and have been so patiently waiting for what else could happen and it was nothing like I expected. The way the world building was expanded was stellar and so interesting. Every time Calla and Anton were on the page I was yelling for more, it was just enough to tease but written so well I couldn't even complain. Their story draws you in and when I tell you my jaw dropped by the end! While the direction we took shocked me I can't wait to see where else we can go with the rest of the series.

Even better than the first book! Kind of slow start, but that’s usually to be expected in fantasy books. Absolutely love Calla. The plot, the romance, the twists. Can’t wait to read more by the author.

With its deadly competition and body jumping, the first book in this series hooked me. I couldn't wait to see what happened after the mind-blowing cliffhanger.

Calla won the game and eliminated King Kasa. The general public believes she also killed Anton - but only she knows he jumped into August's body. Now Otta (Anton's first love) is awake after a long time coma, shocking secrets threaten the monarchy, and Calla and Anton have some real issues to work through (you know, since she supposedly killed him) if they're going to set things right.

This is a sequel, so no spoilers here. I'm still a big fan of the body hopping, and it gets even more creative in this novel. You'd have to know someone extremely well to figure out they were "invaded", and a couple of these characters have their suspicions. It makes for some interesting situations. Calla is just as stubborn and determined this time around, but she also learns uncomfortable truths about herself. Anton's loyalty continues to be a strength, but he wonders if his is misplaced. Who can he really trust?

Some readers aren't fans of the political scheming, but it only increases my interest in the plot. So much betrayal and backstabbing. August and Galipei don't get as much page time, but Otta wins the award for most surprising revelation. I knew something was up with her, but the secret came as a surprise. I'm sure it will be a driving force for the next book - which will be among my most anticipated reads for next year.

Recommended for readers who enjoy sci-fi intertwined with fantasy, political chaos, and plot-driven stories.

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

The Vile Things by Chloe Gong totally delivers on all the drama, twists, and feels you'd expect. Her writing is so lush and vivid—it just pulls you right into the story. The characters? Messy, intense, and impossible not to root for (or scream at). The plot had me flipping pages like crazy, though I’ll admit some parts dragged a tiny bit. But those twists? Chef’s kiss. It’s got betrayal, ambition, and all the dark vibes we love. If you’re into books that keep you up way past bedtime, this one’s for you. Definitely worth the hype!

Plot twists, betrayals, enemies to lovers back to enemies to lovers? say no more.

This sequel gave us a better look into the magic system, and even more world building and background information.

Solid sequel with another cliffhanger for an ending. Can’t wait until book 3.

Thank you Saga Press and Net Galley for this eARC.

This was a very mixed read for me. I really enjoyed the first book in this series and I did fell like I enjoyed this second book just a bit more than the first but there were still parts of it that I didn't 100% love. I struggled with getting invested on the plot and for it to hold my attention as I went through the story. I also didn't feel as strong of a connection to the characters in this book compared to the previous one. But overall an enjoyable continuation the the first book that tied itself together in the end.

I really enjoyed this sequel! It was a little confusing in the beginning because it didn’t pick up right where book one ended. We needed to spend time filling in the gaps and that made the story off to a rocky start. But once the action picked up, the story went by really quickly. I was excited to pick up the book and find out what happens next. I loved the scheming and the character relationships. I was a little confused towards the ending, but overall I am excited for book three. It’s set up to be high stakes and high action!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an advance copy of this title in exchange for honest feedback

Okay, let me just start by saying that Chloe Gong definitely knows how to pull you into a story. Vilest Things is dark, intense, and filled with twists that keep you on the edge of your seat. The writing is sharp, and you can tell Gong has a real knack for building tension and making you care about these characters, even when they’re doing some messed-up stuff. There’s a lot of emotional depth here, especially when it comes to how the characters wrestle with loyalty, revenge, and the weight of their past mistakes.

Now, I’ll be honest with you—I had a hard time with the pacing. There were parts of the book where it felt like it was dragging, especially when the story dives into the characters’ emotions and backstories. Don’t get me wrong, I get that character development is important, but some moments felt like they went on a little too long, and it threw off the rhythm of the story. I wanted the plot to move a little faster, but it would slow down just when things were getting really interesting.

The biggest thing that got me was how heavy the tone was throughout the book. I get it—this is a dark, gritty story, but it felt like it was always going for that emotional gut punch without giving you a breather. A little balance wouldn’t have hurt. I needed a moment to catch my breath before diving back into all that intensity.

Also, while the main characters were really well fleshed out, some of the secondary ones felt underdeveloped. I wanted to understand their motivations a bit more, but they didn’t get as much attention as they probably should’ve. It left some relationships feeling shallow, and that bugged me a bit.

Overall, Vilest Things is a solid read, but it’s not without its flaws. If you like dark, character-driven stories and can handle a pretty intense emotional rollercoaster, you’ll probably enjoy it. But just know it’s not the kind of book you breeze through—there’s a lot to process, and the pacing can get a little uneven. I’ll still recommend it, though, especially if you’re a fan of Gong’s other work. She definitely has a way of making you think long after you’ve closed the book.

Another devastatingly romantic, adventurous, deadly installment in Gong's new series—highly anticipated, and it did not let me down for a minute!

I am on my knees after that ending, Chloe, I beg of you, PLEASE give us book 3!!!!

"Hunger stirs plainly in his stare, but she cannot say whether it is for her or for power.
Maybe those are one and the same."

Vilest Things picks up right where we left off and I'm so glad it did! Despite its mixed reviews, I immensely enjoyed Immortal Longings so I was more than thrilled when I got my grubby little hands on book 2! While this book wasn't bad, I will say I was disappointed. It isn't on the same level as the first book. Vilest Things is a much slower paced, political intrigue fantasy than the action packed roller coaster that was the games. However, held on its own, Chloe Gong still presents readers with a captivating and immersive read.

"Is this a death warrant? Mutually signed, mutually enacted?
I’m glad you've realized."

I will always applaud Chloe Gong for her capacity to create such compelling and complex characters while weaving the most intricate relationships between them. When people say enemies to lovers THIS is what I'm looking for. The angst, the betrayal, the longing is just all done so well, it's hard not to root for our morally grey leads, Calla and Anton. I can't wait to see more of them!

"You were supposed to be the one who loved me most. How will you mourn me?"

The magic system continues to grow and become more complex. I felt we were left with even more questions that answers here so fingers crossed book 3 will hold some revelations because I'm a little confused. It is such an amazing concept, especially with the qi and body jumping, but I was hoping for more answers to the questions we were left with in book 1 instead of just adding more questions.

Despite my issues, Chloe Gong has created yet another wonderful novel and I am eagerly awaiting the next. There will never be a book of hers I won't read!

"You have so quickly forgotten that I would have razed the twin cities for you. "

An incredibly expansive, tense, and twisty continuation to the story that began in Immortal Longings. It was truly impressive how much the world grew, how many huge realizations struck, and how high the stakes were raised. A sequel that really upped the ante and delivered!

As always, Chloe Gong is a master storyteller. Just absolutely breathtaking with every flip of the page. Cannot WAIT for the end to this series!

***Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for providing me with a digital copy of this book to review.***

Thank you to Saga Press and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

CHLOEEEEEE!!!! BABE. You have a new fan for life after this book. Are you actually kidding me?! 😮‍💨🫠😫 they could never make me hate Calla and Anton!!!! They’re my babies 🥹

I seriously love the world building and technology involved in this series. I loved the tech involved in this land and all of the advancements that have, while also feeling completely immersed in a fantasy setting. That’s a very fine line to walk on, and Gong did it with grace and badassery!!!

The ending of that book had me so hype! I can tell that the next book will be just as good, if not even better. I love to get so surprised by books and the sequence of events and information given. Ms. Gong KILLED IT. There is something powerful about a woman knowing her worth and strength and is confident enough to get the job done. Calla has been forced to be strategic about every decision she’s ever made for 15 years, and all of her choices have led to this moment in time. Everything that comes out of her mouth had me rooting for her. I love how unapologetic she is about herself. And Anton… he is enraged and rightfully so. Both he and Calla have been fighting for so long—for their own survival, for their plans for revenge. They need each other, but will they be able to work through what happened?

There were so many twists and revelations in this book that I legit had my hand fly to my mouth in shock!! There are more POVs in this book compared to Immortal Longings, which I absolutely loved. We get so many different angles of the storyline that I was eating up!!


CW: blood, death, murder, violence, injury/injury detail, war, sexual content

4.75⭐️3🌶️

Urban Fantasy
Multi POV
Eastern Asian Influence
Unique Magic System
Forbidden Love
Slow burn
Morally Grey MC’s
Political Intrigue
Betrayal
Rebellion


A Gripping Sequel that Delivers on All Fronts

This second book in the series is a fantastic follow-up! While the first book centered around the Games, this installment dives deeper into the political landscape, exploring how the kingdom teeters on the brink of civil war. With shifting power dynamics and secrets that keep you on the edge of your seat, I was hooked from the very beginning. The pacing was spot-on, maintaining a steady build of tension throughout.

The romance is another highlight. The forbidden love between the characters is filled with jealousy, denial, and longing, creating an irresistible “will they, won’t they” pull. I found the emotional conflict—the mix of fear, anger, and desire—between the two main characters to be incredibly relatable and engaging.

But perhaps my favorite aspect of the series so far is the magic system. It’s complex and thoughtfully developed, with new layers continuously being revealed. The system is constantly explored and explained, but it maintains a strong core that holds everything together. Even as the characters experiment with and question the magic, Gong skillfully keeps the essence of the magic system intact, adding depth and intrigue to the world.

Thank you NetGalley and Saga Press for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

I don't know how Chloe Gong does it -- but her world building is so unique that you can't help but want to read more. This one lost me a little bit in the middle, but I really enjoyed how she does political intrigue. I find her books continue to captivate my attention and make me want to read them over and over again. 4.5/5 for me.

DNF @ 20%. I really liked Chloe Gong's YA books and I felt very look warm about Immortal Longings but I thought i would continue the series anyway. Unfortunately, I could not get through this. I was even more confused during this book despite it being a book two and I do think the sophomore slump hit with this one.

This is the second book in the series and I do think it suffered a bit from the sophomore slump, but that might just be me. The first book is full of tropes that I DEVOUR (magical competition) and this book switches gears to cover some heavy world building that the first book didn't fully explore. That being said, while it did take me longer to get into it, I absolutely enjoyed the ride once the plot started going.

The ending was full of surprise after surprise, and I'm not entirely sure I know who ANYONE is anymore or who the bad guys are supposed to be.

I will say one of the big reveals in the end was lost on me as I am unable to figure out exactly who she is to our MMC and my friend group who read it also seemed undecided, so perhaps that could have been a bit more fleshed out instead of treated as a mic drop.

I will be anxiously awaiting the conclusion of this series!