Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you, NetGalley and publishers.

Vilest Things is the second in Chloe Gong’s sci-fi romantasy series. In this Asian inspired setting, the educated few can use qi to jump between bodies and there is a struggle for the throne and the country’s destiny. Are the gods real and do they choose the ruler with a crown of destiny? If you love scrappy heroines like Katniss, you’ll be rooting for Calla.

No middle book syndrome here! Vilest Things was just as intriguing, gruesome, and action-packed as Chloe Gong's first installment in the Flesh and False Gods series. We pick up pretty much right where Immortal Longings left off, and while the first half of the novel focuses on a great deal of political scheming and trying to determine whom to trust (answer: no one), things get sufficiently wild and fast-paced in the second half, so much so that I couldn't put it down at the end! Did I remember all the intricacies and who everyone was from book one? No. Do I have a firm grasp on how jumping works? No -- but to be fair to myself, neither do most people in the book. Does that matter? Not at all. I will now be (im)patiently waiting for book three.

Thanks NetGalley and Saga Press for an advanced copy of this book.

I was so happy to be able to read this from Netgalley. The dynamic of the problematic family really was interesting to touch for the plot. I do like the characters growing up and coming together to solve and stop the issue. Great read.


Cons: We don't need comments from the publisher or favorite reviews. We need summaries on the backs of books

let's talk about it!

We're finally here at book 2 of The Flesh and False Gods trilogy. I was so intrigued that Chloe was releasing an adult fantasy series based on an Anthony and Cleopatra retelling! I've read all her YA novels and this was huge for me! While it took me a while to get into the world in book 1, I eventually got into the book and was captivated by the last half that shocked me! For book 2, we jump right into the aftermath of what transpired at the end of book 1 and are thrusted into this new problem plaguing book 2 ( which was a tad confusing tbh).

This book was riddled with plot twists, shocking reveals, and betrayals. The world that this is set in is so bizarre to me and I feel like we don't have all the information but will learn more in book 3, which is fine, but I feel like at times she tells us rather than shows us the lore/history. I don't care about the politics of it all, but the body jumping issue I had with book 1 is a non-issue in this book. Partly because I feel like it was explored more and explained in a better light than book 1? for some reason? idk.

I could see how Calla and Anton would NOT be involved with each other after the ending of book 1. Their tension was so high but throughout the book Anton realizes that Calla actually loves him. Now let me tell you, I WAS SWEATING with Otta was in any scene and knew she was speaking with Anton despite his current body. Like, if he was to hook up with Otta, Anton would have been dead to me. This was a great enemies-to-lovers, back to enemies, back to lovers hahaha

We learned so much about backstory for certain characters, more history and lore, and revelations about body jumping that will have HUGE impacts in book 3.

Chloe's writing is so so beautiful and her ability to pull the rug out from under you is as always, amazing. I did NOT see the final reveal coming and I had to go back and double check if I understood correctly. I have so many questions about WHO Calla actually is and now that she has made some new enemies and alliances with the crescent societies, I am anxiously awaiting book 3!

I think Chloe Gong is a sensational writer. I've mentioned this in my ARC review for Immortal Longings (Book 1), that this Flesh and False Gods series is my first book(s) from her. I know her earlier works are revered in the YA space, so I was curious to see how she would continue to grow. My initial thought is that this is one of those series that are so complex and well-thought out that it's difficult for readers like myself who read almost 100+ books per year to stay engaged in the story in-between releases. That being said, I can completely see how this would be a great series to binge-read, unless you had an insanely good memory recall. I found myself struggling to get through the first 20-30% of the book, mainly because I was still reacquainting myself with the characters and the history. The book picked up right where the first ended (which was an INSANE cliffhanger). I think I would have enjoyed this one more had I read it closer to when I finished Immortal Longings. I'm dying to see how this one concludes. (my rating: 3.5 ⭐️)

Thank you to Saga Press & netgalley for the eARC!

4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Vilest Things
Author: Chloe Gong
Fantasy

Thank you so much Netgalley and Saga Press for this ARC! I was super eager to read this since I loved the first book, Immortal Longings, so much! This book picks up right where the first one left off. Do not read the blurb unless you are okay with spoilers from the ending of book one. I’m not sure what was wrong with me but I had a really hard time getting into this one and staying focused throughout the book. So much was going on yet for some reason I wasn’t connecting with it at all! The ending truly saved the book for me. Friggin loved it and need to know what happens next. I talked to my other friends who read it and it’s clearly a me problem because they had no issues with the pacing or storyline at all. So don’t take my word for it. Still overall a great read.

When I was first approved for this, I didn't realize it was Book 2. I rushed to read book one-which, admittedly-was not my favorite. Still, I persevered to give this one an honest chance.

The story has a LOT of world building. Much of it seemed unnecessary and more like filler, so I didn't enjoy slogging through that. The characters, though, were more flushed out and it was interesting to see that there were strong "good guys" or "bad guys" but lots of flawed characters with multiple motivations. I liked that!

Towards the end, It became obvious that there would need to be [at least] one more installment to the story. Will I read it? Yes!

Overall: 4 stars (I really liked it)

**Thank you to NetGalley & Saga Press, S&S/Saga Press for the free ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.**

I thought this was a duology...at 98% I realized...this was definitely not the end haha.

I had a fun time with this book, but also had some issues with writing and pacing. The Calla and Anton bits were unsurprisingly my favorite and I think the tension between them is so good and interesting. I do like all the side characters and found myself really interested in them, but I feel like a lot of this book is just bogged down by so much unnecessary prose.

This book had a little *too* much worldbuilding for me, it felt like there was a lot of information dumps with little payoff for the actual plot and I was left wondering how a lot of it was relevant. The pacing was jarring, where nothing would happen for chapters and then I'd get to an action scene that felt rushed. I also do find the magic system confusing and not explained enough, also without any solid boundaries-- but maybe this is just a me thing.

Overall I did find this book entertaining and I *do* want to know what happens next! I just didn't feel as invested as I felt during Immortal Longings.

very much enjoyed Immortal Longings, but this just wasnt it. The best parts of the first book were left out and it felt like we were starting all over in a new series but with little explanation.
Nothing happened in the first 70% and then things got going, but that was too late. I never really cared for the characters, the romance was not there/came out of nowhere and the plot was all over the place.
This took me over a month to get through and I am just disappointed.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the advanced readers copy.

Vilest Things by Chloe Gong is a gripping tale filled with dark twists and complex characters. Gong's vivid writing immerses you in a world of intrigue and moral ambiguity, making it a must-read for fans of fantasy and suspense. The exploration of human nature is both haunting and beautifully crafted!

3.5-Stars

Vilest Things by Chloe Gong is a politically charged fantasy that dives into the messy complexities of power, class differences, and how ambition can corrupt. The way it tackles the idea that fighting for the greater good can take you down some morally grey paths is super compelling, and the push and pull between the characters’ growing self-awareness and their tragic downfalls is really well done. The romance—full of angst and tension—had me wanting more, as their heartbreaking dynamic was definitely one of the highlights. The world-building really stands out too; the city feels so real, its anxiety almost contagious, and the elements of gods, genetics, and body jumping really add to the vibe of a cyberpunk-like society.

That said, even though I had a blast reading it, I did feel like the book didn’t quite measure up to its predecessor. I’m still invested in the story, but the pacing stumbled a bit when important revelations were zipped through too fast, which left some moments feeling a bit flat. The blend of YA elements with explicit scenes also felt a little off, and I found myself wishing for more depth after the strong wrap-up in book one.

The sequel to Immortal Longings by Chloe Gong is unlike any other sequel I've read before. I didn't even realize it was trilogy until it was almost over. If she writes the last book in this series like she has the other two, then it will be the most successfully written trilogy I've read since The Hunger Games.

I really enjoyed Vilest Things. The characters are all morally grey and I honestly loved the relationship between Anton and Calla. There's political unrest that does come with a jaw dropper. Vilest Things kept my interest from the beginning to the end. I always enjoy Chloe's world building and the pacing always had me wanting to read just one more chapter.

Enemies to lovers trope is strong in this one. Seriously, the ending from the first left me jaw dropped. Not that the ending in this book ended any worse. But the love trope continues and it is strong. I loved how strong that connection and emotions get in this book. I also loved the inclusion and evolvement of the Gods and their manipulations. I hope this is fleshed out even more in the third book,

This book is a bit more hopeful and adventurous than the first. There's much less end of days kind of feeling. And I liked it more, the uplifting energy, the fact that there is something to now look forward - not just a way to die.

I still wish for more world building and explanation of the magic system. But I guess this book is more of a character study than a flushed out fantasy world. And it works, as the characters and their relationships are just blossoming, even if it is little by little.

Overall a great second book, that I think didn't suffer from the second book syndrome.

Vilest Things is book two in Chloe Gong’s Flesh & False Gods Trilogy. It picks up immediately where Immortal Longings left off. I will do my best in this review not to spoil the ending of book one. But if you haven’t yet finished reading Immortal Longings, please proceed at your own risk.

The King’s games have ended, Calla Tuoleimi has accomplished her goal, and now she’s been sent to the far reaches of the kingdom in a Councilmember’s delegation. Mysterious attacks and the revelation that the true crown of Talin is hidden in the Borderlands keep the story’s focus largely outside of the city.

Vilest Things greatly expands on the physical world building of Immortal Longings with a greater focus on the land and the history of the provinces outside of San-Er’s walls. The magic system built around Qi energy (and the ability to jump from one body to another) also expands. The generally understood limits on jumping don’t appear to be true. Is anyone who they appear to be?

Vilest Things centers itself on the history, politics, and religion of Talin. It’s not until about two-thirds into the story that we return to the passionate connection between Calla and Anton Makusa. (Which is fitting after the hit their relationship took at the end of book one. I mean, that’s not something easily forgiven.)The way the two work together as a team is this trilogy’s strength, so I really hope it carries over into the final installment.

Throughout Vilest Things, we’re never quite sure of anyone’s motives. Why publicly announce that the King wears a false crown? What does the Crescent Society want from Calla? Who is behind the Dovetail? Why was Talin’s history re-written after the war? In the final pages, however, we get a peek at who has been pulling the strings of revolution and what they aim to achieve for themselves. It’s a great set-up for the trilogy’s resolution.

I have to admit being a little disappointed in this sequel. The ending of Immortal Longings was a jaw dropping set-up for major conflict between Calla and Anton. But they were rarely alone together for the first half of the novel. I also missed the vibrant chaos of the San-Er cityscape, along with the energy of the games. Instead of returning comfortably to a world I enjoyed, this felt almost like initial world building, not the continuation of a series. I’ll still read book three, but it won’t be at the top of my TBR.

Vilest Things delivered a masterful sequel with higher stakes and interesting character dynamics.

We pick up almost immediately after the events of Immortal Longings. Calla Tuoleimi is now advisor to King August, and the only one that knows his secret, that Anton Makusa is in fact not dead.

Despite their strained relationship, Calla and Anton start to piece together the mystery of odd qi deaths in the outer regions. But when Anton’s old flame Otta Avia wakes from her coma, the strange events start appearing closer to home. There is a race to capture the crown before it falls into wrong hands.

The political intrigue had me in its clutches! What a complex tale of fighting for power and where an epic fantasy could begin. I loved uncovering the various layers of different religious factions and buried secrets, just getting to scratch the surface of Calla’s history.

The tension between Calla and Anton was really like no other, testing the fragile alliance they created in book one. I very much enjoy the strong female voices in this story. Besides Calla, Bibi and Otta are new characters introduced in this book and I’m very curious to see how the story unfolds with their addition.

What I loved originally about the first book was its world building, and it expanded in this sequel. The intricacies of the magic system have been embellished and I cannot wait for the next book to see it come to a head.

Thank you to Saga Press for the review copy.

3.5/5 Stars

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of the book. This is the 2nd book in a trilogy, so be aware of that going into any review as there will be spoilers.

General Description: Calla successfully finds herself after the games of Immortal Longings; however, so does Anton. But Anton is in August's body. Also, when Otta comes back to the world of the living and reveals the true crown is hidden in the world, Anton (as August) and Calla must work together to get to the crown before anyone else. However, as Calla learns more about her true self, can she trust August with everything she's learning?

What I liked:
- I do like the multitude of perspectives you get, it keeps you in the world.
- I really enjoy Calla as a main character
- The concept of the world is still unique and I liked that we got to see more of it in this book, however...

What was too much:
- The world building...I feel like we have been building this world brick by brick, page by page, and it doesn't really end. I am hopeful the 3rd book doesn't have as much world building.
- The main point of finding the crown felt very lackluster and I feel like I was left with a lot of questions on the crown. With it being the main point of the book, I thought more would be clarified. But I was wrong.

Overall, if you liked Immortal Longings, you should read this book. I definitely can see the 3rd book being an ABSOLUTE banger.

I loved it! I think it was even better than the first book. I liked that the romance was not the only plot. There was anticipation as I looked forward to how Calla and Anton's relationship would develop from the betrayal that went down in the first book. There were some new characters and some revelations. This book was hard to put down. I had to buy a copy of this book so I can read it again. I definitely did not expect the ending! I thought I figured out who was who but I was wrong. I can't wait for the next book!

A great sequel to Immortal Longings!

Vilest Things picks up where Immortal Longings left off (thank goodness).

I loved seeing the characters again (although in a much different way). I will never get tired of reading about the body-jumping activities and how it plays such a fun part in the world.

I really enjoy Anton and Calla’s complicated relationship, I feel like it gives the story great tension while not being overbearing.

The first book had a lot of information dumping but I felt like I could keep up, however the sequel alright feels like it has more info dumping and world building that should be unnecessary at this point since it should have been covered in the first book.

Without the games and big plot points in the first book, I felt like this one didn’t carry the same energy and seemed a bit aimless.

Other than the next book, I’ll be needing a map and a family tree ASAP.

Overall I’m very happy to have read this and I’m excited for the third book!

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC!

3.5 Stars

It's rare when I enjoy a sequel as much as its predecessor, but I definitely felt that way about VILEST THINGS! Because I had a better idea of what to expect before diving into this book (and coming fresh off a reread of the first one as well), I had a more favorable reading experience with this installment in the series.

Granted, this could also be because I live for Chloe Gong chaos in her storytelling, but I digress.

When it comes to this series, it's the plot that takes the driver's seat in capturing my attention. It's really quite rare for me to read a book where I can't really predict what's going to happen next, but many things happen within the pages of Vilest Things that I just didn't see coming. I was content to let the narrative carry me along for the reading experience; there were a lot of things that made me mentally screech, gasp out loud, do a double take and drop my jaw along the way to the ending... which pretty much had the same effect.

I felt more familiar with the setting this go around, but it was certainly interesting to see the world expand and get some more insight into the lore (which was one of my favorite things about this installment, actually). It was equally interesting to see the ways that the events of book one have shaped our two main characters, as well as getting a few new additions to the cast and exploring the relationships (most of which are precarious and balanced on a knife's edge, let's be real) too.

This is definitely a strong installment, and one of the most entertaining sequels I've read in some time. Very much looking forward to seeing how things wrap up in the finale!