Thank you to Saga Press and Netgalley for sending me an early copy of this book! All opinions are my own!

How does one even begin to describe such masterpieces as the ones that Chloe Gong writes?? Just when I think I have everything in line and I'm caught up, she throws in more of her genius and expertise in worldbuilding and plot twists. This world is one that I never would have imagined from book 1, and I can't wait to see where Gong goes with it from here. There's so much opening up to discover and an infinite amount of directions things could go, but I know that Gong will somehow find the best path to take us down. (It will probably hurt, but that's the sacrifice we give her).

I loved the romance aspect of this book as well! There was a lot of angst and longing in it, and then the build up was so worth it! Anton has definitely stolen my heart with his passion and gentleness. I love a broken love interest, they make the best angst. He and Calla really took it up a notch in this book, and I need more of them so quickly!

This is a book that is so expertly written that I am in awe of how much mastery of her craft that Gong has. She is an icon for a reason, and Vilest Things is just another piece of evidence to that!

One of my most anticipated reads of 2024! This is a strong follow up to Immortal Longings, and Chloe Gong does not mess around when it comes to jaw dropping cliffhangers. I appreciated that Calla and Anton's characters and their backstories were given a stronger spotlight in the sequel, even though I wanted the romance storyline to be more prominent earlier on. The story ends with a bang and has me excited for the next book in the series, which feels like it's going to widen the scope of the world even more.

Thank you to NetGalley and Saga Press for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

i was very excited for this story, especially with how immortal longings ended and clued us in on the fact that a lottttt was about to go down. i really enjoyed learning more about the provinces, especially as calla tried to uncover more of her original identity. i also really enjoyed unpacking the evil within august (and let’s be real… we all knew he was a bad guy right???) i also am extremely proud because i predicted the cliffhanger plot twist CORRECTLY like 60% in and i feel like that is pretty slay. anyway, while there were a lot of fun, riveting aspects, the story also lagged at times and made me disinterested. i kept wanting to skip ahead to the action instead of reading through some of the blander scenes. for that reason, this is rated a little lower than book 1. however, overall this was a good story and i do very much look forward to reading book 3 when it releases in 2025!

3.5 stars

There’s something as uniquely mesmerizing as a Chloe Gong retelling and her latest novel, Vilest Things is no exception. Taking place right after the last book ended, the story plunged readers back into the divided world of San-Eir where Calla, Anton, and August battled for power. As a Shakespeare (and history nerd) I loved the inclusions of nods to both the Bard’s telling and general history.

First, the characters. If there’s one thing Chloe Gong excels at, it’s writing developed and morally gray characters you can’t help but root for. Though Calla certainly wasn’t your typical rebel princess, I adored how she lived in shades of ambiguity. Her motivation wasn’t perfect, and neither was she (which, I can assure you, is a high compliment indeed). Anton was basically what could be expected of such a character (I hate Mark Antony in whatever form he appears in—though Gong’s was less infuriating than usual), and I liked that he struggled with his past and his past relationships (if you read book one, you know what I mean).

The world of San-Eir was incredibly complex without feeling overwhelming. I appreciated that the scale of the world expanded slowly rather than all at once, giving readers time to adjust. The Asia-meets-Rome-meets every empire ever was a nice touch, leaving readers with little easter eggs to unpack if they so choose.

My main issue with the story was the magic and randomly introduced deities. I like magic systems that have consequences (and consequences that can’t just be brushed off as distant collateral damage). Everything about the power system felt too easy and it undermined the rules that had been established in previous books. Additionally, the smut scenes didn’t add anything to the story and generally fell flat. There are ways to make a book more “adult” without adding unnecessary smut (and I say that as a romance reader), so I think the smut felt out of place here.

Despite my issue with the magic, I enjoyed Vilest Things. The pacing was incredible (a true Chloe Gong staple) and the writing was lyrical and easy to read at the same time (imagine that!). I can’t wait to see readers fall in love with the complex world she had created. If you love enemies-to-lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers-to-etc, fast-paced storylines, betrayal (and lots of it), then you will truly enjoy Vilest Things.

Chloe Gong does not miss and I know when I pick up one of her books that I’m going to be hooked from beginning to end. Vilest Things was no exception, it was such an amazing follow up to Immortal Longings. I was entranced the entire time and flew through this book. I can’t wait to see how it all ends!

review ♥
vilest things- chloe gong
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Thank you to Saga Press, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, for the free copy to review.

Immaculate. Mind-blowing. Heart-wrenching.

Chloe Gong has done it again. In this sequel to Immortal Longings, we return to the kingdom of Talin where Anton Makusa has invaded the body of the recently coronated August Shenzi. Calla Tuoleimi has been pardoned for her crime of killing King Kasa and serves as an advisor to the new king. The plot thickens in the sequel, with Otta Avia awakening from the Yaisu sickness. Each character has their own intents and hunger for the throne. Calla’s heart is in the right place, hoping to return the kingdom to peace and care for the common folk. When Otta declares the divine crown to be a fake and the real one residing in Rincun, the entire kingdom breaks into shambles. Calla and Anton must work together to find the true crown and solve the riddle of the mysterious Sinoa Tuoleimi, who plagues Calla’s thoughts.

This story deepens, creating handcrafted and interwoven stories and motives. We finally see Anton and Calla displaying their true and raw emotions for one another. We get deeper stories of each character and the Cresent Societies, who caused massive destruction in the first novel. I adore how Chloe creates significant backstories for all of the characters, which ties into the overall plot. Her mind is impeccable at devising these plans and underlying reasons for the power struggle and true heir to the throne. As her writing progresses, she continues to improve and strengthen her world-building and keep her fans shocked by the end. Chloe is phenomenal at writing stories and her cliffhangers rip my soul apart because of the wait until the final installment.

Thanks to NetGalley & Saga Press for providing me an e-ARC! One of my most anticipated reads this year and I was screaming with excitement when I got the approval.

**3.75-4 stars** I did enjoy this but I do feel like it suffered a little bit of second book syndrome. That’s not to say it’s not good, Chloe Gong’s writing again was amazing and I can read 1000+ pages from her and still be immersed.

After that epic cliffhanger from the first instalment, we are thrown back into the world of San-Er, following the games. Claimed victor, Calla is now navigating her new role as royal advisor to August Shenzi, the new ruler of Talin. But we readers and Calla know that August is not really August and is actually none other than Anton. Anton feels betrayed by Calla after the final round of the games and takes over August’s body in order to survive. Despite the two having tension, they have to set aside their differences and work towards saving the kingdom.

This book served more like a filler book in this series but it is necessary. I loved reading about Anton and Calla’s relationship–another enemies to lovers storyline but different from the first book. The ending left me with a lot of questions and it still made me excited to read the next. Can’t wait for the next book.

I enjoyed getting deeper into the políticas and magic system with the story not focusing on the games anymore. After the cliffhanger from the last book I was READY, jokes on me- just for another massive cliffhanger! I love that these characters are chaos gremlins and there's so much going on, plot twists left and right. Good pacing, interesting story and well-done middle book, looking forward to the conclusion!

4.5 stars
I fell in love with this world in the first book and wow does it get better in the second! Vilest Things picks up right where Immortal Longings ended. We are seeing the aftermath of Calla and Anton's time competing and immediately see how things have changed. The tension between them picks up in this book for sure. Anton is determined to hate Calla for what she and Calla is determined to be there and make big changes after killing the previous ruler. The lovers to enemies to lovers is done really well. It thought the timing and development with their relationship was perfect.

This series has a very complex plot and world building and it continues to expand in this book. We learn so many new things about the history, provinces, and qi. One of the best things was seeing more how qi works and the different abilities it gives specific people. On top of that I feel like it was twist after twist all throughout the book. I loved that we got the point of view and insight from multiple characters. This really allowed us to know what was going on at different locations throughout the book.

Overall this was a great sequel and once again ends on a big cliff hanger. I definitely need the next book soon.With this being inspired by Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra I am anxiously waiting to see how Chloe Gong will end Calla and Anton's story in the third book!

I really thought this series was duology and this was the ending of the series. But I was wrong and we have another massive cliff hanger. 🙃

Middle books of trilogies are tough, because they feel like middle books. And this was no exception. It follows Immortal Longings beautifully and the plot, at times slow, was essential to get where we’re going.

This is a series for you if you like unique world building, political drama and intrigue, obsessive love, retellings and pure chaos.

4.5🌟
Plot twist. Plot twist. Plot twist. Everywhere. And I love it. This book is plot heavy and yes the characters are so well-created but what shines the most is the plot and the world building of this book. Book one ended with a tremendous cliffhanger and Vilest things picks right up. We get to see the aftermath of the games and the new ruler. After a new character pops up and reveals shocking truths, everyone must race to retrieve the real crown.

Where book one has rivals to lovers expect Vilest things to be lovers to enemies to lovers. Calla and Anton start back in square one but with more complications. They both again have different end goals and they do not align. There’s unrest in the provinces and Calla is struggling to come to the terms of her identity. Calla is still quite a mystery but it is obvious that she gets more clever as the story develops.

I absolutely loved this book and I could not put it down once I started it. It is full of schemes, (I think August and Otta win on that front with all their revelations) politics, lore, rebellions and secret pasts. I think so far we’ve seen the politics and court intrigue but now we will get to see a full war for the throne.

Vilest Things
⭐️⭐️⭐️

I was sooo excited to get the second book in this series on @netgalley! The first one took a bit to get into but it was good once you made it past all of the history and politics.

This book starts off where the last one left, but is definitely not as action packed. There is some action once you get to the end but overall it’s a lot of sneaking around the palace and trying to figure out what Anton, Calla and the rest of the cast are up to.

Didn’t enjoy this book a ton. There wasn’t the same draw with the characters the last book had- and it took a while again to keep them all straight just like the first book. Without the same action as the first book, it fell really flat for me. As always, Chloe does a cliffhanger at the end!

Okay. I had to think for awhile about this review because I loved Immortal Longings and didn’t think there was any chance I wouldn’t like this.

I didn’t like this.

Basically take everything that made the first book interesting and throw it out the window. I am in actual shock. This book was so incredibly boring and nothing happened for 70% of the book. Everything that was a bit convoluted in the first book only got more convoluted and unexplained in this one. This book doubled down on the worst parts of book one.

There were a couple of routes this book could have taken after the amazing cliffhanger from book one, and it chose the most uninteresting route possible that also makes the least amount of sense. Honestly my head just hurts after reading this and I’m not entirely sure I could explain anything that happened.

Also the romance? No. It’s like she didn’t know what to do with it in this book and it was an afterthought.

Basically I’m now depressed and I want to go hide in a corner until book 3 comes out. Maybe that one will make up for the mess that this book was.

This book is one of my most anticipated reads of the year and it did not disappoint. In short, this second book in the Flesh and False Gods trilogy is perfection. I absolutely loved the way that Calla and Anton antagonize each other and face the trials they are up against, both separately and together. The addition of Otta brings the drama up a notch and I am here for it. There's new magic introduced and it gives such depth to the story and the characters. There are new twists, a few new characters, new gods, and an ending that leaves you clamoring for more!

Thank you to Saga Press for the gifted copy of this book!

After Chloe's RUDE cliffhanger from IMMORTAL LONGINGS, I waited anxiously for VILEST THINGS and the conclusion to this story. Joke's on me because this is actually book two of a trilogy, but that just means more in this well-crafted world! While this definitely feels like a book two, it's also a great followup to IMMORTAL LONGINGS and already has me anticipating Book 3. My favorite parts of this series are the unique world with bodyjumping, the treachery & deception, and the strong characters. They just bring chaos and I'm here for it. There were also some tender moments in this one that I appreciated, and now I guess I'm back in the "anxiously awaiting" state for Book 3!

Seeking out the next fantasy book that will destroy you? Look no further!

Picking up where “Immortal Longings” leaves off, “Vilest Things” follows Calla Tuoleimi as she serves as royal advisor to August Shenzhi, who has risen to the throne. Only Calla knows Anton took over August’s body to survive her betrayal. The two must set aside their conflicts when Otta Avia awakens and her secrets threaten the very fabric of the monarchy.

This book outdoes its predecessor with more power (but in the wrong hands), more repercussions, more politics, more tension, and even more betrayals. Gong truly has a knack for making her readers suffer and I’m not sure what this says about me, but I endured every cliffhanger, volatile exchange between Calla and Anton, and unanswered question happily.

“Vilest Things” is told from multiple points-of-view and I was captivated by every single one. Gong makes each perspective necessary in advancing the plot forward and unraveling what larger is at stake. As a result, I was equally frustrated and excited to follow a different character at the start of each chapter and discover a new piece to the puzzle.

I am obsessed with the world Gong creates in “Immortal Longings”, so I really enjoyed how she expands upon it in this book. Gong completely engrossed me in Calla and Anton’s journey beyond the walls surrounding San-Er and into the outer reaches of Talin. Each province they cross into is accompanied by descriptions of the region and its customs to make one distinctive from another. The secret that draws them out there in the first place adds an element of mystery relating to the kingdom and its history that kept me on the edge of my seat!

Calla and Anton’s begrudging alliance on their travels had me in a chokehold! The events at the end of book one obliterate all trust established between the two of them, bringing their relationship right back to square one, and their toxicity festers because of that. Both still have residual feelings, but allow their stubbornness to keep them apart. Otta also serves as a source of tension for Calla and Anton’s relationship and nothing was more agonizing than watching Otta manipulate their perceptions of each other. The angst and mutual pining, however, makes it all worthwhile.

Fair warning: “Vilest Things” ends with the most brutal cliffhanger. I thought the end of “Immortal Longings” was soul-destroying…but this is a whole other level. I could do nothing but watch it play out and I fear I might be scarred for life. Chloe if you’re reading this, I’ll forgive you in exchange for book 3.

This captivating sequel to "Immortal Longings" is weaving together dark fantasy, political intrigue, and intense emotions. The story follows Calla Tuoleimi, who, after winning San-Er’s deadly games, serves as royal advisor to a king who isn't who he seems. Anton Makusa, driven by betrayal, has taken over the king’s body, and chaos erupts when Otta Avia, Anton’s first love, awakens with a secret that threatens the monarchy. Calla and Anton must reluctantly unite to prevent their kingdom from becoming anarchy. Gong’s storytelling is masterful, with complex characters, unexpected twists, and a rich, atmospheric world. This novel is a must-read for fans of dark, intricately woven tales of power and revenge.

Vilest Things reels from the betrayal. We become re-immersed in these plots and what we quickly find out is that there's more than meets the eyes. Things which have been set in motion which cannot be undone. Things which have happened before we ever opened Immortal Longings. Conflicts, betrayals, and sabotage which predates what we ever knew. Vilest Things becomes about the hurts they've dealt to each other. Can they move past these scars? The wounds they're still inflicting? Vilest Things is about unraveling the strings of the past.

I was lucky enough to get my hands on an advanced reader's copy (ARC) of this book, and let me tell you, it did NOT disappoint!

The story picks up where the previous installment left off, with Calla Tuoleimi serving as royal advisor to August Shenzhi, who's actually Anton Makusa in disguise. Yes, you read that right! Anton's taken over August's body to survive, and he's not giving up this newfound power without a fight.

But when Otta Avia, Anton's first love, wakes up from a coma and drops a bombshell that threatens the monarchy's authority, things get real. Calla and Anton must put aside their differences and work together to prevent anarchy from erupting in the kingdom.

What I loved most about this book was the complexity of the characters. Calla's still reeling from her past experiences, and Anton's struggling with his own demons. Their banter and tension were palpable, and I found myself rooting for them despite their flaws.

The world-building was also top-notch. The author's created a rich, immersive world with a complex political landscape that kept me on the edge of my seat.

Overall, this book was a wild ride from start to finish. If you're a fan of political intrigue, complex characters, and slow-burn romances, you'll devour this book in one sitting. Trust me, you won't regret it!

Recommendation: If you enjoy books with complex characters, political intrigue, and slow-burn romances, you'll love this book.

I really enjoyed Immortal Longings - the setting, the action the star crossed romance so I was very excited for Vilest Things and it totally delivered! I liked learning more about the politics and there were some very interesting twists and turns! Will be recommending this and adding to our library!