Reviews with content warning for Violence - Immortal Longings

I saw so many negative reviews of this book back when I bought it that I wasn't in a rush to read it. Now I'm wondering if we read the same book.

I loved the writing and loved how immersive it is. The story has some plot holes, I was so engaged with it that I didn't mind. The whole book feels like a dystopian Korean/Japanese/Movie. I loved it. I can't wait for the sequel.

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dreadspawn's review against another edition

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adventurous dark tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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gardens_and_dragons's review against another edition

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adventurous dark tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.0

I wanted to like this more than I do, as I had high hopes from previous works of Gong’s.

What it did well: rivals to lovers Roman, getting a good sense of place in the dual city of San-Er and its various streets, people’s, troubles.

It also has some great action scenes, and great descriptions of how the games worked.

What could be improved: the Jumping magic that allows people to jump from body to body via their Qi is… it’s lackluster. It’s interesting in concept but it is hard to envision a world that this is the norm. There are safeguards for keeping identities and such for bureaucracy purposes , and keeping the monarchy and its powers installed. But you’d think that the politics and systems of a world where qi could be transferred would be a much different one with different troubles.

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abby_can_read's review against another edition

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adventurous dark tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

📖
This was quite the book. I don't really know how to explain my feelings. I think it was interesting. I liked the magic system. The worldbuilding and the lore were interest. I struggled to like the main characters -- Calla, Anton, and August -- and I'm wasn't the best fan of the romance between Calla and Anton.

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ipekcav's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Entertaining read! I felt some of the plot points were rushed.

The romance aspect felt rushed.

Great twists and ended on a fantastic note. Gong could leave it where it ended but there is clear opening for a second book.

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thesnarkside's review against another edition

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dark reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

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salma_175's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Really great read. Action packed with a touch of mystery. In many ways I enjoyed this more than these violent delights, the world was easy to picture and I loved to read about Calla and Anton

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brywalls's review against another edition

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adventurous medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

Listening to the book, it was hard to keep track of all the characters. I only see the most tangential connection to Antony and Cleopatra...maybe there will be more in the next book. The whole thing feels like a Hunger Games knockoff but doesn't do the "bread and circuses" nearly as well

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