A review by anna4
Vilest Things by Chloe Gong

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

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

3.75

Before diving into ‘Vilest Things’, I did a reread of ‘Immortal Longings’, which turned out to be a really great idea on my part (well done me!), because I did forget some more or less important info.

‘Vilest Things’ starts off right where ‘Immortal longings’ left off.

I was super curious in what direction the story would go, since the plot of book one was quite clear.

One of the things and plot points I was most excited about was Otta. And let me tell you, while I do wish we would have seen more of her, Otta did not disappoint! Especially the ending. IYKYK.

There were also some new and different povs, which was interesting. For example, I really liked Galipei’s parts and chapters and, again, do wish there were a bit more of them in the book.

While I’m still not 100% convinced of the romance between Calla and Anton, I do think their relationship made more sense in this book. Or let’s say, as much sense as them and their relationship can actually make.

What I also liked was that we got to see more of the provinces around San-Er (the book has a map!!). Aaaaaand more backstory to the history of Talin!

The ending was absolutely cruel! I did had a slight suspicion about one of the plot twists, but not *the other one*.

I do have to say that the book fell a bit flat for me just about after the 50% mark for maybe the next 15%-ish and after that, my brain just kinda was not having it. Not the book’s fault, but purely a me-thing.

Hence why I bumped up the rating to a 3,75 in favour of the book.

I am excited for book three though!

(MaoMao has 100% main character energy and I support it)

Thank you to Hodderscape for providing this book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.