A review by she_who_reads_ya_books
Immortal Longings by Chloe Gong

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense fast-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? No

5.0

“Calla Tuoleimi, princess of Er. She could do nothing on a throne, but she can do everything with a sword in her hand.” 
 
Every year, thousands in the kingdom of Talin will flock to its capital twin cities, San-Er, where the palace hosts a set of games. For those confident enough in their ability to jump between bodies, competitors across San-Er fight to the death to win unimaginable riches. 
Princess Calla Tuoleimi lurks in hiding. Five years ago, a massacre killed her parents and left the palace of Er empty…and she was the one who did it. Before King Kasa’s forces in San can catch her, she plans to finish the job and bring down the monarchy. Her reclusive uncle always greets the victor of the games, so if she wins, she gets her opportunity at last to kill him. Enter Anton Makusa, an exiled aristocrat. His childhood love has lain in a coma since they were both ousted from the palace, and he’s deep in debt trying to keep her alive. Thankfully, he’s one of the best jumpers in the kingdom, flitting from body to body at will. His last chance at saving her is entering the games and winning. Calla finds both an unexpected alliance with Anton and help from King Kasa’s adopted son, August, who wants to mend Talin’s ills. But the three of them have very different goals, even as Calla and Anton’s partnership spirals into something all-consuming. Before the games close, Calla must decide what she’s playing for—her lover or her kingdom. 
 
I just finished this… there are no words to describe this masterpiece. It was even more captivating than these violent delights, and that says a lot, especially if you know how much I love her last work. 
 
Chloe Gong has a way with words… anything she writes is beautiful and can not be described with any other words. She can write the most tragic things and make it beautiful. Her storytelling is a hidden gem only found every blue moon. 
 
Calla and Anton were more than 3D… they were 4D characters who felt truly real. I hope in the next book we can learn more about them, especially about Anton, since a lot of their back stories, ideas, values, etc. were shrouded in mystery till the end. Calla and Anton are so layered that you would have to read the book a thousand times to be able to understand them. 
 
The plot was perfect as usual, since These Violent Delights didn’t miss I knew this wouldn’t either. I’ve never read the Shakespeare play that this was inspired by, but I assure you, if I didn’t know Shakespeare was much older than Chloe Gong, I would say this was the original, always. Chloe Gong, even when she says something is inspired by another piece of work, makes you feel as if this was the original. Her storytelling and plot creation will always make your jaw drop. 
 
At times the plot was a bit tricky to follow, so if you’re not a fan of politics you might have to create a note with everything going on. By the time I was done though, everything added up, and I know when the sequel comes out everything will be easily understood. 
 
That cliffhanger! I won’t say anything, but the cliffhanger made my jaw drop. Let me say this, I am not ready to wait another year for the sequel. 
 
Chloe Gong stans UNITE! 
 
Thank you Simon and Schuster Canada for this review copy! My review was in no way influenced by the free copy.