Immortal Longings

By: Chloe Gong

Narrated by: Jeena Yi

A NEW YORK TIMES AND USA TODAY BESTSELLER

Chloe Gong’s adult epic fantasy debut, inspired by Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra, is a “smart, imaginative, and brutal” (Wesley Chu, New York Times bestselling author of The War Arts Saga) collision of power plays, spilled blood, and romance amidst a set of deadly games.

Every year, thousands in the kingdom of Talin 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 finally gets her opportunity 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.

Well crafted story and Ended exceptionally well

This had a very slow start and it was hard to get into but somewhere in the middle it p;icked up and it just got very very good! Chloe Gong is a master at taking you to the place where it is happening and you feel the battles and the loving that the characters are going through. The narration is a bit one-noted but it was fine.

It got better towards the end

It was slow to start but picked up at the end. I was left wanting more. The narration was just okay.

Hunger Games in a City

This fell flat for me. Too many POV in a short book. Maybe if it was a bit longer with more back story on the characters that flipped back and forth to it would have helped to connect with them. At one point one side character had something happen that would have been more tragic (which I believe was the goal to adding) but they seemed to just appear to be taken out. The ending had a bit more punch to it but considering it was the cliffhanger to lead you to the sequel it needed something a bit surprising, but I’m not sure I will follow it to find out the ending.

It's not terrible, but not good

it was kind of disappointing. I struggled to finished this book honestly, the only reason I did is because my girlfriend was reading with me. There were many potholes. the city is poorly described just a dump filled with a dump to summarize. The ending felt lazy and disappointing as well.

The premise of the book is good

I found it confusing and hard to follow I’m still not sure I understand the book