Immortal Longings by Chloe Gong

#1 New York Times bestselling YA author Chloe Gong’s adult epic fantasy debut, inspired by Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra, is a fiery collision of power plays, spilled blood, and romance amidst a set of deadly games. 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.

“What are memories if not stories told repeatedly to oneself? Her whole body is the very narrative of her existence.”

Not going to lie, I quite liked this book. There are some... interesting plot holes that really should have been addressed such as the lack of consent and I would have loved to know more about the entire class system and it's politics. Despite that, the entire premise is engaging and I am excited to read more about the world and magic system.

Was it easy to guess the plot twists? yes but I don't view that as a bad thing. I enjoyed the book either way. The characters are not perfect and nor do they claim to be. In fact the majority are quite ruthless and bask in it

To me it's very YA with added ruthlessness and gore. There is a minor intimate scene but nothing crazy. All in all it's a fun read if you don't look into it too much. It definitely needs some things ironing out and I hope that the author can do that in the next instalments

This was terrible and disappointing. Such a cool premise, but all so disjointed and inartfully executed. This had such potential to either be a great adventure/action book and/or commentary on capitalism, OR a good romance. It did neither well.

I am intrigued, I am curious, I will need to read the next book. However, this book has major issues.

This city would have failed long before the events of this book, how can it even function if people are just constantly stealing each others bodies for extended periods of time when the only way to catch on to them is a change in eye color? There are millions upon millions of supposed people in this city, if you want to commit a crime there are going to be plenty of people with the same eye color as you to borrow for a few hours while you gave your fun. The other eye thing is also either a huge plot hole or a way to obvious hint to a plot point for a later book, but for the purpose of book one it looks like a very bad plot hole.

#netgalley

Thank you NetGalley and Gallery/Saga Press for providing an eARC for me to review.

4.5/5 stars

Summary:
- I first read Choe Gong's work with her YA Romeo/Juliet retelling in the “These Violent Delights” duology and really enjoyed it. So I had high expectations for her first adult fantasy/sci-fi book in a new world of a retelling I don't know anything about, and I was not disappointed. This book had exactly what I would want for the first book in a trilogy.

It started slow for the first 30% but sped up as the games started. The book established a very exciting and interesting magic system that was a joy to read during the action scenes and able to be used for some clever manipulations and plot twists. It also introduces you to different and complex characters that have me excited to see how they will develop in future books.

Plot: 4/5 stars
- Slow-paced at first, but speeds up
- Motivations were a bit messy at first, but some of the revelations helped clear them up.
- Plenty of plot twists and action sequences, with some mystery
- Cliffhanger ending that sets up the next book nicely

Setting/Worldbuilding: 4.5/5 stars
- The setting concept of a sort of futuristic twin city kingdom becoming one was cool, could have used more background info about the world past the city.
- Overcrowded and cramped space of the city for a Hunger Games-like tournament was entertaining
- Very cool magic system with room for further growth

Characters/Development: 4.5/5 stars
- Anton and Calla had a very intriguing romance that was well-developed and wasn't too fast for me.
- Motivations were a bit messy at first, but some of the revelations helped clear them up.
- Liked all the POVs for the characters and helped me to understand clearly what their goals were.
- Would have liked a little more info on side characters, but I'm expecting it will come in future books.