My book review of Immortal Longings by Chloe Gong. A Riveting Fusion of Mythology and Modernity.
Title: Immortal Longings
By: Chloe Gong
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 372
Release Date: July 18th, 2023
Publisher: S&S/Saga Press
Rating: ★★★★☆
Summary from Goodreads:
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.
Review:
Chloe Gong's Immortal Longings presents a captivating blend of ancient mythology and contemporary storytelling, offering readers a rich tapestry of adventure, romance, and intrigue. Set in a reimagined Shanghai of the 1920s, Gong weaves together elements of Chinese folklore with a fresh, innovative narrative, resulting in a novel that is both familiar and refreshingly original.
My connection to Calla was immediate. She was strong but secretive. A wonderful character to follow.
The vibes of the book gave off a Hunger Games style setting, where people fight for survival and the highest prize. It was interesting to read and make my way through and in fact I really liked it. Its not often a copycat story can give me feels like that.
This was a fun and intense read. Loved Gong's style of writing and I can't wait to read more of this wonderful world.
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