Week 26 Review: Immortal Longings

From Goodreads:

#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.

My Review:
I really enjoyed reading this book. I loved her YA books and I was so excited to read her first adult book. That it's also a retelling, but set in this new fantasy world, yeah, I loved it, and I couldn't get enough! I loved this story!

All of these characters have complicated pasts, which complicates all the plots and scheming going on with these games. I loved getting to know them, and seeing how this world worked with the magic and the politics. I just had to know more! 

The relationship with Calla and Anton, was complicated, since they were both after the same prize. That there were the games going on, with all the body jumping further complicated matters. But oh, I really enjoyed reading about the pair of them! 

That ending was just amazing though! It has me so excited for the sequel, because while I had the idea that something like this was going to happen, it did, and I need to know what's going to happen next! The wait for book 2 is going to be evil!  

This was such a fantastic read, and I can't wait to continue this series! 

Author: Chloe Gong
Series: Flesh and False Gods #1
Read: June 24th, 2023
Source: NetGalley
Reason Why: Love her writing and it sounds really great, and it's a 2023 Retelling Reading Challenge 2023 Book, Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2023 Book and a WoW Book! 
Publisher: Gallery/Saga Press
Expected Publication: July 18th 2023

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars