3.5 ★

This is a very difficult book to rate, and I think I'll be thinking about my rating for a long time, because there are equally many things I loved and didn't love about this story. The first book received a lot of mixed reviews, but I adored it and was immediately enthralled by the new world that Chloe Gong created. I found it intriguing, the world-building compelling and the characters interesting and complex. My opinion of it remains the same, but the sequel to Immortal Longings didn't give me everything I expected.

All of me is a big question mark because I spent most of this reading confused. I understand the basics of the story, and honestly the ending shouldn't have been as surprising as it was, because it makes sense that it happened the way it did, but I struggled to stay invested in the plot. It's a good plot, it's interesting, and I love politically heavy fantasies, especially when they explore the disparities between rich and poor, the bloodthirsty lust for power and its consequences, and how sometimes, when fighting for the greater good, you can go down morally grey paths and easily lose yourself in them, becoming just as bad, if not worse, than the tyrants you're trying to destroy. But in my opinion, it all happened so fast. And I don't mean that it was a fast-paced book, the beginning was quite slow and it only picked up speed towards the end, but whenever something was revealed or a character learned something, it was quickly brushed over and the next scene came and that was it. Certain plot developments left me so confused that I had no idea what was going on - there are too many characters, too many places, too many different words being thrown around and I couldn't even begin to tell you what it was all about. The qi thing is fascinating, the way these characters can jump into other bodies is so cool, even if it's dangerous and kind of scary, but there's a lot of things about it that I still don't understand. And I don't think it's because I'm stupid, I think it's because it's not well explained.

When it comes to the characters, I'm a little disappointed that there wasn't more focus on their development. I understand that this is a plot-driven series, but the complexities and intricacies of these characters and what motivates them to make the choices they do is something I find captivating, as they are all morally grey, and I wanted to spend more time with them. I get why Chloe added a few different points of view throughout the story, but I only care about Calla, Anton, August and Galipei. We don't see much of the latter two, for reasons I can't say without spoiling the plot, but even though Calla and Anton get a lot of focus, I still feel like there's more to find out about them. Maybe it's just me, but as much as I love a good plot, it's usually the characters that keep me hooked. There's definitely depth to them, but I wish they were even more fleshed out.

As for the romance, I mostly want to scream when I think about it (because I love how angsty it is and I want more). Now, I have to say that this is not a romantasy, the romance is a tiny subplot. Nothing major, so I know I shouldn't expect it to be more than what it is. But Chloe excels at writing star-crossed lovers, she delivers angst, heartbreak and yearning all on the same plate. The love between Anton and Calla borders on devotion, especially for Anton, who sees Calla as a deity to be worshipped. And Calla sees him as her anchor, someone who can pull her back to herself when her hunger for revenge becomes too large. I wrote in my review of Immortal Longings that their romance is "all-consuming and obsessive, to the point where you wonder if it's really love at all", and I still stand by that. What are they seeking? Is it love or is it power? I think it's both, but I'm afraid they'll destroy each other in the process. And part of me LOVES this, absolutely loves it, but another part of me longs for more. I want to feel that when everything is taken away from them, they'll stay together because they love each other and would rather see the world burn down than lose each other again.

I hope this makes sense, I think I'm just word vomiting at this point lol I have complicated feelings about this series. I love it, but this book didn't give me what I wanted. I hope that in the next book the magic system is explained in more detail, that there is more focus on the characters and that the plot isn't so messy and confusing. I love Chloe Gong, she's one of my favourite authors and I think her writing is beautiful, so I'm not giving up hope that the third and final book will be great.

[thank you net galley and Hodder & Stoughton for the e-arc]

First of all I want to thank netgalley for the opportunity to read this as an arc
I'm still not sure on my final rating but it's somewhere along the 3 to 4 star range
I think I liked the first book better because I was so in it but this time I was a bit confused by some aspects of the world and there are so many characters at first I was a bit overwhelmed
The first 40% were a bit slower but as it started to pick up I didn't want to put it down
Overall I really like this series because I love the premise and the ending just like last time went a bit crazy so I can't wait for the next book to come out

Thank you to Hodderscape and NetGalley for my digital review copy!

4 stars.

I couldn't believe that I got approved for my request to get an arc of this!

This expands so much on the worldbuilding in the first book (which was one of my biggest qualms with the first one was that I wished the whole narrative of jumping was developed more). This book focussed a lot on building up the history of Talin, and I absolutely devoured any shred of information we got on the country.

This was full of political twists and turns and betrayals, with adding even more players to the chess board of palace politics as we venture outside the claustrophobic cities of San-Er and see how things are in the rural villages and towns.

I cannot wait to see how this series ends as Gong's writing has a very cinematic quality to it that I just love being able to read her books.

After the ending of the last book, I was really intrigued to see where this one would go. This was very different than the first book, and unfortunately, it didn't continue a single thing I was interested in during book 1. This one was really heavy on the politics, nothing really happened for the first 80% other than the characters talking and it was really hard to stay invested. I also wasn't a fan of the way the cliffhanger was resolved, it felt really anti-climatic.

The worldbuilding is definitely interesting and I like the magic system, but it all became a bit confusing in this second installment. I also just can't warm up to the characters or the romance, it feels super superficial and the dialogue is so weird sometimes. I also had the same issues with the writing as in book 1. However, again, the cliffhanger at the end makes me want to continue the series.

[ARC provided by NetGalley and Hodderscape. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review Vilest Things.]

Rating: 5/5

Going into Vilest Things, I was a little nervous that this series would lose some of its shine. Immortal Longings is one of my all time favourite books and although I was confident the sequel would still be fantastic, I still feared that dreaded middle point slump, or that some time away from this world would simply change my opinion. Of course, I shouldn’t have worried; Chloe Gong has unsurprisingly done it again. Vilest Things is everything I hoped it would be and on top of that, it completely exceeded my expectations. As if that were possible! This is a world that lures you into its dangerous trap and before you know it, you’re frantically turning each page as the plot descends into the best kind of chaos. Strap in, some wild things are about to go down.

In Vilest Things, we leave behind San-Er's bloody games and delve further into the brutal and calculating political side of this cutthroat world. Following King Kasa’s assassination and August Shenzhi’s accession to the throne, Cala Tuoleimi must now act as royal advisor at a time where civil unrest is rising higher and higher. And to make matters worse, it’s not August who controls his body, but instead, Anton Makusa, who narrowly escaped death and is still reeling from Cala’s betrayal in the final round of the games. Following that we have the impossible awakening of his first love, hidden secrets threatening the peace, and a toxic love story that is impossible to look away from.

To put it plainly, I am obsessed. I’m obsessed with San-Er and its crowded buildings. I’m obsessed with the idea of jumping from one body to another. And most importantly, I am absolutely obsessed with Calla and Anton. My obsession probably isn’t as unhealthy as theirs, but it’s hard not to get sucked into their maddening romance that is overflowing with tension and heat. The author expertly pulls every thunderous emotion of theirs to the surface until it feels like you’re right there with them on a tightrope that threatens to snap with each new plot development.

If you thought Talin was a mess in the first book, oh boy, things are about to get even crazier. We get to see more of the world in Vilest Things and it’s not just San-Er that suffers disturbances. I really enjoyed travelling to the various locations in this book and I appreciated the stark differences found amongst them all. This is a series where if you’re not jumping from body to body, you’re now also moving quickly through ever changing landscapes, but at no point did I feel lost or confused.

And then there’s the characters and, more specifically, the character development. Absolutely incredible. We see Calla straddle the fence of duty and self-preservation constantly but there’s never any doubt of who this character is and what she stands for. I truly feel like I know this woman and what she represents, which I think is a fantastic example of how well Chloe Gong has nailed down this cast. Anton also undergoes evident change in this book in such a natural manner that I never question the evolution of, it’s so believable that I find myself standing behind every explosive choice that they make - regardless of if they’re right or wrong.

The stakes are higher, the relationships are dysfunctional, the world is close to going up in flames, and I’m having the best time. I’m simultaneously over the moon and bereft, because yes, this was fantastic, but now I have to wait for the finale? Beware to those who are new to this series, the cliffhangers are as deadly for the characters as they are for the reader, but oh, I promise it’s worth it.

3.5 rounded down to 3 (for goodreads and netgalley).
Overall, I did enjoy this sequel. I like the darkness and messiness of the universe, and its quite unique magic system. The plot is very different from the first book’s plot and is heavy on the politics and strategies, which I liked. Some characters are rather interesting but unfortunately, not the main characters. I do not appreciate Calla and Anton very much. Some parts of Calla’s backstory are interesting enough, though. I don’t even believe that their relationship is a romance, because it is only physical to me — exactly like in the first book. I guess I would call that a sexual situationship. The ending is quite good and promising for the next (and final?) book in the series.

Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for a honest review.

This installation in the ‘Flesh and False Gods’ series follows on immediately from the first, Immortal Longings. From the beginning to the end of Vilest Things I was on the edge of my seat, hanging on to every word and I am just so so grateful I got to read this early!

While Immortal Longings primarily focused on the games, Vilest Things delves deep into the politics of San-Er and its history. This was so interesting to read about, and I think Chloe Gong is especially talented in writing about politics.

From the outset it is obvious that the stakes are higher in this novel and it makes the reading experience so much more entrancing. Chloe Gong’s writing is truly so beautiful and addictive, it was genuinely a struggle to put the book down! The claustrophobic setting created in San-Er is consistently entertaining to read about and I enjoyed following characters we didn’t see as much of in Immortal Longings.

Also I just have to praise Chloe Gong’s characterisation! The twisted and conflicting morals in every character makes for such an enjoyable read! In addition, I must say Calla is honestly one of my favourite main characters ever, I appreciate how self-assured she is rather than bending to the will of others and cowering to men’s actions. Also, more Mao Mao! Who can complain about that?

Overall, I am so so grateful to have received a digital arc of this & I’m so grateful to Chloe Gong for writing this! She truly outdoes herself with every release and I’ve never found myself disappointed by reading one of her books. I can’t recommend this series enough!

First things first, I'd like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for access to the ARC!
I've read the first book last year and loved it, so I was very eager to read the sequel.
We get right into the consequences of the ending of the first book and the way the main characters are dealong with it.
In this book, we get to see the provinces that surround the main city and there is a lot more development in terms of world building.
The book also keeps you second guessing about which characters are trust worthy and what are their real motivations and goals.
All in all, it's a good sequel for the first book and I really enjoyed and look forward to the next one.

For some reason I couldn’t really get into it which was sad., because I did love the last book, I do feel this may be a me issue rather than an issue with the book itself, so I have given it a 3 rating to be fair.

Firstly, I want to thank Hodderscape and Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Picking up where Immortal Longings left off, we follow Calla Tuoleimi as she serves as the royal adviser to the new king August Shenzhi. Calla is the only one who knows Anton took over August’s body in order to survive her betrayal. However, after Anton’s ex-girlfriend Otta Avia wakens from a coma, the two must set aside their conflicts in order to protect the monarchy.

I fear this instalment might suffer from second book syndrome. Unlike its predecessor, Vilest Things is not very action packed, but focuses more on politics and explaining stuff, which made the book slow to me. However, there’s still some action around the ending. The magic felt a bit more chaotic with new powers that weren’t really explained. I did really like Calla and Anton’s chemistry in this book. The cliffhangers at the end of the story still made me want to see how this will play out.

In short, this book wasn’t what I hoped it would be, but I’m still invested in the story and I can’t wait to see how it will end!

Every push and pull between them exists as a promise of mutual destruction.

Princess Calla Tuoleimi has been declared the victor of the king's annual games after backstabbing her last competitor, and lover, Anton. She has also been made August’s advisor and is pardoned from any past crimes.
Yet, Anton managed to jump to the new King August with no one but Calla the wiser.

The two hate each other but are forced to work together as new qi experiments lead to mass deaths in the provinces.

I loved the push and pull between the two. They know they are each other’s ruins. They both want to tear down the world. They are bound together by secrets.
Chloe knows how to write star-crossed lovers!

“What's wrong with a little dearest of my heart?"
“Tyrant of my heart is far more fitting."

The magic? gods? genetics? surrounding qi and body jumping felt slightly more chaotic in this instalment with little explanation but appearances of new powers.

Also, something that really drew me out of the story - the writing feels really YA as well as the story and then I was bluntly reminded by a sudden sex scene where the word c*ck was used. I just can’t.

I am kind of let down as I think I was an outlier in loving book one! It was addictive and I loved the idea of the games, body jumping, and the claustrophobic city. However, I think the shorter length of this book hampered the ability to expand and describe in as much detail as I wanted.

I still want to see how this plays out!

Thank you to Hodderscape for providing an arc in exchange for a review!

"you are my anchor in this world."

Let us not be fooled by this quote because Vilest Things is far from sweet, soft love and is exactly what its name is: VILE. Chloe Gong does it again with VT, her impeccable talent of weaving the plot with politics, scheming and merging of multiple storylines in one.

While Immortal Longings focused on the games and Calla-Anton's alliance and their respective goals, in VT we saw more of the complex politics surrounding San-Er and the monarchy. The Crescent Societies goals and propagandas came to light in response to the current happenings in San-Er. Other than the political storyline, the relationships were beautifully developed.

From Anton trying to come to terms with him being in August's Body while trying to seek revenge against August, to Calla's plan to save San-Er from Otta Avia's vile self and having no one in her corner. The betrayal, revenge, action was unmatched. We didn't end up getting a lot of Calla-Anton but what we got SERVED. The relearning of each other's selves and falling in love again gave us some much needed soft calla anton moments in between the deliciously aggravating political tension around. Also, my boy Galipei, doing shit without August and having only eyes for his love ;) The action, The angst, The pain, the romance: EVERYTHING was off the charts. This series has one of my favourite magic systems, in the ability of jumping between bodies and the concept of everybody having their qi and I was so excited to learn in depth about its origins and was intrigued enough to set myself up for Book 3. I'm hyped but scared as well because this series is based on a tragedy and knowing Chloe with OVER (LVC DOESN'T count), I'm right to be scared.

I have been a Chloe Gong stan since These Violent Delights and her writing has only gotten better. The character development of my girl Calla throughout the 2 books: UNMATCHED. A fantastic middle book in every sense.

I can only say one thing: Go in blind in book 2 and you'll come out of it loving every single bit about it.
Chloe gong needs to pay for my therapy, but you won't see me complain about it anytime soon.

Thank you to Netgalley UK and HodderScape for the early copy!

Calla and Anton are great, unfortunately it took so long in this one for them to actually start working together properly. This book was more of a struggle to get through because of all the politics.

There was less action and magic and more explaining and figuring things out which just made it slow.

The twists and turns at the end were intriguing so I will read the next book and I hope that Calla and Anton spend more of the book actually together than in this one.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Calla has succeeded in the impossible; she has won the San-Er, eliminating King Kasa, her uncle and former ruler of Talin.
August will take his place and has no intention of giving up the power bestowed on him, even though someone very dear to him could put this at risk.
A rebellion is just around the corner, and Calla and Anton will be forced to put aside their differences and head for the farthest reaches of the land to stop the anarchy.
Only it won't be easy.

Chloe Gong is now an institution when it comes to books whose Chinese culture is the backdrop or the focus of the story itself.
Vilest Things, the second book in the Flesh and False Gods series, picks up where Immortal Longings left off.
If you remember correctly, the first volume ended with a not inconsiderable cliffhanger; fortunately, we did not have to wait long for the sequel.
Vilest Things, undoubtedly is eventful. The chemistry created between Anton and Calla is definitely one of the aspects that interested me most in the whole book.
The fantasy and futuristic part is not bad, however, I found it a bit too long-winded in describing the worldbuilding, especially in a second volume.
I would have found it to make sense in the first volume, in the second not so much.

Chloe Gong's writing is, as always, divine and her words always do justice to each story!

Getting approved for this ARC was truly the highlight of my day because I remember loving the dynamic between Anton and Calla when I read the first book last year. However, in hindsight, I think my affection for their relationship overshadowed some aspects I didn’t fully enjoy. One thing that puzzles me is the inconsistent approach to the body-switching concept. At times, Chloe treats the body as merely a vessel, while at other points (especially in this book), it seems like the physical body is crucial. Maybe this is just a me thing 🤷‍♀️. That said, I did enjoy the book and sped through it, thrilled to see Calla and Anton again. A heads-up, though—if you're planning to read this book (which I do recommend just to see how it all unfolds), you might want to refresh your memory on the first book, as I found myself lost at times.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC

This is the second book in the Flesh and False Gods series by Chloe Gong.

I am a big fan of Chloe's work and have read all her work. This series is very different from her previous books. It is set in a futurist world, which is a mix of modern and historical elements and has Chinese dynasty influences. It is also inspired, Shakespeares Antony and Cleopatra.

After the cliffhanger in book 1 , Calla and Anton are on opposing sides. There is a bigger scheme afoot in Talin and the outer providences, and it seems like the enemy is getting closer and closer.

I found this a slower book than book 1 but there was a lot of world building up the final book in this series. I am so obsessed with Calla and Anton sexual chemistry.

Chloe's writing is beautiful and has such a unique voice with all the historical Chinese influences in her stories.

I genuinely have no words to describe Vilest Things, to the point where I’ve been staring at my cursor blinking and waiting for me to start typing for the past hour. Ever since I finished reading Immortal Longings and was left flipping between the last pages trying to let that absolute cliffhanger of an ending sink in, I’ve been wondering “How is Chloe Gong going to top this?” and now I finally have the answer.

Vilest Things is as jaw dropping and insane as its predecessor, at no point in the story will you know what twists and turns Chloe has planned for the story and how they’ll be resolved. With our beloved cast of characters —Calla, Anton, Galipei, August, now joined by Otta Avia— back, each with their own agenda, feuds and motivations.

Unlike Immortal Longings, Vilest Things will take us outside of the twin cities of San Er and into the other provinces of the Kingdom of Talin as the characters embark on a wild quest to find the crown on Talin. This expansion of the world building didn’t feel too heavy since we got to explore San Er inside out during the first book. One of my favorite things about Chloe’s writing is how she almost makes the city a character itself, and that is no different in Vilest Things. That extends to the newly introduced councilmembers who represent their provinces, not only in the literal sense of being the representative in the structure of the government, but also in their personalities and their actions, creating more conflicts as each and every one of them is looking for the best for their people.

Expanding on the politics, Talin is a mess. Their newly crowned king, August Shenzhi, has been acting differently and no one knows why, except for Calla Tuoleimi, who now serves as her royal advisor. Anton Makusa must be careful on how he deals with his inner power struggle as August fights to regain control over his body, and how he deals with her ongoing fights with Calla and the rest of his Councilmembers. With groups growing against the King and the looming threat of being found out at any wrong move by August’s personal guard, Galipei Weisanna, the political conflicts in this book won’t let you catch a break for a single second.

As for our beloved cast of characters, we’re joined by some of our favorites from the last book such as Yilas, Chami and of course, Mao Mao. We’re also joined by Otta Avia, Anton’s childhood love who has been in a coma for the past seven years and has made an enemy out of Calla, and many more that will help or try to destroy our main cast.

The pieces will finally start falling into place regarding concepts and plots started on Immortal Longings, but don’t think for a second that this will keep you from having questions, plot twists and demanding the third part of the series, as Chloe Gong keeps us living for the hope of it all.

Thank you to NetGalley, Hodderscape and Chloe Gong for a Digital Advanced Reader’s Copy in exchange for an honest review.