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A review by nymphie
Immortal Longings by Chloe Gong
5.0
This book was absolutely incredible. I was on the edge of my seat every moment and constantly waiting for an opportunity to continue reading. The setting was intriguing. The world-building was incredible. The magic elements were confusing, but also amazing and a lot of fun to follow. I think this book perfectly marries science fiction and fantasy into something readers of either genre can enjoy.
I know that there are mixed reviews (I think it’s an ‘either you love it or you hate it’ type of thing), but I have never read anything by Chloe Gong before. I had no prior expectations from the author, and that may have contributed to my enjoyment. I wasn’t constantly comparing this book to one of her previous works, which I have seen many other reviewers do.
This book is definitely full of violence, but not in an over-exaggerated and gore-y way that only serves to shock readers. The fighting and deaths have a purpose and drive the story forward. I very much enjoyed following a badass warrior princess’s vengeance tirade of cutting through everyone that stands in her way.
A big complaint with other reviewers is the multiple POVs. This didn’t bother me. The chapters are set in the POV that can best tell the story. The character’s name is usually used at the beginning of the chapter to tell you which POV you are currently in, so I didn’t feel confused or lost at all. The constant jumping of POV to POV reminds me much of the body jumping that takes place in this story.
I enjoyed the romance. I adored the characters. I didn’t feel the development was rushed. At the end of the day, this is an Antony and Cleopatra retelling. Their love story is one of instant self-destructive devotion. If you don’t like Antony and Cleopatra’s romance, then don’t read an Antony and Cleopatra retelling? Not sure what else you would expect.
I have so many unanswered questions. There are so many unresolved plot points. But that is to be expected of the first book in a series. And that last line? I am very much looking forward to the release of the second installment. Here’s hoping we get a title and cover reveal soon! And hopefully we’ll get a much different ending than the one from Shakespeare’s play…
I know that there are mixed reviews (I think it’s an ‘either you love it or you hate it’ type of thing), but I have never read anything by Chloe Gong before. I had no prior expectations from the author, and that may have contributed to my enjoyment. I wasn’t constantly comparing this book to one of her previous works, which I have seen many other reviewers do.
This book is definitely full of violence, but not in an over-exaggerated and gore-y way that only serves to shock readers. The fighting and deaths have a purpose and drive the story forward. I very much enjoyed following a badass warrior princess’s vengeance tirade of cutting through everyone that stands in her way.
A big complaint with other reviewers is the multiple POVs. This didn’t bother me. The chapters are set in the POV that can best tell the story. The character’s name is usually used at the beginning of the chapter to tell you which POV you are currently in, so I didn’t feel confused or lost at all. The constant jumping of POV to POV reminds me much of the body jumping that takes place in this story.
I enjoyed the romance. I adored the characters. I didn’t feel the development was rushed. At the end of the day, this is an Antony and Cleopatra retelling. Their love story is one of instant self-destructive devotion. If you don’t like Antony and Cleopatra’s romance, then don’t read an Antony and Cleopatra retelling? Not sure what else you would expect.
I have so many unanswered questions. There are so many unresolved plot points. But that is to be expected of the first book in a series. And that last line? I am very much looking forward to the release of the second installment. Here’s hoping we get a title and cover reveal soon! And hopefully we’ll get a much different ending than the one from Shakespeare’s play…