Immortal Longings

Adelaide’s Review

Chloe Gong’s Immortal Longings is a Chinese fantasy-dystopian reimagining of Shakespeare’s Anthony and Cleopatra meets The Hunger Games. The novel is action-packed and immersed in politics: it shows how enemies become lovers, and a chi-based magic system can allow people to take over other people’s bodies. The main character, the criminal Princess-in-hiding Calla Tuoleimi, joins the games to access the Palace to kill her uncle, the tyrannical King Kasa. Along the way, she gains allies in her loyal handmaidens, her untrustworthy cousin Prince August and her arrogant rival-turned-lover, Anton Makusa. Calla and Anton work together to triumph over the game and a murderous secret society set on taking over the city, while exploring their complicated relationship and conflicting goals.

A riveting and fun read, this novel is excellent for fantasy readers aged 14 and over.

Publisher’s Review 

WIN, OR DIE TRYING.

Five years ago, Princess Calla vowed to tear down San-Er's tyrannical monarchy. First she killed her parents. Now her sights are set on her uncle: the remaining, reclusive king. The only way to reach him is to enter his deadly games, and be crowned the winner by his hand.

Anton Makusa's childhood love lies in a coma, and he is deep in debt trying to keep her alive. His last chance at saving her is winning the games.

When the two form an uneasy alliance, victory is soon within their reach. But as their mutual attraction proves increasingly undeniable, Calla must decide what she's playing for - her lover or her kingdom.