Review of Immortal Longings (Flesh and False Gods, #1) by Chloe Gong
When I first heard about Immortal Longings, I was immediately intrigued—after all, it’s Chloe Gong, the beloved author of These Violent Delights. Her talent for weaving historical themes with fantasy elements had me curious, not to mention the promise of a 90s noir setting inspired by Antony and Cleopatra. However, after borrowing an ARC from my book bestie (shout out to you!), I found myself navigating a labyrinth of unmet expectations and significant critiques.
The Setup
Immortal Longings invites readers into the capital twin cities of Talin, where a Hunger Games-esque battle royale unfolds annually. The protagonists—Calla, Anton, and August—are meant to represent the complexity of this intertwining world. Unfortunately, I found myself continuously mixing up Anton and August, which didn’t help in forming a connection to a cast that felt largely interchangeable.
Themes and World-Building
Gong has crafted a vibrant world inspired by Kowloon Walled City, a historical gem that could have lent depth and richness to the narrative. Yet, the exploration of poverty and systemic issues often felt superficial. At times, Gong’s descriptions strayed into uncomfortable territory, dealing with life in a slum through a lens that seemingly lacked authentic understanding:
“He lets them suffer in their filth and misery…”
While the atmosphere of misery was palpably drawn, it skewed dangerously toward a clinical portrayal that misses the nuance of human suffering. The three main characters, all from privileged backgrounds, ironically spent their time grappling with internal conflicts rather than addressing the larger societal horrors surrounding them.
Plot and Pacing
As the characters enter the titular longings of battle, my excitement wavered. Gong’s fight scenes didn’t carry the emotional weight that’s essential in stories of survival and struggle. Comparisons to The Hunger Games are all too prevalent, but what’s missing is the psychological nuance. Immortal Longings sets a stage for violence executed in a cavalier style, shedding the raw tension that other stories in this space have. Instead of depth, we get:
“The games make jumping legal for the players…”
While Gong tries to create stakes, the mechanics of these games leave many questions unanswered. The intrigue of body jumping mechanics feels muddled and, at times, clunky, which detracted from my overall engagement.
Character Dynamics
The characters felt underdeveloped, serving more as vehicles for plot than as individuals with compelling arcs. Calla, the would-be revolutionary, is introduced with potential but ultimately falls flat; her plan to dethrone King Kasa stumbles into absurdity when you realize she simply wants to replace one problematic king with another. It’s baffling, honestly, and the implications of such choices seem ignored in favor of dramatic flair.
Final Thoughts
As a whole, Immortal Longings offers a fascinating premise that never quite takes off. While its aspirations to delve into complex social issues and revolutionary themes resonate, the execution falters. The writing has its moments of beauty and can pull you in:
“The needle-thin alleys between every building sag…”
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But such brilliance is overshadowed by a lack of cohesion and depth. I urge readers who enjoy vibrant world-building and unique concepts to give it a glance, but do so with a critical lens.
In conclusion, while Immortal Longings may not have captured my heart, it serves as a conversation starter about the responsibilities of authors when tackling systemic issues. For those who appreciate Gong’s previous works, this might still offer an intriguing reading experience, but I’d caution against expecting the same emotional resonance.
Happy reading! 🍂📚
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