Because we all have our own immortal longings to contend with.
NOTE: Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy!
Song Vibe Check:
"Immortal" By: Fallout Boy
"Shut down" By: Blackpink
"Weapon" By: Against the Current
Everyone has likely heard of Chloe Gong at some point. Whether it's by TikTok, or stores spamming customers with her books everywhere or the internet or goodreads, her name is a known one. While some might take the whole "New York Bestselling Author" with a grain of salt (like I sometimes do) I was a bit hesitant at first to pick up one of her books. I check them out, read a page or two and never seem to get into it. I thought it would be the same with her adult debut.
I was wrong and frankly, I am grateful for the advanced copy for sucking me right into the plot. If you've seen Jumper or Squid Game, this book has these vibes. Others claim it has Hunger Games vibes (eh) but anyway, here we go.
Short summary: a killer princess, a power-drunk prince and a body snatching exiled aristocrat team up to topple a king while fighting for their hearts and their lives in a deadly tournament.
Long Summary: 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.
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.
I LOVED this book and am placing my bets on a few things, but frankly, the ending makes you wonder if you read right, if you missed something but most importantly, it creates the beginning of the Immortal Waiting for book 2. Needless to say, Chloe Gong has my respect and if she stays in the adult genre, I will forever be grateful for it.
Overall: 5/5 stars
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