Vilest Things by Chloe Gong

This early review copy was provided to me by Saga Press Books through Saga Says Crew and NetGalley. This in no way impacts the rating of the book. All of my reviews contain my honest opinions.

Title: Vilest Things

Series: Flesh and False Gods

Author: Chloe Gong

Release Date: September 10, 2024

Publisher: Saga Press Books

Genre: Historical, Romance, Sci-Fi

Source: paperback, Saga Says Crew; digital, NetGalley

TW: death, gore, violence, cursing, physical abuse, self harm, moderate sexual content, blood murder

Synopsis

Calla Tuoleimi has succeeded in the impossible. Despite the odds, she has won San-Er’s bloody games and eliminated King Kasa, her tyrant uncle and the former ruler of Talin. She now serves as royal advisor to Kasa’s adopted son, August Shenzhi, who has risen to the throne.

Only Calla knows it isn’t really August.

Anton Makusa is still furious about Calla’s betrayal in the final round of the games. In an impossible feat, he took over August’s body to survive and has no intention of giving up this newfound power. But when his first love, the beautiful, explosive Otta Avia, awakens from a yearslong coma and reveals a secret that threatens the monarchy’s authority over Talin, chaos erupts. As tensions come to a boiling point, Calla and Anton must set their conflicts aside and head to the kingdom’s far reaches to prevent anarchy...even if their empire might be better off burning.

Thoughts

I just finished reading "Vilest Things" and wow, I'm still reeling! This sequel is every bit as mind-blowing as "Immortal Longings". Chloe Gong has done it again, crafting a story that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.

The political intrigue in this book is off the charts. I found myself completely engrossed in the non-stop action and the constant power shifts. What I loved most was the atmosphere of distrust Gong creates - I never knew who was truly an ally or an enemy, which made every interaction tense and exciting.

Otto's awakening adds a whole new layer of complexity to the already fraught relationship between Anton and Calla. I was constantly guessing about what would happen next between these three. And when Otto drops that bombshell secret? It kicks off this incredible high-stakes journey that had me frantically turning pages.

Gong's ability to balance multiple perspectives is impressive. Just when I thought I knew who had the upper hand, the tables would turn. It was impossible to predict who would come out on top, which made for such a thrilling read.

I'm already desperate for the next book in the series. Chloe Gong's writing is simply stunning - it pulls you in and doesn't let go. If you're a fan of intricate plots, morally gray characters, and writing that will keep you up all night, you need to pick up "Vilest Things" ASAP!