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Title: Immortal Longings (Flesh and False Gods #1)
Author: Chloe Gong
Source: Pasco County Library System
Publication Date: July 18, 2023
Synopsis: Goodreads
Purchase Link: Amazon

Why did I choose to read this book?

I request most of the books that show up on the “Most Anticipated” lists every year from NetGalley. When a publisher denies my request, NetGalley keeps these books in a list for me and I put them on my library holds list. The synopsis sounded kind of Hunger Games-y with a depose-the-corrupt-leader twist so I figured I’d give it a try. After a very busy year I finally had time to activate the hold and get this out of the library.

What is this book about?

I think that this book is about identity, what makes us who we are. Some people in San-Er are born with the ability to spirit jump into other people’s bodies and if you jump enough you either take over the body or you become sick from moving too much. The question is who are YOU – your body or your spirit?

The story also asks whether true change is possible without burning the existing system to the ground. Can a change in leadership really change an empire? Or is it just a matter of time until everything returns to the status quo? At the current moment (December 2024 in the USA) I am on Team Burn It Down so we’ll see how this book makes me feel.

What is notable about this story?

I came out of this book more interested in what was happening in the world than the characters themselves which is SUPER rare for me. I tend to only be invested in a story if I am attached to the characters, caring about whether the events of the story would affect them in some way. All these characters are so shady that I shied away from getting invested in any of them, but the world and events were compelling enough that I kept reading anyway. In the now 8 year history of this website, this is extremely notable for me as a reader and reviewer. I’ve already requested book #2 from the library so I can find out what happens next.

Was anything not so great?

It was difficult to get attached to the characters when they were all so untrustworthy. It reminded me of that terrible second Mission Impossible movie where they overused the masks to the point of ridiculousness.
We’ve also been thrown into this universe at the most uninteresting time. Things are festering, but they have always been festering. People die and no one cares. Life is what it is. We know nothing about King Kasa other than he’s royalty that loves expensive things and stays locked in the castle. We’re asked to just understand that this is a terrible way to live and muster the hatred towards the system/royalty like good people would do naturally. I could have done with a few flashbacks to get my emotions riled up a bit more, to make me invested in killing the king or saving particular players.

What’s the verdict?

The story carries the lack of character development like a burly longshoreman would carry a barrel of fish – easily and without much strain. What I missed in the characters was excusable to find out how all this is gonna shake out. Definitely one to check out eventually but there’s no rush. Add it to your TBR!
Goodreads: 4 stars