Chloe Gong’s first adult fantasy novel Immortal Longings is the start of an adult political fantasy trilogy which tackles the Shakespeare tragedy Antony and Cleopatra. Blending historical elements with oriental detail and layers of political fantasy intrigue, it is bloody, ruthless, and seeped in revenge. Romantasy readers – you best lend your attention here for a little while.

Every year, thousands in the kingdom of Talin flock to its capital twin cities, San-Er, where the palace hosts a set of games. Those confident enough in their ability to jump between bodies sign up to compete in a 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. She plans to finish the job and bring down the monarchy of San before King Kasa’s forces can catch her. Her reclusive uncle always greets the victor of the games, so if she wins, she gets her opportunity at last to kill him. Enter Anton Makusa, an exiled aristocrat; his childhood love has been 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. His last chance at saving her is winning the games. 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. Calla must decide before the games come to an end what she’s playing for – her lover or her kingdom.

I have not read Antony and Cleopatra, so I had no idea what to expect with this one and I don’t know where it is headed. It gives off all the good YA/NA fantasy vibes with touches of dystopia we know and love (the games feel like a fantasy version of The Hunger Games and I can’t say I’m mad about it). There is also the undeniable romantasy element which throws a spanner in the works for a steady political fantasy plot akin to The Poppy War (in spirit, not direct plot translation). I haven’t read many romantasy books, so I am by no means an expert or even a slightly aware of this field of literature. What I will say is that this romance element feels well-balanced, maybe a little spontaneous, which fits with the characters at the heart of it. Calla and Anton are mysterious beings, with secrets and plans and no misconceptions about trust and playing nice. They are adults fighting to stay alive, and doing so means spilling blood. More than that, San-Er is the kind of place where you have to fight to survive in daily life, so this contest only ramps things up.

I may have been reading through it too quickly, but I didn’t get a clear sense of space and landscape from San-Er. The focus on action and evasion for the characters may have contributed, but there isn’t as much of a descriptive establishment of the cities like there was in her previous duologies These Violent Delights and Foul Lady Fortune. I seem to be missing details and struggle to get the perspective of life in the cities, though that simply could be because of all the fats-paced movement of the games, which is fair. It doesn’t make sense for a character familiar with a space to slow down and describe with elaborate imagery and sensory involvement. I just wish there was a little more to hook me into the space.

I am keen to find out more about the cities, the palace, and Talin as a whole in Vilest Things. The stakes will be higher as the hype over the game subsides and the shifting political power creates waves across the nation. Not only that, but the plot twist at the end is bound to bring with it repercussion and romantic tension that will certainly make the second book a gripping read. I can tell this will be an adult fantasy that will appeal to the YA fantasy readers out there wanting to step into a more mature world, but also a read for the romantasy fans that will not disappoint.