A review by the_literary_cat
Vilest Things by Chloe Gong

adventurous dark slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Firstly, I want to thank Hodderscape and Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Picking up where Immortal Longings left off, we follow Calla Tuoleimi as she serves as the royal adviser to the new king August Shenzhi. Calla is the only one who knows Anton took over August’s body in order to survive her betrayal. However, after Anton’s ex-girlfriend Otta Avia wakens from a coma, the two must set aside their conflicts in order to protect the monarchy. 

I fear this instalment might suffer from second book syndrome. Unlike its predecessor, Vilest Things is not very action packed, but focuses more on politics and explaining stuff, which made the book slow to me. However, there’s still some action around the ending. The magic felt a bit more chaotic with new powers that weren’t really explained. I did really like Calla and Anton’s chemistry in this book. The cliffhangers at the end of the story still made me want to see how this will play out. 

In short, this book wasn’t what I hoped it would be, but I’m still invested in the story and I can’t wait to see how it will end!