Chloe Gong

#1 New York Times bestselling YA author Chloe Gong’s adult epic fantasy debut, inspired by Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra, is a fiery collision of power plays, spilled blood, and romance amidst a set of deadly games. 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. 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 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.

Immortal Longings

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"Anton is nothing if not an attention seeker.”

"Now, why would you creep up on me,” he says cheerily, “knowing I could slit your throat?”

"Oh, Princess,” he says. “We’re about to make something very interesting of the games.”

"Can I open this door now? Are you going to skewer me?” 

“They’ll still give chase,” Anton warns. 

“Then we hide again. Any other useless observations?” 

“Princess, I really thought we were getting along—”

He should know better than to be drawn to her. The palace has already left him scarred

He hates that he knows better. That dangerous things are bound to leave a demolished path in their wake. And still, he tries to hold them anyway.

Suddenly, Anton stumbles, his hand going to his sternum. He inhales like he can barely catch his breath, then he turns to the Crescent nearest to him, fury burning in his eyes. “Did you just try to invade me? Piss off.”

"Kiss me,” he says. “Kiss me and make every dreadful second here worth it.”

Yenale

There's nowhere quite like the coliseum. 

Immortal Longings quotes

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