Vilest Things

Book two of bestselling Gong’s “Flesh and False Gods” trilogy (following Immortal Longings) picks up where the first book left off. Inspired by Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra, this series balances political intrigue with countless plot twists and flawed characters readers grow to love (or love to hate). Full of decrepit tech, gritty cities, and a body-swapping magic system, Gong’s tale continues to develop the lore of Anton and Calla as they find themselves further entwined in the twisty machinations afoot in the kingdom of San-Er. Jeena Yi returns to narrate this sequel and does so brilliantly. While listeners should pay close attention, as there are no major delineations between Yi’s character voices (and the novel has lots of characters), Yi sparkles as the toughened Calla. The cold disinterest in Calla’s spoken words contrasts nicely with her calculating yet vulnerable internal monologue. As Calla evolves, Yi inserts a softened edge to her tone that, at times, mirrors the lyrical quality of Shakespeare’s prose.