by Chloe Gong
Part of Flesh and False Gods
First published 2026
Calla Tuoleimi sits on a throne she seized through violence, the divine crown heavy on her head. She commands the kingdom's most devastating weapon and has Anton Makusa serving as her general. Victory seemed certain after her brutal coup displaced August Shenzhi from power. But whispers spread through the provinces that ancient immortals walk the earth again. Anton swore loyalty to Calla, believing he chose the winning side. Now he watches the crown change her, or perhaps reveal who she always was beneath the surface. August refuses to accept his fall from grace. He has dreamed of ruling since childhood and will not surrender the throne he believes belongs to him. With immortal beings threatening his territory and betrayal lurking among his most trusted allies, he must choose his confidants carefully. War splits the kingdom of Talin between two factions. Calla and Anton face off against August and Sinoa Tuoleimi, Calla's predecessor. The return of the old gods transforms every calculation. When the fighting ends, only one ruler can remain standing.
Genres: adventure, fantasy, adult, action, dark-fantasy, epic-fantasy
Vibes: dark, epic, fast-paced, gritty, intense, suspenseful
Tropes: betrayal, chosen-one, enemies-to-lovers, power-struggle
Setting: Talin
400 pages · Hardcover · S&S/Saga Press
Content warnings: death, violence, war