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prashiie's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
“A love like theirs was never going to survive in a city divided by hatred.”
It took me a while to really get into the story and the insects and how they are described deserve a trigger warning! At first it was disgusting to read about the insects and it grossed me out, but luckily it got better.
This story is a retelling of Romeo and Juliet, set in Shanghai in the year 1926. The main characters Juliette and Roma are the heirs of feuding families and are expected to put their own family and gang first. But something weird is happening in Shanghai and it’s up to them to protect the city, together. However, from the start it is clear that there is some bad history between them.
“She could have reminded him of what he did four years ago, pushed the blade of guilt in until he was bleeding.”
As the story proceeds, we get to know what happened between them. They are both interesting and strong characters. I also really liked Marshall and Celia!
What shocked me the most is China’s political turmoil at that time and how much racism Chinese people faced by foreigners not only in America, but even in their own country. I could sense the resentment the author feels, rightfully so!
“Foreigners built parks and demanded the Chinese keep out. They poured funds into the city, and though China was never formally a colony, that was precisely what was going on in Shanghai: segment after segment being colonized.”
I’m glad to have read this book, because the background of this story was very educational! Now I’m curious to learn more about the history of Asia.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Homophobia, Deadnaming, Xenophobia, Violence, Stalking, Sexism, Racism, Pandemic/Epidemic, Murder, Misogyny, Injury/Injury detail, and Colonisation
Moderate: Transphobia, Drug use, and Grief
Minor: War, Death of parent, Alcohol, and Alcoholism
Beware of a detailed description of insects attacking humans!axahean's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Colonisation, Alcohol, Blood, Alcoholism, Addiction, Death, Death of parent, Drug use, Gore, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Pandemic/Epidemic, and Violence
Minor: Animal death and Terminal illness
gamora_zen1's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood
Moderate: Child death, Cultural appropriation, Death, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Colonisation, Genocide, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Addiction, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Gore, Grief, Mass/school shootings, Murder, Physical abuse, Racism, Torture, Violence, and War
angstifies's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
i wish that in this book there were more focus on the fantasy/mystery side of the story and also more of side characters (like kathleen <3) because i wouldn’t really consider this a fantasy book but more like a romance/paranormal/mystery novel which should be labeled as “New Adult” other than YA.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, Gore, and Gun violence
Moderate: Alcoholism, Racism, and Violence
Minor: Transphobia
epellicci's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
These Violent Delights is a fast paced, action packed rendition of Romeo and Juliette which I throughly enjoyed.
At first I wasn't sure I was going to get along with the writing style, but once the story picked up it fell into place and I enjoyed the changes in narration much more.
I found the foreshadowing of Juliette and Roma's relationship, and hints about their history very on the nose, bordering over the top. However I can forgive this as I think the ground work for twists in the story later on was laid very subtly, with some I saw coming, and others I did not.
Gong seeps the book in emotional, political, and physical conflict. I was impressed by the balance she has created between the three, as well as her ability to write characters grown up enough to be deeply involved in the turmoil, but also young enough to relate to the YA audience without it feeling jarring and inauthentic.
I'm looking forward to seeing were the story goes next, and impatiently await the sequel.
At first I wasn't sure I was going to get along with the writing style, but once the story picked up it fell into place and I enjoyed the changes in narration much more.
Gong seeps the book in emotional, political, and physical conflict. I was impressed by the balance she has created between the three, as well as her ability to write characters grown up enough to be deeply involved in the turmoil, but also young enough to relate to the YA audience without it feeling jarring and inauthentic.
I'm looking forward to seeing were the story goes next, and impatiently await the sequel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Racism, and Violence
Moderate: Death and Medical content
Minor: Alcoholism
ecobookworm's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Murder, Racism, Self harm, and Violence
Moderate: Death of parent and Transphobia
Minor: Addiction and Alcoholism
If you're creeped out by bugs, definitely do not read this book!!!baexlee's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was delightful. Immediately I was drawn in by Juliette and Roma but the mystery and historic setting were also going to be right up my alley and of course I was thrilled with this read. I found my heart racing in some moments and aching in others and while I was initially tempted to rate this lower than five stars just because I was a bit disappointed with how quickly and loosely the end wrapped up, I realized I have been a bit to harsh with my own ratings lately and I truly enjoyed this book. I think that I was just disappointed that I will have to wait until the next book to see what happens and the cliffhanger in this is brutal. (especially if you're hoping for romance between Roma and Juliette to reignite )
Despite the fact that both characters have plenty of blood on their hands and find plenty more before the end of the story, it was not hard to root for either Juliette or Roma as they try to protect their people, even when their means were more... questionable. I didn't find that I was distracted by the moments where the story was making references more directly to the Romeo & Juliet inspiration, which was appreciated because I either find that it is distracting or nonexistent in other works, but I felt Gong found a nice balance here.
This was absolutely delightful, the only thing that could have made it better would be some more romance but I do love some slow burn trading betrayal back and forth enemies to lovers romance (ie Cardan and Jude from The Cruel Prince) so I guess I won't complain too much about it because I can have something to look forward to in the second book.
Despite the fact that both characters have plenty of blood on their hands and find plenty more before the end of the story, it was not hard to root for either Juliette or Roma as they try to protect their people, even when their means were more... questionable. I didn't find that I was distracted by the moments where the story was making references more directly to the Romeo & Juliet inspiration, which was appreciated because I either find that it is distracting or nonexistent in other works, but I felt Gong found a nice balance here.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Death, Gun violence, Murder, and Violence
Moderate: Alcoholism, Addiction, Drug use, and Gore
Minor: Xenophobia, Stalking, Racism, and Misogyny
rachrreads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
These Violent Delights is set in Shanghai in the 1920s. Roma Montagov is the son and heir to the to White Flowers, a gang that rose from the bottom to the prominence they have today. Their rival gang, the Scarlet Gang has been ruling Shanghai for decades. Juliette Cai has just returned from America, and as heir to the Scarlet Gang, she is ruthless.
Soon after, a monster is on the loose wreaking havoc among the city. People are falling dead in droves and the contagion is spreading like wildfire. Juliette realizes that to put an end to this, the Scarlets and White Flowers must pool together. Otherwise, the gangs will die out and the Communists and foreigners will take over.
I picked up this book not really knowing much about it. I had read the synopsis in the past, but never thought much about it. I even had to ask a friend “wait, is this a Romeo and Juliet retelling?” while reading the first few chapters. LOL. I’m glad I went into it with no knowledge or expectations, because otherwise I likely would’ve put it off longer.
This book was a MASTERPIECE. Chloe Gong, thank you for this wonderful, painful, masterly crafted book. I cannot wait for book 2. The romance between Roma and Juliette was absolutely squeal worthy. I found myself screaming so many times over their interactions.
THAT COAT SCENE WAS SO HOT PLEASE
Soon after, a monster is on the loose wreaking havoc among the city. People are falling dead in droves and the contagion is spreading like wildfire. Juliette realizes that to put an end to this, the Scarlets and White Flowers must pool together. Otherwise, the gangs will die out and the Communists and foreigners will take over.
I picked up this book not really knowing much about it. I had read the synopsis in the past, but never thought much about it. I even had to ask a friend “wait, is this a Romeo and Juliet retelling?” while reading the first few chapters. LOL. I’m glad I went into it with no knowledge or expectations, because otherwise I likely would’ve put it off longer.
This book was a MASTERPIECE. Chloe Gong, thank you for this wonderful, painful, masterly crafted book. I cannot wait for book 2. The romance between Roma and Juliette was absolutely squeal worthy. I found myself screaming so many times over their interactions.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Murder, Misogyny, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexism, Violence, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Child death, Cursing, Death of parent, Medical content, Medical trauma, Panic attacks/disorders, and Stalking
Minor: Alcoholism
introvertinterrupted's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Gun violence, Drug abuse, Drug use, Xenophobia, Murder, Medical content, Gore, Death of parent, Deadnaming, Blood, Animal death, Alcoholism, and Addiction
Moderate: Body shaming, Bullying, Chronic illness, Toxic relationship, Torture, Terminal illness, Stalking, Police brutality, Physical abuse, Medical content, Medical trauma, Hate crime, and Animal cruelty
maggieslibrarycard's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Characters
There was a fairly large cast of main characters/significant side characters, so I was a bit worried that some of them would fall a bit flat, especially since this is the first book in the duo-logy so there is less opportunity to develop them. This is not at all the case! All of the characters are very vibrant and well-crafted: I especially loved Juliette, Roma, Kathleen, Benedikt, and Alisa. This will be a repeated theme throughout the review, but I adored how Gong used the source material of Romeo and Juliet as a starting point, but was unafraid to further expand and even alter elements in order to better service her story. Overall, this made the book super fun to pick apart and examine which elements were directly retold, which were expanded, and which were completely new. I definitely felt as though the characters here were even stronger versions of their Shakespearian selves: her Juliette is markedly confident and convicted, whereas Roma is more subtle and rational (also less annoying). As well, the additional characters not in Romeo and Juliet , especially Kathleen and Alisa, were wonderful .
I do love the enemies to lovers trope, but I am pretty picky about it - it has to be done right for me to enjoy it. A lot of the time, especially in more recent YA books, I think this trope is thrown in just for marketing and is resolved in an underwhelming and unsatisfying way. Thus, I was also a but nervous about that when I picked up the book. Again, Gong delivers in this regard. The main characters hate each other, but also love each other so much , and the reasons for this are convincing. Their antagonism doesn't ever immediately disappear and is still very unresolved; it will certainly be a major component of the second book . In a way, it reads more as the enemies in love trope, which I have zero complaints about, since it is less often done than enemies to lovers, and is, in my opinion, far better, more interesting, and, in an odd way, realistic(?).
Also, I love the couples so much. Benedikt and Marshall are the sweetest, and it broke my heart when Benedikt thought Marshall had died. I have a haunting suspicion that his lingering grief is certainly going to cause issues and violence, at least at the start of the next book when he doesn't know yet that Marshall in fact did not die. RomaJuliette is my absolute favourite types of couple: the very aggressive one, and the one who has a tough exterior but is actually very sensitive and a major simp and thinks that everything the other does, including (especially?) their unhinged tendencies, are simply magnificent. For m/f couples, the has girl is the first one, and the boy the second, which is what happened here!
I think my one minor issue with the characters is in the shifting point of views of the novel. I would say that the novel is principally narrated by Juliette, and it shows in her narratorial voice. Namely, I found the sections from her PoV had a very vibrant voice, which was clearly Juliette's, but the other characters' perspectives and voices in narration were a bit less distinctive. Sometimes, it made it seem as though the other characters' PoVs were more in place to fulfill a technical role of filling in the reader on events that Juliette realistically couldn't detail.
Plot, World-building, etc.
Gong’s world building was absolutely fantastic and her writing skills really shines through in the novel - especially in the “zoom out” scenes from the perspective of Shanghai. These scenes in particular had such elegant prose and I loved the imagery and literary devices which she employed! I also like how her writing incorporates humour within the prose - it is at times sarcastic and sardonic, which I found enjoyable and entertaining.
Overall, the pacing was super consistent and solid, especially for a first published book. There were a few chapters, that certainly moved at a slower pace, but I think virtually all books fall into that category. The world-building was fantastic, but it never occurred at the expense of the plot, which moved forward in an exciting, fast-paced manner. There were shocks and surprises from middle to end! I remember being about half-way through the book and being curious about how Gong would continue to increase tension as the ending neared, since it was already so climactic (needless to say, she again delivered). The plot with the monster and the madness was very disgusting and very well done. It was a great and unexpected way to incorporate a fantastical element to the book. I also love books which draw on historical events, whether directly (ie they are historical fiction to some extend) or as an inspiration for the history/current events of their fantastical world (ie The Poppy War ). Gong's discussion of the horrors of colonialism and the tension leading up to the Chinese Civil War was so well-crafted and nuanced - definitely an important read in that regard!
Our Violent Ends And Overall Thoughts
I am so excited for Book 2 (obviously)! The book ended on such a cliffhanger, and apparently the second one has a small time skip so I am dying to know what happens next - I don’t know how I will manage waiting until November to read it. I’m excited to see the political plot evolve and for the stakes to rise even higher! And for the yearning and angstfrom Roma, Juliette, and Benedikt of course.
I think Rosalind is the spy, although I feel like that may be too obvious? But I'm not sure who else it could be, who is named. Obviously not Juliette, and it is unlikely to be Kathleen (we have so many scenes from her perspective, although it could be that Gong was purposely withholding information from them to lead us astray). It would be interesting if Tyler was collaborating specifically to take down Juliette though, although that would sort of feel like a cop-out in a way.
My brain: You know what happens in the original play Romeo and Juliet - everyone dies - so you should really be anticipating that for Our Violent Ends . It will cause it to hurt less when there is no one left alive at the end.
Also my brain: Roma/Juliette/Marshall/Benedikt/Kathleen/Rosalind/Alisa happy ending when ?????
It would be even worse if only one of the Roma and Juliette dies, though. And one of them is left to try and repair what has happens. nope nope nope NOPE NOPE please Chloe I am begging
Anyways , this book is clearly awesome and you should absolutely pick it up! It's not everyday you find such a unique and well-written YA fantasy novel, and Gong's work is really something special. Can't wait for Book 2, as well as whatever writing she has planned for the future!
There was a fairly large cast of main characters/significant side characters, so I was a bit worried that some of them would fall a bit flat, especially since this is the first book in the duo-logy so there is less opportunity to develop them. This is not at all the case! All of the characters are very vibrant and well-crafted: I especially loved Juliette, Roma, Kathleen, Benedikt, and Alisa. This will be a repeated theme throughout the review, but I adored how Gong used the source material of Romeo and Juliet as a starting point, but was unafraid to further expand and even alter elements in order to better service her story. Overall, this made the book super fun to pick apart and examine which elements were directly retold, which were expanded, and which were completely new. I definitely felt as though the characters here were even stronger versions of their Shakespearian selves: her Juliette is markedly confident and convicted, whereas Roma is more subtle and rational (also less annoying). As well, the additional characters not in Romeo and Juliet , especially Kathleen and Alisa, were wonderful .
I do love the enemies to lovers trope, but I am pretty picky about it - it has to be done right for me to enjoy it. A lot of the time, especially in more recent YA books, I think this trope is thrown in just for marketing and is resolved in an underwhelming and unsatisfying way. Thus, I was also a but nervous about that when I picked up the book. Again, Gong delivers in this regard. The main characters hate each other, but also love each other so much , and the reasons for this are convincing. Their antagonism doesn't ever immediately disappear and
Also, I love the couples so much.
I think my one minor issue with the characters is in the shifting point of views of the novel. I would say that the novel is principally narrated by Juliette, and it shows in her narratorial voice. Namely, I found the sections from her PoV had a very vibrant voice, which was clearly Juliette's, but the other characters' perspectives and voices in narration were a bit less distinctive. Sometimes, it made it seem as though the other characters' PoVs were more in place to fulfill a technical role of filling in the reader on events that Juliette realistically couldn't detail.
Plot, World-building, etc.
Gong’s world building was absolutely fantastic and her writing skills really shines through in the novel - especially in the “zoom out” scenes from the perspective of Shanghai. These scenes in particular had such elegant prose and I loved the imagery and literary devices which she employed! I also like how her writing incorporates humour within the prose - it is at times sarcastic and sardonic, which I found enjoyable and entertaining.
Overall, the pacing was super consistent and solid, especially for a first published book. There were a few chapters, that certainly moved at a slower pace, but I think virtually all books fall into that category. The world-building was fantastic, but it never occurred at the expense of the plot, which moved forward in an exciting, fast-paced manner. There were shocks and surprises from middle to end! I remember being about half-way through the book and being curious about how Gong would continue to increase tension as the ending neared, since it was already so climactic (needless to say, she again delivered). The plot with the monster and the madness was very disgusting and very well done. It was a great and unexpected way to incorporate a fantastical element to the book. I also love books which draw on historical events, whether directly (ie they are historical fiction to some extend) or as an inspiration for the history/current events of their fantastical world (ie The Poppy War ). Gong's discussion of the horrors of colonialism and the tension leading up to the Chinese Civil War was so well-crafted and nuanced - definitely an important read in that regard!
Our Violent Ends And Overall Thoughts
I am so excited for Book 2 (obviously)! The book ended on such a cliffhanger, and apparently the second one has a small time skip so I am dying to know what happens next - I don’t know how I will manage waiting until November to read it. I’m excited to see the political plot evolve and for the stakes to rise even higher! And for the yearning and angst
My brain: You know what happens in the original play Romeo and Juliet - everyone dies - so you should really be anticipating that for Our Violent Ends . It will cause it to hurt less when there is no one left alive at the end.
Also my brain: Roma/Juliette/Marshall/Benedikt/Kathleen/Rosalind/Alisa happy ending when ?????
It would be even worse if only one of the Roma and Juliette dies, though. And one of them is left to try and repair what has happens. nope nope nope NOPE NOPE please Chloe I am begging
Anyways , this book is clearly awesome and you should absolutely pick it up! It's not everyday you find such a unique and well-written YA fantasy novel, and Gong's work is really something special. Can't wait for Book 2, as well as whatever writing she has planned for the future!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Death, Death of parent, Gore, Grief, Gun violence, Medical trauma, Murder, Racism, Transphobia, Violence, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Medical content, Misogyny, and Sexism
Minor: Alcoholism, Stalking, Toxic relationship, and Vomit