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bo0ks_are_cool91's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Holy shit Chloe gong knows how to write an ending. I had trouble getting through the first 30%, but everything picked up after Alisa is kidnapped. Would probably recommend!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death, Gun violence, and Murder
Moderate: Colonisation, Suicide attempt, and Blood
Minor: Alcohol
tourmaline1703's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
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? Yes
4.75
It has been a while since I read These Violent Delights but reading this has reminded me how much I love these characters and this world. It it so mesmerising to be in the midst of the glamour of the 1920s but also, the political and social tension, which is so fleshed out. The worldbuilding is so rich and all of it is shown, rather than told, making it very immersive.
I love Chloe Gong's writing style and the incorporation of other languages at times. She has reworked Romeo and Juliet so beautifully into something that pays homage to the original whilst also changing it slightly so that it remains unpredictable and a new piece of writing. The emotion and tension is so well captured, I was completely invested.
The plot is brilliant, well-layered and well paced. Each chapter unveils something new, there are twists and turns which are pretty unpredictable. There are elements of a quest, but also the political aspects of the novel really elevate the plot, adding higher stakes and more depth.
I love all the characters and was totally invested in each of their motives and storylines. I liked how each one was wrapped up, I expeted a little bit more tragedy but there was definitely a lot of emotion at the end. I can't wait to delve into the other books in this universe!
I love Chloe Gong's writing style and the incorporation of other languages at times. She has reworked Romeo and Juliet so beautifully into something that pays homage to the original whilst also changing it slightly so that it remains unpredictable and a new piece of writing. The emotion and tension is so well captured, I was completely invested.
The plot is brilliant, well-layered and well paced. Each chapter unveils something new, there are twists and turns which are pretty unpredictable. There are elements of a quest, but also the political aspects of the novel really elevate the plot, adding higher stakes and more depth.
I love all the characters and was totally invested in each of their motives and storylines. I liked how each one was wrapped up, I expeted a little bit more tragedy but there was definitely a lot of emotion at the end. I can't wait to delve into the other books in this universe!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Gun violence
Moderate: Abandonment, Blood, and Colonisation
lovelymisanthrope's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I found a copy of this book at the library bookstore.
"Our Violent Ends" is the sequel and conclusion to "These Violent Delights". A year later, and Shanghai is growing very close to a revolution. Juliette sacrificed her relationship with Roma to protect him, but all Roma knows is her betrayal, and he will not forgive her. Juliette is also trying to handle her unruly cousin who is attempting to take the throne from her and rule the Scarlet Gang himself. Roma is still trying to process the death of Marshall, and he will do anything to exact revenge. But when a bigger threat than both gangs combined threatens everyone, Juliette and Roma are forced back together to try to figure out who is terrorizing their city, and why.
I had absolutely no intention of reading this book. When I originally read "These Violent Delights" I was terribly underwhelmed and figured that this series was just not for me. But, when I found a nearly perfect condition for sale, I figured it was probably a sign and I should give Chloe Gong one more shot, and I am so happy I did.
This book had everything I wanted from the first book, and more. This duology is inspired by "Romeo & Juliet", which is great, but I wanted to see the author take this original idea and do more with it: enter book two. Juliette and Roma and their feuding families still do not get along, but Juliette and Roma still love each other, even if their love is buried by confusion and betrayal. The pair are still forced together, and their spark is still very much alive.
This installment kept having twists and turns I did not anticipate, which kept me very engaged throughout this story. I did not want to put this book down, because the stakes felt so much higher. Both gangs were out for blood, and either gang could have very easily taken out either Juliette or Roma. Juliette's perspectives were my favorite because she was acting like a double agent. She saw the bigger picture but could not let anyone in on what was happening.
If you were like me and struggled through the first book, I recommend giving the second book a shot, it is definitely the stronger of the two.
"Our Violent Ends" is the sequel and conclusion to "These Violent Delights". A year later, and Shanghai is growing very close to a revolution. Juliette sacrificed her relationship with Roma to protect him, but all Roma knows is her betrayal, and he will not forgive her. Juliette is also trying to handle her unruly cousin who is attempting to take the throne from her and rule the Scarlet Gang himself. Roma is still trying to process the death of Marshall, and he will do anything to exact revenge. But when a bigger threat than both gangs combined threatens everyone, Juliette and Roma are forced back together to try to figure out who is terrorizing their city, and why.
I had absolutely no intention of reading this book. When I originally read "These Violent Delights" I was terribly underwhelmed and figured that this series was just not for me. But, when I found a nearly perfect condition for sale, I figured it was probably a sign and I should give Chloe Gong one more shot, and I am so happy I did.
This book had everything I wanted from the first book, and more. This duology is inspired by "Romeo & Juliet", which is great, but I wanted to see the author take this original idea and do more with it: enter book two. Juliette and Roma and their feuding families still do not get along, but Juliette and Roma still love each other, even if their love is buried by confusion and betrayal. The pair are still forced together, and their spark is still very much alive.
This installment kept having twists and turns I did not anticipate, which kept me very engaged throughout this story. I did not want to put this book down, because the stakes felt so much higher. Both gangs were out for blood, and either gang could have very easily taken out either Juliette or Roma. Juliette's perspectives were my favorite because she was acting like a double agent. She saw the bigger picture but could not let anyone in on what was happening.
If you were like me and struggled through the first book, I recommend giving the second book a shot, it is definitely the stronger of the two.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, War, Violence, Blood, and Murder
Minor: Sexual content
bookycnidaria's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, War, Blood, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Suicidal thoughts, Murder, and Torture
Minor: Homophobia
cnaccarato's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Gun violence, Kidnapping, Body horror, Mass/school shootings, Torture, Violence, Murder, Classism, Medical content, Blood, Death, Gore, and Injury/Injury detail
tisjenna's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood and Murder
bergha1998's review against another edition
adventurous
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? Yes
3.75
I felt like the plot in this one wasn’t as good as the first book, but the character development was spot on. It was emotional af, though. I couldn’t handle Ben’s chapters at all.
Fantasy, Dark Romance, Taboo, 1 🔥
Fantasy, Dark Romance, Taboo, 1 🔥
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia, War, Violence, Torture, Injury/Injury detail, Genocide, Cursing, Death, Grief, Murder, Blood, Alcohol, Classism, Colonisation, Police brutality, Gun violence, Kidnapping, Emotional abuse, and Fire/Fire injury
melissaslibraryy's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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? Yes
5.0
omg!! This book definitely exceeded my expectations and was even better than the first. The action, the betrayal, and the angst made this a suspenseful yet gut wrenching read bc even if you predicted certain things, you never knew when or if they would happen or to whom. The way the book left off at the open ending of did they or didn’t they when it came to Juliette and Roma’s HEA, Chloe Gong wrote it in a way that makes you believe they did bc it’s the ending they deserves after fighting so hard for it. This duology was so good and one I’ll always appreciate reading. I’m also glad that people insisted on reading this before starting Foul Last Fortune since it’s a connected series bc I was able to get the full backstory on the rival families and the war on the city, etc. I 1000000% recommend reading this duology if you’re looking for a high stakes fantasy Romeo & Juliet retelling‼️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping, Gun violence, Mass/school shootings, Pandemic/Epidemic, Police brutality, Abandonment, Classism, Gore, Blood, Body horror, Colonisation, Violence, War, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, and Medical content
Minor: Sexual content and Xenophobia
bluelilyleest's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- 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
Chloe Gong putting me behind on my reading challenge again because her books are so damn long 😅
So, I loved it. I get why people say the second book is better than the first, because in terms of character interaction/profiles/development, it did much more. The plot was thicc, the pace was fast but still allowed for funny moments or background information, the setting and atmosphere were immersive.
Then why do I not rate it 5 stars, you ask? I ask myself the same question. I can't quite put my finger on what was lacking, and therefore you probably shouldn't take my review too seriously. It was a great retelling of what we know to be Romeo and Juliet. I think now, whenever Shakespeare's play is mentioned, I will think about Gong's Romeo and Juliet, too, and I believe that is no small feat.
So, I loved it. I get why people say the second book is better than the first, because in terms of character interaction/profiles/development, it did much more. The plot was thicc, the pace was fast but still allowed for funny moments or background information, the setting and atmosphere were immersive.
Then why do I not rate it 5 stars, you ask? I ask myself the same question. I can't quite put my finger on what was lacking, and therefore you probably shouldn't take my review too seriously. It was a great retelling of what we know to be Romeo and Juliet. I think now, whenever Shakespeare's play is mentioned, I will think about Gong's Romeo and Juliet, too, and I believe that is no small feat.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Murder, Mass/school shootings, Gun violence, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, and Violence
Moderate: Racism, Colonisation, War, Death, and Suicide
Minor: Xenophobia and Misogyny
sofieean's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Blood, Death, Mass/school shootings, Violence, Suicide attempt, and Gun violence
Minor: Death of parent and Toxic relationship