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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The idea of this book is so rich and full of potential, and Chloe Gong is able to pull out some lush imagery in the beginning of the book. I was halfway through this book when I realized my lack of interest in continuing to read was because the characters were so thinly sketched that their motivations felt nonsensical; they were neither likeable nor compelling. Bewilderingly, this is a Romeo and Juliet retelling without discernible chemistry (unless you count - which I don't - all of Juliette's inner monologue where she insists in her thoughts that she can't resist Roma). The mystery was slow until it suddenly rushed through major plot points and character beats in the last 50-100 pages. Perhaps most insultingly, the political tensions between the Communists, the Nationalists, and all the foreign dignitaries/would-be colonizers were carelessly portrayed, with the reader just being told (senselessly) that the good guys were the gangs, suggesting that no one would put their trust in this or that other group unless driven irrational by fear of the parasitic monster at the heart of the mystery? All the leads were privileged and entitled, out of touch with the people who were suffering and dying and trying to politick a better future for themselves, yet the narrative was firmly on the side of them as the good guys and city-rescuers. I really had to push my way through finishing it, and I can't say I'm interested in continuing the series.
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-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
I loveee historical fictions, and I could tell how much research went into this novel. The book takes part in 1926 Shanghai, and the city is run by numerous groups all trying to stay on top: gangs, nationalists, communists, French, English…. The writing style is a little different than what I’m used to, but the ode to the original Romeo and Juliet tale brings a little romanticism to the narrative language and not distracting at all. This is a slow burn romance that feels natural and kept me intrigued the whole time, while also bringing emphasis to the GREAT mystery that is plaguing the city.
This book is fun and exciting. I definitely will be reading the sequel.
medium-paced
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I LOVE THIS MF BOOK THANK U MISS ICON CHLOE GONG I LOVE UR INSTAGRAM STORIES
I think the point of Romeo and Juliet was to show the fate of two young, innocent lovers and how stupid the rivalry was that got them killed. The story would have been much different if they were actively antagonizing each other and holding up the blood feud like Roma and Juliette. This robs their relationship of the tragedy because they are no longer victims of their situation, they are the perpetrators of prolonging the feud. It's hard to root for Roma and Juliette
in in my opinion Romeo and Juliet>>>>>>these violent delights
a small thing but I wasn't a huge fan of the narrator- I really didn't like how she narrated Kathleen
in in my opinion Romeo and Juliet>>>>>>these violent delights
a small thing but I wasn't a huge fan of the narrator- I really didn't like how she narrated Kathleen
adventurous
dark
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:
Complicated