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writingcaia's review against another edition
- 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? Yes
4.5
This a slow to medium paced story, anchored both in the historical events of the 20/30’s in Shangai, revolution, communists, nationalists, foreign invaders, gangsters all making the streets of the town run red with the blood of the people, and it’s also a retelling of the famous Shakespearean love tragedy Romeu and Juliet.
I’ve to say it wasn’t the easiest book to dive into, thankfully there’re the Montagov and Marsh who were all so endearing and made me keep going, eventually I came into syntony with the story albeit dreading how close to the original it would stick to.
Soon it became a riveting read and continued until the end, with plenty of bloodshed, monsters, hate, betrayal, murder, and of course love to conquer all odds.
I can’t say how close it cut to the original tale without spoilers, I can only say there’re a few plot twists related and unrelated with the Shakespearean tragedy.
Overall a 4.5⭐️ duology and if you like YA retellings, with dark mystery, gangs, history and tragedy this is for you.
Moderate: Grief, Murder, Drug use, Torture, Alcohol, Gore, Suicide, Gun violence, Death, Blood, Body horror, Racism, and Self harm
Minor: Transphobia
ssuummeerrn's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
The only reason that I give this book, and duology as a whole, 4 stars instead of 5 is because I really struggle with retellings. I don't usually read them because they don't surprise me like other books do. I know what is going to happen.
Having read the original Romeo and Juliet and seeing many movie remakes, these books just don't have the shock value that I like.
That is just my personal opinion though and it in no way means that this is a bad story. It is actually a fantastic story and very deserving of all of the hype! Chloe should be very proud.
This review is the definition of "it's not you, it's me", and that is 100% true. I just have an unrealistic dislike of retellings and that in no way reflects the quality of this book.
Moderate: Suicide
wet_towlette's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Gun violence, Suicidal thoughts, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Grief, Murder, Violence, and Suicide
molly_rose's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Graphic: Alcohol, Blood, Classism, Confinement, Death, Genocide, Murder, Kidnapping, Injury/Injury detail, and Suicide
lainiereads's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
100/100 stars perfect book love u miss chloe
after reflecting i’m definitely adding this to my tops 10 books, but it is honestly in my top 3 books right now, i am in love
Graphic: Death, Violence, Suicide, Injury/Injury detail, Grief, Colonisation, and Blood
Moderate: War, Torture, Suicidal thoughts, Mass/school shootings, Gun violence, Genocide, Sexism, Misogyny, and Kidnapping
morriganslibrary's review against another edition
- 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
3.75
Graphic: Violence and Blood
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Suicide
katiefreeman209's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Violence, Gun violence, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, and Blood
Moderate: Suicide
padme's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
Once again, I was planning on giving this four stars just because there were a few elements I didn't like
However, I have to give this a 4.5 stars just because of how well the ending played. Chloe Gong knows how to stick a landing! The epilogue genuinely made me cry, and I wasn't expecting it to.
Overall, it was a really incredible read, and I can't wait to see what Chloe Gong writes next! Such an interesting world, so many cool characters, and such a great way to adapt an old story.
Graphic: Death
Moderate: War, Suicide, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Gun violence, and Grief
Minor: Blood, Body horror, and Colonisation
hockeysophie28's review against another edition
- 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
The already-developed characters were developed even further, and I really enjoyed getting to see Roma and Juliette grow and change as they try to navigate the dangers of the world around them and the confusion of their relationship and exactly how they feel about one another. I found myself on the edge of my seat wondering if the two would find each other again or if Roma would never be able to get over his new hatred of Juliette.
The other relationships (platonic, enemies, and otherwise) in the story were very fleshed-out and fun to read. My personal favourites to read were the dynamics of Juliette and Tyler, Benedikt and Roma, and
The side characters were dynamic and interesting as well, with some chapters even diving into their perspective on things to really flesh out their personality and the story as a whole. Kathleen
When developing such captivating and interesting characters, the plot can tend to be less interesting or less powerful. However, the author did not do this. The plot of the book was exciting and suspenseful, and I would find myself not wanting to put it down.
The only criticisms I have of this book is that certain scenes just seemed either too long or not long enough, and that the ending (though quite impactful) could have been a bit better.
Overall, I loved this book so much, a thrilling conclusion to an incredibly great series.
Graphic: War, Blood, Death, and Gun violence
Minor: Suicide
rebeccaxpaige's review against another edition
- 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? Yes
5.0
I will not say anything else other than if you want to see what real women are made of, you must read this book. 5 of the easiest stars I gave this year.
Graphic: Blood, Gore, Body horror, War, Torture, Suicide attempt, Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, Physical abuse, Murder, Misogyny, Kidnapping, Injury/Injury detail, Gun violence, Grief, Gaslighting, Forced institutionalization, Emotional abuse, Death, Cursing, and Colonisation
Moderate: Bullying, Child death, Death of parent, Drug abuse, Drug use, and Emotional abuse