Reviews tagging 'Panic attacks/disorders'

These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong

5 reviews

ppixxie's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

This take on Romeo and Juliet is so fun and refreshing! I really loved all the characters, the setting, and the mystery in the book. The romance and tension between Roma and Juliette was fun to read too. Definitely gonna read the second book when I can 😌

I loved the body horror + gore in this book but definitely check people's cw beforehand if you need it!
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booksanna's review

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adventurous dark emotional funny 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? It's complicated

4.75

This book has a brilliant world building and imagery. it really feels like you are in Shanghai, from culture to stalls I could feel the city’s booming setting. You could almost smell the food from the food stalls, feel the anger of factory workers, hear the booming voices of foreigners and natives, and almsot see the lgiths of Shanghai as the story progresses. I also loved the political and economic developement in the story, it really felt athentic and well-written. As for the main characters, I really like the way Romeo and Juliet plot has been intervined with the story, yet it was also seperate as well. The story was so much more unique and special with the different plot changes. I loved the multiple points of view of characters that made the story so captivating.  The pacing was well written and interesting. And I loved the multiple langauges(as a person with decent understanding of Russian, anytime Roma said dorogaya I went head over heels :)) included int he story showing the cultural diversity of Shangahai. Overall a great read. The only reason it’s not 0.25 is the monster. I thought it was a nice touch to a add a mythical aspect to original Romeo and Juliet, however, the intricate details of the moster sometimes confused me :(. But that is partly my fault, so the book is magnificent despite the confusing moments!
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lainiereads's review

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adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

I forgot to write a review again OOPS

SUCH A GOOD BOOK??? Chloe Gong's writing style is just unmatched, man. She just made everything that happened sound so cool?? Like I felt cool reading this book !! I will forever love all of her books, I can just tell. 
I also just loved the characters. Juliette is probably one of my favorite characters ever, she is exactly who I would want to be if I was in a gang and also was just like chill with murder. And Roma is also great, and Benedikt and Marshall are great, and Kathleen is great, EVERYONE IS GREAT.
This book just feels like something everyone should love? Like it is so well written and so undeniably good that everyone should read it and get to experience how good it is. 
I had more articulate thoughts while reading, but now all I really need to say is this book is wonderful and if you have not read it yet, this is your sign to do so! Hurry, before the sequel comes out! GO!

I can't wait to cry while reading the next book!

Okay bye, gonna go get "The stars incline us, they do not bind us" tattooed on my soul.
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a_libra_library's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional inspiring 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

5.0

If you're looking for a mystery that is a retelling of a classic but truly its own, this is the one. The setting of 1920's Shanghai told beautifully. 
The characters are beloved, funny, tense and clever. Edit*
Not an enemies to lover more of, they don't get alone in the way they would life too. 
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rachrreads's review

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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
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