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nannahnannah's review against another edition
2.0
I’m really not having a good year when it comes to YA. And I was so excited for this one, too! Though I’m not big on Romeo and Juliet, the representation and the setting of this one (1920s Shanghai, rival gangs, a monster on the loose) had me desperate to get my hands on it.
Representation:
- the main character and many secondary characters are Chinese
- two secondary characters are gay/bi men
- a secondary character is a trans woman
- a secondary character has OCD (at least, as someone with OCD, this is how it seemed)
In 1926 Shanghai, two rival gangs with a blood feud control much of the city. The French and the British have what’s left. Communism and nationalist groups are simmering among the chaos, too. To make matters worse, a monster is spreading a contagion wherever it goes. In the middle of all this is Juliette Cai, heir of the Scarlet gang, and Roma Montagov, heir of the White Flowers gang.
Former sweethearts who were torn apart by distance and tragedy, Roma and Juliette will have to put the blood feud and their own hatred aside to work together, solve the mystery behind the monster, and figure out how to stop it.
It seems wild to give this only two stars when I loved so much about it, but it was a struggle to finish this one. I DNF’d it several times before pushing up my sleeves and getting back into it.
But I’ll start with what I loved:
Over everything else, I loved and appreciated all the notes about colonialism, the city being torn in every which way and how the characters felt about their home being occupied, etc. I can absolutely tell so much heart and research went into this novel and its setting.
And though I did have problems with the writing style (more on this later), there were little glimpses of really strong writing here and there. If Chloe Gong just took a little more time to edit, her writing could be gorgeous. I think the biggest problem this book has is a lack of good editing -- which is partly the author’s fault, partly the editor’s. I know editors are being underpaid and getting less and less time to edit, so while I’m inclined to give them a little more slack, this book really, really needed more editing.
This all brings me to what I didn’t like:
Unfortunately, there’s a lot. I’ll mention the writing again, more specifically. It takes about twenty words to say what could be described in one or two, and it gets stuck on specific phrases that are repeated over and over throughout the book (I should’ve counted how many times “her heels clacked on the floor” was used).
I also don’t think the omniscient pov did the story any favors -- it made it so the mystery behind the monster was ruined from the very beginning. We as the audience know everything before the characters even start to piece things together, which makes for a frustrating reading experience.
But above all, the characters and their dialogue made me want to put the book down, despite what I loved about it. Though I know Juliette is supposed to be a strong badass, she came across as a spoiled brat throwing tantrums and treating others awfully (“Miss Cai, can I help you with anything?” “Help me like this--” With one hand, Juliette mimed her lips zipping shut. / “How long have you been wiping at that table for?” [... Juliette wipes the table three times and cleans it] “Use your elbows. It’s not that hard.”).
Their dialogue switches from being period-appropriate to being something straight out of the 21st century: “I do not know his name, nor have I seen his face”; “I do not know what it is you speak of” existing alongside “Get out of my face”; “I think this is simply my resting expression”; “Too soon?” “Way too soon”.
I feel horrible to critique so much, but I can’t not mention the showing vs telling, probably my biggest issue with the writing (and editing). We are constantly told what people are thinking, but seldom shown -- and what we’re told doesn’t always match up with the characters’ actions.
The constant telling gets in the way of the storytelling (especially the backstories -- so much backstory … even of minor characters, backstory that doesn't affect the plot or story or characterization in any way. It feels like it’s part of the author’s character sheets, and she just wanted to get it across to us in some way, but it doesn’t work). Because we’re constantly told about how Roma and Juliette used to be lovers, we never actually understand their relationship in the present.
One more mention, and then I’m done, I promise: the ending also ruined any chance of me picking up the sequel. It ended in exactly the same place as it began. Roma and Juliette hate each other again, the second book will have the same plot as the first (people dying from the madness, trying to figure out how to stop it), and the characters have not gone through any major changes. It’s so frustrating.
But I applaud Chloe Gong for being able to get a book published in college. This book is so well researched, has beautiful and meaningful representation, and shows many glimpses of beautiful writing. With some editing, she’s going to go far. I may not pick up the sequel, but I will most likely check out what else she writes.
Representation:
- the main character and many secondary characters are Chinese
- two secondary characters are gay/bi men
- a secondary character is a trans woman
- a secondary character has OCD (at least, as someone with OCD, this is how it seemed)
In 1926 Shanghai, two rival gangs with a blood feud control much of the city. The French and the British have what’s left. Communism and nationalist groups are simmering among the chaos, too. To make matters worse, a monster is spreading a contagion wherever it goes. In the middle of all this is Juliette Cai, heir of the Scarlet gang, and Roma Montagov, heir of the White Flowers gang.
Former sweethearts who were torn apart by distance and tragedy, Roma and Juliette will have to put the blood feud and their own hatred aside to work together, solve the mystery behind the monster, and figure out how to stop it.
It seems wild to give this only two stars when I loved so much about it, but it was a struggle to finish this one. I DNF’d it several times before pushing up my sleeves and getting back into it.
But I’ll start with what I loved:
Over everything else, I loved and appreciated all the notes about colonialism, the city being torn in every which way and how the characters felt about their home being occupied, etc. I can absolutely tell so much heart and research went into this novel and its setting.
And though I did have problems with the writing style (more on this later), there were little glimpses of really strong writing here and there. If Chloe Gong just took a little more time to edit, her writing could be gorgeous. I think the biggest problem this book has is a lack of good editing -- which is partly the author’s fault, partly the editor’s. I know editors are being underpaid and getting less and less time to edit, so while I’m inclined to give them a little more slack, this book really, really needed more editing.
This all brings me to what I didn’t like:
Unfortunately, there’s a lot. I’ll mention the writing again, more specifically. It takes about twenty words to say what could be described in one or two, and it gets stuck on specific phrases that are repeated over and over throughout the book (I should’ve counted how many times “her heels clacked on the floor” was used).
I also don’t think the omniscient pov did the story any favors -- it made it so the mystery behind the monster was ruined from the very beginning. We as the audience know everything before the characters even start to piece things together, which makes for a frustrating reading experience.
But above all, the characters and their dialogue made me want to put the book down, despite what I loved about it. Though I know Juliette is supposed to be a strong badass, she came across as a spoiled brat throwing tantrums and treating others awfully (“Miss Cai, can I help you with anything?” “Help me like this--” With one hand, Juliette mimed her lips zipping shut. / “How long have you been wiping at that table for?” [... Juliette wipes the table three times and cleans it] “Use your elbows. It’s not that hard.”).
Their dialogue switches from being period-appropriate to being something straight out of the 21st century: “I do not know his name, nor have I seen his face”; “I do not know what it is you speak of” existing alongside “Get out of my face”; “I think this is simply my resting expression”; “Too soon?” “Way too soon”.
I feel horrible to critique so much, but I can’t not mention the showing vs telling, probably my biggest issue with the writing (and editing). We are constantly told what people are thinking, but seldom shown -- and what we’re told doesn’t always match up with the characters’ actions.
The constant telling gets in the way of the storytelling (especially the backstories -- so much backstory … even of minor characters, backstory that doesn't affect the plot or story or characterization in any way. It feels like it’s part of the author’s character sheets, and she just wanted to get it across to us in some way, but it doesn’t work). Because we’re constantly told about how Roma and Juliette used to be lovers, we never actually understand their relationship in the present.
One more mention, and then I’m done, I promise:
But I applaud Chloe Gong for being able to get a book published in college. This book is so well researched, has beautiful and meaningful representation, and shows many glimpses of beautiful writing. With some editing, she’s going to go far. I may not pick up the sequel, but I will most likely check out what else she writes.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse and Fatphobia
also: insect swarming & infestations (very detailed)nehanaomi's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
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
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Gun violence, Violence, Medical content, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Animal death, Child abuse, Grief, Death of parent, Colonisation, and Classism
shaipanda's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-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
4.0
This was a solid four star book for me
I didn’t love the premise as the descriptions were pretty gross and I don’t love reading about pandemics in the middle of 2 lol but overall I enjoyed this
It was super fast paced especially once you got a quarter or halfway through and I got more invested than I expected to
I’m immediately going to start These Violent Ends but idk if I’m going to read the next ones that come out (and definitely not going to buy them like I did with the duology) as I’m not obsessed and also I don’t love some of the stuff Chloe Gong has done (especially when it came to blurbing and supporting problematic books and then not making any kind of statement or anything about it to apologize in any way
I didn’t love the premise as the descriptions were pretty gross and I don’t love reading about pandemics in the middle of 2 lol but overall I enjoyed this
It was super fast paced especially once you got a quarter or halfway through and I got more invested than I expected to
I’m immediately going to start These Violent Ends but idk if I’m going to read the next ones that come out (and definitely not going to buy them like I did with the duology) as I’m not obsessed and also I don’t love some of the stuff Chloe Gong has done (especially when it came to blurbing and supporting problematic books and then not making any kind of statement or anything about it to apologize in any way
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Gun violence, and Violence
Moderate: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Racism, Transphobia, Xenophobia, Blood, and Vomit
Minor: Deadnaming, Racial slurs, and Suicidal thoughts
pun1sher's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
Objectively this books has its flaws like predictable and not very advanced plot or kinda confusing magic. However at the time I've read it I loved it enough to give it 5 stars so I'm staying at that. Compelling characters, flowery language, immaculate setting, great romance. Chloe Gong has the potential to become one of the best authors out there soon if she keeps her work up
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Racism, Sexism, Violence, Murder, and Colonisation
Moderate: Child abuse, Blood, and Alcohol
Minor: Drug use and Death of parent
faithmari's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Blood
Minor: Child abuse, Racism, and Death of parent
faitherslibrary's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
sad
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Drug use, Gore, Gun violence, Racism, Violence, Blood, Grief, and Murder
Moderate: Self harm, Suicide, Torture, and Alcohol
Minor: Transphobia
sophiejo_'s review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
4.0
>> no spoilers <<
YESS FIRST 5 STAR OF THE YEAR 🥳🥳
[edit i brought it down to 4 lmao]
to be honest I went into this book expecting a five star simply because of the cover art alone, so maybe I have a bias in writing a book but I truly think it was deserving of all of those stars.
I suppose we should get the negative out-of-the-way first, so my one qualm with the book was a small lack of emotion in Chloe Gong’s writing. Don’t get me wrong she is a very descriptive author and her metaphors are amazing and some of the quotes I really wanted to highlight bc they are just so amazing. However I found that in the romantic scenes or an extra violent scenes that I was wanting a little more passion or pain and it seems that she just scratched the surface on the emotion level.
HOWEVER like everything else was amazing. For someone who’s read the Romeo and Juliet original play and watched multiple movie adaptations, it was very clear the distinction between the characters names and roles etc., but if you hadn’t read the book or even if you were just unfamiliar with it I feel like she disguised the Shakespeare part really well. And the idea was fabulous; just imagine someone coming up with a plot in 1920s SHANGHAI with GANG RIVALS AND MONSTERS off the top of their head. Absolutely fantastic. The characters were amazing and the cast was SO incredibly diverse it was pleasant to read about. It’s funny I actually ship another set of characters more than I ship Roma and Juliette but I think that circles back to the lack of emotion written in their reconnecting scenes.
to be honest the plot twist wasn’t incredibly mind breaking but that’s because I was guessing all sorts of different outcomes all throughout the book, and nevertheless it is not to say that I was not incredibly sucked in and constantly engaged with the story.
WARNING THOUGH. if you’re grossed out by insects like me… may not be the book for you ahahaha.
Anyways this was a really amazing book and I am going straight into the sequel, not because of a cliffhanger but because I want to learn more about a certain set of characters. Also this book partially inspired my bullet journal theme for February so there’s that.
>> triggers <<
death, violence, mass murder, gore, child abuse, swarms of insects
✨ best quote(s) ✨
“Even the land of dreams needs to wake up sometimes. And though there may be beauty beneath its core rot, though it is big and open and plentiful, hiding those who want to be hidden and shining on those who wish to be remembered, it is elsewhere. “This is where we belong, Roma. This is where we will always belong.” The voice quavers even with the surety of such words. They fool themselves. These heirs think themselves kings and queens, sitting on a throne of gold and overlooking a glittering, wealthy empire. They are not. They are criminals—criminals at the top of an empire of thieves and drug lords and pimps, preparing to inherit a broken, terrible, defeated thing that looks upon them in sadness.
Shanghai knows. It has always known.
This whole damn place is about to fall apart.“
YESS FIRST 5 STAR OF THE YEAR 🥳🥳
[edit i brought it down to 4 lmao]
to be honest I went into this book expecting a five star simply because of the cover art alone, so maybe I have a bias in writing a book but I truly think it was deserving of all of those stars.
I suppose we should get the negative out-of-the-way first, so my one qualm with the book was a small lack of emotion in Chloe Gong’s writing. Don’t get me wrong she is a very descriptive author and her metaphors are amazing and some of the quotes I really wanted to highlight bc they are just so amazing. However I found that in the romantic scenes or an extra violent scenes that I was wanting a little more passion or pain and it seems that she just scratched the surface on the emotion level.
HOWEVER like everything else was amazing. For someone who’s read the Romeo and Juliet original play and watched multiple movie adaptations, it was very clear the distinction between the characters names and roles etc., but if you hadn’t read the book or even if you were just unfamiliar with it I feel like she disguised the Shakespeare part really well. And the idea was fabulous; just imagine someone coming up with a plot in 1920s SHANGHAI with GANG RIVALS AND MONSTERS off the top of their head. Absolutely fantastic. The characters were amazing and the cast was SO incredibly diverse it was pleasant to read about. It’s funny I actually ship another set of characters more than I ship Roma and Juliette but I think that circles back to the lack of emotion written in their reconnecting scenes.
to be honest the plot twist wasn’t incredibly mind breaking but that’s because I was guessing all sorts of different outcomes all throughout the book, and nevertheless it is not to say that I was not incredibly sucked in and constantly engaged with the story.
WARNING THOUGH. if you’re grossed out by insects like me… may not be the book for you ahahaha.
Anyways this was a really amazing book and I am going straight into the sequel, not because of a cliffhanger but because I want to learn more about a certain set of characters. Also this book partially inspired my bullet journal theme for February so there’s that.
>> triggers <<
death, violence, mass murder, gore, child abuse, swarms of insects
✨ best quote(s) ✨
“Even the land of dreams needs to wake up sometimes. And though there may be beauty beneath its core rot, though it is big and open and plentiful, hiding those who want to be hidden and shining on those who wish to be remembered, it is elsewhere. “This is where we belong, Roma. This is where we will always belong.” The voice quavers even with the surety of such words. They fool themselves. These heirs think themselves kings and queens, sitting on a throne of gold and overlooking a glittering, wealthy empire. They are not. They are criminals—criminals at the top of an empire of thieves and drug lords and pimps, preparing to inherit a broken, terrible, defeated thing that looks upon them in sadness.
Shanghai knows. It has always known.
This whole damn place is about to fall apart.“
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore and Mass/school shootings
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Gun violence, and Murder
s3lin's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore and Violence
Moderate: Child abuse and Colonisation
v1rgo's review against another edition
2.75
juliette: marshall's meditating
roma: he's dead
i mean this was a smooth brained moment i don't know what to say. it was very funny. i can't really take this super seriously bc it was outrageously horny. kind of made me gag at some points but i don't want to slutshame nineteen year olds. (but on a side note i didn't get all of the pining. it's like u guys were 15 when this happened yk like u were babies. like juliette's whole oh he's as handsome as he used to be.. thing doesn't make sense. "he looks older?" sure! but like.. ?? u had a thing w this dude four years ago. ) the writing was pretty and fun you know how it is but some things did make me go hm. like juliette allegedly having "a damp feeling on her neck". like i don't really want to know what that means. or just. the fact that they were about to fuck on some bed that was probably caked with like thousands of people's children. aside from the nauseating level of hormones they didn't really feel like teenagers. marshall does slay though. kind of a knockoff of the whole wesper dynamic but i'll take it. i hope kathleen likes girls. someone should like girls in this bc SOMEONE lied to me and said the mcs were bi. i dunno just a fun little read unsure what to say. or even how to rate because it's exam week and i wasn't paying attention. i guess on a larger level i was sorta wondering what the differences in personalities were between roma and juliette and also on a more superficial level it does kinda make me cringe when _ inspired tellings like insist on using the same names. also i just didn't super think any characters were acc like well.. not flat but.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Physical abuse
nicamooch's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
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
3.75
enjoyed the characters and character development, loved the world building but a lot about the climax and ending seemed to fall flat for me
it dragged a LOT at times and some lines feel also though they could have benefited from sitting on them a while and reworking
i’m still excited for OVE anyway
it dragged a LOT at times and some lines feel also though they could have benefited from sitting on them a while and reworking
i’m still excited for OVE anyway
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Gun violence, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Child abuse, Child death, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Torture, Transphobia, Death of parent, Colonisation, and Injury/Injury detail