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A review by ericadawson
Our Violent Ends by Chloe Gong
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
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
4.25
I've read sequels that could not meet my standards set by the first book, but this absolutely cleared that hurdle.
I'm impressed--I know that often, writing gets stronger with a sequel and subsequent books, but Gong already had a strong voice from the start and only managed to continue using this complex, vivid prose. It was dense in a good way--the kind that made me want to keep reading because it was thick but not clunky. There was a lot, but it wasn't overpowering and it flowed smoothly. The story and plot was visceral without being overbearing or jarring.
I liked all of the characters. I knew where Roma and Juliette would end up (duh) and at first, I was resistant to the idea. I was attached to the concept of a happily ever after, but as the end of their arcs approached, I stopped resisting it. Their arcs ended in a fitting way, and I was shocked to see how satisfied I was with everyone's ends.
Marshall and Celia were two of my favorite characters. I really couldn't hate anyone here--even Tyler grew in my eyes, becoming less of a pesky and annoying character. I'm glad Gong didn't bury any of the gays.
I wouldn't necessarily say I have an issue with pacing so much as it was a problem with the balance between the plots. At one point, the monsters were almost totally dropped as the political focus took over, and it began to feel almost like a different book. The events at the end of the book didn't move fast so much as it was just a lot to take in in a short amount of time. Some pieces of stars were lost for this and for the dialogue. Fantasy authors needs to stop being so afraid of contractions (the lack thereof honestly only felt natural with Roma, but that's because of his more serious personality. It didn't work with anyone else).
It's been a while since I've read anything so satisfying. Highly recommend.
I'm impressed--I know that often, writing gets stronger with a sequel and subsequent books, but Gong already had a strong voice from the start and only managed to continue using this complex, vivid prose. It was dense in a good way--the kind that made me want to keep reading because it was thick but not clunky. There was a lot, but it wasn't overpowering and it flowed smoothly. The story and plot was visceral without being overbearing or jarring.
I liked all of the characters. I knew where Roma and Juliette would end up (duh) and at first, I was resistant to the idea. I was attached to the concept of a happily ever after, but as the end of their arcs approached, I stopped resisting it. Their arcs ended in a fitting way, and I was shocked to see how satisfied I was with everyone's ends.
Marshall and Celia were two of my favorite characters. I really couldn't hate anyone here--even Tyler grew in my eyes, becoming less of a pesky and annoying character. I'm glad Gong didn't bury any of the gays.
I wouldn't necessarily say I have an issue with pacing so much as it was a problem with the balance between the plots. At one point, the monsters were almost totally dropped as the political focus took over, and it began to feel almost like a different book. The events at the end of the book didn't move fast so much as it was just a lot to take in in a short amount of time. Some pieces of stars were lost for this and for the dialogue. Fantasy authors needs to stop being so afraid of contractions (the lack thereof honestly only felt natural with Roma, but that's because of his more serious personality. It didn't work with anyone else).
It's been a while since I've read anything so satisfying. Highly recommend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Blood, Gun violence, and Violence
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Homophobia
The minor homophobia is more of a blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment or two, honestly not even something that super affects/harms the characters.