Scan barcode
A review by looseleafellie
These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong
5.0
Excuse me for one moment, I need to peel myself off the floor before I try to form any coherent thoughts about this book.
*Deep breath* Okay, this was my most anticipated book of 2020, and it might actually end up being my favorite read of 2020 as well! These Violent Delights hit the spot for me on almost every aspect of the story, from the cast to the plot to the themes. Not to mention the GORGEOUS writing!
I love retellings that feel reminiscent of the original, but are inspired by it rather than following most of the plot points. These Violent Delights did this perfectly -- the plot felt original in its own right, but there were still enough nods to the original Romeo and Juliet that my Shakespeare nerd heart rejoiced (the balcony scene! The duel! Paris!). Also, a monster terrorizing the city and a mystery about who's responsible?? Yes PLEASE!
The cast of characters might be my new favorite fictional #squad. From the whip-smart and deadly Juliette to the secretly soft Roma, from the wisecracking Marshall to the sweet yet cunning Kathleen, the Scarlets and the White Flowers totally drew me into their world. I would have perhaps liked to see a little more of the White Flowers, since Juliette's perspective is the most frequent one in the book, but they'll probably get more fleshed out in the sequel.
I also loved the themes of imperialism woven in throughout the story, especially in Juliette's POV. My favorite fantasy novels are the ones that also contain important social commentary, and this one is no exception! The different political factions and nationalities in the city made for some super interesting conflicts that brought up questions about national identity, ownership, and how "soft power" such as trade relations can still be insidious.
Overall, this was a truly stunning read, and I think I'm going to be dealing with this book hangover until the sequel arrives! Never mind -- it's a small price to pay for the brilliant rollercoaster Chloe Gong just took me on.
Thank to Simon and Schuster for the e-ARC!
*Deep breath* Okay, this was my most anticipated book of 2020, and it might actually end up being my favorite read of 2020 as well! These Violent Delights hit the spot for me on almost every aspect of the story, from the cast to the plot to the themes. Not to mention the GORGEOUS writing!
I love retellings that feel reminiscent of the original, but are inspired by it rather than following most of the plot points. These Violent Delights did this perfectly -- the plot felt original in its own right, but there were still enough nods to the original Romeo and Juliet that my Shakespeare nerd heart rejoiced (the balcony scene! The duel! Paris!). Also, a monster terrorizing the city and a mystery about who's responsible?? Yes PLEASE!
The cast of characters might be my new favorite fictional #squad. From the whip-smart and deadly Juliette to the secretly soft Roma, from the wisecracking Marshall to the sweet yet cunning Kathleen, the Scarlets and the White Flowers totally drew me into their world. I would have perhaps liked to see a little more of the White Flowers, since Juliette's perspective is the most frequent one in the book, but they'll probably get more fleshed out in the sequel.
I also loved the themes of imperialism woven in throughout the story, especially in Juliette's POV. My favorite fantasy novels are the ones that also contain important social commentary, and this one is no exception! The different political factions and nationalities in the city made for some super interesting conflicts that brought up questions about national identity, ownership, and how "soft power" such as trade relations can still be insidious.
Overall, this was a truly stunning read, and I think I'm going to be dealing with this book hangover until the sequel arrives! Never mind -- it's a small price to pay for the brilliant rollercoaster Chloe Gong just took me on.
Thank to Simon and Schuster for the e-ARC!