Take a photo of a barcode or cover
booksandmoe 's review for:
These Violent Delights
by Chloe Gong
I had such a good time with These Violent Delights! It’s a dark, glittery, Romeo and Juliet retelling set in 1920s Shanghai which is honestly one of the most unique settings I’ve come across in YA fantasy. Chloe Gong really brings the city to life with all the political tension, gang rivalry, and just the right level of creepy supernatural mystery.
Juliette and Roma are both messy, intense characters and full of angst the best way. I loved their dynamic and the whole ex-lovers-to-reluctant-allies situation. The slow-burn tension was chef’s kiss, even if I wanted a bit more emotional payoff at times.
The atmosphere was immaculate and The writing was lush and really visual throughout. The plot however was little slow in the middle, and the mystery dragged just a touch, but overall, I was hooked. There’s so much going on: colonialism, identity, loyalty, betrayal… it will keep you intrigued!
Not quite a full 5 stars for me, just because the pacing dipped here and there, and I felt like the romance could’ve had a bit more depth. But still a really impressive debut and I’ll definitely be picking up the sequel.
Juliette and Roma are both messy, intense characters and full of angst the best way. I loved their dynamic and the whole ex-lovers-to-reluctant-allies situation. The slow-burn tension was chef’s kiss, even if I wanted a bit more emotional payoff at times.
The atmosphere was immaculate and The writing was lush and really visual throughout. The plot however was little slow in the middle, and the mystery dragged just a touch, but overall, I was hooked. There’s so much going on: colonialism, identity, loyalty, betrayal… it will keep you intrigued!
Not quite a full 5 stars for me, just because the pacing dipped here and there, and I felt like the romance could’ve had a bit more depth. But still a really impressive debut and I’ll definitely be picking up the sequel.