A review by tourmaline1703
Our Violent Ends by Chloe Gong

emotional 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

4.75

It has been a while since I read These Violent Delights but reading this has reminded me how much I love these characters and this world. It it so mesmerising to be in the midst of the glamour of the 1920s but also, the political and social tension, which is so fleshed out. The worldbuilding is so rich and all of it is shown, rather than told, making it very immersive.

I love Chloe Gong's writing style and the incorporation of other languages at times. She has reworked Romeo and Juliet so beautifully into something that pays homage to the original whilst also changing it slightly so that it remains unpredictable and a new piece of writing. The emotion and tension is so well captured, I was completely invested.

The plot is brilliant, well-layered and well paced. Each chapter unveils something new, there are twists and turns which are pretty unpredictable. There are elements of a quest, but also the political aspects of the novel really elevate the plot, adding higher stakes and more depth. 

I love all the characters and was totally invested in each of their motives and storylines. I liked how each one was wrapped up, I expeted a little bit more tragedy but there was definitely a lot of emotion at the end. I can't wait to delve into the other books in this universe!
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