A review by lovelymisanthrope
These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

 This book has been on my radar since it came out, but it took me a few times of picking it up to finally finish it. This book was pitched to me a "Romeo and Julliet" retelling, and that is all I knew going into it. If you are looking for a romance between star-crossed lovers, this is not the book for you because the romance is very slow coming, and I do not feel that love is the focus of the story.
Although I do think the author successfully accomplished a Shakespeare retelling, this book was not what I expected. The story had a lot of political themes, which "Romeo and Julliet" did as well (and I think a lot of people overlook when they romanticize "Romeo and Julliet"), but that made the book a little denser than what I was looking to enjoy.
Overall, I think the book is well written, and is very immersive with the setting. I think it is ambitious, and I am sure the sequel is a great addition to the story. 
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