A review by hiraeth_
These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong

adventurous emotional funny mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I really loved the concept of the story and the different characters. Because the story is set in Shanghai in the 1900s and I haven't read many books about that, it took me a while to get used to the setting but in the end i couldn't put the book down. The author's mixing of fantastic and "real" elements felt very natural as well as the balance between mystery, action, political and family related themes and romance.

Personally I would've preferred it if there was a little bit more clarity in the different storylines and mysteries, but I guess that is also the appeal of this book. Still, at times it felt a little bit all over the place. I also wished we knew more about Juliette's and Roma's relationship before she left Shanghai. That would've made their story even more interesting and authentic. 

Also, for the ppl who want to read it bc it is marketed as a romeo and julia retelling: there are many elements that are similar, but i would say it is a very loose and vague retelling :). 
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