This book was a tad slow for me. It took a while for me to connect with the characters. Don't get me wrong, I appreciated the plot and the writing, but the characters didn’t draw me in as quickly as I expected. However, despite that, I believe this is a solid debut and Romeo and Juliet retelling.

Retellings can be tricky. There has to be a balance between new content and the story the audience knows and loves. I think Chloe Gong maintained this balance exceptionally well. She successfully created her own magical, unique spin on a popular and well-known story! That's no easy feat. It was fun to make connections between her version of the story and the original--especially with the characters!

Where this book truly shined was the way the author depicted colonialism. Throughout this book, we see Juliette's increasing frustration with all of the white foreigners moving to Shanghai with plans of taking it over. It was heartbreaking to read how helpless the people of Shanghai felt against the foreigners. Shanghai was their home, yet they could do nothing to protect it from people who sought to make it their own. I also loved how the author wrote about Juliette's struggle to fit in. Juliette lived in the US for several years, which has caused her to question how she fits in in her homeland of Shanghai.

In conclusion, I recommend that everyone give this book a try. I can see why so many people loved it. I'm eager to see what happens in the next book!

I was sold immediately as soon as I heard about These Violent Delights (These Violent Delights #1) by Chloe Gong. I mean, a 1920s Shanghai set retelling of Romeo and Juliet with rival gangs, politics, and a side of magic. I can now officially say that this is great YA debut. I'm especially impressed that the author is still a college undergraduate. I have a feeling we can expect great things from her in the future if this novel is anything to judge by. I was especially intrigued by the world of the novel and I enjoyed getting to know the cast. On the whole, it's not quite as vibrant as I was hoping since it slacks off in the middle after kicking off at full throttle. I wasn't quite to the "I would die for my gang" point, but I was still pretty invested. If you're a fan of The Last Magician by Lisa Maxwell and Jade City by Fonda Lee, I have a feeling you'll want to give this new series opener a chance. I can't wait to read the upcoming sequel and whatever else the author would like to write.

This book started out really slow for me. It did pick up slightly but not enough to keep me reading. I put it down several times to read something else. But, I am glad I finished it as the plot was interesting.

To be honest, a few chapters in the beginning was kinda slow. BUT I think it’s important to give it some time for the atmosphere to engulf the readers and the characters to enchant them. Surely enough, I didn’t have to wait for long before the scream began, yep it was a literal scream completed with blood and terror. Then it was a rollercoaster after that. Moments of me panicking over what’s going to happen next while trying not to think about how disgusting this particular thing was. I loved the way TVD didn’t hold back from all the displeasing details because I needed it. It made the story felt real, I just couldn’t get enough of it! The suspense gripped me until the very last page, it was both maddening and intoxicating at the same time.

Then we have such brilliant characters that made me fall in love with each of them. Juliette Cai, the love of my life, she was simply incredible. She’d do anything for her family and it’s one thing I can relate to. Juliette was strong, caring, brave, smart, and I could go on and on about how amazing she was but let’s move on to the next character. Roma Montagov, every book boyfriend could learn a thing or two from him. His love for his little sister Alisa broke me. Though Roma was a strong-willed person, he has a soft heart. I also want to mention Kathleen and Rosalind because both of them could just step on me and I’d be thanking them. Then there were also Marshall and Benedikt, I truly wish they’d have a happy ending.

Juliette and Roma’s slowburn romance was one of the highlights of this book. IMO, it’s quite hard to write a slowburn that’s both beautiful and addicting. Many times before, I found some that were disappointing nearing the end of the story but that’s not the case with their love-to-hate-to-love relationship. I loved every moment they spent together, whether it was in a dire or civil situation, their electrifying spark always made me crave for more. The sexual tension!! Their power as a couple!! PERFECTION.

Overall, These Violent Delights was a spectacular YA historical debut! Once it kicked off, I didn’t think I was ever truly coming down from those shocking twists. Gangster, 20th century Shanghai, romance, and a mysterious monster wrapped within the stunning cover and completed with Chloe Gong’s powerful writing; this book is perfect for those who are looking for an exciting and unique read with East Asian representation.

I absolutely loved this book. I was immediately sucked in by the characters- the relationships were amazing and I couldn't get enough. This book is set in 1920's Shanghai and I adored reading the descriptions, the setting was absolutely vivid.

Also, overall the writing is incredible. I cannot rave enough about this book, and I can't wait to see what the author has in store for us next.

Such an engrossing reimagination of Romeo and Juliet in 1920s Shanghai! I screamed more than once and WTF was that cliffhanger?! Can't wait for the next book.

I wanted to love this 😿⁣
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When I first read the premise for THESE VIOLENT DELIGHTS I was 100% in: a Romeo & Juliet retelling in 1920s Shanghai?! Yes, please. ⁣
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Unfortunately this just never took off for me. The prose was great, and Chloe Gong clearly follows what is in my view the right interpretation of R & J (with Juliet as the sole protagonist), but for almost 450pgs, the plot was slooooow and there weren’t enough B-stories given how many characters there were. ⁣
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This was an admirable attempt for a debut and I’m hoping the sequel has better pacing!⁣

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC.
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⭐️⭐️⭐️

These Violent Delights, as described by the author herself, is a love letter to the classic tale of star-crossed lovers. The book introduces two rival gangs in 1920s Shanghai, the Scarlet Gang and the White Flowers and it is no surprise that there’s no love lost between both gangs. Juliette Cai, the heir of the Scarlet Gang has recently returned from the States after 4 years and she’s not only returning to her beloved city. She returns to her former paramour, Roma Montagov of the White Flowers and things weren’t particularly cordial when they last saw each other.

Amid the ensuing war that threatens the position and rule of each gang every passing day, Shanghai finds herself in the clutches of an evil threat. A threat that could potentially wipe out everyone in the city, leaving the streets littered with bloodied bodies with claw marks all over their necks. Sounds like a wild ride, doesn’t it? Heck, you don’t even know half of it but I cordially invite you to dig into These Violent Delights and you might just lose yourselves in the pages of Chloe Gong’s stunning retelling of a tantalising tale of family, honour and love.

What impressed me the most about These Violent Delights was Chloe Gong’s immersive writing that brought Shanghai to life in all of its splendour. Set in the backdrop of one of the most lavish and magnificent cities in history, I couldn’t help but to be seduced by the grittiness and romance of Shanghai during the 1920s and I thought the sights and sounds of the city were described with such rich clarity, I lost myself in the pages of the book.

Initially, I did struggle a little bit in the beginning of the book as there was a lot being compressed into the first 25% of the book, but eventually, I fell into the reading groove and found myself loving every page of it. Therefore, if you feel like the first few chapters are a bit difficult to get into, please don’t give up. Persevere! It gets better and you’ll definitely be swept away with how fast-paced and action-packed the rest of the book is.

I am pleased to share that These Violent Delights features a cast of diverse and nuanced characters. From the ruthlessly cunning and ambitious portrayal of the archetypal heroine, I was very much drawn to read about Juliette Cai. I loved how human and flawed she was, in the sense that she followed her heart one too many times and she’s unapologetic for it. On the other hand, we have Roma Montagov who seemed to be equally clever and shies away from the violence and bloodshed. Due to his devotion to his family and determined to prove his worth to his father, he endures everything for the sake of protecting the ones he loves. If he’s not a cinnamon roll who deserves to be protected at all costs, I don’t know what he is.

The forbidden romance between Juliette and Roma serves as an underlying plot for the story, drawing in readers by hinting what happened between them 4 years ago, right before Juliette upped and left for New York. As someone who particularly enjoys the enemies-to-lovers trope, I was completely invested in their history and the tension between them was palpable, almost to a point where I excitedly and desperately begged them to kiss. On multiple occasions, I am not embarrassed to admit.

As for the secondary characters in the story, I was very much invested in Roma’s friends and partners in crime, Benedikt and Marshall. Not only because Marshall is one hell of a charmer, but I loved the dynamics between the both of them because Benedikt’s quiet countenance balanced out Marshall’s effervescent personality. Other characters include Juliette’s cousins Rosalind and Kathleen, the latter is a trans girl, who brought on more depth to the multifaceted story with chapters told from their POVs. I fully expect to see them in the sequel, especially since it’s hinted that there’s a little spark between Benedikt and Marshall and I am here for it.

A tantalising blend of historical fiction and sci-fi fantasy that is deliciously violent on every account, addictive as hell once it’s got its claws hooked onto you, These Violent Delights is an absolutely stunning retelling of the well-loved classic. Chloe Gong’s debut will surely land a spot on everyone’s Best of 2020 list with its dangerously romantic yet all-consuming love story, set in a richly descriptive city that is rife with violence, opulence and on the edge of westernisation.

OH MY GOSH. What a story! A layered upon layered historical fantasy thriller with a touch of romance and a Romeo and Juliette retelling... it really doesn't get any better than this. All of my favorite genres rolled up into one! These Violent Delights is one of a kind.

We follow a gritty band of gangsters, misfits in their own right, including Roma and Juliette, rival heirs to their gang apparent, who are trying to uncover the origins of a mysterious madness running manically across the city of 1926 Shanghai. With little to go on and the blood feud still raging between Roma's and Juliette's gangs, the heirs are forced to find a way to covertly work together. But can they? Their blood-stained past and romantic history could make things difficult on top of the growing number of native political & civil factions and the endless stream of foreigners trying to take over their city.

Almost poetic at times, the writing is purely magnificent. Gong beautifully strings words together creating a stunning masterpiece so exquisitely detailed and intricate. There is lots of slow yet intense build-up and then everything seems to happen all at once and doesn’t stop! A web of intricately detailed plot lines that all come together in one seamless swoop after swoop after swoop. It's largely character-driven and political and gave me Six of Crows vibes.

Seriously, what a story. AND OMG THAT ENDING! Hurry up book #2!

These Violent Delights is set in 1920s Shanghai. The city is ruled by rival gangs - the Scarlet Gang and the White Flowers - but Communism and foreign influences are surging, making their grasp tenuous. Heiress to the Scarlet Gang, Juliette Cai, and heir to the White Flowers, Roma Montagov, have a shared past that they'd rather ignore, but a madness is spreading through the city, causing citizens to claw out their throats to end their suffering. Both gangs are being decimated and Juliette and Roma will have to put city over blood and love over family to work together to find a cure.

I came into this book only knowing it was a retelling of Romeo and Juliet, a story I read 15 years ago in high school (that makes me feel old!). I don't remember much other than star-crossed lovers who die at the end. Beyond some names and the idea of rival families, I didn't find too much of the Shakespeare story in These Violet Delights. So we'll say this is a loose retelling. I almost wish I hadn't known about the connection - I think I would have enjoyed the deviations more.

Juliette is by far the most compelling character in this book. She's tough, shrewd, whip-smart, and fit to run a ruthless gang. Roma...not so much. Roma is a bit of a mystery compared to Juliette. We get lots of insight into Juliette's past and her thoughts on everything from colonialism to fashion. From Roma, we don't get much except that he doesn't really like violence, which is a bummer considering the line of work he's in. Their romance is almost non-existent through the majority of the book, which actually works quite well. As readers, we're able to get indoctrinated into gang life first, which helps to ground the impossibility of their love.

So far, so good, right? Well, then there is the actual monster plot. I didn't love it. It felt unnecessarily complicated. I understand that something is needed to force Juliette and Roma to work together, but the fantasticalness of the monster felt out of place within the larger story and setting. I'm curious to see how this plot develops in the next book, but if I have to judge on just this book, it was all a bit much. Don't get me wrong; These Violent Delights is an impressive debut - there is a lot of interesting information on colonialism, 1920s Chinese culture, and Shanghai specifically, but there are also 15 other plot points beyond that. My hope is that the sequel has more romance and maybe a narrower focus so that we can appreciate the characters and setting more.

Look for this fantastic, fast paced read out now. Set in 1920’s Shanghai, These Violent Delights pairs former lovers now enemies and heirs to rival gangs in a hunt to solve a monstrous killer. Striking fear in the hearts of residents, It lurks in the river; kills by convincing victims to tear out their own throats; and mysteriously disappears. The entire city is on edge as the monster hunts and gangs vie for power with the rising power of European merchants, Nationalist and Communists. Competing for information, influence and to control the solution Juliette Chai and Roma Montagov face deadly secrets, political tension and city-wide unrest while they work to find and defeat the monster, discovering the worst evil may be themselves.

I’m a fool for genre mashups. Romeo & Juliet retold as gangsters in 1920’s Shanghai while a monster gives chase? I am here for it. 9-12 grade students will be, too. A well written story infused with beautiful writing. Fast paced, layered plot and a cast of characters all holding secrets of their own. Get ready for an ending that will leave readers gasping in anticipation for the follow up title. From comments in the acknowledgements, sounds like it will be a duology that will delight readers who will eagerly anticipate the next book.

4.5 Stars

CWs: graphic descriptions of blood, gore, violence, body horror (relating to insects) and self-mutilation (relating to illness); exploration of contagious disease, illness, and familial death; descriptions of murder and gun violence.

Not to be dramatic, but this book is fantastic, and I'm angry about how good it is. To give you an idea of what it did to me, I stayed up well past midnight to read those final chapters and then proceeded to silently scream into the void. I suffered, I loved it, and I would do it again.

"These Violent Delights" is such an inventive re-imagining of "Romeo and Juliet" that rips the story away from fair Verona and drops it right in the middle of 1920's Shanghai while casting the famous star-crossed lovers as heirs to rival gangs. William Shakespeare himself could never have anticipated a re-telling quite like this. It's sharp, atmospheric, intense, and brings new life to the story while fearlessly charging ahead into unchartered territory. Chloe Gong exercises such a clear understanding of the source material while not binding herself to it and not being afraid to take the story and the characters in her own direction.

Part of what makes the intensity of this story resonate so deeply is because the outbreak of a highly contagious killer disease is only further aggravated by this blood feud between gangs, and this intense power struggle taking place in Shanghai. I appreciate how this story authentically explores the political backdrop and make-up of Shanghai in the 1920's. It was not as simple as merely being a Chinese city full of Chinese people, but it was divided into different political factions, while different countries waiting on the outskirts to occupy various parts of it. There were Nationalist and Communist factions, there were coalitions of French, British, and Russian would-be occupiers all trying to leverage power over Shanghai, which would only be heightened even more by this fictional outbreak of fear and devastation. Getting to the bottom of this mysterious disease is very much rooted in politics, power, and influence, and I think the story thoughtfully comments on that struggle.

The characters were absolutely dynamic. Each and every one of them was distinctive and purposeful, and I felt deeply connected to all of them by the end. Juliette is absolutely ruthless and not afraid to shoot first and ask questions later. She is fearless, but not emotionless, and absolutely determined to protect what she see as hers, but also to protect herself. Roma is powerful, but not nearly as violent. While he may be the heir to the White Flowers, he always feels a bit out of place, and wants nothing more than to prove his usefulness and worthiness. I also really appreciate that queer and trans characters were a big part of the story, and that those characters were able to play instrumental roles in not only solving this mystery but also just getting shit done. Kathleen's transness, especially, I thought was written with a lot of care and insight. (But as a trans non-binary person and not a trans woman, I can't fully speak to the accuracy of that experience.)

The dynamic between Roma and Juliette I found to be especially delicious. They can go from wanting to kiss each other to wanting to kill each other in seconds, and the intensity of that push-and-pull, will-they-won't-they is what makes their partnership so interesting. And to see how they navigate the necessity of having to help their enemy in this crisis while also not knowing how much to trust the other person at any given moment also really kept me on my toes. Their relationship embodies a lot of my favorite tropes while also having deep emotional roots, and it was just really wonderful to read about.

Overall, I found this to be a story about the intricate interplay between hatred and love, the ways we unknowingly destroy ourselves, and the demons that haunt us—both those that arise from circumstance and those of our own creation. Whether you're familiar with the original play or not, this book will have you on the absolute edge of your seat. (And in fact, I think if you *are* familiar with the original text, that might up the intensity even more, because it's fascinating to see how Chloe Gong interprets the major beats of the story and gives herself freedom to create new narrative avenues.) I truly cannot say enough good things about this book, and I'm all but begging everyone to add it to their TBR posthaste.

A Romeo & Juliet retelling that will fascinate you with the rich history and intriguing setting of 1920's Shanghai. The Asian representation is the novel is refreshing and well-done. .And don't forget the gorgeous cover.!

So this was a really intriguing and original book. It was touted as a retelling of Romeo and Juliet. And it definitely has those tones to it. But it is so much more than that. It is a monster story, and a historical fiction, and a family story as well. It has so many different aspects to it. The author used very vivid descriptions, it was as if I was in the actual places that the story was taking place. Because of this however, it was a long book, and not the easiest read, which is why on my blog it is getting a 4.5. Even with it being a little difficult, it was still a read that when I picked it up I was sucked in and didn’t want to put it down even when I had to go back to work or sleep or whatever. It is because of this though that I didn’t finish it when planned. I had set aside about 4 days to read it, but it took longer to work my way through it, but that was because I didn’t want to miss anything by skimming at all.

I will put it out there that it is not a finished book. While all of the problems seem to be solved, there is a bit at the very end, along with the line: To Be Continued, so there will be more. I will definitely be up to see what happens, because I want more. But I think it is important to know that when you go into this book, because it is a big book, and like I said, a bit of an intense and deep read.

Still, I loved the setting, Shanghai in the 1920s, and it was so interesting to look at all the things that were really going on there historically and see them fit into the world the author has created. A beautiful story, one I can’t wait to continue.

I had to give this book a good 24 hours to collect my thoughts, and honestly, I still do not have words to describe my love for this book. Upon reading the synopsis I knew that this was a book I would enjoy, but DAMN. First of all, this is the enemies-to-lovers story that I have been looking for my entire life. It was the best execution of the trope that I have ever seen. I think the main reason that this works is that Chloe created such incredible characters. They all had their own personalities and motivations for why they acted the way they acted in a way that felt genuine to them.
The atmosphere created in the world was incredible and so unique. I do not think that I have ever read a book set in 1920's Shanghai and now that is all I want. As someone who is a huge fan of political intrigue, this was basically a book written for me. The political maneuverings were so rich and the plot was taking a ton of twists and turns. It honestly completely swept me away from the real world and kept me turning the pages.
The only thing that I personally would've changed about this book is to age the characters up just a few years. I kept forgetting how young they were supposed to be, just because of the life that they live and the situations they find themselves in.
I recommend this to EVERYONE who is a fan of enemies-to-lovers. Seriously, go pick it up right now. This will definitely be on my favorites of the year list, and could certainly be my favorite young adult novel of all time!

These Violent Delights is a new take on Romeo and Juliet, so I went into it with certain expectations. Namely some romance. The romance does eventually come, but not until near the end of the book.
This book is set in the 1920s in Shanghai. It deals with a lot of topics including colonization which I found very interesting. The main plot is based in fantasy, trying to find the root of a plague infecting the people of Shanghai. This part of the plot was not my favorite. In fact, I found it very slow and honestly would have just preferred a story about rival gangs and the story of colonization.
The characters were well written. There is a little more information about Juliett’s background, but I liked both her and Roma. I also liked that they had a history. If you are familiar with Romeo and Juliet, you will see a few callbacks to the original.
I think between my high expectations and the fantasy plot this book just didn’t do it for me. I found the epilogue to be the most interesting part of the book.

Thank you to Simon Pulse for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Content Warnings: Blood, violence, gore, character deaths, explicit description of gouging self (not of their own volition), murder, weapon use, insects, alcohol consumption, parental abuse (from author’s website)

Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Writing: 5/5

BREAKING NEWS! Recently, sobs of anguish have been issuing from Shakespeare’s grave at random hours of the day. There is much speculation over the cause but I’ll let you in on a secret: Shakespeare’s ghost is weeping on the other side because finally, after all these years, he’s been outdone. Who by? Chloe Gong and her painfully beautiful debut, These Violent Delights.

Did my heart love till now? I think not. This book has become one of my favourite reads of all time because simply put, it is perfect in every way. It is a young adult historical novel with elements of science fiction/ fantasy that retells Romeo and Juliet in 1920s Shanghai with rival gangs, a monster and a mysterious contagion for extra spice.

I’ve read Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and while I appreciate that it’s extremely well written, I very much dislike it because I just find the plot illogical (if you disagree don’t come at me these things are subjective). Luckily, These Violent Delights took everything I dislike about the original play and made it into something that I adore with all my heart- that in itself is a miracle as far as I’m concerned.

I did however enjoy being able to pick up on the many small Romeo and Juliet references scattered throughout. The author included tiny details that showed how much thought and care had gone into the retelling. A non-spoilery example would be how in the novel Juliette often says things that have double meanings to hide her true intentions which is exactly what Juliet does in Shakespeare’s play.

Even better than the references were the clever ways Gong tweaked the plot to keep the reader guessing whether they were familiar with Romeo and Juliet or not. Because it’s a retelling, I thought I knew exactly how the plot would go but it completely inverted my expectations and left me reeling in shock.

The prose was so beautiful that I was captivated from the first sentence. It was intense and lyrical, Gong skilfully crafted vibrant, authentic atmospheres with just a few words. I adored the third person omniscient narration because it gave the story a sense of scope and grandeur. We get glimpses into the minds of so many characters and I loved that each one had their own distinct voice. It was definitely the most beautiful and experimental writing I’ve seen in a debut and Gong really pulled it off!

Juliette Cai was the heiress to the Scarlet Gang who had spent the past four years in America and come back different in many ways- only to find out Shanghai had done the same. She was smart, brave and reckless with nerves of steel and deadpan humour– it was hard to not love her. Juliette Cai had so much more agency and power than Juliet Capulet and I loved to see it! She truly was a force to behold and I was cheering her on throughout. Her rage at the injustices of her world- the racism, misogyny, greed, xenophobia, lack of empathy- was palpable and it was so interesting seeing Shanghai through her eyes.

I think Juliette’s diaspora story is one that will resonate with many people. She found herself in a position where in America she was too Eastern to be accepted and when she returned to Shanghai, she was too Western to be accepted. That sense of not knowing who she was or where she truly belonged permeated her story arc.

Roma Montagov was the heir to the White Flowers. His inner conflict was so interesting because deep down inside he was soft, sensitive and dreamy hated being the heir to a gang. He wished he could just disappear with his loved ones and live a quiet life but at the same time, he was scared to relinquish the protection and privilege his position of power gave him. I loved his relationship with his younger sister, Alisa, it was so sweet. 

The main storyline of the book wasn’t focused on Juliette and Roma’s relationship but that didn’t make it any less memorable. Gong turned the original play on its head so that when they met at the start of the novel it wasn’t their first encounter because they were already exes with a complicated history full of lies and betrayal.

I loved this twist for two reasons. Firstly, because it took out the ‘insta love’ aspect that I didn’t like in Romeo and Juliet. Secondly, because it made their relationship so much more intense and dynamic. They had to get to know each other all over again, these harder and colder versions of themselves. They had to grapple with conflicting feelings of love and hate that have been festering for so many years. They weren’t children anymore and their love wasn’t romantic and innocent because the environment they were in would never allow it. Sometimes, the only way they could show their love was through painful, cruel choices. It was messy, angsty and the levels of yearning were through the roof. And the saddest part was it was through no fault of their own but as a result of the hatred and tension between the two gangs.

Their relationship was charged, unpredictable and quite honestly tragic (which is quite fitting considering the novel is a retelling of a tragedy). This picture basically sums it up (Roma would be the one with the rose, Juliette with the knife).

The side characters were all amazing and shone in their own rights. Gong’s take on Benvolio and Mercutio with Benedikt and Marshall was spot on and their relationship was so precious. Especially with Marshall, she really captured Mercutio’s dramatic, sarcastic nature perfectly. All of their scenes made me smile.

I was so glad that Juliette got some wing women too! Kathleen (who was trans!) was so kind and soft, I felt bad for her because she always took too much on and felt too much then ended up neglecting herself. I also found passionate, headstrong Rosalind to be an interesting character. Instead of taking too much on, she kept too much bottled up inside. She was so similar to Juliette it was uncanny, the only difference was that one was the heir and the other wasn’t. I loved how even though their personalities clashed they were there for each other always.

And if you found fiery Tybalt to be infuriating in Romeo and Juliet… wait until you meet Tyler. Gong really hit the nail on the head with him, capturing the same volatile nature that makes Tybalt so detestable. His arrogant nature was a façade for his weaknesses but obviously he got away with it because he was a man. While Juliette, the extremely competent heir, had to work twice as hard to prove her worth.

The world-building was immersive and detailed, it felt like a glimpse of the past. I liked how both the Scarlet Gang and the White Flowers were both so distinct in their general aesthetics and in their core values and principles. 1920s Shanghai was a brilliant backdrop for the story. It was a setting full of contrasts and divisions mirroring the divisions and conflicts between the characters. Gong also seamlessly wove in a commentary on the destructive effects of imperialism and colonialism, racism and xenophobia into the narrative and setting making the story all the more relevant and hard-hitting.

I also loved the subtleties of language that the author portrayed: the characters switched between different dialects, different languages were used in different settings, words were more meaningful in one language as opposed to another. As someone who sometimes merges at least four different languages into one sentence, I appreciated it very much and it made the world feel more real and alive.

I thought the addition of the contagion and the monster was genius. It expanded on a tiny detail in the play and gave the story more urgency by increasing the stakes. It also served as a plot device exposing the ugliness, greed and apathy lying beneath Shanghai’s vibrant exterior. The monster was like a metaphor for the monstrosities of imperialism and colonialism that were ravaging Shanghai. The protagonists were given the challenge of defeating a monster without becoming one themselves.

I found it chillingly similar to real life how those in power couldn’t see how dangerous the disease was and didn’t see the need to address it. For example, both Roma and Juliette’s parents were too proud and accustomed to power to think anything could unseat it. Leaving the younger generation to pick up the pieces and find a solution.

These Violent Delights is a brilliant read that captures all the drama, humour, action and emotion of the play it retells whilst also making it more relevant and exciting for modern day readers. This is a book I would recommend to everyone (as long as you can handle the more gory aspects) that will entertain and provoke thought.

The twists were truly incredible and the ending was the most exquisite form of agony. I don’t know how I will survive until the sequel comes out. I obviously won’t spoil what happens but suffice to say: these violent delights really do have violent ends.

These Violent Delights is an epic historic fiction filled with action, politics, betrayal, and star-crossed love. Chloe Gong has beautiful poetic writing which instantly teleports the reader into the glitzy and brutal 1920s shanghai with all it’s gang violence, greed and neon lights. Honestly, this was not what I was expecting when I first started reading it, I thought it would be enemies to lovers with monster hunting, and yes, that is there but the story and its world is so much more nuanced and the characters were incredibly complex.

Juliette and Roma must not only deal with the threat of the madness spreading through Shanghai but from threats within their own gang who want to overthrow the heirs and gain power. There is the threat of foreign powers who wish to gain control over Shanghai and the Communist party who are slowly gaining more support. It was spectacular how Chloe Gong managed to explore all these political and moral facets of the characters and the setting. I loved the relationship between Juliette and her cousins Rosalind and Kathleen and Roma and Benedikt and Marshall. Marshall especially was a delight since he added several moments of levity in an otherwise very serious story.

The middle of the book drag a bit for me. I couldn’t quite follow the character’s logic as they proceeded with their investigation and how the information they gathered was relevant to the madness. However the ending was so fast paced and thrilling and incredibly satisfying how everything comes together. However I wouldn’t really recommend it if you are looking for an epic romance and a fun monster hunting romp. These Violet Delights it gritty and dark and there is not so much romance as there is heartbreak.

Overall

These Violet Delights was a beautifully written, cinematic, thrilling ride! The middle was a bit slow but the ending was explosive and exciting! Highly recommend it!

I received an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book from the publisher and Caffeine Book Tours as part of my participation in their tour.

I think this is probably a wonderful read for most folks, but I had a really hard time getting into it. I tried a few times and I was having a tough time connecting with it. That being said, like I mentioned, I think this is a book that many other folks will enjoy, it just wasn't for me, but I still really love and support a fairy tale retelling by an Asian American author.

After a bit of a slow start, I became fully engrossed in Roma & Juliette's world of Shanghai in 1926. They, as always with Romeo & Juliet archetypes, are pulled between words - their gangster rival families, the city that raised them, and each other.

This, thankfully, is not a straight adaptation of R&J. Instead, it borrows characters and situations and breathes new life into them by expanding their world and giving them even more to fight for.

If you teach Shakespeare-loving teens who are excited to engage with this story in a new way, OR if you are trying to reach students who are looking for how relatable and human the themes are in his work, this book is a great place to start.

I am on the edge of my seat waiting for the sequel to see how this story continues!