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xaracelli's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
kayt_lou's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
erikaraz's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Gun violence, Pandemic/Epidemic, and Body horror
stegobookosaurus's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I could easily step into 1920s Shanghai, passing gangsters, communists and nationalists thanks to Chloe Gong's writing. Honestly Shanghai felt like a character in itself.
For me, the characters were the stand out of the story and how they weaved together. At times, I forgot that this is a Romeo and Juliet retelling which makes me nervous for the sequel!
Is it me or does Rosalind feel suspicious?! I don't trust that girl!
For me, the characters were the stand out of the story and how they weaved together. At times, I forgot that this is a Romeo and Juliet retelling which makes me nervous for the sequel!
Is it me or does Rosalind feel suspicious?! I don't trust that girl!
hf_66's review against another edition
5.0
this is my new favorite book. i absolutely loved chloe gong’s writing style. every sentence could be a quote. i love all of the characters (and hate the ones i’m supposed to)
r4v3nx0's review against another edition
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
hsecen's review against another edition
4.0
Well this was such a beautifully written book. First off, it's set in 1926 Shanghai - and despite the fact that some seedier areas of the city were included in the book, it really made me want to visit the city again and take it in with the same appreciation and care that Juliette holds for it (side note, I visited Shanghai with school for a measly 5 days, including air travel and I now wish that could have been just a bit longer).
The prose throughout this book was wonderful to read, beautifully done Chloe. And the characters - wow, was there depth to them. Juliette reminded me a little of Alessandra from The Shadows Between Us (which I just recently read, which is why this comes to mind), in that she's a complicated character who has this morally questionable background. But what this book did very well was provide more a backstory that does a good job of explaining past events that really shaped who her character is currently. Because of that I was better able to connect with Juliette, and understand her motivations behind al of her actions. I was definitely endeared to Roma as well after reading the struggles that he has lived through as the heir to White Flower gang. He just honestly seemed like he been through A LOT and just needed a good hug by the end of this book.
I loved that this was a retelling of Romeo and Juliet, and done in a way where I could start to pick out who each character was meant to be, but with the mystery that comes to the center of this story really made this retelling a refreshing read. I really enjoyed following along with the mystery, and I thought it was a job well done at all the clues being presented the way they were because it kept me on my toes all the way to the end. My only problem with the book was that it felt a little slow to discover some of the major clues, but I suppose that has to do with building a sense of desperation in the characters and the readers. The romance was also a little slow for my tastes, but it is the first of the duology, so my fingers are crossed for more in the next book.
In any case, I really enjoyed reading These Violent Delights. The ending was something else and I'm so excited for November to get more answers!
The prose throughout this book was wonderful to read, beautifully done Chloe. And the characters - wow, was there depth to them. Juliette reminded me a little of Alessandra from The Shadows Between Us (which I just recently read, which is why this comes to mind), in that she's a complicated character who has this morally questionable background. But what this book did very well was provide more a backstory that does a good job of explaining past events that really shaped who her character is currently. Because of that I was better able to connect with Juliette, and understand her motivations behind al of her actions. I was definitely endeared to Roma as well after reading the struggles that he has lived through as the heir to White Flower gang. He just honestly seemed like he been through A LOT and just needed a good hug by the end of this book.
I loved that this was a retelling of Romeo and Juliet, and done in a way where I could start to pick out who each character was meant to be, but with the mystery that comes to the center of this story really made this retelling a refreshing read. I really enjoyed following along with the mystery, and I thought it was a job well done at all the clues being presented the way they were because it kept me on my toes all the way to the end. My only problem with the book was that it felt a little slow to discover some of the major clues, but I suppose that has to do with building a sense of desperation in the characters and the readers. The romance was also a little slow for my tastes, but it is the first of the duology, so my fingers are crossed for more in the next book.
In any case, I really enjoyed reading These Violent Delights. The ending was something else and I'm so excited for November to get more answers!
zepeng's review against another edition
2.0
- DNF -
Sigh. I really wanted to enjoy this book. 30% in and nothing is happening. Every mini cliffhanger at the end of each chapter just flops down. There's no progress, nothing is picking up and I'm just getting bored. I was expecting some romance since this book is heavily labelled under Romeo and Juliet's retelling. I mean, I don't even like Romeo and Juliet, but I sure am interested in finding how this book progresses. So far, nothing much. I've read one of the reviews and said the supposed romance only happens at 2/3 of the book, and that it didn't progress well, much like the fate of Romeo and Juliet. Well at least give me angst, yet I don't even have the backstory between them, just snippets here and there that either doesn't makes sense or doesn't contribute to the angsty factor.
I feel like most of readers are enthralled by the rich world building. The first 30% are all world building and I guess that it will only progress along the book until the climax of the book. The world building is indeed stunning, kudos to the author. It is indeed rare to find a YA book that takes place in this setting. However, as a Chinese myself, I'm familiar with all the backstories and world building. Thus it doesn't have the mysterious factor which makes it exciting for other readers from different backgrounds. To spend most of the stories in crafting the settings just makes it increasingly boring to me. As much as I appreciate it, your girl just wants some actions.
Overall, when I have the mood to enjoy some quality world building and writing, I might pick this up once again. Now? Not so much.
Sigh. I really wanted to enjoy this book. 30% in and nothing is happening. Every mini cliffhanger at the end of each chapter just flops down. There's no progress, nothing is picking up and I'm just getting bored. I was expecting some romance since this book is heavily labelled under Romeo and Juliet's retelling. I mean, I don't even like Romeo and Juliet, but I sure am interested in finding how this book progresses. So far, nothing much. I've read one of the reviews and said the supposed romance only happens at 2/3 of the book, and that it didn't progress well, much like the fate of Romeo and Juliet. Well at least give me angst, yet I don't even have the backstory between them, just snippets here and there that either doesn't makes sense or doesn't contribute to the angsty factor.
I feel like most of readers are enthralled by the rich world building. The first 30% are all world building and I guess that it will only progress along the book until the climax of the book. The world building is indeed stunning, kudos to the author. It is indeed rare to find a YA book that takes place in this setting. However, as a Chinese myself, I'm familiar with all the backstories and world building. Thus it doesn't have the mysterious factor which makes it exciting for other readers from different backgrounds. To spend most of the stories in crafting the settings just makes it increasingly boring to me. As much as I appreciate it, your girl just wants some actions.
Overall, when I have the mood to enjoy some quality world building and writing, I might pick this up once again. Now? Not so much.
frispbabe's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0