Title: These Violent Delights
Author: Chloe Gong
Length: 439 pages
Publisher: Hodderscape
Synopsis: A blood feud between two gangs runs the streets red, leaving the city helpless in the grip of chaos. At the heart of it all is eighteen-year-old Juliette Cai, a former flapper who has returned to assume her role as the proud heir of the Scarlet Gang – a network of criminals far above the law. Their only rivals in power are the White Flowers, who have fought the Scarlets for generations. And behind every move is their hero, Roma Montagov, Juliette’s first love.. and first betrayal. But when gangsters on both sides show signs of instability, culminating in clawing their own throats out, the people start to whisper. Of a contagion, a madness. Of a monster in the shadows. As the deaths stack up, Juliette and Roma must set their guns – and grudges – aside and work together, for if they can’t stop this mayhem, then there will be no city left for either to rule.
Did I know I needed a Romeo & Juliet retelling set in Shanghai in 1926? But am I glad I got one? Yes. Yes, I am.
There’s so many enjoyable elements in this novel. I found the whole book really immersive. I just felt like I was in Shanghai and forgot about the real world. It just has such an atmosphere to it. Does anyone else think this would make a brilliant movie or mini series. I could see it all so clearly in my head. When it’s made I’ll definitely be watching.
These Violent Delights is full of fantastic characters. Of course we’ve got Juliette and Roma (see how it’s a retelling?) and they really are enjoyable characters. I’ve seen other reviewers say whether their team Juliette or team Roma and I have to say I’m team Juliette. She was such a great character. She was complex, fierce and kick ass! Honestly, I really loved her.
I’ve also seen people say whether they’re team Scarlet Gang or The White Flowers (again, see how it’s a retelling) and I have to say on this one I’m with Roma and the White Flowers. I found this one to had the most comradeship between the characters. Marshall and Benedikt, I want to be their friends.
Let’s talk about the romance shall we? It was a lovers to enemies to lovers and it was soooo good. It was sexy and romantic! And the longing, I was begging for them to get together. I also got the feeling of another romance between another two characters (which I won’t spoil) but I’m really excited for it to explored! I hope I’m not wrong.
I also didn’t expect the fantasy elements with the monster and the madness, but it definitely added another element to the novel. This is definitely a huge part of the story that kept me reading. I had to know what was going to happen.
Shall we talk about the ending? The pacing of the book really picked up and I couldn’t keep up. It was action packed. And let me tell you the ending shocked me. I had to put the book down for a minute to take in what happened. Ugh it was so good!
I can’t recommend this book enough, it’s action packed, romantic. And I am so excited for book two to explore these characters and stories even more.
Thank you so much to Hodderscope for gift me with a copy of These Violent Delights in return for an honest, unbiased review. It’s out tomorrow. November 17th.
Until the next review
JTH
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