A debut novel and Chloe is still in college? I'm amazed!

Juliette, heir to the Scartlet Gang, means to defeat a monster that's lurking in Shanghai and joins forces with her bitter rival, Roma, from the White Flowers....but they also have a past to contend with.

The star of the show for me was Juliette, she was ruthless, cunning and would do anything for her people. Loved her!

Roma surprised me, both in a good and a bad way.  He was much tamer than I thought he would be! I was expecting him to be more like Juliette!!! One thing about those 2, I would've liked to see more of their past story but maybe that's the romantic in me!

This book was written beautifully, had fab side characters, had loyalty stamped all over it (which I love!), had a horror-like element with the monster (which I wasn't that in to I must admit) and of course, angsty lovers to enemies to lovers!

I'm so Happy to have read this book! The story is so intriguing, I was involved since the very beginning and I was so impressed by the author and the way the characters are written!!!

Where do I even start with this one? Potentially already one of my favourite reads of the year. This is set in 1920s Shanghai where gangs rule their little corners of the world. The Scarlets on one side, the White Flowers on the other. Juliette. Roma. Two star crossed lovers...wait... Yup, you guessed it, this is a Romeo and Juliet retelling but with gangs and crime and I loved it. This book not only took place in a world with crime and gangs, but when a mysterious creature is continuously sighted at the port and people are literally ripping out their own throats, Juliette and Roma have to look beyond not only their family divides but their personal history. (view spoiler) But once they started to unravel the mysteries haunting Shanghai, they begin to realise nothing is as it seems and they can't trust anyone. Not even each other.

I loved this book if you haven't already guessed. The book was literally like reading a work of art. The language used by the author really establishes this world. It was gritty but beautiful and artistic and fluid. This city was posed as one of change and change being on the horizon whether the old regimes liked it or not and AHH I loved it. The characters in this book were also beautifully diverse, spanning across different ethnicities, sexualities, genders. This book really is a great example of diversity within fantasy YA books.

3.5 stars!

Overall I really enjoyed this and think Chloe Gong is an extremely talented writer and I can't wait to see what she puts out in the future. Her writing is so clear and compelling and really draws you into the story. I found this particularly enjoyable as a retelling of Romeo and Juliet - I'm not a huge fan of the original work to be honest, but I think what Chloe Gong did with this story and how she adapted it to her setting was really incredible. There were enough nods and references to the original work that were fun but it didn't feel too annoying or too much and it still allowed for a lot of deviations and surprises in the story which I really enjoyed.

The characters in here all felt distinct and were easy to distinguish right from the get go, however I do feel like overall the characters from the Scarlet gang were definitely far more developed than those from the White Flower gang. Which wouldn't have been as much of an issue for me, but this definitely was pitched and felt like as I was reading a multi-narrative story. Juliette was a great character and I really loved following her and getting to know her better - and a standout character for me was for sure Kathleen, who I hope we get more from in book 2! I really liked Roma as a character, but he definitely didn't feel as developed as Juliette for me even though he was the other main protagonist. I just felt like we didn't delve into his backstory and motivations in the way we did for Juliet.

A nitpick of mine that is quite personal, is that Roma's mother died when he was 15, and yet this is mentioned once early on in the novel almost in passing, and is only really ever brought up again later on when relevant to the plot. It's never particularly brought up in reference to his character or how this trauma has shaped him since, which I wish had been explored more - I don't particularly blame Chloe Gong for this, but there is definitely a wider problem within YA fiction (especially fantasy novels) where characters have dead parents and this is not relevant to their characters unless it's also relevant to the plot. From a personal standpoint, as someone who experienced this trauma as a teen, it can be frustrating to read about, but I also think on a craft level the exploration of how his mother's death affected Roma could've added a lot more substance to his character and I wish we could've explored that more.

Another frustration I had was that I had a bit of trouble really feeling the setting and time period in this book. This may have just been my unfamiliarity with this time period in this particular setting though, which I have done some research on upon finishing the book.

The real standout for me though was the themes, particularly around imperialism and how Chloe Gong interweaved the political tensions that happened in Shanghai during this time period with the fantastical elements. The discussion of monstrosity and power and Gong tied these into the very real historical events that were happening during this time, with Western powers imposing themselves in Shanghai was really fantastic and I can't wait to see how she expands on that in book 2.

Overall I think this is a really great debut that had some teething issues for me, but I think the overall character craft, writing and the way themes were explored in this show so much promise for Chloe Gong as a writer and I can't wait to follow her work and career! I definitely would like to read book 2 of this to see how she further expands on those themes and to see how this story wraps up.

I put this one on hold (because mood reader here and I didn’t want to do the book an injustice) but fully with the intention of returning to it, but that just never happened unfortunately. I don’t like DNFing books, especially review copies I requested but sometimes you just got to admit defeat and consider life is too short. I got to about half way and it just wasn’t what I expected. It was too slow with zero interaction and chemistry between the two main characters,

Totally loved this !!
I mean set in Shangai and Romeo and Juliet retelling what more can you want ? 😍😍
I love those characters so much and mog I need book 2

Literally perfect! Really entertaining and perfect for its target. Great debut, can’t wait to read the sequel.

What a gorgeous, sizzling tale. It's original and riveting, and the characters and plot ensure it's a real page-turner. TVD is told with wonderful skill and style. I absolutely loved it.

I haven’t been reading as frequently lately due to personal commitments, but THESE VIOLENT DELIGHTS was the perfect book to snap me out of my book slump. Set in 1920s Shanghai, the story follows Juliette Cai as she returns from a four-year stint in America to resume her position as heir to the Scarlet Gang. During that time, the power in Shanghai has become split between the French, British, Americans, and Communists, who threaten the rule of her family’s gang. Worst of all are the sworn enemies of the Cai family, the White Flowers. Ruled by the Montagov family, they have been tangled in a centuries-long blood feud which only worsened when a relationship between Juliette and fellow heir Roma ended in ruin. But Roma and Juliette are forced to put their differences aside when a madness-inducing monster strikes against their city and everyone in it.

Juliette was a deliciously ruthless protagonist who would stop at nothing to continue her family’s legacy and power. Just like in the original (in my opinion, anyway), Roma seemed to be left in her shadow. Juliette was full of drive and ambition, and I kind of wished we would have seen more of what made Roma tick. However, their lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers relationship was masterfully written. Here is a couple that already shares a romantic past that isn’t enough to stand in the way of their desire to kill each other. However, each heir regrets the way that their relationship ended, and their forced partnership only ignites old feelings.

Moving on to the plot, the monster was an incredibly unique twist to this familiar tale. I’ve never read anything like it, and at a time where the fear of contagion is real (2020: what’s not to love?), the spreading madness felt utterly chilling. There was action, gore, and plot twists aplenty that culminated in an ending that I suspected was coming, but still left me yelling at my phone screen trying to find the rest of the novel. This is one sequel that’s going to be a long, long wait.

The themes of colonialism were executed perfectly, and alongside the LGBTQ+ representation that many authors would avoid in a historical setting, this was a well-rounded book that touched on many important issues without sacrificing its thrilling plot. Although there were one or two slight lulls, overall I was gripped enough to race through the pages to see how the book ended. And that feeling of excitement didn’t fade; now, I’m just as excited to read the sequel.

Amazing book, debut and start to an exciting series! I am now obsessed with Historical fantasy, the retelling of Romeo and Juliet was done so well, and each element was deliberate and brought something to the story. The world was beautifully woven, and the characters were incredibly intriguing and I'll be looking out for everything Chloe Gong writes in the future!

These Violent Delights is a fantastical Romeo and Juliet retelling set in 1920’s Shanghai in the midst of a gang war and a monster in the Huangpu River. Our two main characters (Roma and Juliette) are the heirs and were lovers from rival gangs the White Flowers and the Scarlet Gang until four years ago. These rival gangs may need to set aside the blood feud and work together in order to save their city when this monster appears to be spreading a contagion causing anyone and everyone to start tearing their own throats out.

I thought this was excellent. I was totally sucked in from the very beginning and couldn’t put this down. It was exciting, fast paced and so interesting. I thought it would be predictable due to the fact it is a retelling but it was so uniquely and brilliantly done that I was constantly guessing. I wanted to know all about these characters, why they are no longer lovers and of course the monster storyline! There was an interesting commentary on colonialism and Asian culture, too, which was really good. The stakes were so high all the time which made this book even harder to put down! I didn’t realise this wasn’t a standalone so I have wait to read the conclusion but that’s really my only issue!

The characters were so interesting and had more depth to them than I initially thought; even depth to side characters which I thought was fantastically done and I can’t wait to see what happens in the sequel.

This is essentially an amazingly written story depicting the inescapable western influence in Shanghai and two people in love who can’t be together but work together against all odds to save the city.

Please be warned there are some trigger warnings including violence and gore so please look into these before picking this up!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for an arc copy.

There's a mysterious madness sweeping the streets of Shanghai - and it goes way beyond the resources of the feuding Scarlet Gang and the White Flowers. Juliette and Roma weren't always such bitter enemies but that was a long time ago. Now they might just have to work together to figure out what's going on in their city.

There were so many things that I loved about this book - the first thing I have to note is the world building. From the very start, despite never having visited Shanghai (or China in general) I felt as though I was there. From the Scarlet's burlesque club to the port with eyes hidden beneath the water, the descriptions were so brilliant that imagining this story playing out was no difficult task! Similar to the descriptions of places, the writing style when it came to characters (their descriptions and how they interact with each other) is also excellently done. Juliette was a particularly interesting character to read as she's such a strong personality that when we do see her vulnerable side, we feel as if we're really getting to know her. I also have the biggest soft spot for Marshall Seo who seems, despite the gun, such a warm funny guy to be around. The plot moves well and also involves a twist that I feel I didn't manage to see coming that really spices up the ending. We also end on a cliffhanger which perfectly sets up the opportunity for the sequel that's already in the works.

I also really liked that this story was a retelling of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet - there's just enough in it for readers to make connections to the original (two warring families, forbidden love, the names of characters, etc.) but it doesn't follow it completely. Gong has obviously found inspiration there but has really made this story something that stands alone - which, for me, makes a retelling all the better!

As for what I disliked, there really wasn't much as this book was a really enjoyable read. I would note that I would have liked to see more of the inner workings of the two gangs. We're introduced to several key members but most of them aren't featured heavily throughout the story, nor do we see much general gang activity (and I'm thinking along the lines of Peaky Blinders here, just for reference) which was something that I'd been excited for upon hearing the premise for the book. However, all of this is simply replaced with a much bigger plot which definitely didn't disappoint.

Overall, I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys their sci-fi/fantasy mixed with a bit of history and isn't afraid of some far fetched monsters from the deep! Also, if you, like me, love re-tellings I'd recommend giving this one a go for sure!

An absolutely fantastic retelling of Romeo and Juliet! I loved Roma and Juliette's relationship- they hated each other but you could see how they still cared. I loved the monster in the river plotline- it made the story fast-paced and riveting to read!

The setting and writing was what drew me in the most! I can't wait for the sequel, and the hype is well-deserved! I'm so glad I preordered this book in hardback :D

Oh! This book stole my heart. Roma and Juliette are the eptimoe of slowburn and angst. The misunderstandings, the depth of the writing and just the general angst absolutely killed me. I adored this retelling of Romeo and Juliet and my heart is not ready for the sequel.

I was really excited to read this book, the synopsis hooked me, but unfortunately the delivery left me a little flat. The pacing felt pretty slow, the book is a lot of the same, asking about and searching for the monster plaguing Shanghai, then more of the same (some of which feels really obvious) and by the end of the book, you wonder what has actually been accomplished? This book didn’t need a sequel, it really didn’t.

Other than Juliette (who I will adore in the next paragraph) and Kathleen, what I did enjoy about this book is it’s focus on the western impact (and arrogance) on Shanghai and Chinese culture and how characters feel they have to change/adapt their name because British, American or French people refuse to learn to pronounce their name correctly, a name that plays a huge part in their identity. Not only is Shanghai governed by a rivalling gangs, the Scarlet Gang (led by the Cai family) and the White Flowers (the Montagov family) but there are also Communists and Nationalists and westerners, all thinking they know best.. I enjoyed this political theme and the running commentary on personal and cultural identity. That said, the book may be set in the 1920’s but the writing certainly isn’t.

A big selling point of this book is that it’s Romeo in Juliet inspired, however I just never felt the the romance between the 2 leads. Juliette and Roma have zero chemistry, there’s no longing, no tension, no light heartedness with them and I really didn’t care what happened. Juliette is a great character, I enjoyed her, she’s determined, hardened but stitched together by pain and the love she has for her people. She’s sarcastic, bold but you get to know and understand that she’s so much more than the person she lets people see. You can see, even on the page, why Roma ever fell for her. Roma, on the other hand, is sullen and boring and at no point do you ever understand how Juliette was or could be attracted to him. For the majority of this book, Roma is rude, confrontational, provocative and smug with Juliette while apparently being secretly stricken with how he betrayed her 4 years ago. He grabs her, goes against her wishes, says things like “we’re not done here” and “I need your cooperation”, and yet this is a man riddled with guilt? You have his POV so his sudden softening on the page is strange, while Juliette you constantly hear her fears, her bravado and her weakness, Roma just has no dimension at all.

As much as this book didn’t quite do it for me, for Juliette I will read the second book when it comes out, because she’s fabulous, I just hope the pacing and chemistry is stronger. Thank you NetGalley for the review copy :)

I came for the Shakespeare but stayed for Shanghai and the monster.

To be frank, the efforts to shoehorn into this novel that Romeo and Juliet story I found irritating, distracting and bluntly inaccurate. They came across more like Beatrice and Benedick in terms of their relationship (having had a previous relationship prior to the novel) but with the younger immaturity of Romeo and Juliet.

The setting in Shanghai was great - but could have been brought to life a lot more - and the underlying threat of the monster was far more engaging, and violent, and it really did not need the references at all.

Great book, the concept was so interesting and I loved how much rich history this book had the characters were amazing and that ending was insane I can't wait for the next book

This book Broke me in the best way! A Romeo and Juliet retelling set in 1920s gangster-run Shanghai about star-crossed exes putting aside the blood feud between them to prevent a monster from terrorizing their city that everyone tells me it's guaranteed to break my heart and I loved every second of it

I received this digital copy in exchange for an honest review, thanks Hodder & Stoughton.

I’ve been struggling with this review in the same way I struggled to finish this book. I think it may be a case of covid brain and an ill-timed Hades play-through that meant I read this in bits and couldn’t settle into it, but I’m going to try my best to explain why I didn’t click with this book.

The Shanghai that Chloe Gong developed was so intricate and interesting, and I really felt as though I was walking the city streets alongside Juliette and Roma. It’s vivid, and the clashes between the different cultures alongside the colonisation of Shanghai, and Juliette’s discomfort with the westernisation of her home is palpable. Juliette was certainly my favourite part of the These Violent Delights. She’s tough, whip smart, plus I loved the fact she was torn between her loyalty to the gang and working with Roma to save Shanghai. Juliette returns to the city from America with something to prove and a lot to lose, and you can really feel how on edge she feels walking round an often unfamiliar Shanghai. She’s wonderfully well developed, and I was always disappointed when we moved away from her perspective!

Now onto the bit that’ll make me unpopular, I think These Violent Delights suffers from something that I think plagues YA novels at the moment, nothing happens until the last third of the book. Juliette and Roma run madly around Shanghai, but in reality very few of the plot threads they manage to catch hold of actually come to anything. I think I could forgive this if that time had been spent developing the other characters, but honestly everyone felt bland to me when compared to Juliette. There are, admittedly, so many characters in this book and I struggled to keep track, but even Roma our second main character felt rather underdeveloped to me.

Then there’s the fact that the romance is the smallest of subplots, and it lacked the angst and longing of two people that shouldn’t have feelings for one another. This wasn’t exactly helped by Roma’s lack of character development, he was so nice but also so blah, and I suppose I wanted more passion from him. I was expecting the romance to be much more central due to the whole “Romeo and Juliette retelling” thing, but it is definitely not the focus of the novel.

All in all, this book has so much potential and I’m sure that second book is going to bring with it a whole heap of drama, that cliff-hanger at the end was just mean, but I don’t think I’ll be continuing on with this one. I can see why so many people ardently love These Violent Delights but it just didn’t quite work for me, I may try again once this whole covid thing has lifted a little more but we’ll see.

Recommend: If you love characters confronting and uncovering mysteries and a slow build plot then this one could be for you!

These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong is a Romeo and Juliet inspired tale set in Shanghai in the 1920’s. It is the autumn of 1926 and Shanghai is full of foreign powers trying to carve out a piece of the city for themselves and what remains has been divided between the two feuding gangs, the Chinese scarlet gang and the Russian White flowers. Enter one of our main protagonists, Juliette Cai. Juliette has recently returned home from New York City and has gained a reputation for being ruthless and cunning. Juliette is now ready to step into her role as being heir to the Scarlet Gang. Many years ago, Roma, the heir to the White Flowers caused the deaths of many Scarletts and now Juliette is determined to seek revenge for those souls that were lost. But when a contagion that is lethal takes over the city targeting both whites and scarlets, Juliette and Roma must help one another and seek out and investigate who is doing this to the ones that they love and put an end to it all.

Gong’s writing is simply stunning and utterly gorgeous. She weaves a historical tale with exciting plot twists and turns. Even though it is inspired by Romeo and Juliet, I was not expecting a lot from the plot but I simply fell in love with the plot and the characters combined. This book is filled with such intensity that grips you to the pages and makes you not want to look away. I personally love the title for the book also. These Violent Delights have Violent ends and knowing that the sequel is called Our Violent Ends just makes my heart pound even faster knowing what may come. This was a read that was highly anticipated for me and I’m so glad that I got to read it before release through netgalley. In conclusion, I simply fell in love with this book and I want the next one now!

4 out of 5 stars.