Following the events of the previous book, ” our violent delights” comes a explosive finale. It’s 1927 and Juliette and Roma are once again enemies. The blood feud is not over and the monsters has caused a deep would in Shanghai. But since the nationalists are moving closer, Roma and Juliette have to work together to save the city and it’s people.

It was a really good final book of a duology. In the beginning it was really slow, it took me about 20 days to go over the 20% mark, but i am really happy i finished it. Chloe Gong really brought it all, emotional moments are all over the book and the language is superb. The action in this book was everything and it had me on the edge of my seat. On multiple occasions i found myself highlighting entire parts of the book, hoping that i could write that beautiful.


The ending did leave me sad and feeling empty, and a little bit mad. I kept hoping that the ending would be different. Overall i did enjoy it.

This duology has been quite dissapointing for me so far. I really wanted to like it and really tried to push through, but to no avail.

I had only one thought while reading this book - "Oh My God! What the hell just happened?!"

Chloe Gong struck again.

This book completely destroyed me!

Gong just keeps hitting the readers with one surprise after next in this sequel; each more lethal than the previous one. I was at the edge of my seat, with my heart in my throat the entire time I was reading this book!

The author has made sure that the readers can feel the intensity of the blood fued between Scarlets and White Flowers with increased agression. The stakes are higher with the threat of the Monster and Madness and the Nationalists vs Communists protests inching closer and closer to Shanghai.

There are lies and betrayals, secrets and deceit. The author has woven all this very beautifully in a fast paced plot.

This duology has many morally grey characters. In this book, we get a chance to understand them better, to know the motives behind their actions and their emotions. With this character set, Gong has done a beautiful job of portraying that there is no "good people" and "bad people'', we are all just humans.

The ending left me speechless. It was not the ending that I wanted, but it was the correct ending for this story.

People say that this series is a Romeo and Juliet retelling. I disagree. This is much better than Romeo and Juliet.

I shouldn’t have requested this book. I really didn’t like the first book in the series but I wanted to give the second book the opportunity to change my mind. Unfortunately it did not. This is completely my own fault so for fairness I will give a neutral rating.

A brilliant book and I can't believe that the series is finished, WAH!!! Our Violet Ends was a great continuation of the first book in the series and a really captivating read.

I enjoyed the fact that there were so many genres wrapped into this series - it's like you get everything in one! If you haven't started the series I would recommend you pick it up ASAP!

It took me a while to review this because I wanted to read its prequel first and I wasn't disappointed. This is a very fitting end to an original and diverting interpretation of Romeo and Juliet. This isn't my favourite Shakespeare play so I was interested to see the author's reimagining of the main couple and their families.
The story evokes the interesting political situation of 1920s Shanghai with a rich tapestry of characters and plot lines throughout.
I really liked the way that imperialism was addressed along with questions of race, gender and nepotism.
I thought that the fantasy-based storyline around the monsters entwined well with the political side of things to create a unique, fast-paced story.
I also like the anti-hero approach to the main characters and their actions as they choose one another over all else repeatedly.
One last comment is that I can clearly see the progression in the author's writing and craft from the first book to this one which is always a delight to see.

I really e.joyed our violent delights and am happy to say this was everything i wanted from a sequel - sane magnificent tone and 3 dimensional characters, and Gong's prose is truly unparalleled.

For my surprise this book was much better than the first one. And if you liked the atmosphere of #SixOfCrows (not just plainly comparing these two books, their motives are very alike) you will love this book too.

Since Roma is representing some sort of Russian mafia, we come across a lot of Russian expressions, which most of the times were used correctly, but then again, no explanation of them for an English reader.

Second book was concentrated on a “hunt for a vaccine” from the madness. I honestly think that right now was not the best timing to publish such a book (not sure about your country, but in the UK right now everyone is talking about bloody pandemic and vaccines and I’m so sick from it). And without an exaggeration, the way author describes the “madness” it’s very like, you know what...

For me it was too sweet and naïve love trope, BUT we had a Grand Finale, and the end of this book was beautiful. Roma and Juliett weren’t even close to my favorite characters, but luckily book had another couple to concentrate on.

We get a lot of political conflicts, rebellion, change of leadership, I was truly curious how author would end them all, and I was satisfied with the end.

Alisa was my favorite character here, despite her young age, she seemed the smartest person here, and there was just that special vibe about her.

I like that atmosphere of this book did really project the Shanghai of 1927, where it didn’t matter what gang, you belonged to, people were simply tired from the same leaders that did nothing for them.

I guess this duology can rightly go into love/hate category.

The sequel to These Violent Delights continues the story of Roma and Juliette in this heady, dark retelling of Romeo and Juliet set in 1927 Shanghai.
There may be spoilers ahead if you haven;t read the first book...

We find Juliette living with the aftermath of her actions to avert a blood feud with the Montogov's by leading Roma to believe that she has killed his best friend Marshall. Roma has taken this hard, betrayed by the woman he loves, the rift between them seem insurmountable.
China is on the cusp of civil war, the criminal gangs led by Juliette and Roma mirror this unrest and then to add more fuel to an explosive situation monsters still are lurking in the streets of Shanghai. As was seen in the Violent Delights Roma and Juliette primary desire is to keep their people and city safe - however it is more difficult than ever for them to set aside thier differences and co-operate to end threats which would bring their world crashing down.
A fantastic end to this duology which left me emotionally wrung out but worth it! My thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the access to the ARC.

Brilliant. Brilliant. Brilliant. Brilliant. Brilliant. Brilliant. Brilliant. Brilliant. Brilliant. Brilliant. Brilliant. Brilliant. Brilliant. Brilliant. Brilliant.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for a free ARC in exchange for a review.

I am a broken person now. I didn't take a ton of notes on this one because I pretty much knew I was going to love it. I was right. Gong is an exceptional writer. Exceptional. I spent most of this book in absolute terror, profound joy, and in love with Roma and Juliette.

As someone who ADORES Romeo and Juliet, it was so exciting connecting moments and scenes in this book that were a beautiful homage to the original. But make no mistake, this is Chloe Gong's novel. Roma and Juliette are not bound by their counterparts, and the ending is just.... I can't say more or I will spoil it or sob or laugh, but oh my god, this is an incredible novel.

Benedikt and Marshall's relationship reaches a climax, Alisa comes into her own, and Kathleen. <spoiler> Celia. I am so proud and in love with her. What a beautiful role model. </spoiler>.

My only thing, and this was my only criticism of the first book as well, is that I'm still not sure we needed the monsters. They take a backseat towards the end of this book, but there is so much going on politically, culturally, and storywise that the monsters feel out of place to me. I don't think they're necessary to make the point or to the plotline. Sometimes, they seem to actively convolute the plot. I think so much of this book feels so real, that adding the monsters feels like it's taking away from the sharp reality of 1920s Shanghai. At the same time though, I also love a bit of paranormal or psuedoscience in books, so who am I to judge?

The idea that Chloe Gong is going to write more novels is terrifying and thrilling. She's already got an upcoming one, and I need it right now. Right now. I love this ending for Roma, Juliette, and the gang, even though I did hysterically sob too, and I think Gong is ready to move onto new stories. I cannot wait to follow her. Five stars.

When I read the first book I wasn’t actually thrilled to be honest.

BUT I’m so glad that I gave it another chance!
I really enjoyed the plot this time. It wasn’t dragging at any point and it was full of action, tricks and turns!
I loved that all the characters grew and changed and reached their full potential throughout the book.
I loved the way the family and loyalty bonds twisted and finally set.

Above all, of course, I loved the ending!

A great, rough love story!

I had very high expectations for the anticipated sequel of These Violent Delights and I’m so glad that I wasn’t disappointed. This duology is one of my highlights of the year and I won’t stop gushing about it anytime soon! Definitely a must-read for every fantasy lover!

What can you expect from Our Violent Ends?
- beautiful writing and lines that will tear you apart
- incredible world building and descriptions that will transport you to 1920s Shanghai
- secrets, betrayal and murder
- not only creepy monsters but also gangsters and politicians doing monstrous things
- one of the best love stories that I have ever read (Romeo and Juliet killed me!)
- a plot that will keep you guessing until the end and possibly stress you out a lot because of the many twists

I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump but I ended up bingeing most of Our Violent Ends in less than 24 hours! I was so hooked and couldn't put it down until I knew how it ended. Chloe Gong wrote a show-stopping finale to a duology that will become a new YA classic.

I can't wait for Foul Lady Fortune!

IM IN PAIN IM IN PAIN IM IN PAIN IM IN PAIN

I HAVEN’T CRIED, LET ALONE SOBBED, SO HARD OVER A BOOK IN WHAT FEELS LIKE AEONS!!! WHAT IN THE ACTUAL I TAKE THIS READING EXPERIENCE BACK!!! CHLOE GONG IS PAYING MY THERAPY BILLS IM SORRY!!!!

yup so I’m… never recovering like ever, IT HURTS IT HURTS IT HURTS IT HURTS *insert keyboard smash*

GIVE ME Foul Lady Fortune RIGHT THIS SECOND OR IM GOING TO LOSE IT

This review is apparently going to be ALL CAPS the whole way through, I apologise in advance. But also idc

Let’s describe the reading experience in adjectives: FEAR, LOVE, YEARNING, PAIN, ANGST, FEAR, FEAR, FEAR, OBSESSION, OBSESSION, FEAR, “TAKE IT BACK”, TEARS, TEARS AND MORE TEARS

Do you get it now?

Bro, I literally was SOBBING at midnight. Like full on sobbing. I have SELFIES because I had to document it. I’ll share them on my Instagram for your viewing pleasure!

THIS BOOK TORTURED ME THROUGH A SLOW AND PAINFUL DEATH IT HURTS SO SO SO BAD

*takes heavy breath*

Let’s ~attempt~ this review!

It won’t go well because it’s going to be yelling about pain but oh well.

I want to take a second to just… wow Chloe’s mind? Unmatched. I’m just absolutely blown away by her as a writer. Not only is she like 22 and published and on the NYT bestellers etc etc etc, but also just has THIS great a mind??? Ms Chloe is out here being an absolute ICON and creating a world that is so reminiscent of all our OG fave series and I’m just,,, agdsgyjghdawhaj

I just have so much admiration because I truly haven’t read anything like this since I was probably 16. I’ve read good books but I haven’t found a fandom and world that can do what THIS series has done to me and I literally want to cry wtf

PAIN AND FOR WHAT GEEZ

*another deep breath*

The writing is simply immaculate, which I feel like I’ve said before but I apparently haven’t, so here is me reiterating that. The imagery and the atmosphere and just this intensely graphic canvas that Chloe Gong has created has me in AWE. The writing is rich and oozing with metaphors, it made me gasp, it clenched my heart, made me cry. I,,, round of applause!!!!

The setting is just as vivid and fantastic as ever, perhaps even better than in book one. I wish to be taken to 1920s Shanghai even though I’d 1000% not survive this world and would get stabbed to death. I make bad life choices, we’re all aware of this. Anyways, do you know how many times I had to STOP just so I could reread a line because I got lost. It’s just so complex and intricate and the world-building is just WOW SO SO SO GOOD.

STILL IN PAIN HELLO

I do realise that the next section I usually discuss is characters but I’m going to delay that (because I’ll start crying) and just continue to talk about the genius that is Chloe Gong and this world.

You know the feeling when you’re reading about a fictional world and you know it’s definitely not going to be fun there, but you also really want to?? Am I making sense?? Like I want to be in 1920s Shanghai but I also really don’t but I also do? My emotions are having a great time over here.

I truly don’t remember the last time I had THIS kind of reaction from a book. Like true anxiety and yup These Violent Delights is just A FUN HECKING TIME.

GO READ IT AND WEEP WITH ME

Okay characters.

I loved everyone just as much as last time. Let’s do a list, even though it’s going to be more or less the same

- Alisa: I guess if I’m self-inserting myself into this book, this is my gal. She’s badass but I also probably won’t be in too much danger.
- Kathleen: queen queen queen queen QUEEN ENERGY
- Rosalind: no comment, do with that information what you will
- Tyler: I didn’t get a chance to talk about him last time but I just HAVE to now because my fists are CLENCHING I AM READY TO FIGHT YOU BRO
- Benedikt: this stunning gay really got to shine in this book and I love that for him. I didn’t pay as much attention to him, or Mars, in the last book but I did now and he deserves all the hugs
- Marshall: MY SMOL RAY OF SUNSHINE I LOVE YOU SO!!! King of being a joker and we can’t not stan
- Roma: I don’t know if I’m made it clear enough that I’d lay my life down for this boy and I DO NOT EXAGGERATE I LOVE HIM SO MUCH. Yup I’m typing this through tears. Deserves to be protected at all costs and okay I’m going to stop or I will sob again
- Juliette: adore her to the moon and back, wish to be her, wish she was my friend, could step on me and I’d let her. Also deserves to be protected at all costs AND I LOVE HER SO MUCH STILL SOBBING

Speaking of my fave star-crossed lovers who I’m actually obsessed with and they’ve probably made it to the top of my OTP list, or at least UP THERE UP THERE. THE EMOTIONS I FELT OH MY ACTUAL GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ms Chloe knows how to write a YA slow-burn romance that has you screaming at every interaction and yep I’m ready to scream. Did I mention Roma and Juliette are my new top OTP? Because they really are. This book SERVED with the content and I’m just living my best life. Actually I’m not, I’m living a painful life.

Before I scream about R&J, let’s chat about how stunning Benedikt and Marshall are ugh. They are just the actual cutest and wowee the yearning. Give me a t-shirt or something because I AM HERE TO SCREAM FOR THEM <3<3<3

I didn’t know I could love an enemies to lovers THIS much. Like I didn’t think I was into the whole “I love you but am also going to stab you” vibe but apparently IT IS MY ENTIRE LIFE. These two absolutely destroyed me and I just live for their relationship. It has everything that I love: banter & humour, yearning & angst, softness, reading body language, being in-tune with the other, passion, and the list goes on and on and on. HOW AM GOING TO RECOVER FROM THIS BOOK?????

Chloe Gong has broken me. This was a beautifully sequel, several tears were shed and I miss RomaJuliette so much already !!!

These Violent Delights is a brilliant and fabolous duology, once I ended this book I would have liked to start reading again to read the first book as I was sure I was going to love it againg and notice new details.
Great storytelling and world building, charming and complex characters, a plot full of twists that kept me hooked.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Chloe Gong does it again! This is such a beautiful sequel to These Violent Delights - once I started reading it I couldn’t put it down. The characters are developed beautifully and you really feel like you get to know everyone from the first book that much more. The scene is set so well that I could picture all the locations without any hesitation. And the writing is so lyrical and fluid that parts of it sing like a song that you don’t want to end. So good!! Please read!!

A brilliant end to this amazing duology. Chloe Gong has done it again!

We pick up from the events of These Violent Delights with Juliette sacrificing her relationship with Roma to protect him from the fallout of the blood feud between their two families. Juliette knew if she 'killed' Marshall that Roma would never forgive her and thus would not pursue a relationship with her. Of course, this then leads to the dangerous conclusion that he may use the blood feud as an excuse to kill her for revenge.

Shanghai is a powderkeg. The monsters we thought that ended with Paul have resurfaced and there are more. Threatening blackmail letters are being sent to both the Cai and Montagov family to extort money in exchange for not releasing the monsters. The White Flowers and Scarlet gang are at each other's throats and the Nationalists are rallying to take over everything.

I did find it a little slow to read in parts. The book from Netgalley wasn't formatted in the best way for an easy read but I got through it and the story still shone despite this. This is no usual retelling of Romeo and Juliet. You know the names and the rough story but this is where Chloe turns it on its head.

Rosalind and Kathleen are more prominent in this story and it's great to see. Rosalind is an interesting character and her naivety can be costly. Juliette I adore, she sacrifices her own heart for the sake of her family but more so for protecting Roma. She would rather him be safe and hate her than live in a world without him. Roma, struggling to be the heir his father wants, now has a boost with his newfound hatred and starts acting accordingly. Benedikt and Marshall are just beautiful, that's all!

Tyler is another interesting character, a little unlikeable as he is doing all he can to undermine Juliette and take her place as heir and is often thoughtless and one-minded about his actions.

I'm glad that this book focused more on the characters and the turning tide of power within Shanghai. I think it would have been easy to roll with the monsters again and make this more of a horror story but the true horrors here are the people.

Roma and Juliette must be a team to bring Shanghai to heel and save its people from the Nationalists that are coming to take it all away. They both want to save the world and neither of them wants to lose each other.

**SPOILERS AHEAD**

The ending is perfect. It's heartbreaking but offers that glimmer of hope and harks back to the classic tale, that if these two lovers from warring families can make amends, get married and sacrifice themselves for love, then why is Shanghai at war? They brought about peace through their actions and that little end scene with Kathleen and Alissa was lovely.

A beautiful end to a wonderful duology. I really look forward to reading more from Chloe in the future. She has a beautiful way of writing that completely immerses you within the story.

This book broke me and I loved every single second, I will read anything Chloe Gong writes and I’m thankful this series exists

I read These Violent Delights bad in feb and found it only ‘okay’ so I wasn’t sure if I wanted to continue or not but considering it’s a duopoly I thought I might as well…

From the back cover, Our Violent Ends sounded exactly like a repeat of TVD which did put me off but once I started reading I did find that that wasn’t the case however it was definitely a continuation which to be honest I’m not sure was needed really. I struggled with new elements that weren’t introduced fully, there were a lot of sub plots, a little bit of a twist, lots of lying and sneaking around and more characters and factions than I neither wanted nor cared about.

I actually found that I couldn’t decide if I wanted Roma and Juliette to even be together. I had little investment in them as a couple so I must admit I skim read the majority of the book, only really slowing down for the saving grace of Marshall and Benedikt who I rooted for whole heartedly and wanted to see together. I was also really disappointed that Alisa had a very small role in this book yet the epilogue centred around her … in the bulk of the novel she only existed to move the story along rather than bringing anything to the story - that was a real shame as I enjoyed her in book one.

I think for me, considering I loved the turbulent Shanghai setting and the retelling feature, I would have been happy with these books condensed into one or thickened into a trilogy to allow the characters to fully embed themselves in the narrative because I craved more background and more development. The dirty city setting gave off gangs of New York, prohibition vibes which for me didn’t mesh well with river lizard monsters.

Thank you so much for the early review copy, even though it wasn’t for me I enjoyed being able to read the rest of the intended story!