Monday, November 9, 2020

Review: These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong

 



Title: These Violent Delights

Author: Chloe Gong

Series: Book One in the These Violent Delights Series

Genre: Historical Fantasy/Retelling

Published By: Margaret K. Elderberry (November 17, 2020)

Source: ARC Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)


Book Description:

Perfect for fans of The Last Magician and Descendant of the Crane, this heart-stopping debut is an imaginative Romeo and Juliet retelling set in 1920s Shanghai, with rival gangs and a monster in the depths of the Huangpu River.

The year is 1926, and Shanghai hums to the tune of debauchery.

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 heir, 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.



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What is there not to love about a modern, yet not modern, retelling of the classic love story to end all love stories?

A tale so very different, it might not be similar at all and yet, so reminiscent of the original that I can't help but think Shakespeare would be proud.

Full of the fantastical, the mystical, the historical and all the awesomeness in between, this truly was so much fun to read, I devoured each page and couldn't get enough. 

I had no idea going into this that it would be a series and I'm so excited after that explosive ending, where this will go next. 

Truly something different, something fun, something dark and yes, something addicting. You are going to love it! 





*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*

14 comments:

  1. Having something different is always great and I didn't know about this one

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  2. That cover is gorgeous! I've not heard of this one before but now I'm intrigued. I'm glad you enjoyed it! Great review!

    Simply Angela

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  3. There's a ton of hype surrounding this one, so I'm intrigued. But I wonder if I should wait for the sequel since it's a series. That ending definitely has me curious! O_O

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    1. It definitely left me hanging but it wasn't too painful. ;)

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  4. I'm not a huge fan of the story of Romeo and Juliette, because it's so tragic and the drama so unnecessary, but I do enjoy a dark, mysterious story. Glad to hear you enjoyed it! :)

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    1. It is but this isn't as tragic, at least not so far! There are sad moments though.

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  5. I love the setting and will be adding the trilogy to my wishlist!

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  6. I like the sound of this, and Shanghai as well? Awesomeness!

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  7. I don't think I realized this was based on Romeo and Juliet. Interesting! LOL Glad to see that you enjoyed it.

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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