Just phenomenal in every way. This became an instant favourite and obsession of mine.

Full review to come on my blog.

‘These Violent Delights’ follows Juliette Cai and Roma Montagov, the heirs of two rival gangs in the 1920s Shanghai. The blood feud between the gangs – the Scarlets and the White Flowers – existed for generations, but the tensions have been heightened in recent years. Now, with Juliette’s return to Shanghai after living in the US – for her safety – for the last four years, things are getting even more complicated. Despite their families, Juliette and Roma used to be close, but now the betrayal and hate may be too much to move forward even when their city is at risk from something so violent, so unearthly, that the only way to save their people and survive, is working together.

What I loved the most about ‘These Violent Delights’, it’s the atmosphere of the place, but also the whole book itself. While Juliette and Roma’s story – star-crossed lover from the opposite gangs – is not anything new, the execution of the story and the setting have been great, and added so much to this book. Juliette and Roma re-unite in order to eliminate a common threat, an illness that’s a lot like madness that seems spread in the city, both in the territory of the Scarlets and the White Flowers. But their complex relationship with each other as well as increasingly tense politics of Shanghai of the 1920s with many foreigners desiring to influence the country even further added even more interesting and complex layer to the whole narrative, and I have enjoyed it very much. I also really liked the depiction of supporting characters in ‘These Violent Delights’, they didn’t feel like they were only there to fulfil a secondary role – instead, they all have been interesting and so diverse characters, each with their story to tell.

When I started reading ‘These Violent Delights’, for a moment I forgot it’s the beginning of the series, so when I reached the ending, I could only look at my Kindle and wonder where is more. I’m really looking forward to the next instalment and learning more about Juliette, Roma and all different characters from this series.

Author: Chloe Gong
Genre: YA Retelling/Fantasy
Format: E-Book Advanced Readers Copy
Published: 17th November 2020
Pages: 439
Rating: 4.5 Stars

Goodreads Synopsis

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.

Review

Content Warning: Death, gore, physical abuse, child abuse, violence, loss of a loved one, racism, transphobia and colonization.

This review contains spoilers.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley, however, this in no way influenced my opinion. Thank you to Hodder and Stoughton for providing me with a copy.

“I hate those who harm the people I love. Most often they tend to be the White Flowers. There’s a difference.”

This was one of my most anticipated releases of 2020 and I’m happy to say that, for me it lived up to my expectations. As soon as I read the first line of this novel, I was immediately pulled in to this incredible story. The writing is luscious and transports the reader into the setting of 1920s Shanghai. I was completely immersed and gripped by this story, I could barely put this down as I needed to know what happened next. One of my favourite things about this novel was the main character Juliette, she was incredibly complex, ambitious, determined and outspoken. At the beginning of the novel I wasn’t sure how I felt about Roma, however as we got further into the story and got to hear about his past he grew on me. The romance was another thing that I liked about this book, Juliette and Roma have a lot of chemistry and they have a rather complex relationship and it was interesting to see them attempt to build up their relationship again. Another aspect of These Violent Delights that I enjoyed was the discussions surrounding colonization and the politics in Shanghai at that time. There were quite a few plot twists throughout this novel and I didn’t see any of them coming, especially the twist at the end. Another thing I loved about this novel was the diversity, there is a trans side character who I adored and there are hints of a romance brewing between Marshall and Benedikt so I’m expecting to see this be developed in the next book. Also, this cover is just stunning and it’s one of my favourite covers of this year. After that ending, I need the sequel ASAP!

Overall this was a fantastic YA Retelling/Fantasy debut with a complex main character, a gripping plot, and a shocking ending. I’m so excited to read the next book!

DNF'd 20% through.

I'm gutted to be writing this review, I have to be honest. I really had high hopes for this one, I was so hyped for it. However, it just didn't deliver for me. Couple of things are my problem and not the authors but the I do have a couple of problems with the book itself.

First of all, the premise of this story is amazing and a brilliant idea. The writing, in general, is fine.

However, I struggled with the descriptiveness. Some of the sentences could have been 3 or 4 words less. Albeit beautiful writing, there can be too much of a good thing. I also struggled with how political this book is, just as I am really getting into the story, the politics pulled me back out. This is more so a personal thing than a problem with the book, I usually stay away from books that are heavy on the politics.

There are clearly people who will love this book. Unfortunately, I'm not one of them. And I'm still gutted about it.

Huge thank you to Netgalley and Hodder for sending me an eARC of this book. And also to Hodder for sending me a physical copy as well.

Be warned that every other sentence in this review is going to be about how much I loved this book because it was SO GOOD! Like how is this a debut? Honestly I was absolutely blown away so all I can say is read it... You will not be disappointed.

"Anyone can be the master to a monster should their heart be wicked enough."

1920's Shanghai. The City is ruled by warring gangs the biggest of which are the Scarlet Gang and White Flowers. Once, there seemed a chance at peace between the two but one event changed that and created a blood feud that leaves the streets running red. Juliette Cai is the heir to the Scarlet's, recently returned from her time in the America, there are people who question her right to rule after such a long time away. Roma Montagov is the heir to the White Flowers. He doesn't always agree with his fathers way of doing things but knows that he needs to show loyalty to ensure he takes over from him. These two used to be lovers, but fate intervened and now they are more likely to aim guns at each other than loving glances. But something is stirring in the streets of Shanghai, a deadly plague that doesn't differentiate between Scarlet and White flower. And it will take Juliette and Roma working together if they are to save the city they both love.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I LOVED THIS BOOK. And one of the contributing factors to that was the brilliantly written characters. Honestly, I fell a little in love with them all. Juliette who see's herself as an outsider in her own home but just desperately wants to belong somewhere. She is an incredibly talented woman, and not one that I would fancy my chances against in a fight. She travels around with an air of fear around her, something she has spent time cultivating for the heir of the Scarlet's cannot be seen as weak. Roma who is afraid to stand up to his father for fear of the consequences, that he will be displaced as the heir and find there is no place for him in this world. He would prefer words over violence, but knows his way around the battlefield almost as well as Juliette.

Whilst these two are the main characters Gong does a fabulous job of building side characters that you fall in love with just as much. Juliette's cousins Rosalind and Kathleen and Roma's cousin Benedikt and Marshall an inner circle member of the white flowers. These four added to some of my favourite moments in the book and Marshall definitely became a favourite character of mine. She also brings a new depth to the story with a wide range of LGBTQ+ characters.

The setting for this book was just *chefs kiss.* Gong brings 1920's Shanghai to life with her breathtaking writing style and I was dragged head first into a world filled with gangsters, flappers and monsters. Gong shows us what is a slightly romanticised time by western culture, from an own voices perspective and she doesn't shy away from the depravity of it. How an entire culture was seen as lesser and subsequently westernised. We see this written brilliantly in Juliette's story. Her fight to stay true to her culture, whilst at the same time feeling the need to dress a certain way, to use a certain language to make herself accessible to the western side of the city.

"These days, Juliette." he said, low and warily, "the most dangerous people are the powerful white men who feel as if they have been slighted."

As well as the obvious Romeo and Juliet references; the doomed romance, warring gang's and a city at war. Gone treats us to a multitude to Shakespeare references, some slightly more obvious than others, but if you're not the biggest fan of the classics you needn't worry. She makes this story wholly her own. Yes you will be able to pick up on the obvious references, but with the addition of folklore, a new culture and monsters, you are never quite sure where the story is going and whether it will end in the climactic way you expect.

This is a book that, as much as I wanted to fly through it, I had to take my time. So much happens and as well as the main monster hunting plot, we get treated to little sub plots based around the side characters that add a whole new depth to the story. As well as this we get treated to a whole host of plot twists, some predictable due to the Romeo and Juliet base, but others that had me gasping out loud.

Yes, there is romance in this book. It's a Romeo and Juliet re-telling after all. And while I lived for the scenes between the two MC's, some of my favourite scenes were the non-romantic relationship's. Seeing Juliette spending time with her cousin's, the annoyance that only family can bring out in you, but also the absolute trust you put in those people. And Roma with Benedikt and Marshall, the only two White Roses who have declared their loyalty to him as heir. The undying loyalty between these people is evident and I loved that we got to explore these non romantic relationships as well.

I can honestly say there was nothing that let me down with 'These Violent Delights.' In fact my only issue is that I have to wait a whole year for book two because that ending killed me! I can see Chloe Gong becoming the next big thing in YA Fantasy and I am here for it.

Sometimes reading a retelling can feel like a bit of gamble, but with These Violent Delights I feel like I hit the jackpot. It’s hard to believe that this is the author’s debut, because the writing is excellent, the world of 1920s Shanghai brought vividly too life, in a story that takes Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and reimagines it in the best possible way, without being held down by that original story as it shapes itself into something new and refreshing.

The worldbuilding was spot on and carefully crafted, avoiding word dumps, and instead drawing the reader deeper and deeper into the streets of Shanghai during a period of transformation and conflict. The descriptions and details gave These Violent Delights a depth and breadth that was delightful to read, and it was so easy to close your eyes and imagine that you were there in those streets. Shanghai was more than a backdrop to a retelling, it was a character in and of itself, shaping the characters and the stories into something that it could never have been in a different setting.

The original Romeo and Juliet is a story that most of us know. This isn’t it, or at least not as we know it. These Violent Delights has a plot all of it’s own, and one that grabs hold of you and pulls you in, immersing you in both the world and the narrative, through the stories, the myths and legends and the situation that is happening. There are twists and turns, layers upon layers, there is the romance and the love-hate that we are more familiar with – although not in this strained relationship with a history (and I loved the history and the dimension it added to their relationship and interactions as well as the narrative around them), there is politics and tension, between them and the gangs that they are the heirs to, and in the city as a whole.

The characterisation is just as on-point as everything else, and Gong has created two main characters that are as complicated at the world around them. They both have their own motivations and desires, and experiences beyond their own shared past, lending a unique voice to the narrative. Juliette’s experiences, shaped by time spent in New York where she felt out of place and now returning to a place, she’s not sure she still belongs, are very different to Roma’s who has remained in Shanghai, Yet, Roma with his own struggles and pains, is no less complicated or compelling a character, and together, they really do raise the story to another level. Especially, when the cast of secondary characters are just as complex and beautifully written, whether they are cast as allies, villains or just part of the world, with goals and pasts of their own, and together they are woven into a story that comes alive in the world that Gong has crafted around them.

A fantastic debut, with some incredibly beautiful writing and memorable characters, that has taken a classic story and made it anew. The different elements are well balanced, with twists and turns to keep you on your feet, and a world that draws you into its pace.

*to be posted to blog/goodreads on 14/11

Okay, so, let me be honest; I went into this book not knowing much except that it was a sort of retelling of Romeo and Juliet in Shanghai, and that everyone was talking about it. So I decided to wing it and ask for it on NetGalley and I’m very grateful to have been given a proof of it.

Honestly this was unexpectedly super good. I’m choosing unexpectedly as a word here because more than half of the book is very slow. Chloe Gong has a gorgeous writing that is very flowery and gives you a very lush description of the world this book takes place in; this also means that not much actually happens until the halfway point if not the last 30%. It’s a slow book that definitely gives you everything you need to be hooked by the end - I mean, I’m already looking forward to the sequel because!!! that ending!!!

The world is lush and wonderful, the politics of it all are intricate and makes so much sense, and the characters are to die for. I absolutely loved Juliette and Roma. They are so different but so similar and Juliette is such a badass, we stan a Woman ™. The tension and history between them two is one of the main elements of the book and Gong did such a fabulous job.

The story is intriguing and kept me on my toes throughout the whole book - I truly did not see the big reveal coming. I did guess a big event quite early on but I still really enjoyed its unfolding. I have to admit I’m not too sure what will happen in the sequel but I am very excited for it!

To conclude I can say These Violent Delights is a really awesome book that will keep you reading not only because of its plot and characters, but also because of its setting and world. Such a good surprise!!

I absolutely adored this book, it’s become one of my favourite reads this year.

The setting was so wonderful to read I loved that it was set in Shanghai in the 1920s it was both magical and dark and I loved it. I loved the mystery and how we are slowly fed information about this mysterious contagion and monster. Is it something supernatural? What or who is causing these deaths. It made me want to read just one more chapter.

These days…the most dangerous people are the powerful white men who feel as if they have been slighted.

I really loved how Chloe took the story of Romeo and Juliet and gave it a fresh spin and honestly this is better than the original. Roma and Juliette are the only ones worth reading about. The angst and chemistry between them and how we meet them after they had already fallen in love and been betrayed so they already have all this history between them which makes their relationship even more interesting especially as we slowly learn about it through flashbacks and how it affects them in the present. I loved the setting too where we see not only gangs fighting to rule but also the west coming to “improve” things. There was so many different groups all fighting for power and it is the people who suffer most in their battles.

Killer. Violent. Ruthless. All those and more – that was who she was now.

Juliette is my queen, I absolutely loved her! She is ruthless and does what needs to be done to look after her people and the people of Shanghai. I related to her a lot, how she is a capable leader but because she is a woman people don’t take her seriously, she can’t make a single mistake otherwise she will lose the support of everyone. She wants to do what is best for her people but she also has to manoeuvre around politics and how people don’t want to change.

Her character was so complex and I just completely fell in love with her. The ruthless and unfeeling exterior she has to always show to others so she won’t be seen as weak and how she pushes down how she feels especially towards a certain white flower, it was just amazing reading about her. I loved the discussions on how she never fit in, in the west but because she had spent time there she no longer fit in, in Shanghai either. It was so relatable, right down to how her name wasn’t western enough so she had to change it to suit them.

His title gave him power. Power kept him safe.

Roma was a cinnamon roll and I really enjoyed reading about him too but Juliette has my heart. I loved how he was soft and sweet but like Juliette he has to show a ruthless exterior. He also has to deal with his family not completely trusting him because of his history with Juliette and I really loved how he was never domineering or controlling when working with Juliette. I loved seeing how much he cared and loved his sister and how he would do anything to protect her.

A love like theirs was never going to survive in a city divided by hatred.

I loved every single interaction between Juliette and Roma. The tension and the angst, the pining and their electric chemistry that grew as the story went on and they slowly started to open up to each other again. I loved their dynamic and how they could only show their vulnerability to each other and also feared showing vulnerability because it was dangerous for them. I cannot wait to see them in the sequel especially after the events of that ending! Although I do hope they have a better ending than Romeo and Juliet did.

I loved the side characters too, they were all interesting and complex and had their own story arcs which I was invested in too. Honestly all the characters in this were so well written. I loved all of them and I can’t wait to see what will happen in the sequel especially after that ending.

This book was incredible and discussed so many important issues while also creating a dark and gritty atmosphere. The story will suck you in and the characters will have you completely hooked onto their every word and you will think about this book long after you finish it.

These Violent Delights is a Romeo and Juliet retelling set in Shanghai in 1926.
Should I stop my review here? We all know that's enough information for you to want to read it…
Ok, ok, I'll write more.
So, our two main character, Juliette and Roma are both heirs to rival gangs, the Scarlet Gang and the White Flowers. The two gangs have been enemies for generations and the feud got even worse four years before our story starts when our two main characters were just 15, since then, it's become an attack on sight kind of feud. During those four years, Juliette was actually shipped to New-York and she comes back to Shanghai just before the beginning of the novel. Sadly, she's not the only thing that arrives to Shanghai, a madness caused by a monster starts to take over the city and both Juliette and Roma are to look into it. Needless to say, their paths will cross.

These Violent Delights is told through several points of view; we have both Roma's and Juliette's, of course, but we also have four other POVs. I won't tell you whose but I will tell you that it was a great addition and I loved being in their heads too.
The whole book is just so perfectly paced and the plot was enthralling from beginning to end. Let's be honest, there's nothing I didn't like about this. The characters (main or secondary) were great and layered, the tension between all of them felt so right, I really did love it all. I have a special place in my heart for Kathleen and I just cannot wait to read more about them all in the sequel. I just don't know how I'm gonna wait this long.
I was so into the book, I couldn't help but want to scratch my head most of the time (you'll understand why), I really just felt like I was there, in Shanghai (where I've never been before,) fighting for my life. The setting and the mood is just this realistic.

I don't know what more to write so I'll stop here... I just cannot wait to have my physical copy in my hands!!

WOW!? What a brilliant and beautifully written book. When I first heard about These Violent Delights and how it would be a retelling of Romeo and Juliet, I just knew that I had to read this!

The setting of this story was phenomenal. I felt as if I had been transported to 1920s Shanghai, Chloe Gong was able (without a doubt) to capture the essence of this wonderful city and enable me to really vision it as I read every page.

Juliet was hands down my favorite character out of them all. I love how deadly she is, you really do not want to mess with her! Throughout the story, you can see her hard exterior begins to crack, allowing a softness to appear. It was written gradually, making it more believable.

Even though this is a retelling of a very classic love story, I loved how there was pretty much next to no romance. It is very clear that the two characters had something “going on”, but their families conflict and desire to save their city outweighs any romance. I do look forward to seeing how there relationship develops in the next book.

It was refreshing to have different viewpoints from different characters. We were introduce to different memebers of both rival gangs, The Scarletts and the White Flowers. Incorpating these different characters into the narrative truly added to the story. I was excited to revisit them!

I am super excited for the next book in this wonderful series and for other people to read it! You’re in for a treat!

These Violent Delights is a wonderful retelling of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Although we see similarities with the original play the author has added new and refreshing elements with a slightly modern twist. The writing is rich and beautiful and flows elegantly from page to page. The plot is dark and full of twists and turns and I was captivated from the moment I picked it up.

Set in Shanghai in 1926 the author describes the setting and culture of Shanghai with vibrancy and authenticity. Tension is created throughout with political intrigue and the blood feud between rivalling gangs, The White Flowers and the Scarlet gang. No one is safe, constantly watching their backs, and this added to the suspense and atmosphere drawing the reading into the story.

The author writes amazing characterisations which are richly developed and with wonderful and diverse personalities you will definitely find your favourites among this cast. Roma and Juliette worked well together, I loved their connection and enjoyed the dynamics between them. Their banter and the chemistry between them is delightful. These star-crossed lovers, with unresolved feelings, find themselves with no other option but to work together to find a solution to the strange contagion sweeping the city taking many lives in a horrific way.

A really wonderful debut novel, which is written incredibly well with such beautiful, rich and detailed writing. There is just the right balance of romance, fantasy elements and political intrigue. A gorgeously dark retelling and with lots of plot twists and turns, amazing characters and a wonderful setting, I highly recommending reading it. I can’t wait for the next instalment.

I am a big fan of Shakespeare and his work so when I saw this being pitched as a Romeo and Juliet re-telling I knew I had to read it.

I loved the mix of 1920's Shanghai and Shakespearean quotes. The story follows Roma and Juliette who are part of two rival gangs, and a madness which is sweeping the city.

The characters are really well written, and it is really easy to get to know them and the gangs that they belong to. I really liked The White Flowers, they were badass and fun. The Scarlets were also a good gang but I preferred following The White Flowers.

There were parts where it was definitely a lot more graphic than I expected it to be, so definitely something to watch out for. It took me about 20% of the book to get into the world, and understanding the main plot lines, but the last 40% was really gripping.

I'd highly recommend this and I will definitely being picking up the sequel.

This is so good. It is the most amazing debut novel and I wouldn’t change a thing about it. Except maybe make it queerer, but a girl can’t have everything. It takes the best parts of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and turns them into its very own better version. The characters are nuanced and smart, flawed and growing, full of wishes and goals, striving towards their future.

The central romance between Juliette and Roma is slow burning and believable, hinging on the past and dealing with its fair share of issues, rather than falling into the tropes of insta-love that the original depends on. This is just one of the ways in which Chloe Gong has managed to improve on the Bard’s work. These Violent Delights is full of tension and feeling, not letting the reader catch their breath throughout the story. Its pacing is excellent, showing not only the author’s talent, but outstanding editing as well.

Additionally I loved the setting in colonial Shanghai. Recognising places from my own visit evoked a sense of nostalgia, while the book itself subtly addressed issues of colonialist ideology and landscape making the reader consider issues they might not have encountered before. These Violent Delights is many-layered and the reader discovers a new thread running through the story on each read.

I highly recommend These Violent Delights to anyone who has the slightest inclination towards YA and the various subgenres it addresses. Chloe Gong really is an author to watch and I can’t wait to keep reading her work.

What can I say, I'm now a Juliette Cai stan. I simply am in love with her.

In all seriousness, I loved this book. The characters are now a piece of my heart. The writing was incredible, I truly can't wait to read more by her.

I really liked the drama of it all, but I really need that sequel ASAP.

A really fun read.
Steady pace and flow throughout.
Complex characters revealing a new layer in each new chapter.
This gave me a Six of Crows vibe too!

I usually read these kind of books in one or two sittings, but I tried to savour it and unfortunately life got in the way. This meant I had to re-cap often as there is a lot to take in and retain in the beginning.

I received an arc for an honest review.

"These violent delights have violent ends"

Chloe Gong has created an absolute wonder of a book, full of blood feuds, the supernatural, and forbidden love. I honestly loved every single page, and spent as much time with it in my hands as possible. With astonishing skill and stunning prose, Gong weaves a tale that is for every generation. This will go on to be as much of a classic as its inspiration.

When I tell you I audibly gasped multiple times throughout this book, not because of the plot, but because of the sheer MAJESTY of the prose. It's so obvious that Chloe LOVES writing, because each line of this book is a lyrical masterpiece. It's PACKED with beautiful phrases you'll want to make note of, it's packed with well executed research and you will feel like you're in Shanghai while you read it.

I had high expectations for this and it didn't quite meet them.

If I hadn't been told it was set in the 1920's I would never have known. The Shanghai setting was really vivid though.

I was totally ambivalent about all of the characters.

I think I'm too familiar with Romeo and Juliet to properly enjoy this. It is really well written and I hope it finds an audience with people younger than me that aren't as jaded about R&J.

This is such a cool retelling!
I really liked the writing and adored the setting and atmosphere.
The romance was lowkey torture and the ending omg?! now I'm just dying to get my hands on the sequel.

I really want to see more of the awesome side characters! This book has some great representation.
And there's a M/M romance which I'm COMPLETELY rooting for.

It took me a bit longer than usual to read this but the last 30% was addictive and I loved all the action and twists.

It's a really great debut!

I enjoyed this more than I expected to. I was worried it would be too heavy on the whole star-crossed lovers /instalove thing which is not my favourite part of Romeo & Juliet. But never fear - this is set several years after the blossoming teen romance ended in tragedy but not of the suicide-kind rather with betrayal and murder.

So Romeo and Juliet or rather Roma and Juliette are full of seething hatred and antagonism by the time we meet them here. Heirs to rival gangs in a Shanghai that is rapidly changing - the power of their gangs is waning as foreigner powers start claiming more land and exerting more influence and the communists are gaining ground with the local population. If that wasn't enough, a monster has been spotted in the river and a mysterious disease is making people rip out their own throats. Both are determined to uncover the truth and their paths force them back together.
If the thing you like most about Romeo and Juliet is the rivalry and bloodshed rather than the romance then this is the retelling for you.
Chloe Gong does a great job in creating a bustling, vibrant, dark and changing Shanghai. The characters are all interesting and well-developed with lgbt and own voices rep.
Personally the only slight let-down was finally seeing the monster but I often find that the idea of the monster, the anticipation, is better than when you actually see it. But the sequel could change my thoughts if that cliffhanger is anything to go by.