While this book is a retelling of Romeo and Juliet, it is capable to be set apart by its way of reshaping the characters, which it only makes it more unique.

I liked the plot very much and the way the author made me more invested in these characters was very good.

Our Violent Ends was a very satisfying end to this duology.

Arc generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.

I had very mixed feelings on These Violent Delights but found Our Violent Ends to be a big improvement on the first book. The characters are more dimensional and dynamic, the romance is more emotional, and the pacing has much more energy.

If I had one complaint its that the fantastical elements don’t merge very well with the world building, it often reads like historical fiction with the monsters tacked on like an afterthought.

Great read, looking forward to whatever Chloe Gong writes next.

These Violent Delights was an OK read last year, gripping me enough that I was intrigued about what came next. I love the push and pull between Juliet and Roma, and the creepy vibe that I enjoyed from the previous book was still there.

Unfortunately, I had real trouble getting through it though. I have no idea why - on paper, this book is everything I love! And I cannot identify why I struggled with it so much. I'd still recommend picking it up for that reason, since it may just be me! Despite my disconnect, it's still a fast paced and thrilling story.

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Netgalley and Hodder&Stoughton for a copy of this e-ARC to review.

Chloe Gong has done it once again with an angsty, violent and bittersweet conclusion to a duology that has gripped my heart like no other. Her writing has improved significantly from the first book to this, with the words evoking my emotions and piercing my heart in ways that the first book did not. I was able to connect to our main characters on a deeper level than I did with These Violent Delights because the writing felt more mature and the characters more well rounded and multi-dimensional.

I loved how she managed to capture the contrast between the reality and facade of late 1920s Shanghai. Beyond the glitzy backdrop of the glamorous city lies the grittiness of the everyday lives of normal citizens and the dark and ugly political landscape threatening their peace and safety. Chloe described their struggles and the struggles of those affected by the blood feud between the two rival gangs in a detailed painting of bloodshed, violence and innocent lives lost and portrayed the power of Juliette's and Roma's true, steadfast love through it all with a delicate picture of constant self sacrifice that tugged at my heartstrings.

Other characters like Benedikt, Marshall, Kathleen and Alisa also got their chance to shine and went through their own moments of self discovery, eventually finding their own paths in their dangerous and messy world. In the face of the aftermath of traumatic events, they went through their own journeys of self-realization of their own purposes and goals for the future lives they wanted to build in the city they call their home, no matter how small a part they would be in the bigger, more tumultuous changes of the world.

Also, after THAT epilogue I am now almost certain who our leading lady for Foul Lady Fortune will be and even more excited to experience her journey in 1930s Shanghai, especially with the new challenges of World War II and the Japanese Occupation of China, her identity as a Communist spy as well as the angst of her fake marriage romance. Fall 2022 cannot come sooner!

once i knew i'd received the our violent ends ARC (god, you should've seen me), i had to immediately start it and i couldn't put it down until i was done. this sequel is everything i was looking for, and more.

first things first, the characters. we get to know a different, darker side to roma, which was one of my favorite things about this book. the sexual and romantic tension is going to drive y'all insane. juliette never fails to entertain me - somehow this book made me love her even more. as for the side characters, you're going to end up loving them just as much. i've adopted marshall as a comfort character and realized i relate to benedikt a huge amount. their relationship is not going to disappoint you either mwahahah.

the plot had me glued to my screen - i was so scared for everything, everyone. chloe gong really went and blew up my expectations. GOD, I WISH I COULD JUST SCREAM ABOUT IT.

it took me this long to write a review because, in all honesty, i loved this book so much i didn't want to "let it go" so soon. and i was still recovering from that ending, which i loved a lot, by the way (even though it had me crying for days).

one of the best books i've read this year! and out very soon! :)
(i need that benmars short story to live)

i feel like i'm a piece of glass that has been broken, not with a stone but with mere words.

Picking up right where These Violent Delights left off, Our Violent Ends is a perfect sequel that wraps up the journey of the two heirs of rival gangs who now have to face new dangers and challenges whilst navigating through the path of love and betrayals. If you were awe-struck with how good the last book was, then you are up for a ride with this. I did not think that my already very high expectations could be exceeded to such great heights. The first thing that caught my attention was how I was instantly captivated with just the first chapter, which was not the case with These Violent Delights. I was just a lot more invested in knowing what happened next that I ended up thinking only about it all day.

I immensely enjoyed how the after-effects of Juliette’s actions in the previous book were shown to us. From Benedikt grieving Marshall’s death and Roma trying to do everything to make him look and feel like a While Flower to Juliette’s burning urge for Roma while also trying to sustain her secrets from everyone, everything was just better from the very start. Though the main plot focus remained on trying to eradicate the monster that had returned, this book also touched upon the uproar of Nationalists and Communists in Shanghai.

“These violent delights have violent ends. You have always known this”

I loved seeing all the characters, especially Marshall and Benedikt, grow in this book. They were just as good, if not better than before. Everyone had great dimension which made them human, and sometimes very relatable. Where do I even start with Roma and Juliette? The amount of tension between them just made you want more. I think it is safe to say that this duology has one of the best executions of the crowd favourite enemies-to-lovers trope. I’m going to stop at that note because I want everyone to experience the rest themselves.

I was also very fascinated by the historical parallels that Our Violent Ends had with real history. Again, as a sucker for brutal history, the brewing civil war and repression and rise of certain groups was very interesting to read. In all sense, these were more terrifying than the lurking monster because they showcased true human nature.

“I will fight this war to love you, Juliette Cai. I will fight this feud to have you, because it was this feud that gave you to me, twisted as it is, and now I will take you away from it.”

Overall, Our Violent Ends is a perfect conclusion to the dark tale of the rival gangs, full of politics and depictions of how truly evil humans can be. But at heart, it is a storey about fighting for love and finding a miniscule ray of hope and the future in a world full of danger and darkness.

I highly recommend you pick up this duology because it is sure to leave you enthralled and shocked to the core but surely satisfied at the end.

“Keep fighting for love”

Content Warnings: Blood, violence, gore, death, murder (including mass murder), alcohol consumption, parental abuse, war themes

Representation: Chinese MC and SCs, Trans woman Chinese character, Korean mlm character, mlm character

I received an arc from Hodder & Stoughton via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review. This did not impact my thoughts in anyway. All the quotes used in this review are from an advance reader copy and may differ in the final publication.

Okay, wow. My chest physically hurts!

First of all the characters were fleshed out, I initially wasn't a huge fan of Roma in book 1, but this book made me absolutely love him. I loved every bit of Marshal and Ben. I am still a simp for Juliette and Kathleen. I loved Kathleen's character development. I loved the angst! The ending had me screaming, crying, and smiling all at once. I just wish the book were a little shorter, I got a little bored in the middle. But the moment Roma found out about Marshall, I was right back in!

I can't wait to see what Chloe comes up with next.

Firstly, thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange of an honest review!

If you enjoyed These Violent Delights you'll love this.. I laughed, I cried (alot). I think it works so well because Chloe has such a unique take on the typical Romeo and Juliet retelling. The characters were even better than the first book, so well written and developed. And the plot was just *chefs kiss*

Did not disappoint!!

Overall - 4.5 stars (rounded up) ⭐

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


I am always wary when I LOVE the first instalment of a duology that the second won’t live up to my expectations - this was NOT the case with Our Violent Ends. It absolutely blew me away. The book gods listened to my pleas and I was lucky enough to receive an ARC, which I devoured immediately. Knowing that it is a re-imagining of Romeo and Juliet I’m not sure why I expected a different ending - but I’m still upset about it. I still haven’t emotionally recovered. 



The year is 1927, and Shanghai teeters on the end of revolution. 

After sacrificing her relationship with Roma to protect him from the blood feud, Juliette has been a girl on the warpath. One wrong move, and her cousin will step in to usurp her place as the Scarlet Gang’s heir.

 A new monstrous danger emerges in the city and to end the threat once and for all Roma and Juliet must work together. 



This book is so fast paced and action packed. By far one of the most stressful books I’ve ever read - but I loved every second of it. It had twists and turns and I most enjoyed the backdrop, taking us into the heart of Shanghai. 



And did I mention the twists and turns?!



If you haven’t read “These Violent Delights” then stop reading immediately and go grab it. Then pick up a copy of Our Violent Ends released 16/11/2021. You’re Welcome.

As always, a huge thank you to #netgalley and #hodder&stoughton for gifting with me with this ARC!

Our violent ends is the sequel to These Violent Delights. As it is a sequel I will not give a summary of the plot so as not to spoil the first.

As before the setting of 1927 Shanghai is a really interesting setting. I was looking forward to seeing what would happen with the relationship of Juliette Roma after what happened at the end of the first book. I was also intrigued to know how Chloe Gong would create a new danger after the first book.

Although there are many elements to enjoy in these books I haven’t loved them for some reason. I have found it difficult to care too much for the characters and I am really not sure why. I am so happy that so many other people have love this book and I will continue to recommend it to the students I work with as I know many of them will love it as well.

I enjoyed These Violent Delights, but as any debut author it was a little hard to get into and be convinced of Roma's and Juliette's relationship, but oh my god, this book. This is a significant improvement from the first book and absolutely destroyed me. I absolutely loved this book and it makes me so happy to see Chloe Gong grow as a writer as finished this book in one sitting. I fell even more in love with the side characters, compares to the first book and the all hold a special place in my heart. I can't wait for this book to be out into the world, so I can have a physical copy in my hands.

Gong has surpassed my expectations. Book one was a dark, seductive ride that thoroughly broke my heart - and book two just stomped all over its smashed pieces. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!

ever since reading these violent delights last year i have been waiting patiently for the sequel, so intrigued as to how chloe gong was going to finish the story of a play we all know incredibly well. let me tell you i was not disappointed, the action, the drama the romance!! 5/5 stars, i can’t wait to read what she writes next!!

This duo logy was such an exciting take on the classic Romeo and Juliette tale. Despite to blood feud and the hatred seeped in blood between their two families, Roma and Juliette don't let that stop them from doing what's right and following their hearts. The writing really pulls you into the gangster world of Shanghai, and whilst I didn't understand a fair bit of what was going on (can't say 1920s Shanghai is my area of expertise) it didn't matter for me, I was so engrossed in the world that the finer details melted away. I will say the ending utterly wrecked me, but I can't exactly say I was surprised given the premise. I'm excited to see what CG publishes next!

I had been waiting for this sequel and I'm so glad I got the chance to read an ARC of it! The conclusion to this duology did not disappoint at all and I found this book to be as engaging as the first one in the series.
I have to say that at the beginning of the book it took me a while to get back into the story, but after the first 100 pages or so I was good to go and I found myself immersed in the city of Shanghai and the intrigues and politics of all the characters involved in this compelling novel.
As I think I said for the first novel, the retelling aspect is beautifully done here. I love how Chloe Gong took the original material of Romeo and Juliet and gave it a new shape to enrich her own story, it worked really well in my opinion.
If you, like me, were waiting for this sequel, I'm sure you won't be disappointed!

Thank you to @hodderbooks and @netgalley for the review copy of New Zealand author Chloe Gong's new novel, Our violent ends, sequel to These violent delights.

Set in Shanghai in 1927, a few months after the events in These violent delights. This series is a historical fantasy/science fiction retelling of Romeo and Juliet with some horror elements.

This sequel/conclusion to the duology is a slightly slower pace than the first book there is a fair bit of gang politics & national politics going on. Gang versus gang, internal gang struggles and also revolution is in the air and there is a power struggle for Shanghai as a whole. Sides will be drawn between nationalists, communists and the gangs... who will survive.

Like the first book there are monsters, creepy insects & gore but it takes a bit of a back seat to all the politics. There is definitely less action in this sequel.

This review is also posted to Goodreads and my Instagram Jenthebookishbakernz

Thank you netgalley and publisher for proving and ARC in exchange for an honest review. Please keep in mind we are all entitled to our own opinions and I request that the author nor any associates reach out to me regarding this review.

Man I was giggling like an idiot at some points. There were some adorable scenes mixed in with a whole load of angst which Chloe Gong does so well. Despite it being a Romeo and Juliette retell, I also really enjoyed the romance between the side characters they had some nice swoon worthy moments. As a finale I was satisfied, though I’m not sure how others may feel about it. Personally I think it was a good ending.

My main issue with this book and the overall duology, is that there is absolutely no reason that I needed to be 2 books. The first half of this book was simply a rehash of what happened in the first and even in the first book there was a lot of unnecessary content that didn’t add to plot or world building. In this book I felt that there was so much unnecessary conversations and descriptions that didn’t further the plot or add to my experience as a reader within the fantasy genre. My criticism with the first book is that there was a lot of showing and not enough telling, this remains the same case in this book also.

Having said that i still believe the author has a lot of potential and hope they develop further with their writing in proceeding books

This book broke me. You think These Violent Delights was bad ... oh, my sweet summer child, you ain't seen nothing yet.

I love a good bit of Shakespeare, and one of my favourite things about TVD was how skillfully the main plot points of the play were included, but tweaked to fit the new setting, so that even though I'm pretty familiar with the play I was still genuinely surprised. That continues here - so many points I thought I knew how it was going to play out, but then my expectations were turned on their head.

All the favourite characters from TVD are back (well, the ones that survived!) One of the things Chloe Gong does so skilfully is writing morally grey characters that I actually care about - more difficult than you'd think, imo.

If you're reading this, you've probably read TVD and so don't need me to convince you to read the series. If you haven't, then go pick up These Violent Delights now so you can join me in being broken after reading the conclusion to this duology.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 5 stars
Our Violent Ends is the sequel to These Violent Delights, a Romeo and Juliet inspired story set in 1927 Shanghai.
I absolutely loved the first book and couldn’t wait to read the sequel the moment I got approved for an eARC! The atmosphere, the setting, time and period in this book was everything. If you loved the first book, this one will blow your mind!

The scheming and the mystery solving is a bit like in the first book, but less present. They have much more on their plates now with the Nationalists and Communists almost at their doors. Because of this, it doesn’t seem like the same is happening as in the first. A lot more focus is on the politics and thus it has a very different feel to it in the best possible way. With the switching POV’s the storytelling was very effective in showing you every side of the story and understanding what was going on in every corner of Shanghai.

Roma and Juliette are both very much like in the first book, but with much more at stake some of their personality shines a bit more. Both are still cunning, calculating, confident and intelligent, but much more do you see the love they have and what lengths they’re willing to go to protect those they love. I was a bit sad that Rosalind and Kathleen were a bit less present in this book, but have hope to see more of them in the next book. I absolutely loved the character arcs of Marshall and Benedikt!! I adore those two! Also, I loved seeing more of Alisa in this book. Most shocking almost was that I felt bad for Tyler in this book…

Honestly, I was super invested in all the characters and kept holding my breath every time something was happening. Loving all the characters also made reading about the relationships and friendships fill me with wonderful joy. The romance was just *chef’s kiss* and I think I liked the friendship between Juliette and Marshall the most of all friendships, it was just precious.

Soo much happened in this book, the twists that I did definitely not see coming and that ending… I full-on sobbed reading it! I can’t really put into words what it made me feel. It is almost like I went on a rollercoaster ride and felt every possible emotion known while reading this book and the ending was just a big fat crashlanding!

Overall, I absolutely loved everything about this book! It felt like more than a retelling, creating a new narrative with wonderful characters and a beautiful and heartbreaking plot.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
tropes: enemies to lovers, faked death
tw/cw: blood, for, violence, suicide, abuse, torture

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!
I was so beyond excited to finally read this and it did not disappoint. This book was so full of conflict and surprised me at every turn. The romance was so beautifully written and the historical Shanghai setting was so incredibly vivid. I also adored the fantasy elements of the book although they were definitely more of a focus in the first one.

-spoilers-
OMIFREAKINGGOD MARSHALL AND BENEDIKT FOREVER HAVE MY HEART
Alisa’s character development was really cute
The string as wedding rings >>>>
Dimitri and Rosalind? was never gonna work out tbh
Celia Lang is my icon stan her