A Review: THESE VIOLENT DELIGHTS by Chloe Gong

Thank you so much to Simon & Schuster for sending me an e-arc of this incredible November release! I was lucky to also get my copy of the finished book early, and it’s even more beautiful in person 😍

THESE VIOLENT DELIGHTS
By: Chloe Gong
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Publication Date: November 17, 2020

Goodreads Summary: 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.

***

This book completely drew me in, kept me on the edge of my seat, and made me feel way too many emotions then should be legal.

Romeo and Juliet happens to be my least favourite Shakespeare play (though that honestly doesn’t mean much since I haven’t read a lot of Shakespeare). But a story based on this play and set in Shanghai…that had me sold! I love retellings that are unique. I don’t want a classic Romeo and Juliet story set in some boring white town in the US. These Violent Delights delivers so much more than I could ever imagine! It reads as historical fiction/fantasy, and one of my favourite things about this genre is that you get a glimpse of another time period and part of the world, and also have the fun that comes with fantasy.

The plot and world building had me completely enthralled.

rival gangs ✅

drama and politics ✅

iconic lines by Juliette ✅

lovers to enemies to ??? ✅

Chloe Gong has some serious skills. The amount of research and time it would have taken to create such a realistic, tangible world is just incredible. I was constantly on my toes wondering what would happen next. The switch between the different POVs flowed very well and each character had a unique voice and personality. I honestly fell in love with all of the characters (except for Tyler who can choke). Benedict and Marshall were adorable, and I loved seeing them work together and with Roma. Kathleen has to be my favourite; honestly her wanting peace and quiet away from everything and everyone is a huge mood.

And the relationship ahhshhjskd THIS IS WHAT YOU CALL ENEMIES TO LOVERS. Most people can’t do this well enough to make me ship two characters, but Chloe Gong did it and I love her for it 😭 I also finally understand why people want certain characters to step on them because J U L I E T T E is just wow. The first couple chapters had the most iconic lines that just filled my soul with happiness. Juliette out here saying the truth and making people uncomfortable 🙌🏼 Also, how nice is it to have a couple where the woman is more badass than the man??!! Like at the end…🤯 Roma could never. But he’s a softie, and I happen to like softies. It’s nice to have a male character who isn’t out for everyone’s blood and kills people without a second thought. Switching classic gender roles and tropes is what made me fall in love with this book.

The ending leaves us on a cliffhanger and had me screaming for more. There are just so many questions unanswered and I have suspicions and theories and I really, really, really need the next book now 😭😭😭

5/5 stars. Cannot recommend this book enough. I will anxiously await the second book, and I’m already excited to reread this one!

–Sakina

(PS. I know it’s been a while since I’ve been active on here. Nursing school has taken over my life, and while I have made time to read, blogging has fallen to the wayside. These Violent Delights was an exception because it deserves the hype 🥺 I might see if I can write up a post with some quick short reviews of the books I’ve read in the last few months! And hopefully things will be easier once finals are over in December 😅)