I received this book for free from Fairyloot, Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong Series: These Violent Delights #1
Published by Hodder & Stoughton on November 17, 2020
Genres: Fiction, Fantasy, Historical, Mystery, Retelling, Romance, Young Adult
Pages: 464
Format: E-Arc, Hardback
Source: Fairyloot, Netgalley
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Tricia Lin at Simon Pulse has acquired, at auction, Chloe Gong's debut YA fantasy These Violent Delights, pitched as a Romeo and Juliet retelling by way of The Godfather.
A monster has awakened in 1920s Shanghai, killing off citizens and stirring trouble between two feuding gangs. The rival heirs, Roma Montagov and Juliette Cai, must work together before the monster destroys all they hold dear, even while the Chinese Civil War breaks out around them.
Publication is planned for fall 2020; Laura Crockett at TriadaUS Literary Agency did the two-book deal for North American rights.
These Violent Delights is a book that I read over a year ago and have only just go round to reviewing. I loved this book so much but found it so hard to put my thoughts on paper.
I can say that it is a great telling. A story that weaves the best bits of Romeo and Juliet in the mystery. While still oh so seemingly leaving a bit of mystery of the past to be considered and elements that are to be discovered.
I really enjoyed the fantasy side to this book. It added a lot of mystery and was actually only a small part of the story. For me the main part of the story was about family, and believing in yourself and doing the right thing. I also really enjoyed the 1920’s feel and it was definitely this that made the book. I also loved the fact that the telling of the story flipped between the two main characters. So we got their perspective and saw everything from both angles.
The reason why I’ve not given the book five stars is because I felt that it was too long. And at times I felt it dragged. But the story was told in such a whimsical way that I couldn’t put it down no matter how I was feeling.
I also need to talk about that ending. This is probably the main reason why I couldn’t bring myself to review. Because it was such an explosion of an ending and such a cliff hanger that I could not bring myself to think about it. Thank goodness the second book is out now. So that I can find out what has happened and to hopefully have a happy ever after.
These Violent Delights was a pleasure to read, and I cannot wait to dive into the next book!
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