These Violent Delights

In this marvelous, ambitious reimagining of Romeo and Juliet, talented wordsmith Chloe Gong takes readers on a sweeping, sublime journey, where something sinister lurks just below the surface of the glitz, the glamour, and intrigue of 1920's Shanghai. Set in this dazzling "Paris of the East," the story begins with our main leads, Juliette Cai, the daughter of Chinese gangster royalty, and Roma Montagov, the son of Russian émigrés who fled during the Bolshevik Revolution, who remain at the epicenter of an ongoing blood feud between their respective families, the Scarlet Gang and the White Flowers. While the Cais have typically ruled Shanghai with an iron fist for generations, the Montagovs, with their gradual but steady climb to power, threaten to usurp the Cais' longtime stranglehold over the city. As this feud begins to rack up a higher body count in the streets day-by-day, the underworld faces its own threat against other emerging power players, such as the Foreign Concessions, the Communists, and the Kuomintang, with all these separate factions jockeying for control over Shanghai. From page one, I was immediately hooked with Gong's exquisite, spectacular prose, her cast of unforgettable characters, jaw-dropping plot twists, and an wholly immersive, beautifully-rendered world of 1920's Shanghai, which was intricately, wonderfully bought to life. The sizzling, slow-burn romance between Juliette and Roma, while they grapple against past mistakes, missed opportunities, and blazing hopes that could very well lead to a secure future or complete ruin, is sure to delight readers - since one can't help but root for them as these rival heirs attempt to defy their starcrossed fate. Though, Juliette and Roma are also supported by an equally standout, secondary cast of characters including: intense but sensitive Benedikt Montagov, hilarious, devil-without-a care, #sinammon roll Marshall Seo, and viciously loyal Kathleen Lang. I for one, am certainly looking forward to the next installment of THESE VIOLENT DELIGHTS, as Gong is simply an extraordinary YA talent to keep in mind, with this stunning, historical fantasy debut.

3.7 I saw this book over and over on booktok so I threw it on my library hold list without reading the synopsis. This is a new thing I'm doing, trying to open myself up to books I would otherwise skip (and maybe miss something good because I 'meh'd the synopsis). Im glad I took this tactic on this book because, had I not, I never wouldve picked it up. Some history on me - I *loathe* Romeo and Juilet. It is the worst story in the history of ever... a 13yo and a 16yo see each other twice, decide they are instantly, madly in love with each other; then ruin their and their entire family's life over the course of a week. Its not a love story, like so many like to swoon about, its a (literally) tragedy. So as soon as I picked this book up and saw it was a R&J retelling my brain went 'doooooh' but I promised I would give it 25% before I set it down and DNF. I was immediately placated by the fact they were both 19 (still teenagers, but at least slightly older) and had a history from 4 years prior. It immediately made it seem a more realistic story than R&J. I ended up enjoying this story quite a lot. Its, obviously, not sunshine and daisies (again - its based on a tragedy so I knew not to expect happiness bubbling everywhere), but it was an interesting read with the added bonus of the mystery to uncover. I really love Marshall and Benedikt and their banter (I'll keep this spoiler free - meaning I cant say s***, ugh). It was violent (obviously: title), and not a fast read for me. I had to set it down sometimes because I kept expecting people to die all the time (**anxiety**). But I made it through and Im glad for it. I will - eventually - pick up book 2.

Amazing , show-stopping , one in a million , brilliant , never been done before - I’m running out of adjectives 😩 I have so much to say but my brain cannot even fathom how much I love this book. It’s a strong debut and the entire TVD universe has me by the throat. Chloes prose is so enchanting and romantic that I fell in love with her writing style and descriptions from the very first page. The intricate and beautiful descriptions created such a vivid image in your head that it’s very easy to journey around Shanghai with Roma And Juliette. I loved the tension between them especially how headstrong Juliette is and her intense ability to despise Roma (something I could not do 🙇🏽‍♀️). The characters are all so well developed and 3D, each not being like the other. Chloe weaves in transphobia and Kathleen’s story so respectfully placed and so smoothly, I was so pleasantly surprise because in the writing it came out like it was second nature to her - it’s very easy for rep to be forced but that wasn’t the case here. I love , LOVE , let me say it one more time - LOVE benedikt and i will fight anyone who disagrees with how amazing he is. The plot is so unique , especially the monster, I’ve never read a story that has had that type of monster so that was fascinating and it left me on my toes about how they’re going to possible defeat it. I also loved the political intrigue. As a history and political junkie , I found that this novel wasn’t advertised with political intrigue but more romance and it’s the entire opposite in the book. So, whilst I was upset there wasn’t enough romance - I was elated that western imperialism , communism and capitalism were all discussed. I think I’ve said too much but please buy this book. It’s more amazing than I can put into words!!

"And hope was dangerous. Hope was the most vicious evil of them all." "The stars incline us, they do not bind us." The year is 1926 and Shanghai hums to the tune of debauchery. A blood feud between two gangs runs the street red with blood, leaving the city in the grip of chaos. At the heart of it all is 18 year old Juliette Cai, who has returned to Shanghai to assume her role as the heir of the Scarlet Gang. The only rivals in power are the White Flowers, who have fought the Scarlet Gang for generations, and whose heir apparent is Roma Montagov, Juliette's first love... and betrayal. When gangsters on both sides begin clawing their own throats out the people start to whisper. They whisper of a contagion, madness, and a monster. As the deaths stack up, Juliette and Roma must set aside their grudges and work together, for if they can't stop this mayhem, there will be no city left for them to rule. I have mixed emotions about this book it started out really creepy and interesting with a hint at something diabolical in the works. Yet, that quickly shifted. Instead all we got were overwhelming descriptions of Shanghai and the shifts in times, people and power. It was a Romeo and Juliet retelling but I swear it wasn't until like the last 100 pages that we had any hints of romance. All the romance was just hinted at as something that happened four years before the book started. It was mostly just about the power struggles of each gang and even the power struggle that both heirs were facing in their own gangs. The book was very slow which was frustrating because it was beautifully written, but I honestly felt like half the chapters could have been taken out and the book would have worked just as well. We get a lot of tension between Roma and Juliette with little point. Honestly, most of their dynamic was frustrating because of some big betrayal that we don't find out until closer to the end of the novel. That being said Juliette was an amazing main character, she was ruthless and fierce. I hated that this talked about a monster, because it took forever to even get to the monster in the plot. It wasn't until the last 10 chapters that this book really took off and then had some surprise twists! However, will I read book 2... yes, because I don't feel like anything is resolved in this one.

THESE VIOLENT DELIGHTS is a delightful Romeo and Juliet retelling that takes readers to the dark and dangerous streets of 1920’s Shanghai filled with gangsters, street wars, betrayal, and bloodshed. Much as you would expect between the Montagues and the Capulets, or, in this case, the Montagovs and the Cais. There are monsters, there is madness, there is romance, but the highlight for me was the inclusion of so many realistic themes, including (but not limited to) colonialism and political unrest. Historically, so many countries were vying for political domination over China, primarily the Russian Communist Party, which played directly into the feud between these two families. Also important to part of the storyline is the conflict between laborers and the government, which resulted in the subsequent beginnings of the working-class revolution. I loved that not only did Gong give readers a dark and delightful fantasy, but she took it a step further and infused her tale with so much period history that it felt like the best history lesson in the history of history lessons. A page-turning, bloody, can’t-put-it-down history lesson. Bottom line — THESE VIOLENT DELIGHTS was a gritty, gory delight filled with plenty of twists and turns. It’s light on both romance and fantasy, but most definitely heavy in politics and conflict. In true Shakespearean fashion, the ending most definitely is a tragedy, though I certainly won’t go into any detail. Suffice it to say that there aren’t any rainbows and butterflies at the end of this tale, but there most definitely is blood. And bugs. *eARC received courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher.

Aside from Gong’s love for the repeated word that could become eyebrow raising at times, the story is still compelling and pulse-pounding with fully fleshed out characters and well thought out and crafted plot. I recommend you check it out.

This book is sooo good! A spinoff of Romeo and Juliet with a mob and monster twist! Had to buy all her books after reading this

Absolutely amazing. There are a lot of reasons why I adore this book and for one it’s hard to limit it to one review(non spoiler of course) but let’s try for that arc🤞🏽Juliet Cai is one of the strongest female leads I’ve ever read it about, hands down. Now people tend to say this a lot, but there wasn’t a moment where I was worried she wouldn’t stand for what she believed in. Even when she was wrong she dealt with her mistakes with such class and dignity, it is absolutely inspiring how a heroine can be so self aware and proud even in the hardest of times. When death was all around her and the home she loved and knew so well became engrossed with foreigners, she still stood for what she believed in. And Roma, my sweet sweet Roma, is one of the most beautifully written characters ever. He gives you the sense of being able to rip your heart out and melt it at the same exact time. I don’t understand how. And his voice is just so persistent and loud, I could hear him while reading so clearly. And Marshall...that’s for you to read and find out. Trust me, you’ll love him. The writing was also nothing short of amazing. It’s set in the 1920s so I was a bit hesitant because usually I don’t ever feel a sense of genuineness with dialogue in other stories. But wow Miss Gong knows what she’s doing and please never stop. I found myself highlighting the most simple movements and gestures because they were described so beautifully. I wish I could give this story a million stars, but alas Amazon and goodreads haven’t reached that level yet(this book has though). I suggest you read this book 100% please give it a chance and I hope you love it with all you got. Have an amazing day and stay safe!

Good enemies to loves story, but it wasn't my favorite. I would recommend it mainly because of the world building

the book cover at the bottom was alr crumpled when i took it out from the parcel pls include wrapping for the BOOK itself next time if possible!

Good book

Titolo acquistato in sconto e pagato in flessibile solo 5€, ma lo ricomprerei anche se ne costasse 30! Ho adorato ogni pagina, ogni riga di questo romanzo: mi ha tenuto compagnia durante la mia vacanza estiva tanto da non riuscire a staccarmi per sapere come andasse avanti. Roma Montagov e Juliette Cai sono gli eredi di due gang antagoniste (Scarlet - White flower) che gravitano da sempre l'uno intorno all'altra: il loro rapporto subisce uno strappo profondo, che li porterà a cadere nel turbinio di vendette e scontri che da sempre affligge le strade di Shangai. Dopo 4 anni di lontananza, emotiva e geografica, nel 1926 Juliette torna in città e il suo percorso si intreccerà di nuovo a quello di Roma, portandoli a lavorare fianco a fianco per risolvere il mistero che avvolge la loro città. Riusciranno a superare ciò che lo ha divisi per arrivare insieme alla soluzione dell'enigma? Un romanzo storico-romantico con accenni fantasy utili al fine della trama, seppur non indispensabili perché non sono questi il fulcro. La storia prosegue scorrevole, il livello di inglese è un B1 e vorrei che Chloe Gong mi scrivesse la vita. CONSIGLIATISSIMO!

The quality of pages is amazing and it was well packaged too .