Book Review: These Violent Delights  

By Chloe Gong 

5 Stars 

I loved this book! I can't wait to read the sequel, Our Violent Ends, after reading the cliffhanger ending of this amazing book! These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong is a Romeo and Juliet-inspired fantasy/historical fiction duology featuring a monster, violence, gore, politics, and romance, set in 1920s Shanghai. The book is mainly about Juliette Cai and Roma Montagov, rival heirs of the 2 most powerful gangs in Shanghai: the Scarlet and the White Flower Gang. Juliet has been living in New York for a while until she returns to Shanghai again. She is the heiress of the Scarlet Gang and carries out important tasks of the gang. Roma Montagov is her ex-boyfriend, who also happens to be the heir to the White Flower gang, one of the two most powerful gangs in Shanghai. One day, a terrible madness unravels in the city. People tearing out their throats! Many civilians die, including people from both gangs. Juliet and Roma rise to handle the situation and navigate the problems thrown at them to attempt to find a solution to this terrible madness. I liked the way the author incorporated the lives of the side characters like Benedict, Marshall, Kathleen and Rosalind into the story. Their POVs were very interesting to read, as were Roma and Juliette's. I liked trying to find out who started the madness as well. It was an immensely thrilling experience. The romance tropes include friends-to-lovers, enemies-to-lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers-to-enemies, which were very exciting to see. I loved the ending because it hooked me in so much that I desperately wanted to know what happens in the next book. The characters are so well-written that it feels like you know them. I greatly enjoyed this book and the author's wonderful writing style. I 100% recommend this book! 

Reviewed by Sreya 

View in Library Catalogue: Print | Downloadable Audiobook