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A review by emilynied
These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I really enjoyed this story! I loved the Romeo and Juliet inspiration and I really enjoyed the setting of Shanghai. Gong did a great job with the world building (especially because I listened to this as an audiobook) and I feel like the writing was super lively and colorful.
The main relationship between Juliet and Romeo was obviously interesting as we begin the book after they have become friends --> lovers --> enemies (obviously not a reflection of the original play). This was an interesting choice and I feel like it was much more interesting to read than if it had stuck to the original plot. This decision definitely reflected onto the characters and I also really enjoyed Juliet's strong-willed, heated demeanor and Romeo's more reflective yet stern characteristics. Everything felt really intentional and genuine if that makes sense? Like every character or plot choice made sense with the story, from the background to the family relations and dynamics to the feuds.
The mysterious illness plaguing the city was a nice choice for the plot and I also enjoyed the side characters' POVs and part in the story. And that ending! I'm excited to read the next book and see what happens next!
The main relationship between Juliet and Romeo was obviously interesting as we begin the book after they have become friends --> lovers --> enemies (obviously not a reflection of the original play). This was an interesting choice and I feel like it was much more interesting to read than if it had stuck to the original plot. This decision definitely reflected onto the characters and I also really enjoyed Juliet's strong-willed, heated demeanor and Romeo's more reflective yet stern characteristics. Everything felt really intentional and genuine if that makes sense? Like every character or plot choice made sense with the story, from the background to the family relations and dynamics to the feuds.
The mysterious illness plaguing the city was a nice choice for the plot and I also enjoyed the side characters' POVs and part in the story. And that ending! I'm excited to read the next book and see what happens next!